NFL Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-05-24

Welcome back to SportsPulse.com, your ultimate destination for conquering DraftKings and FanDuel! I'm your top DFS analyst, here to arm you with the sharpest picks for the upcoming NFL slate. The Week X matchups are set, and it's time to exploit some soft spots and capitalize on recent trends. Let's dive in and build some winning lineups!

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs): Mahomes is in prime position for a monster game. Coming off a 350-yard, 3-touchdown performance last week, he faces a Denver Broncos secondary that has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. With Travis Kelce healthy and a high implied team total, expect Mahomes to air it out and deliver elite QB production on both DraftKings and FanDuel. His floor is safe, and his ceiling is unmatched. 2. Christian McCaffrey (RB, San Francisco 49ers): CMC is matchup-proof, but this week he gets an Arizona Cardinals defense that struggles mightily against pass-catching running backs. McCaffrey has averaged over 25 touches per game in his last three outings, including 6+ receptions in two of those. His involvement in both the running and passing game guarantees a high floor, and with his red-zone usage, multiple touchdowns are always in play. Lock him in for a dominant performance. 3. Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, Detroit Lions): St. Brown is a target hog and a PPR machine. He’s seen double-digit targets in three of his last four games, including a 10-catch, 120-yard, one-touchdown effort recently. This week, the Lions face a Minnesota Vikings secondary that has been vulnerable to slot receivers. St. Brown's consistent volume and reliable hands make him a high-floor play with significant touchdown upside, especially in a game that projects to be a shootout.

Top 2 Players to SIT/BENCH This Week

1. Najee Harris (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers): Despite his name recognition, Harris has been inefficient, averaging under 3.5 yards per carry in his last five contests. This week, he faces a stout Baltimore Ravens run defense that is among the best in the league at limiting opposing running backs. Pittsburgh’s offensive line struggles will only exacerbate the issue, making Harris a risky play with a low ceiling and limited receiving upside against a tough divisional foe. 2. Garrett Wilson (WR, New York Jets): Wilson's talent is undeniable, but the Jets' quarterback situation remains a significant concern. Whether it's Zach Wilson or Trevor Siemian under center, the passing game lacks consistency and volume. This week, they go up against a Philadelphia Eagles defense with elite cornerbacks and a strong pass rush. Wilson's target share might be there, but the quality of targets and overall offensive production will likely cap his fantasy output.

Two Value/Bargain Plays Under Salary Cap

1. Tyler Conklin (TE, New York Jets): While the Jets' offense struggles, Conklin has quietly seen an uptick in targets, especially as a safety blanket. He's had 5+ targets in three of his last four games and faces a Philadelphia Eagles defense that, while strong overall, has shown some susceptibility to tight ends over the middle

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