Mike’s FD Player Grid 3.25

Mike Johnson (MJohnson86) has racked up nearly $500,000 in DFS profit as an NFL tournament player with success in all styles of contests

This is a list of players that stand out to me at each position from using my “Checking the Boxes” criteria outlined in my course you can find in our Marketplace. This list is a starting point, from which I build out lineups using game theory and roster construction concepts with the mindset being to find the best plays with big ceilings. Low ownership is a bonus, but not a must. 

Quarterback::

• Caleb Williams // Dak Prescott – This game has the potential to blow the slate away and the salaries involved are too ripe to pass up.
• Kyler Murray – Kyler is running at a higher rate this season than he did in 2024 and this is a spot where he could be pushed to his ceiling. As usual, stacking him is direct and clear with MHJ and McBride.
• Cam Ward – He is going to bust out at some point. Why not this week when everyone is focused on the DAL/CHI game and the backup QBs?

Running Back::

• Ashton Jeanty – DFS 101 says the sixth overall pick being written off after a rough first two games might still be live for some big games. His salary is insulting for his talent and this could be a good matchup to get back on track.
• Christian McCaffrey – There is plenty of value available on the slate and CMC continues to churn out good games so far this season. He has yet to truly break one open, but at home against this Cardinals defense that plays right into his strengths seems like a perfect spot for an eruption.
• Kenneth Walker III – He looked like he was back to his old self in Week 2 and now gets the backfield to himself as Zach Charbonnet is listed as doubtful. Matchup, talent, volume, home favorite, and moderate salary.
• Jonathan Taylor – JT plays basically every snap for the Colts and faces a Titans defense that has been gashed so far this year, ranking 31st in run defense DVOA. Quarterback Daniel Jones has three 1-yard touchdowns. If those go to JT, everyone would be tripping over themselves to play him.
• Saquon Barkley – This is a player who ran for over 500 yards against the Rams last season. He has been relatively quiet so far this season, but the Rams are a legitimate threat to Philly and Barkley is always a threat to bust the slate.
• Jordan Mason – Bell cow usage at home in a dome against a Bengals defense we expected to be weak this season. He carries some systemic risk in this spot, but clearly has paths to a very strong game.
• Bucky Irving – The Bucs quietly have the second-highest team total on the slate. Bucky is their feature back and is one of a handful of RBs with 4+ targets in both games this season. At only $7,400 and in a great matchup, Bucky could get things rolling against the Jets.

Wide Reciever::