In this piece, I highlight wide receivers who stand out in our large suite of analytical fantasy tools, most specifically, our FantasyLabs Player Models. While the models are built for DFS contests, this is an all-purpose fantasy article with actionable information for all formats.
As news breaks throughout the week and we adjust our projections (powered by Sean Koerner), player ratings in our Player Models will change as the projections change. For updates, visit the models directly.
And don’t forget about the tools that FantasyLabs has to offer, like our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Finally, make sure to check out all the projections available for purchase within the FantasyLabs Models. Subscribers now have the option to purchase Derek Carty’s THE BLITZ from our Marketplace. Projections from One Week Season and Establish the Run are available if you’re a subscriber to those specific sites (our optimizer is a separate add-on feature).
You can also combine them to create your own aggregate projections:
Top NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are two wide receivers near the top of the individual Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- Zay Flowers
- Demario Douglas
We’ll discuss why these two are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other wide receivers.
Try Our New SimLabs Tool!
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new NFL DFS simulations tool! Try SimLabs for FREE while it’s still in beta.
Top Model NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks
Zay Flowers ($5,700 DraftKings, $6,100 FanDuel): Baltimore Ravens (-6) vs. Seattle Seahawks (44 total)
Zay Flowers was fairly unproductive last week at high ownership, catching five of seven targets for 19 yards. His usage has trended in the wrong direction, as most of his usage came on screens. It’s nice that they want to get the ball into his hands, but screens are relatively low-value touches.
He still ran a route on 94% of the dropbacks and saw a 27% target share, so it isn’t all bleak. He now gets a matchup with a Seattle defense that is trending the wrong way against receivers. They’ve allowed the eighth-most yards per target and yards per catch to opposing receivers.
They’ve also allowed a hefty amount of receptions to slot receivers, where Flowers runs about a third of his routes. He’s seventh in Points/Salary and boasts a ceiling projection comparable to receivers priced over $1,000 more expensive.
He’s the top option in our Tournament Model.
Demario Douglas ($4,000 DraftKings, $5,400 FanDuel): New England Patriots (-3) vs. Washington Commanders (41 total)
Demario Douglas‘ usage has been trending in the right direction, and now Kendrick Bourne is out for the year.
Douglas had seen six and seven targets, along with two carries over the past two weeks. He led the team in routes run last week and has now seen a 26% target rate per route run.
Ownership will certainly follow, but it’s warranted, especially in cash games. Washington has gotten killed by opposing receivers, allowing the eighth-most yards per target and second-highest touchdown rate to opposing receivers, where Douglas plays 80% of the time.
He looks like a great value play and is the top option in our Cash Game Model, as well as Chris Raybon and Sean Koerner’s Pro Models.
Other Notable NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks
A.J. Brown ($8,600 DraftKings, $9,000 FanDuel): Philadelphia Eagles (-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys (47 total)
A.J. Brown continued his reign of terror over the Commanders, catching eight of eight targets for 130 yards and two touchdowns last week. He’s been absolutely scorching hot, averaging 30.02 DraftKings points over the past six games, topping 20 in every contest.
He’s been shredding man coverage, and he gets another man-heavy opponent. Dallas plays man coverage at the third-highest rate in the league, and Brown has seen a 50% target share and averaged 4.34 yards per route run. This game has the best chance of being a shootout, and there’s no reason Brown shouldn’t have success against this Dallas secondary.
If you include A.J. Brown in the new SimLabs tool, it’s no surprise the simulations will give you some Cowboys/Eagles correlations in your lineups (depending on your settings).
Jonathan Mingo ($3,400 DraftKings, $5,100 FanDuel): Carolina Panthers (+2.5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (44 total)
Jonathan Mingo saw his role increase after the bye, running a route on 98% of the team dropbacks. His usage was solid, seeing five targets and catching four balls for 62 yards. He wasn’t an elite producer, but his price tag is extremely cheap while his role is growing.
Indianapolis has allowed the eighth-most yards per target and thirteenth-most DraftKings points to opposing receivers. It’s a solid matchup combined with a solid role at a cheap price. Mingo is a solid salary saver this week.
Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with Sleeper Fantasy promo code LABS1 for a $100 deposit match.
My Favorite NFL DFS Wide Receiver Leverage Pick(s)
CeeDee Lamb ($8,200 DraftKings, $8,800 FanDuel): Dallas Cowboys (+3) at Philadelphia Eagles (47 total)
CeeDee Lamb won’t be low-owned by any means, but he’ll likely go overlooked a little bit as people opt for A.J. Brown or Adam Thielen in that price range.
Lamb ran wild on Philadelphia last year with Prescott under center, catching 10 of 11 targets for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill, Terry McLaurin, and Garrett Wilson have all either topped 90 yards or found the end zone against this Philadelphia defense.
Dallas tends to lean on Lamb more in spots where they know they need to be aggressive, and this would be one of those. It’s not always the matchup but usually the game environment that acts as the catalyst for Lamb’s fantasy production. With Dallas likely opting to play aggressively, I think Lamb is in for a big day.
