FREE 11/17 NFL Cheat Sheet: Top MNF DFS Plays

Monday Night Football brings us an interconference showdown that, on paper, might not scream “must-watch,” but for DFS purposes, it’s got some intriguing angles. We’ve got the Dallas Cowboys heading to Las Vegas to face the Raiders, with a total of 49.0 points in a dome. The Cowboys, despite a disappointing 3-5-1 record, still boast one of the league’s most potent offenses, ranking third in points per game. Conversely, their defense is a nightmare, allowing the second-most points per game. This creates a high-variance environment perfect for DFS, especially with Dak Prescott and his elite receiving duo of George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, who are both top-tier in receiving yards. Javonte Williams also provides a strong rushing floor, ranking fifth in the league.

On the other side, the Raiders are struggling, with a 2-7 record and an offense that’s bottom-tier in scoring. Geno Smith’s 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions tell a story, and the recent trade of Jakobi Meyers further depletes their receiving corps. Tre Tucker is the leading receiver with 455 yards, and while rookie RB Ashton Jeanty flashed in Week 4, consistency has been an issue. This game pits a high-powered, if inconsistent, offense against a struggling, turnover-prone one, all while featuring a truly terrible defense from Dallas. This sets up a scenario where Dallas offensive pieces could feast, and even some Raiders could find DFS relevance if the Cowboys’ defense continues its generosity. Let’s dive into the top Captain and Flex plays for Monday’s showdown slate!

Top Captain Plays

Brock Bowers ($12,000)

Brock Bowers faces a favorable matchup against the Cowboys, and his 15.3 DK points per game average demonstrates his consistent high-level production. His recent monstrous return to action with 127 yards and three touchdowns against the Jaguars highlights his immense ceiling, and even after a slight downturn in a tough TNF game, he projects for a dominant 28.02 DK points as a captain, offering a strong 2.33x value. This moderate 7.2% captain ownership allows for differentiation while still capitalizing on his potential for significant scoring, especially with prop lines indicating 73.5 receiving yards and 6.5 receptions.

Honorable Mention

• Dak Prescott ($15,600)

Top UTIL Plays

1. Geno Smith ($8,800)

Geno Smith projects as a top-tier quarterback option this week, appearing in 50.5% of optimal lineups with a strong 2.07x value at his $8,800 salary. He has shown a significant uptick in recent production, averaging 17.9 DK points per game over his last two outings, a notable improvement from his 12.8 DK points per game average over the previous four. Smith’s quadriceps issue from last week is now cleared, confirming his full health for Monday night’s contest.

Smith faces a Cowboys defense that has struggled recently, dropping two straight games and allowing Jacoby Brissett to complete 21 of 31 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns in their last outing. This matchup sets up favorably for Smith to continue his upward trend in fantasy production, especially with his solid 950 TD odds and projected 231.5 pass yards. His high ownership of 49.4% reflects the market’s confidence in his ability to deliver.

2. Ashton Jeanty ($10,000)

Ashton Jeanty continues to handle a significant workload for the Raiders, logging 22 touches against the Broncos last week with 19 rushes and three receptions. He has consistently received targets in the passing game, seeing five targets in his last two games, which elevates his floor in PPR formats. His recent form shows a clear upward trajectory, averaging 19.1 DK points per game in his last two outings, a substantial increase from his 14.2 DK points per game over the last four.

Jeanty draws a highly favorable matchup against a beatable Cowboys defense, which should allow him to capitalize on his heavy usage. With a strong 19.4 projected points and a 1.94x value at his $10,000 salary, he presents an excellent opportunity for a high-scoring performance. His -140 TD odds further underscore his strong potential to find the end zone, making him a cornerstone for DFS lineups this week.

Honorable Mentions

• Tyler Lockett ($3,400)

Bargain Bin

Michael Mayer ($4,000)

Michael Mayer caught three passes in Week 10 and saw seven targets in Week 9, demonstrating a consistent involvement in the Raiders’ passing game. His 6.1 DK points per game average this season highlights his reliable floor, and the team’s continued commitment to getting their tight ends involved, especially with an underwhelming wide receiver room, bodes well for his target share. Mayer’s current salary of $4000 makes him an incredibly appealing value play given his consistent usage.

Tonight, Mayer faces a Cowboys defense that, while strong, could present opportunities for tight ends, and his 2.5 receptions prop line indicates market confidence in his catch volume. His 25.85% optimal lineup percentage further underscores his potential to significantly outperform his salary, making him a cornerstone for roster construction as a reliable, high-value option at the tight end position.

Honorable Mention

• KaVontae Turpin ($3,000)

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