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DraftKings NFL Picks & Optimal Lineups: Browns vs. Broncos Showdown

Single Entry/Cash Lineup

– CAPTAIN: Tim Patrick ($8,700)
–  Phillip Lindsay ($11,800)
– Jarvis Landry ($10,400)
– Case Keenum ($9,200)
– David Njoku ($6,000)
– Brand McManus ($3,400)

For what it's worth if the name "Breshad Perriman" scared you immediately onto the single entry lineup, I can't blame you. With that said, the 150-max lineups aren't for everyone, but single entry options should be right up the alley of every fantasy football player. While I'll focus on safe plays and options who have fairly high ceilings, there does need to be a certain approach taken in these games.

Games that don't have as much variance as 150-max options allow you to use the players such as Phillip Lindsay who provide both upside and fairly little risk. But those are the players who also come with hefty price tags, so you'll have to build around them in a unique fashion.

While Lindsay is in an absolutely elite spot here against the Browns, he'll also likely be one of the most popular plays. On the season, Cleveland has allowed 1,429 rushing yards, 666 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns to opposing running backs. Lindsay should be chomping at the bit to hit the field against this group.

With Lindsay, I opted to build a bit around the Denver theme, as I believe the Broncos are in a solid spot on their home field and facing the Denzel Ward-less Browns. This only adds to the intrigue of Tim Patrick, a player who I'm planning to have a large amount of throughout lineups on this showdown slate.

And largely due to Cleveland's struggles against running backs and wideouts, paired with Ward's absence, that's why I'll take the low price of Case Keenum and roll him out here. But, I'll admit that I'm not in love with the idea of Keenum on this slate.


The Case Keenum Conundrum

To put it lightly, Keenum has been a massive fantasy headache this season. Whether it's daily fantasy football slates with multiple games or just showdowns, he's a brutal option to gauge the value of. In the last seven games, the Broncos quarterback has fallen below 17.5 DraftKings points and hasn't thrown for over 200 yards in any of the past three games.

With all that being said, even with mediocre production in the most recent stretch, Keenum has scored 13.8 and 15.5 fantasy points. No, those numbers aren't great and don't point to an overly-high upside, but I mentioned before the Browns are traveling across the country and the Broncos' playoff hopes are on the line.

If there were a spot to ever target Keenum, this is it. I think his floor is safe in this game and he could surprise with a decent amount of upside. As you can tell from other builds also, I believe the elite spots for his wideouts make them great targets, so I won't completely ignore the signal-caller here.

One other area that does need to be addressed is the kicking situation. I've used both kickers and will have them sporadically in lineups. Brandon McManus hasn't excelled as of late, but I'm putting some belief in the fact that the Broncos will put points on the board here. I'm fine with either kicker, as I do believe their floor is safe and field goals could become popular throughout Saturday's game.

Most importantly, we know the ball soars in Denver, so both kickers have a solid chance at connecting on one or two long attempts. The weather looks fine there as well, so it's a low-risk play and one that could come with a decent reward.

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The Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos square off in the NFL's Week 15 night game Saturday and we broke down the DraftKings showdown picks and optimal lineups.