Five NFL daily fantasy plays for Week 16 and the Chiefs pick of the week

Below, you’ll find a list of players I have spotlighted for daily fantasy selections leading into Week 16 of the NFL season. I’m mostly looking for affordable options who will provide good value.

I use the following criteria to try and find players — NFL Vegas totals, NFL team stats, what the fantasy gurus are saying and my GUT.

Without further ado, let’s see who’s made my list of five players this week!

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Baker Mayfield, QB Browns

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Baker Mayfield has put together an average year, having thrown 21 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and just over 3,000 yards on the season. It’s pretty impressive for a rookie, and I think Cleveland has a future with Mayfield.

The Browns host the Bengals on Sunday, and the Bengals have allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks on the year.

With Mayfield’s talented arm and ability to create plays, the Bengals could have troubles keeping Mayfield in check this weekend. I expect Mayfield to be cheaper than the top-level quarterbacks, but he could certainly have an output like one of the more expensive quarterbacks on the market.

Christian McCaffrey, RB Panthers

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I usually don’t go after the top dollar players like Christian McCaffrey, but I’m making an exception this week.

McCaffrey has put together a great season and he should continue that success against the Falcons, who have allowed the third most points per game to running backs.

I expect McCaffrey to come at a premium, but expect him to be worth the extra money against the Falcons.

Chris Carson, RB Seahawks

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Chris Carson has two things going heavily in his favor: The Chiefs/Seahawks game has a huge over/under sitting at 55 points, and the Chiefs defense has allowed the most fantasy points to running backs all season.

Carson has had a decent year and it’s likely he will pass the 1,000-yard rushing mark before the end of the season — and possibly against the Chiefs. I’m looking for Carson to have a good game on Sunday night.

Marlon Mack, RB Colts

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Marlon Mack was a player many Chiefs fans had their eyes on during the draft process. I remember wandering through the comments section and several people were really high on Mack.

Well, this week I’m high on him too. The Colts face the Giants who have allowed the fifth-most points against running backs this season. The Colts/Giants game is also one of the higher over/under games this week, so Las Vegas thinks some scoring will happen in this game.

Add all these factors together, and Mack could have a solid showing while being relatively cheap.

Demaryius Thomas, WR Texans

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Chiefs fans haven’t heard much from Demaryius Thomas after his exit from the Broncos. However, I believe Thomas could have a good game this weekend.

I say this because the Texans will face off against the Eagles, and the Eagles allow the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.

Also, Thomas is still getting himself situated with the Texans. Over the past few weeks, Thomas has been slowing improving his numbers. If the trend continues, he could put some points on the board while being an affordable option.

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So who is my Chiefs pick of the week this week?

I’m in a bit of a weird mood this week (maybe it’s the full moon), but I want to pick a player from left field against the Seahawks...

Kelvin Benjamin

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One day I was just out living my life, and then the next day the Chiefs suddenly had Kelvin Benjamin on the roster.

I think Benjamin has some upside on this roster with the way Patrick Mahomes plays the game. Benjamin could post up some zone Seahawk defenders this week and score an unexpected touchdown.

More than anything, I’m just curious to see how Benjamin fits into the Chiefs offense as he continues to become more familiar with the offense.