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.
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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.
- Michael Pittman
- Jonathan Mingo
We’ll discuss why these two are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other wide receivers.
Top Model NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks
Michael Pittman Jr. ($7,300 DraftKings, $8,000 FanDuel): Indianapolis Colts (-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (44 total)
Michael Pittman Jr. has been a target monster lately, with 12 or more targets in three straight games. He erupted against Tennessee last week, catching 11 of 16 targets for 105 yards and a touchdown. He’s still underpriced for his role, but he doesn’t have the name recognition of other high-end receivers, leaving his ownership and price in check.
He gets another plus matchup here, as Cincinnati has allowed the fifth-most yards per target to opposing receivers. They’ve allowed the 15th-most DraftKings points to opposing receivers, but they’re trending in the wrong direction.
Pittman is second in Projected Plus/Minus and Points/Salary at the position and is the top option in our Cash Game and Tournament Model.
Jonathan Mingo ($3,500 DraftKings, $5,500 FanDuel): Carolina Panthers (+6) at New Orleans Saints (38.5 total)
The coaching change improved Jonathan Mingo’s outlook, as he led the team in routes run and targets. He saw 10 targets last week, catching six balls for 69 yards. He was trending in the right direction even before Frank Reich’s firing, seeing six targets in Week 11 and Week 12.
Mingo saw eight targets when these teams played in Week 2, catching just three balls for 26 yards. New Orleans has allowed the third-fewest DraftKings points to opposing receivers, but the matchup is kind of thrown out the window when Mingo is this cheap.
He leads the position in Projected Plus/Minus and Points/Salary and is the top option in both Sean Koerner and Chris Raybon’s Pro Models.
Don’t forget to check out our SImLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineup using the power of simulation:
Other Notable NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks
D.J. Moore ($6,500 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel): Chicago Bears (+3.5) vs. Chicago Bears (43 total)
D.J. Moore has been tearing it up as of late with Fields back under center. He caught seven balls for 96 yards and a touchdown against the Lions and then caught 11 of 13 targets for 114 yards before the bye against the Vikings. Top wide receivers have doused the Bears, with Keenan Allen, Christian Watson, and Chris Olave all either exceeding 100 yards or finding the end zone.
Detroit has allowed the 11th-most DraftKings points to opposing receivers and is trending in the wrong direction. Moore is a prime stacking partner with Fields, which is one of my top stacks this week.
Rashee Rice ($5,400 DraftKings, $6,300 FanDuel): Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5) vs. Buffalo Bills (48.5 total)
Rashee Rice stayed hot, catching eight of nine targets for 64 yards on Sunday Night against the Packers. He’s now seen 19 targets, catching 16 balls for 171 yards and a touchdown over the past two games. Buffalo has allowed the 12th-fewest DraftKings points to opposing wide receivers, but this game environment is likely to have fireworks.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire has emerged as a great play with Isiah Pacheco out, but I’m more than comfortable having Rice in lineups with CEH.
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My Favorite NFL DFS Wide Receiver Leverage Pick(s)
Gabe Davis ($5,800 DraftKings, $6,800 FanDuel): Buffalo Bills (+1.5) at Kansas City Chiefs (48.5 total)
The Gabe Davis rollercoaster isn’t very fun, but I’m hopping on. He’s coming off of a 12-target game against Philadelphia, where he hauled in six balls for 105 yards and a touchdown. A miscommunication on Buffalo’s last offensive play kept Davis from finding the end zone for a second time.
Kansas City has done great limiting opposing WR1s, but secondary options have found plenty of success. DeVonta Smith, Josh Palmer, Jakobi Meyers, and Jordan Addison all had great games against Kansas City.
Lightning striking twice in a row is unlikely, but we all remember Davis’ playoff magic against Kansas City two years ago. Maybe he can recapture it here? He’s my favorite wide receiver in tournaments and a prime stacking option with Allen.
