Week 17 Fantasy Football Millionaire Overview
Week 17 brought excitement to fantasy football players, as DraftKings hosted the NFL $2.25M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st] contest, offering a top prize of $1 million. With over 132,000 entries, the winning lineup, submitted by BigDiamondJ, scored a remarkable 241.16 fantasy points in the early games and held off competitors to secure the top spot. This victory came down to well-executed picks from high-performing stars and some savvy, low-owned sleepers that helped distinguish the entry.
Building Around Key Players
BigDiamondJ’s success was largely driven by a strong foundation built on high-value, high-scoring players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Baker Mayfield ($6,900; 37.56 FPTS) led the charge with five touchdown passes, totaling over 35 fantasy points. Wide receiver Mike Evans ($7,500; 29.7 FPTS) added two touchdowns, while running back Bucky Irving ($6,700; 26.0 FPTS) provided a solid 26 fantasy points, contributing to a dominant performance by the Bucs, who defeated the Panthers.
Top Ownership Plays and Performance
Several players with high ownership contributed heavily to bigDiamondJ’s victory. Jonathan Taylor ($7,900; 30.6 FPTS) and Adam Thielen ($5,700; 31.0 FPTS) both had standout performances. Taylor rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns, while Thielen posted two touchdowns and 110 yards in a game against Tampa Bay.
Differentiation with Low-Owned Plays
To separate his lineup from the rest, BigDiamondJ included under-the-radar players who delivered major points. DeVonta Smith ($5,800; 33.0 FPTS) was a game-changer, catching a touchdown from backup quarterbacks despite an injury, with an ownership under 6%. Additionally, the Eagles DST ($3,100; 19.0 FPTS) added significant value, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s two interceptions contributing to a defensive touchdown.
Tight Ends and Salary Optimization
A key to the winning strategy was the use of low-owned tight ends. Jauan Johnson ($3,500; 12.6 FPTS) and Tyler Conklin ($2,900; 21.7 FPTS) provided strong value at their positions. Conklin, with just 2.3% ownership, was a standout with eight catches, 57 yards, and a touchdown, proving to be the best tight end performance on the slate.
Looking Ahead to Week 18
BigDiamondJ’s winning lineup demonstrated a perfect mix of high-performing stars and under-the-radar picks, all optimized for salary. As the NFL season nears its end, Week 18 promises another chance for fantasy players to make their mark with a $1 million top prize. DraftKings enthusiasts can expect more expert advice and strategy as they prepare for the final week of the regular season.
