We’re back to another long week of byes, which means a number of missing guys who had been great fantasy football options (ex. Golden Tate, Aaron Rodgers and Julio Jones, just to name a few). These are the best plays of what’s left for owners looking to play some daily fantasy football over at DraftKings.
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Quarterback: Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals (JAX) - $6,300
The difference between Eli Manning and Dalton this week is $1,000, but the point differential certainly won’t warrant that by the end of the weekend. Dalton certainly hasn’t blown anyone away for fantasy purposes, but he’s had at least 22 points in two of his past three games. He also has an advantageous matchup against a Jaguars defense that has produced a solid pass rush this season, but they certainly won’t be shutting Dalton down. It also looks like the Bengals will be getting A.J. Green back, which always helps.
Running Back: Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts (NYG) - $5,800
Bradshaw hasn’t been bowling over anyone on the ground, but Andrew Luck sure loves getting him involved in the passing game. Bradshaw has 10 receptions between the past two games, and has 43 points in DraftKings leagues in that span (DraftKings awards a point per reception). New York is also allowing the eighth most points to opposing running backs this season, per our fantasy against rankings (paid subscription required). Even if Bradshaw doesn’t put up show-stopping numbers, owners will be pleased with his production given his price this week.
Running Back: Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks (OAK) - $6,100
For all the talk of Lynch’s falling out of favor in Seattle and his relationship with Pete Carroll, he’s still being used in the offense. Lynch had 14 carries last weekend in a close win over the Carolina Panthers, and is still averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Unfortunately, Lynch hasn’t scored in four games, but the Raiders have allowed seven rushing touchdowns to running backs in seven games. Out of the crop of running backs this week, Lynch is still one of the most reliable and one of the most likely out of the top three or so guys to rip off a 100-yard game.
Wide Receiver: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers (BAL) - $9,100
The main factor in using Brown this week is that he’s by far the best receiver in the league this season with Calvin Johnson injured. He’s scored at least 20 points in each of the past three games, and has at least five receptions in every game. Then, there’s the problem that is Baltimore’s secondary. They’ll play this game without their top two corners, Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb, which means either Asa Jackson or Chykie Brown will be covering Brown. That’s bad news for the Ravens, who were already allowing the most points per game to opposing receivers. Use Brown this week, no matter the price.
Wide Receiver: Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (CLE) - $4,700
In each of the past three games he’s played in, Evans has scored double-digit points in DraftKings leagues, hauling in at least four receptions in every game during his rookie campaign. This week, Evans is a good value play against a struggling Browns defense. He may not rip off any huge plays in this Tampa Bay offense, but Evans gets enough looks from Mike Glennon that he is a great player for this price.
Wide Receiver: DeSean Jackson, Washington Redskins (MIN) - $6,000
Jackson and Robert Griffin III simply don’t have enough snaps together to say what kind of relationship they might have on the field right now, but it doesn’t matter. Jackson is going to pull off a big play no matter who is throwing to him. He’s scored at least 22 points in DraftKings leagues in four of his past six games, yet he’s $1,600 cheaper than Jeremy Maclin this week, who has only two games above that mark all year. Jackson is a WR2 this week who could score WR1-level points.
Tight End: Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts (NYG) - $4,100
Allen only caught one pass last week. It doesn’t matter. All the man does is score touchdowns. He’s found the end zone in five of his past six games, and is clearly Andrew Luck’s favorite target in the red zone. There’s no reason to think he won’t score against the Giants.
Flex: Odell Beckham, New York Giants (IND) - $5,000
Beckham has scored three times in his first three games in the league, and makes a great flex value at the same price range as guys like Doug Baldwin and Andrew Hawkins. For as good as Indianapolis’ defense has been this season, they have allowed nine touchdowns to receivers this season, and they will be without corner Vontae Davis, who was allowing the second lowest quarterback rating to opponents, per Pro Football Focus.
Defense: Cleveland Browns (TB) - $2,900
For the third week in a row, the Browns defense has a very advantageous matchup. Last week they scored 13 points against the Oakland Raiders, and eight the week before that against the Jaguars. Paul Kruger has had a resurgence this season as a pass rusher, and both Justin Gilbert, Joe Haden and Buster Skrine had great games against the Raiders last weekend, which they both needed. Glennon has been sacked 14 times this season and has thrown four interceptions, which has contributed to the Bucs allowing eight points per game to opposing defenses.