DraftKings Week 13 Cash Game Picks and Strategy

Dec 03, 2020

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Below you'll find my Week 13 DraftKings cash game picks and strategy. By offering a general approach to the week, along with a player pool to consider, you should walk away feeling well-equipped no matter your bankroll strategy or game selection process.

In general, my cash game strategy revolves around the running back position. My main focus is to roster three running backs with workhorse-type roles that simultaneously allow me to build a high-floor lineup at the other positions. Certain weeks, we'll be able to jam in multiple high-priced running backs because of the value that presents itself at quarterback, wide receiver and tight end.

Other weeks we may have to dip into the mid-range at running back because value hasn't emerged at the other positions. Because quarterback is a position with a narrower range of outcomes, it often makes sense to pay down for a signal-caller. As always it will depend on the makeup of the entire lineup, but I'll usually favor spending down at quarterback.

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I'm not opposed to paying up at wide receiver or tight end if the constraints of the week dictate that it's the most prudent lineup construction. However, with the propensity to allot the most salary to the running back position, I usually attempt to roster the most targets per dollar at wide receiver. It often results in rostering mid-tier wide receivers and tight ends. Given the volatility and variance week-to-week in pass-catchers, it makes sense to not use a ton of salary there as a general rule of thumb. Defense/special teams usually comes down to the cheapest defense with a respectable matchup and a relatively high sack rate, as pressure is what creates the plays defenses need to score fantasy points.

Update:

I'm pretty dead set on Rodgers being the optimal cash game quarterback today, though if you want to add Ryan Fitzpatrick (provided he starts) I'm okay with that. If Tua and Gaskin were out I would think his prospects are much better. With Tua active, even if Fitz starts there's no guarantee he finishes the game.
With Jacobs out, Booker becomes a strong consideration. He definitely slides into my top five plays at running back.
I got a few questions about Keke Coutee. I think he's fine, but unnecessary. With the value that we have at other positions, I don't think I'll need to drop all the way down to Coutee, but if he gets you a lineup you love, I don't mind it.
Anthony Firkser getting the starting tight end role in Tennessee makes him a stand out play. He has been a solid receiver with Jonnu off the field.
The two defenses listed aren't the only considerations. As I always say, play the best defense with the money you have remaining. I like the Seahawks, Bears, Chargers, and Falcons in addition to the Rams and Jets. It all depends on who fits your build.

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers ($6,800) immediately caught my eye this week coming in at below $7,000. Rodgers ranks fourth in our value metric and brings a very safe floor to our cash game lineup with the chance for upside as well. This is another slate where we don't need to pay all the way up to Russell Wilson who has been in a bit of a rut or Kyler Murray who is banged up and facing the vaunted Rams pass rush. The Eagles rank 21st in aFPA to quarterbacks and Rodgers has basically had one bad fantasy game the entire season while averaging 25.5 DraftKings points per game. Without a can't-miss ceiling play on the slate, we can spend down a bit from the top tier for a safe 20+ points in cash.