We’ve reached Week 17 in the Madden simulated season on Thursday’s DraftKings Dream Stream, which means there are just two sims left for each team to get into playoff position. The featured three-game classic slate should be a good one, starting at 6:00 p.m. ET with a matchup between the AFC East-leading New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars. At 8:00 p.m. ET in primetime, the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans host the Miami Dolphins, who are on the main slate for a second straight night. In the final matchup of the day, the Las Vegas Raiders will look to build on their primetime win on Wednesday as they go on the road to face the Indianapolis Colts.
As you build your lineups, be sure to consider the depth charts for each team. If you’re looking for gameplay details for these sims, along with the upcoming schedule, head over to the Madden Streams Information Page.
Quarterback
Stud
Cam Newton, New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, $6,400 — This is an extremely thin QB slate, which makes Newton the best option in a favorable matchup with the Jaguars. He has thrown 141 touchdowns in his 95 Madden 21 sims while averaging 220.8 passing yards per game and adding 19 rushing scores. He had 13.06 DKFP in his earlier meeting with the Jags and has posted over 12 DKFP in eight straight sims coming into this rematch. He’s far from elite, but he has been reliable, which is enough to make him the top play in this shallow pool.
Other Option — Derek Carr ($6,200)
Value
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins, $5,800 — Tannehill has the revenge storyline going for him in this matchup with Miami, who he has produced 5.04, 30.1 and 13.2 DKFP against in their past Madden 21 meetings. Tannehill can go off for huge games but also can be very quiet at times. He has under 12 DKFP in three of his past four but went off for 26.44 DKFP in his one big game. If you’re going cheap at QB, he’s my favorite play despite his volatility since the other QB options on this slate are just as inconsistent but with lower ceilings.
Other Option — Tua Tagovailoa ($5,900)
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Running Back
Stud
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins, $8,200 — Henry is the most expensive player on this slate, but he is also the only option at any position averaging over 18 DKFP per sim. He has averaged 20.8 DKFP on 83.6 rushing yards, 3.2 catches and 22.2 receiving yards per game while scoring an impressive total of 99 touchdowns in 97 sims. He had 29.6 DKFP against the 49ers in his most recent sim and beat Miami for 24.3 DKFP in their most recent meeting.
Other Options — Matt Breida ($6,600), Chris Thompson ($6,000)
Value
Jalen Richard, Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts, $4,400 — Richard continued to be a great value play with 16.5 DKFP on Wednesday against the Broncos, including his 22nd touchdown in Madden 21. He has at least 6.0 DKFP in five of his six previous games against the Colts and should again be a solid source of salary relief while chipping in a few catches and solid yardage.
Other Options — Nyheim Hines ($5,700), James White ($4,300)
Wide Receiver
Stud
T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts vs. Las Vegas Raiders, $5,800 — The Colts have been playing a little better lately after a brutal start to their sim season. Hilton’s increased involvement has been a big part of the turnaround, and he has produced at least 13 DKFP in three of his past four sims dating back to a massive 34.1-DKFP performance against the Bucs. He has 20 DKFP or more in three of his past six matchups with the Raiders and should be able to thrive once again in this matchup since Vegas’ secondary doesn’t have anyone that can match his speed and big-play ability.
Other Options — DeVante Parker ($6,500), Tyrell Williams ($5,400)
Value
Dede Westbrook, Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots, $4,700 — Since the Patriots’ secondary is strong on the outside, opponents are often forced to rely heavily on their slot receivers, which sets Westbrook up for success. He has at least three catches in 12 straight sims and over 11 DKFP in six of his past eight. He scored one of his 26 Madden 21 touchdowns in his earlier meeting with the Patriots on his way to 11.9 DKFP, and he’s a great play under $5K in the rematch.
Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts vs. Las Vegas Raiders, $4,100 — Campbell is another Colts WR who could take advantage of the overmatched Raiders secondary and put up a big game. He is loaded with big-play potential due to his 94 speed rating and role as the Colts’ primary slot receiver. He has over 7.0 DKFP in four of his six previous meetings with Vegas and has at least three catches in seven of his past eight sims.
Other Options — Corey Davis ($4,900), Jakeem Grant ($3,900)
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Tight End
Stud
Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts, $5,200 — This slate features a strong group of TEs, but Waller is my top play coming off three straight games with exactly six catches, including a monster 28.2-DKFP performance Wednesday night against Denver. He has over 12 DKFP in three straight and has had success in his previous contests with the Colts as well.
Other Options — Trey Burton ($5,700), Jonnu Smith ($5,100)
Value
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans, $4,400 — The Dolphins have kept Gesicki involved in the passing game, and he has averaged 4.4 catches for 48.1 yards per sim while finding the end zone 30 times in 96 sims. He had 8.4 and 22.9 DKFP in his two earlier meetings with Tennessee and is low-risk since the targets always seem to go his direction.
Other Option — Tyler Eifert ($3,700)
DST
Stud
Patriots DST vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, $3,100 — The Jags have been solid in these sims and can move to .500 with a win in this matchup. Even though the matchup isn’t a gimme, the Patriots are the best DST on this slate by far since they have forced 101 turnovers in 95 sims while scoring an impressive 18 defensive touchdowns to average 6.2 DKFP per contest.
Value
Raiders DST at Indianapolis Colts, $2,600 — The Colts have been the worst team in this simulated season and have struggled to put up points. If that continues, the Raiders will be a solid punt DST play that comes with a little upside as well. Vegas has 167 sacks and 29 takeaways in 93 sims but has managed at least 3.0 DKFP in four straight contests.
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