One of the more fun weeks of the season is here. There are players resting, hurt, and back ups playing to earn spots for next year. On FanDuel there will be plenty of value guys. I am excited in case you couldn’t tell.
Last week was a good week for the cheap running backs like Elijah McGuire and Jamaal Williams. Antonio Brown saved a few of my lineups, as Adam Thielen and DeAndre Hopkins were good not great. At quarterback Deshaun Watson and Big Ben finished well but Drew Brees and Dak did not bank us money. Zach Ertz was a great pick last week which hopefully cancelled out the donut that Gronk dropped on me.
Looking into this week we will need to pay attention to who’s in and who’s out. I am trying to avoid guys who may not play the whole game.
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Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes $9,500
There hasn’t been a ton of chances to play Mahomes on the main slate recently. With the Chiefs motivated to play this week, I am motivated to play Mahomes.
Aaron Rodgers $8,400
The Packers have been airing it out quite a bit lately and with lacking a run threat once again, I am fine A-Rod as my number two guy this week.
Nick Foles $7,600
Oh man, he broke the slate last week and has been on fire since taking over. The Eagles have to win to stay alive, with still no defense, so Foles will have to continue his hot streak.
Sam Darnold $7,500
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Darnold has not met the same fan fair as Baker Mayfield, yet quietly has had a solid rookie season. In a game where the Jets should have to pass often, he should be a dependable option.
Teddy Bridgewater $7,300
I like Teddy this week getting the start over Drew Brees. He could spend the game showcasing his talents or the Saints who are not motivated to play at a high level may disappoint. That is the gamble.
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Running Back
Saquon Barkley $8,500
My top pick at the position this week is the elite option I am most confident will garner a full workload.
Joe Mixon $7,500
At least for now, the Bengals haven’t stopped feeding Mixon. If that holds up he should get plenty of work.
Sony Michel $7,200
I try to roster Sony when I feel the Patriots will be playing with a lead. This is the scenario I foresee.
Damien Williams $6,900
Damien is a little pricey for me this week, but I think the Chiefs hang a big number up on the Raiders. If he can continue his production from the last few weeks, he will be a value at his price.
Tarik Cohen $6,600
The Bears are coming in to this game not exactly expected to rest players or not try, for what it’s worth. With Allen Robinson out, Cohen may get a few more targets in the passing game.
Chris Carson $6,400
Another tricky scenario for me is whether or not to play Carson. The Cardinals are getting killed on the ground and this is a perfect match up for him. The Seahawks however could limit his workload to keep him fresh for the playoffs.
Elijah McGuire $6,300
One of last week’s heroes is back in another good spot this week. I don’t believe this game will play out like last week’s versus the Packers, yet Eli will still get his touches.
C.J. Anderson $6,200
Filling in for Todd Gurley again, he will continue to get the bulk of the carries for a great offensive team. There are bigger gambles at this price range.
Royce Freeman $4,700
This is mostly a gut call. My thoughts are that the Broncos are eliminated from the playoffs and they know what they have in Devontae Booker. This is a perfect spot to see what Freeman can do.
Wide Receiver
Julio Jones $8,600
The Falcons are one team who has not quit despite having nothing to play for. Julio is banged up and expensive, but I’m still playing him.
Davante Adams $8,500
Adams has the motivation of breaking the receiving yards record for the Packers this week. That might be all I need to fire him in a few spots.
JuJu Smith-Schuster $7,900
The Steelers have to win for a shot to play next week. JuJu had a heart breaking fumble at the end of last week and I believe he has a big game this week to atone for it.
Tyreek Hill $7,800
Anytime the Chiefs are aligned for a big day, Hill has to be in play.
Robby Anderson $7,000
No way he has another big game, right? I am sure some people are betting against it. I am a believer.
Brandin Cooks $7,000
Cooks will look to rebound this week and certainly has the match up to do so.
Stefon Diggs $6,700
The Vikings need to win and he has suddenly been the favorite target over Adam Thielen. The Bears defense is certainly legit and that should scare people off of Diggs.
Alshon Jeffery $6,500
The biggest beneficiary of Nick Foles taking over has been Jeffery. The middle tier pricing makes Alshon a target for me.
Robert Foster $5,800
Foster has been playing great since he was given the playing time and this week should be no different.
Jamison Crowder $5,600
The Eagles secondary continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. Josh Johnson has seemingly locked onto Crowder as his favorite target.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $5,000
I mentioned Davante Adams is going for a record, which isn’t top secret information. Going contrarian leads me to MVS with Randall Cobb doubtful to play.
Anthony Miller $4,800
Looking for some cheap plays to unlock some pricier options, Miller is likely to see an uptick in targets with Robinson out. He also gets his shares around the red zone.
Richie James Jr. $4,600
The 49ers can only pass the ball to George Kittle so much, I think. James is purely a lottery ticket that I am willing to look at to possibly fit in one of the more expensive tight ends.
Tre’Quan Smith $4,600
If Teddy is going to show off his arm, Tre’Quan could break the slate as he has that ability. Depending on how many other starting Saints are phased out, he has the potential for a huge game at bargain bin pricing.
Denny Medley – USA TODAY Sports
Tight End
Zach Ertz $7,800
Ertz is having a monster year and the Eagles need him again this week to come up big. I love all the top three tight ends this week, so flexing one looks like the play.
Travis Kelce $7,700
Kelce and Kittle are both battling it out for the receiving yards record by a tight end. Kelce starts the day with a 50 yard advantage. I have already laid out that I think the Chiefs go big in all facets on offense.
George Kittle $6,700
Kittle will be chasing Kelce as I mentioned and could be peppered with more targets than usual with the top two normal starting wide outs not playing.
Jared Cook $6,000
The Chiefs will score. I assume there will be a lot of people on the top three tight ends and I have no issue fading those guys for Cook or my last guy.
Chris Herndon $5,800
The tight end for the Jets has not provided value in years. As of late, however, Chris Herndon has been dependable and a very solid option.
Defense
Rams $4,800
If you believe the Rams will dominate like they can and should, this is as high as I am paying up for a defense.
Chiefs $4,400
I do not see the Raiders staying with the Chiefs or scoring a bunch of garbage time points.
Falcons $3,300
The Bucs are rumored to try and get Ryan Griffin some reps. Yes, please.
