Top DFS Game Stacks and Leverage Plays for DraftKings

In this article, I'm going to take a deeper dive into game stacks and leverage options. Let's first take a look at what injuries could affect the 10-game main slate.

Visit RotoWire's DFS Top Plays page to see our recommended targets!

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Injuries to Monitor

Juwan Johnson : An ankle injury has Johnson listed as questionable for Sunday's 1 p.m. EST start. He's second on the team in targets, so if he's unable to suit up, expect a larger share for Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks. Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau also questionable to return after being activated from the PUP list.

Calvin Ridley : Ridley looks like a true game-time decision following a limited practice Friday after failing to practice the previous two days. He's been a disappointment through the first month with rookie Elic Ayomanor leading the team in targets. 

Analyzing Game Stack Rankings for Maximum DFS Impact

Here is how each game ranks in implied points, projected pace/plays per game and how popular we expect each game stack to be in GPPs:

There are a lot of different ways you can form a game stack, with my primary option being a QB with two pass catchers (due to correlation) and one player from the other team (commonly referred to as a bring-back). QB-WR-WR and bringing back a WR is the most popular, but I'm fine going with a TE as one of the pass catchers or an RB from the opposing team. Last week's Milly Maker winner faded a game or team stack, headlined by a solo Patrick Mahomes. Hey, nobody ever said there's only one way to build a lineup!

My preferred stacks

LAC/WAS: Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston with Zach Ertz

IND/LV: Daniel Jones, Michael Pittman and Tyler Warren with Jakobi Meyers

DAL/NYJ: Dak Prescott, George Pickens and Jake Ferguson with Breece Hall

NYG/NO: Jaxson Dart, Wan'Dale Robinson and Theo Johnson with Chris Olave

My under the radar stack this week is the Giants. We have this projected as the highest paced game of the week but it's one that most DFS players will overlook. Dart flashed his rushing ability in his debut last week, so I think it's fine to only pair him with Robinson. And unlike a few games on this slate, we shouldn't have to worry about blowout potential with a 1.5 point spread.

Key Leverage Plays for GPP DFS Success

In this section, I'll briefly discuss 10 players that we project to be rostered by less than 10 percent of lineups in GPPs. These can be used as contrarian plays to differentiate yourself from the competition.

RB Ashton Jeanty ($6,700) at IND: Jeanty exploded with three TDs last week, but we don't expect him to be too popular as many fantasy players will chalk that performance up to the easy matchup. Not me. It's the kind of game the rookie needed for his confidence, and the season-high in touches is a great sign going forward.

RB Chase Brown ($6,100) vs. DET: Brown will get overlooked due to the negative game script, but he can't average 2.3 YPC all season, can he? The backfield continues to be entirely his (one touch for Samaje Perine last week) and the Lions allowed 21.5 DK points to Quinshon Judkins in Week 4.

RB Cam Skattebo ($6,000) at NO: Tyrone Tracy is set to miss another game and Skattebo saw a huge workload with 25 carries last week in his absence. The Saints have allowed at least 18 DK points to opposing RB1s in three consecutive games. 

RB Michael Carter ($4,000) vs. TEN: The Cardinals have been decimated at the position with James Conner and Trey Benson both on IR. I expect Arizona to lean on Carter much more than Emari Demercado. A minimum RB salary as an eight-point favorite makes Carter a great target.

WR Nico Collins ($6,800) at BAL: Collins started the season slow but has a solid 12-183-1 across the last two games. Now he gets a matchup against a Ravens squad that has allowed 37+ points three times already and will struggle to keep the Texans off the field without Lamar Jackson on offense.

WR A.J. Brown ($6,000) vs. DEN: We know Brown won't be rostered much with Patrick Surtain covering him, but Brown and DeVonta Smith have voiced their frustration with their roles, and I expect that to lead to more opportunities for the duo. 

WR Jakobi Meyers ($5,600) at IND: The Raiders offense has been a spot for massive performances lately, most recently in Jeanty and previously Tre Tucker's three touchdown game. With Brock Bowers sidelined, Meyers should see double-digit targets against a soft secondary.

WR Keenan Allen ($5,600) vs. WAS: The Chargers lead the NFL in pass rate over expectation, and that's led to Allen receiving at least seven targets in all four games. Meanwhile, the Commanders rank 27th in passing yards allowed per game and 28th in opponent passer rating.

WR Jameson Williams ($4,900) at CIN: Williams' hit-or-miss reputation has continued into this season and while it has been more miss than hit thus far, this is a good spot for a ceiling outcome. The Bengals have allowed 34.3 points per game since the season opener. 

WR Jalen Tolbert ($3,600) at NYJ: If you're looking for a value option at the position, Tolbert has seen six targets in back-to-back games and that could increase with KaVontae Turpin out. The Cowboys are also leading the league in pass attempts. 

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