Last Updated: February 23nd at 5:39 pm ET
DFS is a game of partial information, and XFL DFS takes that to an extreme. This is a brand new league with some new rules and a slew of relatively unknown players. We don’t have reliable beat writers for each team, and injury information is spotty. This article is an attempt to provide clarity to those looking for the best plays on the XFL DFS slate. Please note that there is a lot of guesswork involved in creating this column, and we suggest you use it as a starting point and combine it with your own research and judgement.
Typically, players who make our top plays have a strong combination of a confirmed role with health and relative talent. Tier 1 plays we consider to be more viable for head-to-head and 50/50 contests, while lower tiers tend to be more tournament considerations. Much of the information we consider to be of critical importance will be conveyed in this article, but we recommend monitoring our Team-by-Team Depth Charts which also contain useful information.
Finally, we recommend that you watch or listen to our Live Show for more context on these plays. The replay and audio download is available here. For RSS podcast instructions, click here.
Editor’s Note: DraftKings refers to the 4-game main slate. Fanduel refers to the 2-game “Saturday Only” or “Sunday Only” slates. If a player doesn’t have a Fanduel salary listed next to their name, we think their price is prohibitive on that site.
News Update 1:09pm ET Saturday: Tampa WR SJ Green is inactive. We fully expect the top-3 pass-catchers to be Jalen Tolliver, Dan Williams and Reece Horn. The QB rotation will be Taylor Cornelius and Quinton Flowers.
News Update 5:00 pm ET Saturday: Dallas WR Jazz Ferguson is officially active this week after being what we assume was a healthy scratch in Week 2. His workload for this game is unknown. Dallas WR Jerrod Heard is inactive for the game.
News Update 2:14pm ET Sunday: L’Damian Washington is ACTIVE. It appears he was a true game-time decision as he tested the ankle in warmups. If he’s truly healthy, he’ll be a primary outside WR for St. Louis.
News Update 2:14pm ET Sunday: Joe Horn Jr. is INACTIVE. We expect Colby Pearson and Austin Duke to handle slot duties for New York.
News Update 2:14pm ET Sunday: Matt Jones is active, as expected. Keith Ford (knee) is inactive. Jones and Christine Michael will be the 1-2 punch for St. Louis.
News Update 5:37pm ET Sunday: Multiple beat writers are reporting that LA feature back Elijah Hood will be INACTIVE. If so, look for DuJuan Harris and Larry Rose to share most of the work. We slightly prefer Rose thanks to pass-catching ability.
News Update 5:37pm ET Sunday: Josh Johnson (thigh) is expected to start. Tre McBride (thigh) appears likely to play, although it’s unclear how much.
WEEK 3 NOTABLE INJURIES
De’Angelo Henderson O
Aaron Murray O
Nick Truesdell O
Kasen Williams O
Joe Horn Q
L’Damian Washington Q (note that this injury occurred after our Live Show)
Matt Jones Q (but practiced full Friday)
Malachi Dupre Q (beat writer has speculated Dupre will be out, but it’s not confirmed)
Saeed Blacknell P
Tre McBride Q
Josh Johnson Q (expected to play)
DuJuan Harris P
QUARTERBACK
TIER 1
* Josh Johnson, LA ($9,200 DK, $18 FD) — Missed Week 1 due to leg injury and was rusty in Week 2. But underlying stats were strong as Johnson pushed the ball deep downfield and dropped back 40 times compared to 14 called runs. Big question is if injury will continue to limit Johnson’s rushing ability — he had 4-3-0 rush line in Week 2 but 25-40 rushing yards per game has been his historical range. Given pricing this week, the savings down to Johnson are worthwhile. Johnson is listed Q for this week, but he is expected to play again.
Jordan Ta’amu, STL ($10,100 DK, $21 FD) — Rushing ability gives Ta’amu a solid floor. Concern this week is volume and aggression as the BattleHawks are hosting the hapless Guardians. St. Louis is firmly on #TeamEstablishTheRun, throwing on a league-low 42.6% of their plays so far.
Phillip Walker, HOU ($11,500 DK, $23 FD) — Excelling as the point guard of a team throwing on 68% of their plays, second-most in the XFL. However, price is now a concern as the salary cap has gotten far tighter this week.
Landry Jones, DAL ($10,600 DK, $19 FD) — Was very rusty in XFL debut last week, but still became first QB to go over 300 yards. Renegades are throwing on 69.7% of pass plays, most in the XFL. This is a very QB-friendly scheme for fantasy.
Cardale Jones, WAS ($10,800 DK, $20 FD) — Highly effective and aggressive passer brings very solid floor. Note DC has only thrown on 51.7% of their plays so far, at least in part to two easy wins over two of the worst teams in the league.
RUNNING BACK
TIER 1
N/A
TIER 2
Jacques Patrick, TB ($4,400 DK, $14 FD) — Caught a hot hand in Week 2 and played 37 snaps — the same number as starter De’Veon Smith. Not a lock for a 50% snap share again, but the mere path to it makes Patrick one of the stronger RB “punts.”
Lance Dunbar, DAL ($6,600 DK, $15 FD) — Solid floor as Dunbar projects for around 50% of the snaps and 4-7 targets plus a handful of carries. Ceiling is shaky as he’s highly unlikely to get more than 11-14 touches in a game and Cameron Artis-Payne projects as goal-line back.
TIER 3
Cameron Artis-Payne, DAL ($8,300 DK, $18 FD) — Broke the slate last week with late-game eruption. Good news is Dallas went from a 4-RB committee in Week 1 to just CAP and Lance Dunbar in Week 2. Bad news is Artis-Payne’s price is high and he’s still a timeshare back.
Matt Jones, STL ($7,500 DK, $16 FD) — Still battling knee issue, but was healthy enough to pile up 16 more carries in Week 2. However, Jones is now very pricey (particularly on DraftKings), doesn’t have a real pass-game role and shared the backfield with Christine Michael last week. Jones did practice full Friday, just as he did last week.
Donnel Pumphrey, DC ($7,000 DK, $13 FD) — Surged ahead of Jhurell Pressley in Week 2, playing on 51% of the snaps and continuing his stronger pass-game role. Pumphrey is expensive on DraftKings, but underpriced on Fanduel.
TIER 4
James Butler, HOU ($8,500 DK, $17 FD) — De’Angelo Henderson (shoulder) is out again, leaving Butler and Andre Williams as the RB options. Still a thin option because Roughnecks throw at the second-highest rate in the league, rarely throw to RBs and Butler is extremely expensive.De’Veon Smith, TB ($6,300 DK, $16 FD) — Fell into an even timeshare with Jacques Patrick in Week 2, but that’s not certain to continue in Week 3. If Smith catches the hot hand, he has direct path to 14-18 touches.
Quinton Flowers, TB ($12 FD) — Still playing QB, but Fanduel has moved him to RB eligibility. Given the state of the position, Flowers is in play as he’ll be rotating with Taylor Cornelius. Aaron Murray (ankle) is out. Last week, Flowers managed 15 rush yards and 18 pass yards.
Christine Michael, STL ($5,200 DK, $13 FD) — Snuck into a timeshare with Matt Jones in Week 2, getting 17 touches. With Jones’ knee still a concern, there’s a chance Michael again gets an even share. Game script (home vs. NY) projects favorably for the chances for 30+ RB touches for BattleHawks RBs again.
Tim Cook, NY ($4,200 DK) — Last week’s big bump in usage was due to Darius Victor’s concussion. But with Victor back this week, we can only project a near-even timeshare for Cook. A thin RB “punt” on DraftKings.
WIDE RECEIVER AND TIGHT END
TIER 1
Nelson Spruce, LA ($10,400 DK, $20 FD) — Dominated the Pac-12, dominated the AAF and is now dominating the XFL. Through two weeks Spruce is seeing an outrageous 31.6% of the team’s targets and racked up a 17-192-2 line.
Cam Phillips, HOU ($11,100 DK, $21 FD) — Was on injury report this week with ankle injury, but listed probable and expected to play. Through two weeks Phillips has played on 116-of-117 snaps and is second in XFL with a 27% target share.
Donald Parham, DAL ($5,300 DK, $16 FD) — The 6-foot-8 pass-catching tight end missed some time in Week 2 with foot issue, but returned to game and was Landry Jones’ favorite target. Listed probable on Week 3 injury report. One of the slate’s better values on DraftKings, where he’s $3300 cheaper than Jeff Badet.
TIER 2
DeAndre Thompkins, DC ($5,700 DK, $19 FD) — Missed Week 1 due to foot injury, but stepped right in Week 2 for 64% of the snaps and 24% of the targets. Played both slot and wide, has 4.33 speed. Price adjusted quickly on Fanduel, but lagged behind on DraftKings.
Jalen Tolliver, TB ($4,300 DK, $14 FD) — Was a rotational player in Week 2, only playing on 48-of-70 snaps. But now Seantavius Jones has been cut and Nick Truesdell (knee) is out. Tolliver should return to a priority role in Week 3 and is $3900 less than Dan Williams. Obvious concern is QB play with Taylor Cornelius and Quinton Flowers rotating.
Reece Horn, TB ($4,200 DK, $15 FD) — Gets nice boost with Nick Truesdell (knee) out, as both roam in middle of the field. Horn has solid role anyway with 19.4% target share through two weeks. Obvious concern is QB play with Taylor Cornelius and Quinton Flowers rotating.
TIER 3
Eli Rogers, DC ($9,700 DK, $15 FD) — Best role on the Defenders. Currently fourth in XFL with 24.6% target share and was in on 61-of-69 snaps in Week 2. Cheaper on Fanduel.
Jeff Badet, DAL ($8,600 DK, $15 FD) — The No. 4 overall pick in the XFL draft missed some time in Week 2 with hip issue, but returned to game and got nine targets from Landry Jones. Listed probably on Week 3 injury report. Far cheaper on Fanduel.
Keenan Reynolds, SEA ($7,400 DK, $17 FD) — Elite role and usage as Reynolds projects for 100% of the snaps and one of the league’s best target shares. Concern is a run-centric scheme and Brandon Silvers’ wild inconsistency.
Alonzo Russell, STL ($5,900 DK, $15 FD) — Strong role so far with 85% of the snaps and 17.1% target share. Trending up with L’Damian Washington (ankle) in doubt. Massive $4200 less than BattleHawks slot man De’Mornay Pierson-El.
TIER 4
Rashad Ross, DC ($9,400 DK, $17 FD) — It’s a revenge game for Ross, who was traded from LA to DC on January 12. Defenders WR rotation continues to be unpredictable as Ross didn’t play much in first half of Week 2 but came on nicely in second half and finished with 39-of-69 snaps. Still, Malachi Dupre’s shoulder issue and Ross’ gamebreaking talent keep the former #TeamPreseason standout in play. Dupre was limited in practice Friday and listed questionable for the game.
Adonis Jennings, LA ($3,000 DK, $13 FD) — Worth watching status of Tre McBride (thigh). With McBride and Saeed Blacknell sidelined in Week 2, Jennings played on 80% of the snaps and racked up 125 Air Yards. Stone minimum price on DraftKings is quite appealing. However, Blacknell is listed probable for this week.
Nick Holley, HOU ($4,400 DK) — Continues to run as a starting slot man, but the move from RB to WR on DraftKings hurts Holley’s relative value. Did out-snap Kahlil Lewis 49-40 in Week 2 and costs a whopping $4700 less.
Mekale McKay, NY ($8,800 DK, $14 FD) — Usage has been outstanding for the one of the XFL’s most gifted wideouts. McKay has played on 92% of the snaps and seen a 19.2% target share through two weeks. The concern is QB play and terribly slow pace. Better play on TD-heavy Fanduel where McKay is far cheaper.
Sammie Coates, HOU ($7,700 DK, $14 FD) — Painful lack of production so far, just 3-34-0 on 13 targets. Can only project roughly 60% of the snaps this week for Coates, but the price has come down to a point we can find a ceiling.
TIER 5
Dan Williams, TB ($8,200 DK, $16 FD) — Expensive given Vipers’ shaky QB situation. But gets boost with Seantavius Jones cut and Nick Truesdell (knee) out. Williams also has slate-breaking natural talent, as we saw in Week 1 when he went 6-123-0. His Week 2 statline would’ve looked better if not for an offensive pass interference penalty on a late touchdown.
Marcus Lucas, STL ($4,100 DK, $14 FD) — 6’5/220 hybrid tight end has been in slot 64 times, out wide six times and in-line 48 times through two weeks. Only seen an 11.3% target share so far, but athleticism, role and price (particularly on DraftKings) are all pluses.
Flynn Nagel, DAL ($4,700 DK, $13 FD) — The no-doubt slot man in the XFL’s most pass-happy offense.
De’Mornay Pierson-El, STL ($10,100 DK, $18 FD) — BattleHawks’ slot man is very overpriced on DraftKings, but is undoubtedly a very good player with a strong role. Another “pay up to be contrarian” tournament option.
Kahlil Lewis, HOU ($9,100 DK, $18 FD) — Overpriced relative to role, as Lewis played on just 40-of-55 snaps in Week 2 and saw a poor 7.5-yard aDOT. That said, Lewis has seen 13 targets through two games for the league’s most efficient offense. A “pay up to be contrarian” kind of GPP play.
Jordan Smallwood, LA ($7,200 DK, $16 FD) — Big-bodied, NFL-style frame with red-zone role. Spiked to 95% of the snaps in Week 2 as injuries hit the wideout corps.
DEFENSE
TIER 1
St. Louis ($3,700 DK) — One of the XFL’s best defenses gets a home game against Matt McGloin and the lowly Guardians. McGloin was so bad through 1.5 games that he got yanked last week.
TIER 2
Houston ($5,200 DK) — Roughnecks get to face the combo of Taylor Cornelius and Quinton Flowers. Marc Trestman refuses to adapt his scheme to his talent, so problems likely to continue for Vipers.
Seattle ($3,300 DK) — Landry Jones projects for most dropbacks on the slate. That creates plenty of scoring opportunities for the Dragons defense in a place they have some actual home-field advantage. Price point is appealing.
DC ($4,700 DK) — Arguably the XFL’s best defense so far. If Josh Johnson doesn’t threaten with legs, it’s a nice spot.
TIER 3
Dallas ($4200 DK) — If Renegades can get a lead and force Brandon Silvers into 35+ dropbacks, this will be a strong play. Downside is game script goes bad and Seattle is able to run the ball on 60% of their plays.
