It seems like the early string of fantasy-relevant injuries has finally slowed down. While some key players are still missing or limited, there’s a level of consistency finally developing to at least somewhat help daily fantasy football players.
With just two teams on bye in Week 6, there’s plenty of players to choose from in daily formats, but only a few prime choices to make the most of the salary cap in FanDuel leagues.
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Quarterback: Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers (OAK) - $9,100
The Raiders are the early favorite to land the No. 1 pick in the draft, and Rivers has captained the second-best offense in the league this season (only behind the Denver Broncos). Rivers is getting receivers outside of Keenan Allen involved, and now that Antonio Gates is healthy enough to be a consistent red zone target, Rivers is a top quarterback every week, no matter how much he costs.
Running Back: Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers (CLE) - $8,600
Even in a huge comeback win, the Browns allowed five yards per carry to Titans running backs last weekend, and in Week 3 against the Ravens, Justin Forsett averaged 5.7 YPC. That’s great news for Bell, who is the third best back in fantasy this season. He tore up the Browns in Week 1, and will find similar success against a struggling defense.
Running Back: Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens (TB) - $6,300
Given the three-headed monster in Baltimore, using Forsett isn’t ideal, but for his price, he has huge upside. Not only did Forsett average over seven yards per carry against the Colts on Sunday, he was also the Ravens’ leading receiver, and FanDuel operates with point-per reception scoring. Forsett seems to be the No. 1 option as a runner in Baltimore, and has been catching the ball out of the backfield consistently enough to be useful in daily formats.
Wide Receiver: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers (CLE) - $8,900
The last time Brown played Cleveland (Week 1) he had 17 fantasy points and had over 100 receiving yards. Among corners who have played at least 50 percent of their team’s snaps, Cleveland’s Joe Haden and Buster Skrine rank fourth and second, respectively, in quarterback rating allowed, per Pro Football Focus. Haden has had a few terrible plays this season, and Skrine allowed a long touchdown to Justin Hunter and Charlie Whitehurst in Week 5. Brown is in for a big week.
Wide Receiver: Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers (CIN) - $6,600
In terms of total fantasy scoring, Benjamin could actually be considered a WR1, and is a no-brainer for this price given the number of targets he’s seen this year. He’s had two dud games this year (Weeks 2 and 5), but in between those games, he’s put up games of 15 and 17 points. Cam Newton has take a step forward as a pocket passer with his rib injury, meaning more deep targets for Benjamin.
Wide Receiver: Kenny Britt, St. Louis Rams (SF) - $5,500
After spending so much money on Bell and Brown, I had to cut back and pick up Britt, but he’s at least caught eight passes in his past two games and caught his first touchdown pass of the year against the Eagles last week. Austin Davis has thrown for over 700 yards in his past two games, and after Brian Quick, Britt is the No. 2 receiving option in St. Louis, and compared to the other players in this price range, Britt has the highest upside to find the end zone.
Tight End: Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins (ARI) - $5,100
This is obviously assuming Reed is cleared to play against the Cardinals on Sunday, but he was close to playing on Monday night, so I’m willing to bet on Reed this week. Without Reed in the lineup, Niles Paul has 319 yards and a touchdown in Washington’s offense. Arizona has also allowed the ninth most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, according to our fantasy against rankings (paid subscription required) and Reed is clearly a much better player than Paul.
Kicker: Billy Cundiff, Cleveland Browns (PIT) - $4,800f
Defense: Denver Broncos (NYJ) - $5,000
This is the perfect time to deploy Denver’s defense. The Jets are in complete dismay, and Geno Smith’s confidence has to be shot after being benched in favor of Michael Vick. Smith has thrown at least one touchdown of each of his five starts this season, and has just four touchdowns. Nothing about the Jets offense should scare any defense, especially one that has been as solid as Denver’s this season.