Now that the NFL is in to the first week of byes, playing in daily leagues becomes slightly more difficult. There’s simply less to choose from, and some lesser players’ prices rise. But there’s spots to save money this week to build a team that will put you in the money.
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Quarterback: Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers (JAC) - $8,400
From now on, I’m basically going all-in on whoever is playing Jacksonville. It's allowed the most overall fantasy points, per our fantasy against rankings (paid subscription required), and Rivers is the fourth best fantasy quarterback right now. His offense has been picking up first downs all over the field, and he’s controlled the clock to keep the ball in his hands longer. Going up against a terrible Jaguars team, Rivers will have a huge day.
Running Back: Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers (TB) - $8,800
Bell only rails Marshawn Lynch in fantasy points among running backs, and in last week’s Thursday night blowout, Atlanta’s Antone Smith and Steven Jackson combined for 18 points. LeGarrette Blount only came in in garbage time Sunday night for the Steelers, so Bell will be the feature back this whole game (barring another huge loss for the Bucs). He’s worth the money this week.
Running Back: Donald Brown, San Diego Chargers (JAC) - $6,300
For a guy who is going to be on the field for likely all three downs for the Chargers, $6,300 is an amazing price. Danny Woodhead could be done for the year, and is definitely missing this game, and Ryan Mathews is going to be out for a least a few more games. And, again, the Chargers are playing the Jaguars. Although Brown’s not the most talented back, he’s going to get at least 20 touches, which is far more than can be said for other running backs around this price.
Wide Receiver: Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles (SF) - $8,000
Maclin is the fifth best fantasy receiver through three games, and each game it seems Nick Foles is throwing the ball better. While the Eagles offense as a whole is set to take a step back this season from last year, but Maclin is the top receiver in Philadelphia right now. San Francisco’s secondary is struggling thus far, with rookie Jimmie Ward allowing a 138.3 rating to quarterbacks who throw at him, and Chris Culliver is allowing a 83.3 rating, according to Pro Football Focus (paid subscription required).
Wide Receiver: Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins (NYG) - $7,300
In the same vain as Maclin, Garcon is playing on a team that is going to be throwing the ball a lot, and he is now the top possession receiver in Washington with DeSean Jackson going over the top. Kirk Cousins does have a track record of turning the ball over, but for Garcon, it’s all about Cousins airing it out. I expect the trend from the Eagles game on Sunday to carry over, and for Garcon to be a five or six-catch guy for each game going forward.
Wide Receiver: Golden Tate, Detroit Lions (NYJ) - $5,500
As far as WR3s go, Tate is a solid option, especially on bye weeks. Tate is the 33rd best fantasy receiver, and has yet to score a touchdown, but does already have 201 yards. Calvin Johnson is the obvious red zone target for Matthew Stafford (oftentimes to a fault) but in these FanDuel leagues that give points per reception, Tate is a bargain.
Tight End: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (NE) - $5,200
Tight end has been a tough position to predict on a week-by-week basis this year, and it’s only going to be worse with Vernon Davis, Dennis Pitta and Kyle Rudolph all injured now. But Kelce is one of the few tight ends left who has a concrete role in his team’s offense. Week 3 was Kelce’s worst fantasy week so far, and he still is 12th among tight ends in scoring. Kelce is Pro Football Focus fifth-ranked tight end, higher than Julius Thomas and Rob Gronkowski, which means he should start seeing more snaps for Kansas City as well.
Kicker: Phil Dawson, San Francisco 49ers (PHI) - $5,000
The chances of Dawson missing any kicks inside of 50 feet that he’s given in this game are slim to none, he’s as reliable as they come.
Defense: San Diego Chargers (JAC) - $5,300
All aboard the Chargers train! Again, the Jaguars factor is huge here. Blake Bortles will be starting his first career game, so he’ll be good for a turnover or two, Toby Gerhart hasn’t done anything in the rushing game, and the Chargers defense has looked so much different from last season with Dwight Freeney healthy to provide pass rushing.