DraftKings NFL Picks & Optimal Lineups: Vikings vs. Seahawks Showdown

Single Entry/Cash Lineup

– CAPTAIN: Dalvin Cook ($13,200)
– Adam Thielen ($11,800)
– Russell Wilson ($11,200)*
– Chris Carson ($7,600)
– Sebastian Janikowski ($3,400)
– Aldrick Robinson ($2,200)

The single-entry lineup is one I also like for cash games, for a few different reasons. Obviously, there are a few things that stand out, but the first is what I'll note above when it comes to Russell Wilson. While I love the spot of Wilson this week, I went back-and-forth on using him or Kirk Cousins.

If you do opt to go down to Cousins ($1,000 less) and feel more comfortable upgrading from Aldrick Robinson, that's understandable. Although I view Robinson as some level of a risk, the reasoning behind him receiving a nod here is that the snaps and workload are increasing. At just $2,200, it's going to require very little for him to hit value as well.

Both players should provide a safe floor, but personally, I'm a fan of Wilson's ceiling here. The fact that Stefon Diggs seems to be healthy and good to go against a Seahawks secondary that struggles on the outside will only help Cousins' outlook. Tack on that Adam Thielen is so reliable and has a strong upside of his own, and it's a good spot for both quarterbacks.

Speaking of Thielen, I may not have used him to this point, and that's largely due to his high price tag and the fact that he hasn't been quite as dominant as early in the year. It's not a knock on him, as the Vikings wideout has one of the more impressive abilities across the league and his targets are back up after two "down" weeks (seven in each). Over the past three games, he's seen 31 passes come his way, hauling in 20 of them.

Thielen is essentially the definition of a "safe" play, as his two worst games this season resulted in 12.7 and 13.8 DraftKings points. Aside from those two, he's totaled 26.8 or more on eight different occasions.

Dalvin Cook is a name I plan to have quite a bit of exposure to in all formats. While the Vikings don't seem to have interest in going wild running the ball, this is a good spot across the board for their young back. On the season, Seattle has allowed 1,047 rushing yards on 224 carries for eight touchdowns to the position. Even bigger than that, is the fact they've given up 77 receptions for 747 receiving yards, and four additional scores to opposing running backs.

Cook has received either nine or 10 carries in each of the past four games but topped 14.9 DraftKings points in three of them. Specifically last game, he got heavily involved as a pass-catcher, receiving 10 targets and hauling in eight passes. While it went for an ugly 22 yards, the receptions are easy points, especially in a plus-matchup like this.

Finally, I'll mention the Sebastian Janikowski play, as I think the Seahawks find themselves down in Minnesota's end early and often in this game. In somewhat of a strange stat, the Vikings have allowed the second-most field goal attempts on the season. I wouldn't put a wild amount of stock into that, but based on how I believe the game flow goes, Janikowski is a strong play.

Along with that, the Seahawks kicker still boasts a huge leg and has scored 30 fantasy points in the last three games. He makes a lot of sense as a safe play and a high floor play who'll open up the rest of your lineup.

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