Daily Fantasy Football December 28: DFS Stock Up, Stock Down

The NFL is entering the final week of the regular season, so DraftKings daily fantasy football will feature a 16-game slate for the last time before the playoffs.

While we look forward, though, we'll look back at what happened in Week 16 and assess how that affects players moving into Week 17.

Factors used to assemble the list include Sunday's performance, upcoming matchups and trends. Percentages reflect usage in the $1.75 million Chop Block Championship and prices are taken from the Week 17 Millionaire Maker contest.

Stock Up: Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets

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Injuries decimated the New England Patriots, but the New York Jets don't have to apologize for the victory. Led by Ryan Fitzpatrick, they earned it.

The veteran quarterback threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns, totaling 24.14 points. Only 3.0 percent of DFS participants tabbed Fitzpatrick for the lineup.

Most importantly, that success was merely a continuation of a trend. He's thrown for at least 263 yards in five straight games and multiple scores in four of those five contests.

Fitzpatrick ($5,400) is a cost-effective option against an inconsistent Buffalo Bills defense.

Stock Down: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

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By no means should Ben Roethlisberger be avoided in Week 17, but there's no chance his usage is repeated.

Following an outstanding 27.9-point day against a stellar Denver Broncos defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback challenged one of the NFL's worst pass defenses—and, put simply, failed.

Roethlisberger completed 24 of 34 passes but managed just 215 yards while tossing two interceptions against the Baltimore Ravens. The 31.6 percent of owners expected better than 5.8 points.

Pittsburgh should rebound successfully against the Cleveland Browns, but Roethlisberger ($6,900) won't receive as much attention in the fantasy realm.

Stock Up: Buck Allen, Baltimore Ravens

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In Week 15, Buck Allen lost a fumble early and found himself benched for the remainder of the game. He bounced back, helping the Ravens spring the upset on the Steelers.

Because of the recent benching, though, Allen had a mere 1.7 percent ownership rate. He tallied 79 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding five catches for 35 yards en route to 22.4 DFS points.

Looking ahead, the rookie should get plenty of targets against a Cincinnati Bengals defense that has surrendered the fifth-most receptions to running backs, per FF Toolbox.

Allen's $4,400 price tag only increases his appeal.

Stock Down: Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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According to Rick Brown of ESPN.com, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line hoped to guide Doug Martin to the 2015 rushing title. Week 16 versus the Chicago Bears wasn't much of a help.

Martin carried the ball 17 times but trudged to 49 yards, a measly 2.9 yards per attempt. Though he scored once, Martin fumbled twice. Overall, he posted 10.5 points with a 17.7 percent ownership rate.

Tampa Bay hits the road to face a Carolina Panthers team in need of a victory to clinch home-field advantage, which doesn't bode well for a $6,700 Martin.

A single opposing running back has topped 10 fantasy points on Carolina this season while catching one pass or fewer. Martin hasn't grabbed more than one reception in six straight games.

Stock Up: Allen Hurns, Jacksonville Jaguars

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The Jacksonville Jaguars don't win many NFL games, but the offense has regularly helped fantasy players steal a victory and/or win some cash.

In addition to 30-point outbursts from Blake Bortles and Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns registered 33.6 thanks to eight receptions, 106 yards and two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints.

As long as he avoids an injury setback, Hurns' 8.8 ownership rate is trending up. His $5,600 salary is far from a major obstacle.

Hurns caught two passes for 30 yards and a touchdown when the Jaguars played the Houston Texans in Week 6, and that's the baseline expectation for Week 17.

Stock Down: Ted Ginn Jr., Carolina Panthers

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Welcome back to earth, Ted Ginn Jr.

The speedy Carolina Panthers wideout caught two touchdowns in three straight games, and ol' Stone Hands Ginn could've had a couple more if drops weren't a significant issue.

The Atlanta Falcons brought him back out of the stratosphere, however, limiting Ginn to a single catch for nine yards. Finishing with 1.9 points despite an 11.8 ownership clip is less than ideal, to say the least.

Ginn ($4,900) is essentially the definition of a boom-or-bust receiver in Week 17. He recorded two receptions, 18 yards and two scores earlier this year versus the Bucs.

While Carolina's deep threat is a viable option, Ginn is more of a contrarian play than a safe bet.

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Follow Bleacher Report CFB and DFS writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.