X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

TNF NFL DFS Lineup Picks for FanDuel, DraftKings - Cowboys vs Saints Showdown

Dak Prescott - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

John's top NFL DFS lineup picks for FanDuel, DraftKings and Thursday Night Football - the Cowboys vs Saints showdown slate. His Week 13 TNF daily fantasy football advice.

Happy Thursday, RotoBallers! Week 13 is here! This season has been going by super quickly, but truthfully I've been having a ton of success as well as a ton of fun. We have a rather interesting matchup tonight as the Cowboys (7-4) head down to the Big Easy to take on the Saints (5-6). Dallas is looking to gain some ground in the NFC East while the Saints are fighting to stay alive in the Wild Card race. Thanks to the advanced analytics of today, I'll do my best to provide you with as much in-depth analysis as possible regarding positional matchups and the like to help put some lunch money in your pocket. 

In this article I will be providing you with daily fantasy football picks on FanDuel and DraftKings for the Thursday Night Football slate on December 2nd. These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on both DraftKings and FanDuel.

If you have any questions you can follow me on Twitter @LucidMediaDFS and fire away, or sign up for a premium RotoBaller NFL package and chat with me and other NFL DFS analysts any time you'd like. Let's make some coin this season gang, and let's get right to it!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

DFS Captains/MVPs

Dak Prescott ($17,700 DK, $16,500 FD)

Key Stats:

  • 2021 Stats: 2,932 yards, 22 touchdowns, seven interceptions. 
  • Offensive Pass DVOA: 31.8% (7th)
  • Opposing Defense Pass DVOA: 7.4% (13th)

Dak has been very good this year coming back from the gruesome injury that kept him out the majority of last season. While the last two weeks have been a struggle without Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, he should at the very least get Lamb back tonight. This game works out great for Dak fantasy-wise, despite the pass matchup being tough. The Saints are first in the NFL in rush DVOA, creating a passing funnel for Dallas. I expect Dak to light it up in New Orleans tonight.

Recommendation: Cash (DK/FD)

Best Correlations: CeeDee Lamb, Dalton Schultz

 

Dalton Schultz ($11,400 DK, $9,500 FD)

Key Stats:

  • 2021 Stats: 66 targets, 47 receptions, 537 yards, four touchdowns. 
  • Individual Matchup (vs Demario Davis): 12% target per route covered, 68% catch rate, 0.14 fantasy points per route. 

Dalton Schultz was the biggest beneficiary of Lamb and Cooper being banged up, and he'll look to continue that momentum tonight. He's had eight and seven targets over his last two games respectively, and shouldn't gather too much ownership in the captain spot tonight. He has a solid matchup against Demario Davis and could end up paying off tremendously if Cooper is out and Lamb isn't 100%.

Recommendation: GPP (DK/FD)

Best Correlations: Dak Prescott, Taysom Hill

Other Captain/MVP Plays: Taysom Hill, Mark Ingram

 

DFS Flex Plays

Taysom Hill ($9,600 DK, $7,000 FD)

Key Stats:

  • 2021 Stats: 56 passing yards, zero touchdowns, one interception, 20 rushing attempts, 104 rushing yards, three touchdowns.
  • Offensive Pass DVOA: 23.5% (10th)
  • Opposing Defense Pass DVOA: -9.9% (4th)

FanDuel gave us a free square tonight with Hill being priced at just $7,000, so he's a must-play there. DraftKings is a little different, and truthfully, I'm not super high on the Saints' offense tonight. Hill is their third starting quarterback in the last five weeks, and they're coming off of a game where they scored just six points. Hill also hasn't seen the field since week 10 and has only thrown the ball eight times all season. He's a great play on FD, but I'd tread with caution on DK.

Recommendation: Cash (FD)/GPP (DK)

Best Correlations: Deontae Harris, Alvin Kamara, Dak Prescott

 

CeeDee Lamb ($10,000 DK, $13,000 FD)

Key Stats:

  • 2021 Stats: 77 targets, 50 receptions, 740 receiving yards, six touchdowns. 
  • Individual Matchup (vs Marshon Lattimore): 16% target per route covered, 59% catch rate, 0.4 fantasy points per route. 

CeeDee is cleared to play tonight after missing the last game and a half with a concussion. The second-year wide receiver has taken some incredible steps forward in this offense and looks to continue trending upward tonight. I love everyone in Dallas's passing offense tonight, and I feel like Lamb is a must-play if you're running Dak at CPT/MVP. Marshon Lattimore has been getting beat all year and should have his hands full with Lamb across from him tonight.

Recommendation: Cash (DK/FD)

Best Correlations: Dak Prescott, Taysom Hill

Other Flex Plays: Alvin Kamara (Q), Tony Pollard, Michael Gallup

 

DFS Value Plays

Cowboys D/ST ($4,400 DK)

Key Stats:

  • 2021 Stats: 244 points allowed, 24 sacks, 15 interceptions, four fumble recoveries, five defensive touchdowns
  • Defensive DVOA: -9.7% (4th)
  • Opposing Offense DVOA: -0.8% (17th)

I mentioned earlier that the Saints are coming off a game where they scored just six points and are on their third quarterback in five weeks. Dallas's defense has been hot and cold all season, but they certainly have big playmaking ability, as shown in the five defensive touchdowns on the season. If Alvin Kamara (questionable) ends up missing his third straight game tonight, I think Dallas's defense becomes a priority value play in your lineups. However, I rate them as a solid play regardless of Kamara's status.

Recommendation: Cash/GPP (DK)

Best Correlations: Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard

Greg Zuerlein ($4,200 DK, $9,000 FD)

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times. Kickers have been optimal in recent weeks. I'll continue to use kickers in these showdown slates as a value option with Greg the Leg tonight. He's hit 19 of 24 field goals this year as well as 22 of 25 extra points on the season. Assuming the Saints can shut the door a few times on their side of the 50-yard line, we could see Zuerlein kick a couple of 40+ yarders, and he has a solid extra point floor as I feel that Dallas should be able to put points up on the board tonight.

Recommendation: Cash/GPP (FD/DK)

Best Correlations: Dak Prescott, Cowboys D/ST

Other Value Plays: Mark Ingram (if Kamara sits), Deonte Harris

 

Overall Slate Note

First and foremost, I want all pieces of Dallas's passing offense, including Tony Pollard. Zeke is banged up, and although he practiced in full on Tuesday and should be able to play, Pollard has been a huge key in the passing game. I'll be light on the Saints' side of the ball, especially if Kamara ends up sitting. Outside of that, I feel like this slate is rather straightforward, stack Dallas's passing attack with value guys from the Saints as your "run-back". Good luck!

Have a good Thursday everyone, see you soon!



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Weekly DFS Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Anthony Volpe

Playing Through Partially Torn Labrum in his Shoulder
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
Tyreek Hill

Chiefs, Steelers Eyeing a Trade for Tyreek Hill?
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Chris Godwin

to Be Limited in His Return Thursday
Brock Purdy

Out 2-5 Weeks With Turf Toe
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Kyle Monangai

to See More Carries Going Forward?
Quinshon Judkins

Plans to Practice Thursday
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Will Smith

Scratched With Hand Soreness on Wednesday
Ketel Marte

has Foot Contusion, Expected to Play Friday
Christian McCaffrey

Absent from Wednesday's Practice
Shohei Ohtani

Won't Pitch This Weekend
MacKenzie Gore

to Start on Thursday
Ketel Marte

Exits Early on Wednesday
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Aaron Rodgers

Dealing With Back Tightness
Dallas Goedert

Questionable for Week 2 at Chiefs
Anthony Rizzo

Retires
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Jadeveon Clowney

Visiting With the Cowboys on Wednesday
Masyn Winn

Will Require Offseason Knee Surgery
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 12, Earns 12th Win on Tuesday
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Christian Watson

Agrees to One-Year Contract Extension
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Will Smith

Returns to Dodgers Lineup on Tuesday
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
Kyle Stowers

Dealing With Strained Side
Kyle Tucker

Placed on Injured List With Calf Strain
Jauan Jennings

Considered Day-to-Day, has a Chance to Play in Week 2
Jalen Carter

Receives One-Game Suspension, Will be Eligible for Week 2
Bo Bichette

Goes on Injured List With Knee Sprain
George Kittle

Placed on Injured Reserve
Tyreek Hill

Accused of Domestic Violence
Jauan Jennings

Avoids Serious Shoulder Injury
Garrett Crochet

Shuts Out the Athletics
Royce Lewis

Launches Two Homers Monday Night
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
New York Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Glasnow

Fans 11 in Seven No-Hit Innings Monday
Slade Cecconi

Takes No-Hitter Into Eighth Inning Monday
Max Muncy

Batting Cleanup in Return to Dodgers
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Younghoe Koo

Falcons Auditioning Kickers, Could Replace Younghoe Koo
Denver Broncos

Sean Payton Says Broncos Need to be Better With Run-Pass Balance
Tank Bigsby

Eagles Acquiring Tank Bigsby From Jaguars on Monday
George Kittle

Likely Out 3-5 Weeks, Could Land on Injured Reserve
Chase Burns

to be Activated on Friday
Brock Purdy

Dealing With Multiple Injuries, Could Miss Week 2
Tyler Glasnow

Cleared to Start on Monday
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on Concussion Injured List
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Brock Bowers

Considered Day-to-Day With Knee Injury
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Rhys McKee

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Axel Sola

Successful In His UFC Debut
Robert Ruchała

Robert Ruchala Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
William Gomis

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Jayson Tatum

"Moving Around Way Better"
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP