Just like that, we have one game left in Week 13. Led by Sean Payton, the Denver Broncos are 7-5 and surging toward postseason contention. Drafting Bo Nix has worked out to be a prudent decision as the rookie has developed into quite the capable signal caller. It’s a far cry from the struggles Denver dealt with last season. The Cleveland Browns on the other hand are going in the opposite direction. At 3-8, they are just playing out the string and six-point underdogs tonight. With an over/under of 42, just a modest amount of offense is expected. As we consider our DFS picks, there is a lot for us to consider. Here are some Monday Night Football NFL DFS picks with preferences ranked within each category so you can find success.
Monday Night Football NFL DFS Picks: Browns @ Broncos
Captain
Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos
In four of his last five games, with a tough matchup in Baltimore, thrown in there, Bo Nix has multiple touchdown passes. That gave Nix 16 touchdowns on the season as he has truly found his groove as of late. Adjusting to life in the NFL has seemingly agreed with Nix. Finding chemistry with Courtland Sutton has been another strong factor in Nix’s success.
Nix has been decidedly better at home this season averaging 252 passing yards compared to 184 yards on the road. With only six interceptions, Nix has also avoided mistakes. The game will run through Nix tonight which puts him atop our DFS picks for the evening.
Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
Opposing receivers have found DFS success against the Browns this season, and Courtland Sutton is next in line. Over the past few weeks, we have seen a strong chemistry develop between Sutton and Nix.
Over the past five games, Sutton has been targeted 48 times as he’s become the go-to guy for his rookie signal caller. Sutton has also been efficient catching 36 passes and three touchdowns. With 467 yards, Sutton is also generating some big plays, and that should continue tonight.
Flex
Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns
While he only gained 59 yards last week, it was a good day for Nick Chubb. The running back carried the ball 20 times on Sunday and the good news is that he was up to the task. Cleveland was comfortable increasing Chubb’s workload and that bodes well for his outlook moving forward. More importantly, Chubb scored two touchdowns.
Even though Chubb is averaging just three yards per carry on the season, the quantity is there. There isn’t going to be a lot of offense tonight, but we can expect the Browns to lean on Chubb once again.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns
We know that it’s going to be a tough matchup for the Browns tonight. However, they do need to move the ball through the air at some point. Jerry Jeudy has emerged as the go-to option for Cleveland. The trade of Amari Cooper has benefited Jeudy and Jameis Winston moving to starter has also helped.
Jeudy was targeted 36 times in the last four games catching 24 passes. He hasn’t gained less than 73 yards in those games and has 379 yards in that stretch. Even if it’s an ugly game overall, Jeudy should receive his share of targets.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Denver Broncos
The running back situation for the Denver Broncos is less than ideal. While we have seen flashes of emergence at times, it seems as if no one is truly stepping forward. If we have to pick amongst the options, Jaleel McLaughlin is atop my DFS picks.
Cost comes into play here as McLaughlin can seamlessly fit into just about all lineups. Last week, he carried the ball seven times and gained 44 yards. It came with a long carry of 18 yards as McLaughlin is earning more playing time. Of course, Denver needs to cooperate, but finishing as the leading rusher last week should count for something.
David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns
The snow and the weather were certainly an issue last week, but David Njoku struggled. He was targeted five times, but caught just one pass for nine yards. Njoku did secure a two-point conversion as well, but he needs to bounce back this week.
Previously, he had been adjusting quite well to life with Winston. In the four previous games, Njoku had 29 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He is a capable receiving option who should receive a large target share once again.
Value
Will Lutz, K, Denver Broncos
The veteran continues to be a dependable option for the Broncos this season. Denver trusts Will Lutz from distance as he has nine field goals from beyond 40 yards and another four from greater than 50 yards. He’s made 24 of 27 field goal attempts while also being perfect on his 26 extra point attempts. If offense is going to be in short supply, we have to take it from any source we can.
Denver Broncos Defense
The Browns have allowed the fourth most DFS to opposing defenses this season, and that should continue tonight. With 44 sacks, the Broncos have shown the ability to get to the quarterback with ease. They are allowing just 17 points per game while also generating 15 turnovers.
Fade
Jameis Winston, QB, Cleveland Browns
Opposing quarterbacks simply haven’t had success against the Broncos this season. They have the second-fewest DFS points, and those struggles will likely continue to Jameis Winston tonight. The price is high on Winston tonight and he hasn’t shown the upside just yet.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 13 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!