Similar to last week, we have to dig a little deeper with DFS plays heading into week 9 as we come up against another six teams on their bye weeks leaving a lot of fantasy relevant players unable for selection. Despite this, there is still plenty of talent available and also some bargains to pick up out of the dumpster! Take a look at my selections for potential solid DFS candidates this week.
Quarterback
Drew Brees vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DraftKings: $7,000 // FanDuel: $8,300
Everything about this game is exciting – two offensively talented teams going head-to-head with subpar defenses? Yes, please. Coming off a rough week against the Bears, look for Brees to optimize this matchup against the Buccaneers. Currently ranked 23rd against the pass, this Tampa Bay defense has shown enormous vulnerability within their secondary. Keep tabs on Jameis Winston’s health, as there is a large dependence on his throwing capability to allow a shootout game. Build your lineups around this matchup with a popular over/under of 50.
Jared Goff vs. New York Giants
DraftKings: $5,500 // FanDuel: $7,600
Goff is an enticing play this week given his price and matchup with the Giants. The Giants are 28th against the pass, and are giving up at least one passing touchdown each game thus far – a recipe leading to the seventh-most fantasy points per game allowed to opposing quarterbacks. The battered Giants offense will be challenged by a stout Rams defense, providing Goff with a hefty time of possession and role this game. Overall, Goff is a solid cheap option this week that will free up some salary on other positions.
Running Back
LeSean McCoy vs. New York Jets
DraftKings: $8,700 // $8,500
McCoy has an ideal matchup against the Jets, who are ranked 27th against the rush. He is coming off an impressive game against the Raiders where he set season highs in yardage and carries. Shady should see a hefty workload again this week against the Jets complimenting last weeks performance. The Bills defense should be able to keep the ball in his hands the majority of the game too meaning spending high on McCoy is well worth the safe floor he offers with such a pleasing match-up. Lock Shady up this week in your lineups.
Doug Martin vs. New Orleans Saints
DraftKings: $5,800 // FanDuel: $6,700
Doug Martin has seen 20 touches the last two weeks and should continue his workload given that Jameis Winston is not playing at 100 percent. The Saints are currently 21st against the rush and sport a decent secondary that will encourage the Bucs to run. Regardless of game flow, Tampa Bay is feeding Martin the ball given their quarterback issues and could see a large workload in the pass-catching game throughout this game.
Carlos Hyde vs. Arizona Cardinals
DraftKings: $5,200 // FanDuel: $6,500
Despite his recent struggles, Hyde still ranks tied sixth in the league for most rushing touchdowns after managing to get into the endzone four times. In recent weeks, however, it has been increasingly difficult to plug Hyde into lineups – but the match-up speaks volumes here as the struggling 0-9 49ers battle the Arizona Cardinals without their main signal caller, Carson Palmer. When Hyde last played against a healthy Arizona team, he received 21 total touches. With no Palmer, that offers a favorable game script and Hyde could be in line to take full advantage of that. He comes into the game boasting no less than 15 touches in all but one game this season. This type of workload offers a safe and cheaper option for a solid DFS play.
Wide Receiver
Michael Thomas vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DraftKings: $7,200 // FanDuel: $7,600
Yes, I know that Michael Thomas has been quite the letdown following his phenomenal rookie season. If there is a week to bounce back, this is the ideal opportunity to do so. His price is absurdly low, specifically on FanDuel, given his workload and pleasing match-up. Averaging nearly 9 targets per game, Thomas is destined for a breakout game against Tampa Bay’s secondary, who had two starters miss last week. Thomas is locked in this week for me and he could see 10 or more targets throughout this potentially high scoring game.
Dez Bryant vs. Kansas City Chiefs
DraftKings: $6,400 // FanDuel $7,700
I originally had not planned on playing Dez this week as Ezekiel Elliott has consistently eaten up red-zone targets and has dictated the offesive play for the Cowboys. Now that Zeke is suspended, Bryant should resume his generous red-zone target share that we’ve seen for so many years. His match-up against the Chiefs is convenient as well, as they are currently 29th against the pass and have given up 13 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. Bryant is another under-priced player this week with extreme potential against the Chiefs secondary.
Kenny Stills vs. Oakland Raiders
DraftKings: $4,500 // FanDuel $5,500
Speaking of teams without their star running back, the Jay Ajayi-less Dolphins are now presumably lacking a running game and will likely be throwing the ball on a more regular basis. Regardless of the QB fiasco in Miami, Stills has really stepped up his game the last 3 weeks, averaging five receptions for 66 yards with three touchdowns. He has seen nine targets or more the last two weeks, and has an ideal match-up with a Raiders secondary that is currently ranked 21st against the pass and has given up 11 touchdowns through the air.
Tight End
Tyler Higbee vs. New York Giants
DraftKings: $2,800 // FanDuel: $4,500
The Giants biggest weakness on defense has been evident throughout the entirety of the season – they simply cannot handle tight ends. They have allowed eight touchdowns and 508 yards to opposing tight ends thus far and certainly have shown no signs of fixing this persistent issue. Higbee has seen a significantly higher snap count than his fellow tight ends and could see a lot of work through the air against a struggling Giants defense that is currently ranked 28th against the pass. Higbee’s price is awfully attractive given this ideal match-up.
By Logan Paluzzi @FF_Pancake
