Ravens vs. 49ers Picks, Lineup Tips for DraftKings Daily Fantasy for MNF

The most anticipated game of the 2023 NFL season may also serve as a Super Bowl preview between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers.

All of the stars on both rosters should play major roles in Monday night's showdown at Levi's Stadium, and that makes it easy to pick a DraftKings daily fantasy football lineup.

Christian McCaffrey will likely have one of the highest roster percentages of the season across DraftKings contests because of his importance to the 49ers offense.

McCaffrey should receive an abundance of touches in both facets of the San Francisco offense, but he can't be the only 49ers star to produce a huge performance to pick up a victory. At least one of Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle needs to support McCaffrey.

Baltimore's offensive approach could be hindered by its second major season-ending injury.

Monday will be the first time the Ravens play without Keaton Mitchell, who tore his ACL in last Sunday's matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mitchell's absence could mean we see more of Lamar Jackson in the rushing game, and that could make him a more valuable DFS option than Brock Purdy.

Build Around Christian McCaffrey

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 17: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

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It would be downright foolish to exclude McCaffrey from any DFS lineup for Monday night's game.

The NFL Most Valuable Player candidate has three 100-yard rushing performances in his last four games and at least three receptions in 12 of his 14 appearances this season.

McCaffrey had 18 carries and five receptions on five targets in the Week 15 win over the Arizona Cardinals. We should expect a similar usage rate out of him against the Ravens.

McCaffrey has to be the No. 1 DFS option because of his consistent explosiveness in the 49ers offense.

Of course, every other DFS player in DraftKings contests will roster McCaffrey as well, but you can't turn away from the high point potential he carries into every game.

All DFS rosters should be built around McCaffrey, whether it be in a single-game showdown lineup or a contest involving all three of the NFL's Christmas Day games.

Take Lamar Jackson Over Brock Purdy

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 17: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Jackson should shoulder more offensive responsibilities over Purdy on Sunday night.

The Ravens quarterback will likely be asked to do more with his legs because of Mitchell's absence.

Baltimore still has Gus Edwards at running back, but after that it is hard to expect anything from Justice Hill or Melvin Gordon.

Jackson is coming off back-to-back 70-yard rushing performances, one of which was in addition to a 316-yard passing day.

The Ravens may not have time to add new offensive wrinkles against one of the best defenses in the NFL, so they will likely rely on Jackson to create plays with his legs as well as his arm.

Purdy will of course be important to the 49ers' cause as well, but he lacks dynamic ability with his legs, and that is where Jackson should eclipse him when it comes to DFS points.

Trust Tight Ends Over Wide Receivers

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 17: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during the second quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

George Kittle and Isaiah Likely could be the most valuable pass-catchers in their respective offenses on Monday night.

Kittle has more competition to deal with in the 49ers offense against Samuel, Aiyuk and McCaffrey, but he has been the star of the unit at points this season at home.

Three of Kittle's four best pass-catching games occurred inside Levi's Stadium. He also has a knack for performing well against playoff-caliber teams.

Kittle's two 100-yard games this season came against the Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars and he had over 75 yards versus the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All five of those teams are in playoff contention,

Likely's DFS stock took off in the last two weeks, as he produced 153 yards and two touchdowns.

Baltimore's current No. 1 tight end was targeted on 13 occasions by Jackson in the previous two games, and he could be a vital safety valve against the 49ers pass rush.

The Ravens' wide receiver production can be a bit scattered game by game, but the one constant recently has been Likely's usage as big-play target, so he should be considered by all DFS players over his other pass-catching teammates.

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