Patriots vs. Steelers Picks, Lineup Tips for Daily Fantasy DraftKings for TNF
Week 14 is slated to kick off with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots on Thursday night. While the Steelers are still alive in the wild-card race, the Patriots are pretty much playing for next year.
This is shaping up to be an ugly, defense-driven contest between two teams with serious offensive issues. New England has been one of the most offensively underwhelming teams all season, and Pittsburgh will be without starting quarterback Kenny Pickett.
All of this leaves few enticing options for daily fantasy sports (DFS) games, and managers may have to circle boom-or-bust players for Thursday-only games. None of this means that there won't be a little fantasy excitement in the Week 14 opener.
Below, you'll find some general DFS tips and a couple of our favorite plays for Patriots-Steelers.
Get the latest DFS values at DraftKings.
General DFS Tips for TNF
1 of 3
The biggest piece of advice we can offer is to avoid this game in week-long DFS matchups. There simply isn't a ton of upside in it when compared to some of Week 14's other games.
For managers playing in Thursday-only games, leaning heavily on Pittsburgh players is probably the right call—even though that's a dicey proposition in its own right. Pittsburgh has produced just 26 points over the past two weeks, while New England's defense has allowed 26 in its last three games.
But the fact that the Patriots lost three games while allowing 26 total points is telling. New England simply doesn't put points on the board, and with running back Rhamondre Stevenson out (high-ankle sprain), that isn't likely to change. Pickett is out after undergoing ankle surgery on Monday.
Steelers backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky ($5.0K) is a more enticing option than presumed Patriots starter Bailey Zappe ($4.8K) largely because Pittsburgh has a better collection of pass-catchers.
Trubisky has stated that he plans to be aggressive, which makes him a very feat-or-famine option.
"We're trying to score points," Trubisky said, per Dale Lolley of the team's official website. "I'm going to be aggressive.
Trubisky may put points on the board, but he may also produce a lot of mistakes. Considering the Patriots were shut out with Zappe under center last week, though, Trubisky has the higher ceiling.
Pittsburgh's George Pickens ($4.8K) projects as the top receiver to target, since he's been the Steelers' most consistent downfield option. Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott ($5.4K) is worth a flier with Stevenson out, but he's probably most valuable in the flex.
Pat Freiermuth ($4.0K) is the top tight end to target now that the Steelers have gotten him more involved. Pittsburgh's defense ($4.1K) is the top D/ST option, given Zappe's tendency to hold the ball too long.
Target a Harris-Warren Stack at RB
2 of 3
Because this game features few reliable wide receivers, a three-RB lineup appears to be the most favorable. Playing Elliott in the flex and targeting Steelers running backs Najee Harris ($5.3K) and Jaylen Warren ($5.2K) would be logical.
While the Steelers offense hasn't produced a ton of points in the post-Matt Canada era, it has placed greater focus on Pittsburgh's backfield duo. While the Steelers lost 24-10 to the Arizona Cardinals last week, Harris and Warren both shined.
Harris rushed for 63 yards, while Warren ran for 59. Harris caught two passes for 14 yards, while Warren had a single catch.
Neither of Pittsburgh's running backs represents a high-ceiling play, but both should have solid floors. Both should be involved in the passing game, and there's a good chance that one of them finds the end zone.
Harris remains the lead back, but with Pittsburgh consistently getting both involved, rostering Harris and Warren only makes sense. Just keep an eye on Harris' status, as he missed practice during the week with a knee ailment.
Track the Patriots' Injury Report
3 of 3
Pairing Pickens with Diontae Johnson ($5.1K) is probably the smart move at receiver. However, it will be worth following the injury report before setting lineups ahead of kickoff.
With Stevenson out, the Patriots may be forced to lean on the passing game, and Pittsburgh has allowed the 16th-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts, according to FantasyPros.
Zappe seemed to find a rapport with DeVante Parker ($3.1K) in Week 13, though Parker is now dealing with a knee injury and was limited in practice. New England's new No. 1 receiver, Demario Douglas ($3.5K) has been out with a concussion, while JuJu Smith-Schuster ($3.0K) has been limited with an ankle injury.
Parker caught four passes for 64 yards in Week 13. Douglas caught six passes for 49 yards when he last played, in Week 12.
Taking a flier on New England's healthiest receiver could provide value, though a Pickens-Johnson stack remains the most enticing.
Eligibility restrictions apply. See DraftKings.com for details.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
