DFS First Look at Salaries & Plays for Week 12 (Fantasy Football)
Every week the First Look article gives you a taste of the slate and some of the more intriguing salaries that DraftKings releases. The goal is to identify early-week cash game considerations, as well as potential tournament plays before we piece together the stacking options. On Tuesdays, I share some of these insights on the Fantasy Footballers DFS & Betting Podcast if you want further commentary on some of the salary standouts.
Check back later in the week when Matthew Betz and I share our official DraftKings and FanDuel picks for cash and GPPs exclusively in the DFS Pass.
Here are the games for this week’s main slate* including implied team totals (TIP) for each matchup.
Overview
For newcomers, the main slate for DFS includes the Sunday early (1:00 EST) and afternoon games (4:05 EST). At first glance, here are a couple of things to note:
- Off the Main Slate: BUF, HOU, LAR, TB, SF, CAR
- Bye Week Teams: DEN, MIA, LAC, WAS
- This 11-game slate features four games currently hovering around the 50-point mark.
I’ve also added a glossary of metrics at the bottom if you want a quick refresher or definition of some of the statistics used below.
Quarterbacks
High-Priced Studs: Like a proud dad holding back his tears, Drake Maye ($6900) is the QB1 on the slate and priced higher than he’s ever been in his career… Patrick Mahomes ($6800) and the Chiefs have their backs up against the wall but the matchup at home is worth chasing. The Colts are allowing the 8th most passing yards per game and opponents are throwing the ball 64% of the time, the highest rate in the NFL.
Points per $ Cash Guys: Jalen Hurts ($6600), Jacoby Brissett ($5300)
GPP Intrigue: You could talk me into Dak Prescott ($6400) any week, especially at home in a game with a 49.5 over/under. Among the cheaper options, I have the Giants QBs circled- Jaxson Dart ($5600) if he passes concussion protocol or Jameis Winston ($4600) if you want to get weird.
Cheapies: Tyrod Taylor ($4300) is dirt cheap for a starting QB who we know runs the ball a fair amount.
Running Backs
Want to read the rest of this article?
Get the 2026 Ultimate DFS Pass for instant access. The 2026 Ultimate DFS Pass is currently available as part of the Ultimate Draft Kit+.
Get the 2026 UDK+Already purchased the DFS Pass? Log in here
