Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 8

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 8 DFS fantasy football

Just when we thought Week 7 had too many ugly matchups, Week 8 entered the chat room screaming in CAPS LOCK. This week is brutal from an offensive standpoint. Two premier offenses are on bye. Two elite and two above-average offenses are in the primetime slate. Plus, the GOAT faced Lamar Jackson on Thursday. The only “off-slate” game that won’t be sucking away a ton of talent is the latest Sunday-morning London game.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Green Bay @ Buffalo

If this game was scheduled for last season, it would have been a must-see event. Now, we get to see a short-handed Aaron Rodgers (QB3) struggle to keep up with the top offense in football. If Allen Lazard (shoulder) misses this game, Rodgers will be forced to throw the ball to his rookie WRs.

Josh Allen (QB1) is the best QB in football right now (with my apologies to personal favorite Patrick Mahomes). Green Bay’s secondary is decent but they are about to get schooled.

It would be wise of Green Bay to run the ball frequently this week to attempt to keep it away from the Buffalo offense. It won’t work, as eventually, they will have to abandon the run to keep up. Aaron Jones (RB3) should have enough volume in both the run and pass games to be an RB2 consideration. A.J. Dillon (RB6) isn’t getting the opportunities needed to be more than a deep flex play. Maybe Green Bay can line one of them up at WR.

Devin Singletary (RB4) has actually posted respectable numbers this season despite continuing to play second-fiddle to the passing game. His price is cheap enough to make him a preferential RB2 play. James Cook (RB8) has passed Zack Moss on the depth chart. Moss wasn’t even active last week. If he suits up, he can be ignored in all formats. Heck, even fullback Reggie Gilliam (RB9) has passed Moss in value as he catches a few passes each week.

We don’t know which receivers Rodgers will have at his disposal. Allen Lazard (shoulder – WR6) is his only reliable option, but he is trending toward being out. Christian Watson (hamstring – WR11) has not been used much in the passing game yet, but his draft capital suggests that he is capable of being an alpha. Sammy Watkins (WR8) will be the de facto WR1 for Rodgers this week if Lazard is out. That alone would put him in WR3 consideration. Romeo Doubs (WR9) hasn’t done much recently but he will likely be WR2 for Green Bay this week. He could be a sneaky flex play as someone will draw the targets here. The only other options they have are Amari Rodgers (WR14) and something called Samori Toure (WR16). They can both be ignored.

Green Bay’s secondary has supposedly improved this offseason. The numbers suggest this is true until you look closer and see that Justin Jefferson and Terry McLaurin are the only legitimate WRs they have faced all year and both had huge games against them. Both Stefon Diggs (WR2) and Gabe Davis (WR3) are playable at WR1 this week, and I would not fault you for using both of them in an Allen stack. Isaiah McKenzie (WR10) has tailed off since Davis’ return, but he is also in play as a WR3. You could get cute and use Khalil Shakir (WR12) to save even more dough. He also makes a great Showdown play.

Robert Tonyan (TE2) merits consideration due to all of the WR injuries. Someone has to catch the ball here. Even with all of the WR questions, I’m not ready to deploy Josiah Deguara (TE5) or Marcedes Lewis (TE6).

As predicted entering this year, Dawson Knox (TE3) has found himself as a true TD-dependent play. It isn’t a great slate for TEs, but I feel better about the other options at a similar cost. Tommy Sweeney (TE7) has zero value without a Knox injury.

Monday Night

CINCINNATI @ CLEVELAND

In the battle of Ohio, Joe Burrow (QB2) has a huge advantage in talent, weapons, and moxie. Teams that wish to fade Allen should look here.

Jacoby Brissett (QB4) has actually had a solid season for being thrust into a starting role. Cincy is mediocre against the pass, so he will have a serviceable stat line. Unfortunately, it will still be the lowest on the slate.

Cleveland has looked foolish against the run most of the last month. Joe Mixon (RB2) will attempt to exploit this despite his vanilla tendencies. He is definitely the safest RB2 on the board. This awful defense also puts Samaje Perine (RB6) in play as a potential discount flex.

Nick Chubb (RB1) has been unstoppable this season. Regardless of the opponent, game script, or dodging his own teammates’ vultures, he has performed as a top-three RB in the league. Set him as your RB1 and smile. Kareem Hunt (RB5) has underperformed his draft equity this season, but he is always a threat to score, and his auxiliary numbers keep him flex-worthy. Just watch this weekend to see if the hot stove talk regarding him heats up as this may lead to him not playing here. If Hunt is held out/dealt, D’Ernest Johnson (RB9) would have Showdown value.

Ja’Marr Chase (hip) and Tee Higgins (WR1) both balled out last week in a stellar matchup. Now Chase is out for at least the next month. All of your lineups should have one of the following: Higgins, Diggs, or Davis. Tyler Boyd (WR5) also had a big game last week, and he deserves WR2 thought if you are going cheaper at the position. The “other” Michael Thomas (WR13) could be a Showdown play with the injury to Chase.

Amari Cooper (WR5) is a great run-it-back play in a Bengals stack, since Cincy has had struggles with WR1 this year. That said, we should point out that Noah Brown is the only auxiliary WR to do anything versus them. Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR8) should probably be faded here, and David Bell (WR15) shouldn’t even sniff Showdown lineups.

I love what Cincinnati is doing with Hayden Hurst (ankle/groin – TE1). I love even more that the sites refuse to raise his price. He is easily the safest TE on the board this week, and Chase’s injury should increase his target share.

With David Njoku (ankle) out, Harrison Bryant (TE4) may be a decent streamer this week. Cincy is middle of the road against the position, and Bryant has had success when featured previously. I’d consider some double-TE builds including him.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Kirk Cousins ($6.1k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.4k), RB Raheem Mostert ($5.9k), WR Jaylen Waddle ($6.7k), WR Adam Thielen ($6.2k), WR Josh Reynolds ($5k), TE Irv Smith ($3.5k), FLEX D’Onta Foreman ($5.3k), DST Washington Commanders ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Geno Smith ($7k), RB Derrick Henry ($10k), RB Saquon Barkley ($9.5k), WR Adam Thielen ($6.2k), WR Brandin Cooks ($6.1k), WR Marquise Goodwin ($5.6k), TE Irv Smith ($5k), FLEX Raheem Mostert ($6.8k), DST Washington Commanders ($3.4k)

FB Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.6k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.4k), RB Raheem Mostert ($5.3k), WR Stefon Diggs ($7.1k), WR Josh Reynolds ($4.1k), WR Marquise Goodwin ($3.4k), TE Irv Smith ($3.5k), FLEX Kenneth Walker ($6k), FLEX D’Onta Foreman ($4.7k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Jalen Hurts $8,300 $9,200
Kyler Murray $7,500 $8,200
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,200
Tua Tagovailoa $6,200 $7,700
Kirk Cousins $6,100 $7,800
Matthew Stafford $6,000 $7,000
Derek Carr $5,900 $7,200
Geno Smith $5,800 $7,000
Daniel Jones $5,700 $7,500
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,600 $7,100
Andy Dalton $5,500 $7,100
Jared Goff $5,500 $7,300
Marcus Mariota $5,400 $6,900
Jameis Winston $5,300 $7,100
Mac Jones $5,300 $6,600
Ryan Tannehill $5,300 $6,700
Davis Mills $5,200 $6,500
Justin Fields $5,200 $6,500
P.J. Walker $5,200 $6,400
Taylor Heinicke $5,200 $6,400
Kenny Pickett $5,100 $6,600
Zach Wilson $5,100 $6,400
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,700
Taysom Hill $5,000 N/A

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Tua Tagovailoa is the safest option among the high-priced picks this week. Jalen Hurts is worth playing on DK as is Kirk Cousins. If you don’t use one of these three consider Geno Smith or Jared Goff. You can also punt with Davis Mills or (if he is able to start) Ryan Tannehill (ankle).

Fantasy Four-pack

Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. PIT
($8,300 DK, $9,200 FD) 
Pittsburgh has held four of the seven QBs to face them to only one passing TD. The issue for them is that they are giving up the fifth-most passing yardage and the few running QBs they have faced have had success against them. Hurts should be good for three total scores this week.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ DET
($6,200 DK, $7,700 FD)
Tua has gone from potentially out of football forever to the second-best QB option on this slate in just three weeks. Detroit is better against the pass than the run, but that isn’t saying much since they are ungodly bad against the run. Stack Tua with either Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle and then run it back with whoever suits up at WR for Detroit.

Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. ARI ($6,100 DK, $7,800 FD) The Cardinals seem to limit opposing WR1s every week, so consider Justin Jefferson a trap this week. The rest of the defense is in deep “blank” as they try to hold in check the rest of this passing offense. Cousins will find some combo of  K.J. Osborn, Adam Thielen, and Irv Smith for a trio of passing TDs.

Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. NYG
($5,800 DK, $7,000 FD
This feels like a possible trap here for Smith with Tyler Lockett (hamstring) playing through an injury and DK Metcalf (knee) questionable, at best. Still, you cannot argue with the success he has had so far this season. He has multiple passing scores in five of seven games. He also has had success with his legs. This could be his blessing here as New York has struggled with rushing QBs this season.

DFS Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions vs. MIA
($5,500 DK, $7,300 FD)
An excessive volume of WR injuries combined with a tough pair of opponents has probably pushed Goff out of the comfortable start category. Still, Miami is dealing with injuries of their own on the defensive side of the ball opening the door for Goff to get back into the good graces of the DFS community here.

Davis Mills, Texans vs. TEN
($5,200 DK, $6,500 FD)
This game could be a sneaky shootout as neither team plays much defense. Ryan Tannehill (ankle) may actually outperform Mills in this matchup, but his starting status is in question. Mills is just a smidge cheaper than Tannehill. He also has a more reliable WR1 in Brandin Cooks to stack with.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,700 $8,500
Derrick Henry $8,400 $10,000
Saquon Barkley $8,100 $9,500
Jonathan Taylor $8,000 $8,300
Dalvin Cook
$7,600 $8,200
Josh Jacobs $7,500 $9,000
Alvin Kamara $7,100 $7,800
D’Andre Swift $6,800 $7,500
Miles Sanders $6,600 $7,400
Kenneth Walker $6,500 $8,400
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,400 $8,000
Dameon Pierce $6,300 $7,300
David Montgomery $6,300 $6,700
Ezekiel Elliott $6,200 $7,100
James Conner $6,100 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,100 $6,300
Eno Benjamin $6,000 $7,000
Jamaal Williams $6,000 $7,500
Michael Carter $5,900 $6,600
Raheem Mostert $5,900 $6,800
Damien Harris $5,800 $7,000
Khalil Herbert $5,700 $6,700
Najee Harris $5,700 $6,600
Alexander Mattison $5,600 $5,200
Brian Robinson $5,600 $6,000
Darrell Henderson $5,500 $6,500
Antonio Gibson $5,400 $5,600
Chuba Hubbard $5,400 $6,200
Tyler Allgeier $5,400 $6,100
D’Onta Foreman $5,300 $6,400
Nyheim Hines $5,200 $5,100
Chase Edmonds $5,100 $5,700
Jeff Wilson $5,100 $5,700
Caleb Huntley $5,000 $5,200
Cam Akers $5,000 $5,500
Keaontay Ingram $5,000 $5,400
Mark Ingram $4,800 $5,000
Kenneth Gainwell $4,700 $5,300
DeeJay Dallas $4,600 $5,100
Dontrell Hilliard $4,600 $5,100
J.D. McKissic $4,500 $4,800

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry are the two best plays this week. They are also priced as such. You won’t be able to afford both of them, but try to get one of them into each lineup. An active D’Andre Swift (ankle/shoulder) would be a decent pivot as would Alvin Kamara (lack of TDs). It is just hard to rely on either of them seriously right now. Dameon Pierce is probably the safer pivot. Tony Pollard should also be a strong play with Ezekiel Elliott (MCL) likely out. Raheem Mostert gets the best matchup among cheaper options. He seems like a must-start. I also love the discount prices on D’Onta Foreman and Brian Robinson.

Fantasy Four-pack

Derrick Henry, Titans @ HOU
($8,400 DK, $10,000 FD)
Houston is allowing a league-worst 174 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. Now they have to contend with King Henry? Houston, we have a problem. That $10k price is high, but if there was ever a confluence of events that could produce 3x value to that, it is this matchup. Expect a floor of 150-2.

Saquon Barkley, Giants @ SEA
($8,100 DK, $9,500 FD)
Seattle is not as bad as Houston. They only allow 155 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. That said, they have been really putrid against pass-catching backs such as Barkley. For his part, he has scored and/or topped 100 combo yards in all but one game this season. This will be his top performance to date.

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers @ LAR ($8,700 DK, $8,500 FD) McCaffrey looked pretty dang good with no practice and just reading the playbook on a cross-country flight. Imagine what he can accomplish for San Francisco once he gets a week of practice in. The Rams are very good against the run, but San Fran will go out of its way to showcase its new toy this week. He will finish with right around 24 points here.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. WAS
($8,000 DK, $8,300 FD)
I’m not sure what effects Sam Ehlinger will have on Taylor and the ground game, but he can’t be any worse to the team’s goals than Matt Ryan had been. Washington is decent against the run, but no team has allowed more RB receiving TDs this season. Taylor got a lot of targets last week, if this continues he will definitely score here.

DFS Sleepers

Tony Pollard, Cowboys vs. CHI
($5,900 DK, $6,800 FD)
Pollard will not have to split touches with Ezekiel Elliott (MCL) this week. This is nice because either one of them would be in for a big game if the other wasn’t present. Chicago is allowing 146 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. Now, all of that will go to Pollard. 

Raheem Mostert, Dolphins @ DET ($5,900 DK, $6,800 FD) The Lions are allowing a league-worst 1.7 total TDs per game to opposing RBs. Meanwhile, Mostert holds a 2-to-1 touch advantage over his clear backup, Chase Edmonds. Over the last four games, Mostert holds a 360-to-69 yards from scrimmage advantage. This is Mostert’s backfield, and this week Mostert is a must-start.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,600 $9,300
Justin Jefferson $9,100 $9,000
Davante Adams $8,600 $8,500
Tyreek Hill $8,500 $8,700
A.J. Brown $7,700 $8,200
Deebo Samuel $7,500 $7,300
DeAndre Hopkins $7,400 $7,900
Michael Pittman $7,200 $7,100
CeeDee Lamb $7,000 $7,500
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,900 $7,200
Jaylen Waddle $6,700 $7,800
DK Metcalf $6,600 $7,000
Tyler Lockett $6,500 $7,600
DeVonta Smith $6,300 $6,900
Adam Thielen $6,200 $6,200
Brandon Aiyuk $6,100 $6,700
Chris Olave $6,000 $6,900
Terry McLaurin $6,000 $6,800
Brandin Cooks $5,900 $6,100
Michael Thomas $5,700 $7,000
Diontae Johnson $5,600 $6,300
Jakobi Meyers $5,600 $6,600
Robert Woods $5,400 $5,700
Curtis Samuel $5,300 $5,600
DJ Moore $5,300 $6,200
Allen Robinson $5,200 $5,600
Drake London $5,100 $5,600
Rondale Moore $5,100 $5,500
Josh Reynolds $5,000 $6,500
Michael Gallup $5,000 $5,800
Hunter Renfrow $4,900 $5,600
Chase Claypool $4,800 $6,000
Darnell Mooney $4,900 $6,100
Elijah Moore $4,700 $5,000
George Pickens $4,700 $5,500
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,700 $5,900
Alec Pierce $4,600 $5,800
Darius Slayton $4,600 $5,700
DJ Chark $4,600 $5,000
Corey Davis $4,500 $5,500
Mack Hollins $4,500 $5,600
Parris Campbell $4,500 $5,600
Treylon Burks $4,500 $5,000
DeVante Parker $4,400 $5,800
Marquise Goodwin $4,400 $5,600
Tre’Quan Smith $4,400 $5,300
Jarvis Landry $4,300 $5,500
Kalif Raymond $4,300 $5,600
Noah Brown $4,300 $5,500
Garrett Wilson $4,200 $5,400
Jahan Dotson $4,200 $5,700
K.J. Osborn $4,200 $5,300
Nico Collins $4,200 $5,300
Ben Skowronek $4,100 $5,300
Greg Dortch $4,100 $5,000
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,000 $5,300
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,000 $5,300
Robbie Anderson $4,000 $5,300
Tyquan Thornton $3,800 $5,700
Braxton Berrios $3,700 $5,200
Marquez Callaway $3,700 $5,000
Richie James $3,700 $5,200
Rashid Shaheed $3,600 $5,100
Cedrick Wilson $3,300 $5,200
Damiere Byrd $3,300 $5,100
Dee Eskridge $3,300 $5,000
Laviska Shenault $3,000 $4,800
Van Jefferson $3,000 $5,400

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – I am spending up at RB this week, so I will likely only have one high-priced WR in my lineup. Both Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams (illness) are OK plays but are expensive. I’d rather roll with one of the Dolphins or one of the Eagles. Adam ThielenBrandin CooksDJ Moore, and Terry McLaurin are my favorite WR2 options. If you need to go cheaper, there use one of the Lions or Giants. They can also be used at WR3. You can also consider Marquise Goodwin or one of the Saints in that spot.

Fantasy Four-pack

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins @DET
($8,500 DK, $8,700 FD
Detroit has allowed 11 different WRs to reach double-digit PPR points already this season. This suggests that both Hill and Jaylen Waddle could blow up this week. Since you should also have a lot of exposure to Raheem Mostert, choose only one of the two in your stacks.

Cooper Kupp, Rams vs. SF
($9,600 DK, $9,300 FD)
Facing the Niners isn’t a death knell for Kupp. He was targeted 19 times versus them just a couple of weeks back. Over their last three meetings, Kupp is averaging 11-121. The knock is that he has only scored in one of those games. Consider this a floor game for Kupp, which will still be right around 20-24 points.

Davante Adams, Raiders @ NO
($8,600 DK, $8,500 FD)
Adams (illness) finally took a hit to his run of either scoring or topping 100 yards in every game as he finished with only 95 scoreless yards last week. This week, he faces a Saints team that has been demolished by an alpha receiver in each of its last four games. As long as his illness doesn’t affect his play, expect a huge game here. 

A.J. Brown, Eagles vs. PIT
($7,700 DK, $8,200 FD)
No team has allowed more receiving yards to opposing WRs than Pittsburgh. Plus, 12 different receivers have reached double-digit PPR points against this defense already. If you play Jalen Hurts, stack him with Brown and run it back with Pat Freiermuth.

DFS Sleepers

Adam Thielen, Vikings vs. ARI
($6,200 DK, $6,200 FD)
For whatever reason, WR1s have struggled to step up against Arizona. That said, subordinate WRs have embarrassed them. Coming off of a bye, I hate to write off Justin Jefferson, but Thielen just seems to be ready for the spotlight this week. In their last four games, Thielen has only four fewer targets than Jefferson and Thielen has actually outscored him. It seems crazy that their prices are nearly $3k apart. 

Marquise Goodwin, Seahawks vs. NYG
($4,400 DK, $5,600 FD)
I think most casual players did not know that Goodwin was still in the league. I admit that I had forgotten about him as well. DK Metcalf (knee) is questionable, at best, for this weekend, and while he is more likely to play, Tyler Lockett (hamstring) also is not 100 percent. If either or both are limited or out we will see Goodwin as the top target for Geno Smith in a game that could devolve into a shootout.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
George Kittle $5,700 $6,900
Taysom Hill N/A $6,500
Darren Waller $5,400 $5,500
Zach Ertz $5,100 $6,000
Dallas Goedert $5,000 $5,900
T.J. Hockenson $4,900 $6,300
Tyler Higbee $4,200 $6,000
Kyle Pitts $4,000 $5,600
Pat Freiermuth $3,900 $5,700
Mike Gesicki $3,800 $5,400
Dalton Schultz $3,700 $5,100
Irv Smith $3,500 $5,000
Hunter Henry $3,400 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,200 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,200 $4,800
Will Dissly $3,200 $4,800
Foster Moreau $3,100 $5,000
Jonnu Smith $3,100 $4,500
Logan Thomas $3,000 $5,000
Cole Kmet $2,900 $4,600
Austin Hooper $2,800 $4,700
Chris Myarick $2,800 $4,600
Mo Alie-Cox $2,800 $4,600
Noah Fant $2,800 $4,700
Jordan Akins $2,600 $4,600
Adam Trautman $2,500 $4,400

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Simply put this week at TE is, “Yuck!” The best play this week is Zach ErtzDallas Goedert and T.J. Hockenson (knee) could be in play, but they are less appealing options. Based on pricing, the three I recommend using are Dalton SchultzPat Freiermuth, and Irv SmithJordan Akins and Chris Myarick are the only punt plays worth considering.

Fantasy Four-pack

Zach Ertz, Cardinals @ MIN
($5,100 DK, $6,000 FD)
Over their last five games, Minnesota has allowed an average of 5-61 to the position to go along with four TDs allowed. Ertz is currently third in targets and receptions at the position. Expect a solid week with another score here.

Dallas Goedert, Eagles vs. PIT
($5,000 DK, $5,900 FD)
Pittsburgh is middle of the pack against the position, but they have faced only a pair of quality TEs this season. Goedert has six or more targets in four of six contests this season. This volume should make him a strong third leg to an Eagles stack.

George Kittle, 49ers @ LAR
($5,700 DK, $6,900 FD)
Since his return in Week 3, Kittle is fourth among TEs in yards and fifth in targets and receptions. That said, the Rams are the best team in the league against the position so keep your expectations in check.

T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. MIA
($4,900 DK, $6,300 FD
The Lions have dealt with a pile of WR injuries, and Miami has its own issues with health in its defensive backfield. This combination should set up for Hockenson (knee) to continue to post solid numbers. Just check his injury status prior to locking him in.

DFS Sleepers

Irv Smith, Vikings vs. ARI
($3,500 DK, $5,000 FD)
Arizona continues to have zero strategies for shutting down TEs. Smith will score and should be the third leg of your Vikings stack with Kirk Cousins and Adam Thielen.

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers @ PHI ($3,900 DK, $5,700 FD) You cannot succeed against Philly on the outside, so expect Freiermuth to be the most successful pass-catcher for Pittsburgh this week.

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 179

Talking fantasy football player news, trading tips, dynasty leagues, and more.

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you B.P.N. NFL news, trading for the future in dynasty when you are out of the running, and their DFS pay-ups, stay-aways and value plays. So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 8

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 8 DFS fantasy football

Thank goodness the bye-pocalypse is done. That made for some ridiculous-looking lineups in regular fantasy leagues. The DFS landscape was also strained as so many stars were off of the main slate. This week, we have fewer teams on bye (two), but five of the best offenses in football are in primetime. So once again the DFS pool may seem shallow. I’d suggest wading in rather than cannonballing.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Dallas is heading north to Minnesota. Dak Prescott has been a stud this year, throwing for three or more TDs in all but one contest. He did suffer a small calf injury back in Week 6, but the bye week should have offered him more than enough time to heal. Minnesota will be without their top CB, Patrick Peterson, making an already subpar secondary look even worse. On a slate loaded with offensive potential, Dak may be QB1, and he is no worse than QB2, presuming his injured calf doesn’t keep Prescott on the pine.

Dallas also has some serious deficiencies in its secondary. You hate to see that when you are about to attempt to defend Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Kirk Cousins would be the QB1 on most slates. Not this time, however. I’m going to be forced to slot him at QB3 on a loaded board. His salary will be cheaper though, which may make him more appealing.

The Vikings’ run defense was supposed to be a strength this year. They haven’t shown out yet. Still, the matchup looks less appealing than some of the others (especially when you consider that Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard continue to split touches). If Saquon Barkley (ankle) returns, I will give Zeke the RB3 slot and Pollard the RB5 slot. Otherwise, Zeke can be used as your RB2, and Pollard could be a cost-savings pivot there or as a FLEX.

Dalvin Cook is the top RB on this slate. Dallas has actually been considerably better against the run than the pass, but they also haven’t faced much talent or a run-forward game script yet this year. Dalvin is a stud — don’t get cute, just set him and forget him. Alexander Mattison has returned to a supplemental role, so use him only as an injury pivot in Showdown lineups.

The likely return of Michael Gallup should open this offense up even more. He is going to be the WR7 or WR8 on the slate and should be cheap enough to consider at WR3 to get exposure to this passing game. Both Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb are in play for WR2. I prefer Lamb over Cooper, but it may come down to money considerations. Either would be a great play. If Gallup misses this game, Cedrick Wilson could have value. Otherwise, I will pass on him and Noah Brown.

In what should be a high-scoring contest, I love Adam Thielen to cross the stripe at least once. He joins Cooper and Lamb in the WR2 conversation (and I prefer him slightly to both of them). I also like Justin Jefferson, but I feel Thielen is the safer play this week, especially since Jefferson will likely draw INT-machine Trevon Diggs. K.J. Osborn has been a bargain basement stud recently. With so much cost tied up at RB and WR, you may have to consider him at WR3 or FLEX.

Dalton Schultz has produced strong value this year. On this slate, he will get the TE2 nod. That said, the matchup doesn’t scream success. Minnesota has allowed only one big TE game this season. Plus, the possible return of Gallup could cut into Schultz’s targets. Not to mention that Blake Jarwin is still in play as well. As for him, I won’t use Jarwin outside of Showdown.

Tyler Conklin has made many Vikings fans forget about Irv Smith. Dallas has allowed some big games to opposing TEs, but Conklin still ranks no higher than TE3 here. He could even be the fourth-best based on matchup.

Obviously, if Prescott misses this game due to his calf, then use the Vikings defense. Otherwise, pass on both of them.

Daniel Jones could put up big numbers against a rotten KC defense this week and still finish as the worst QB on this slate. At the price-point separation, he may actually be the right play for you. Still, he will rank as QB4 here.

Patrick Mahomes was knocked around last week by Tennessee. He should be fine for this game and ranks as QB1 or QB2 on the slate. The Giants defense has been nearly as bad as the Chiefs. This smells like a get-right game for Saint Patrick, and only Prescott has a similar ceiling.

Saquon Barkley is the second-best RB on this slate. Unfortunately, he still remains questionable, at best, to play the game. If he goes, he must be in your lineup. In the event that Barkley sits out one more game, Devontae Booker gets a great matchup, and he should be RB4 overall as a great FLEX play. KC is so rotten on defense, even if Saquon plays, Booker could have FLEX appeal.

Darrel Williams has been an effective fill-in for a KC offense that remains without Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The only RB to not go off against this defense was Chuba Hubbard last week. With so much money spent elsewhere, you seriously have to consider using Williams at RB2 or FLEX. That said, in reality, he is right around RB4 here. Jerick McKinnon isn’t used enough to play him.

Finding a healthy receiver on the Giants is like finding a needle in a haystack. Sterling Shepard gets the volume, but his hamstring held him out last week. If he plays, he is a great option at WR3 to save money. Kenny Golladay has also been a frequent visitor to the inactive list. Again, if he can suit up, he makes a great WR3 option as well. That said, I have more faith in Shepard playing. Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Kadarius Toney would make a great play this week if he can suit up. His injury is in an ankle, so he is even less likely than Shepard or Golladay to play. Darius Slayton returned from injury last week and led the team in targets and receiving yards. If the other three are all out again, Slayton needs to be played as a volume WR3. In that situation, Dante Pettis or John Ross could also be considered as a FLEX. Though neither offers the upside of any of the WRs in front of them on the depth chart. There was one week back in 2020 that I played Collin Johnson. That will remain the only week I will ever play Collin Johnson.

Tyreek Hill will lock horns with James Bradberry this week. Despite his frequent shadow coverage, opposing WR1s have had success against this defense. Cost may force me to pivot away from him, more so than Bradberry’s coverage. If I don’t use him, I will put two of the Vikings and Cowboys up top. To gain exposure to this game, Mecole Hardman and Byron Pringle make slightly more sense, since they will be considerably cheaper. Either could be slid into your WR3 or FLEX slot. Demarcus Robinson isn’t getting the volume to rely upon. He is best left for Showdown slates. As for Josh Gordon, he has not played more than 11 snaps in any game since signing and he has a total of two targets over that span. Don’t even consider it.

The Chiefs have been awful against opposing TEs. Meanwhile, Evan Engram has actually seen an uptick in targets thanks to all of the injuries at WR. He deserves the TE3 tag here, and at his price, you should definitely consider using him. Kyle Rudolph remains strictly a depth piece and should be avoided.

Travis Kelce is the TE1 here. He remains the safest play among all of the KC pass-catchers, but good luck fitting his salary onto your roster.

In reality, KC’s defense is severely flawed. That said, on a slate full of bad defenses, always consider the one facing the worst offense. As for the Giants, you can chase some Mahomes INTs here if you want. They should be cheap.

[lawrence-related id=461624]

The Main Slate: My recommended DFS lineups

At DK: $5.4k for Teddy Bridgewater. $6.5k for Darrell Henderson. $6.9k for Joe Mixon. $5.3k for Michael Pittman. $4.9k for Jerry Jeudy (if he plays) otherwise $4.7k for Tim Patrick. $9k for Cooper Kupp. $2.9K for Tommy Sweeney. $6.6k for Alex Collins at FLEX. $3.6k for the Cincinnati Bengals defense.

At FD: $7k for Bridgewater. $7.6k for Mixon. $7.7k for Henderson. $7.5k for Diontae Johnson. $6.6k for Pittman. $6k for Jeudy (or $5.8k for Patrick). $6.2k for T.J. Hockenson. $5.9k for Kenneth Gainwell at FLEX. $4.9k for the Cincinnati Bengals defense.

At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Bridgewater, Dak Prescott at SF, Mixon, Henderson, Collins at FLEX, CeeDee Lamb, Adam Thielen, Jeudy/Patrick, and Hunter Henry.

DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,100 $8,800
Matthew Stafford $7,600 $8,200
Tom Brady $7,400 $8,300
Justin Herbert $7,300 $7,900
Jalen Hurts $7,200 $8,400
Joe Burrow $7,100 $7,800
Ryan Tannehill $6,600 $7,500
Jameis Winston $6,000 $7,400
Matt Ryan $5,900 $7,200
Carson Wentz $5,700 $7,200
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,600 $6,900
Sam Darnold $5,600 $7,300
Baker Mayfield $5,500 $6,500
Trevor Lawrence $5,500 $6,700
Tua Tagovailoa $5,500 $7,100
Ben Roethlisberger $5,400 $6,600
Teddy Bridgewater $5,400 $7,000
Geno Smith $5,300 $7,000
Taylor Heinicke $5,300 $7,000
Jared Goff $5,200 $6,800
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,900
Justin Fields $5,000 $6,400
Mike White $5,000 $6,300
Case Keenum $4,900 $6,400
Tyrod Taylor $4,900 $6,300
Davis Mills $4,800 $6,300

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford are the two best options this week. If I pivot off of them, it would be for Jalen Hurts, Ryan Tannehill, Jameis Winston, or Carson Wentz. Still, this feels like the week to spend down at the position. I really like both Teddy Bridgewater and Trevor Lawrence. I could also see putting out a few lineups with Geno Smith. Talk about a Halloween horror story.

Fantasy Four-pack

Matthew Stafford, Rams @ HOU
($7,600 DK, $8,200 FD)
In the only contest that Stafford did not throw for multiple TDs this season, he still finished with 365 passing yards. Meanwhile, Houston has remained middle-of-the-pack against the pass all season. They have given up 16 total scores to the position. That number may reach 20 after this game.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. MIA
($8,100 DK, $8,800 FD)

Allen faces a defense that has allowed a league-worst 358 passing yards per game over their last three. The Bills faced Miami earlier this season and Allen was held under 200 yards and to only two passing TDs. Those numbers were kept in check, though, because Buffalo was running over them with their backs. Miami does have Xavien Howard and Byron Jones back, but that didn’t keep Matt Ryan from shredding them last week. One thing to note, though, is the returning corners did limit Calvin Ridley’s production, so perhaps consider stacking Allen with either Cole Beasley or Emmanuel Sanders instead of Stefon Diggs.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ DET
($7,200 DK, $8,400 FD) 

Hurts has been prolific in garbage time but mediocre in the rest of the game script. So, this will be an interesting test for the young QB. How will he perform when his team is actually leading? With social media howlings for Gardner Minshew to replace him, Hurts will need to step it up. One thing we know for sure is that Hurts can hurt you with his rushing ability. With Miles Sanders on IR with an ankle injury, many people will use Kenneth Gainwell as a cheap RB fill-in. It is possible, however, Sanders’ absence could just lead to more throwing and more QB scampers by Hurts. Detroit can be embarrassed by either.

Ryan Tannehill, Titans @ IND
($6,600 DK, $7,500 FD)
Washington is the only team to allow more passing TDs than Indy. Tannehill finally has both A.J. Brown and Julio Jones healthy. It is about time as I am sick of seeing Tannehill being held to one or zero passing TDs. At least he has scored a few rushing TDs to keep his owners slightly sated during these first few weeks. Tannehill’s best game of the season was Week 3 versus the Colts. In that game, he threw for under 200 yards but managed three passing scores. He also was without Brown in that game. With both receivers at his disposal, I expect another three scores and a better yardage total.

DFS Sleepers

Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos vs. WFT
($5,400 DK, $7,000 FD)
Somehow #Teddy1TD has managed to throw for multiple TDs in five of his seven starts this year. Amazingly, he is still in constant danger of losing his starting job. Washington has allowed the most passing TDs this season. This includes 17 over their last five games. As long as Bridgewater doesn’t get benched due to fan disapproval, he will have another multiple TD game here. Heck, I may need to change his hashtag to #Teddy2TDs.

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ SEA
($5,500 DK, $6,700 FD)
Trevor has had some horrible starts to begin his career. He also has had a couple of games where it appears the talent is legit. Seattle has allowed the fifth-most passing yards (296) per game at home. Apparently, the 12th man is now a burnable cornerback. In fact, neither team has much to write home about on a defensive front. This should allow both teams to put up some points here. Making this a sneaky game to stack players from.

DraftKings FanDuel
Derrick Henry $8,900 $10,500
Alvin Kamara $8,700 $8,400
Austin Ekeler $7,900 $8,700
Najee Harris $7,500 $9,000
Jonathan Taylor
$7,200 $8,500
D’Andre Swift $7,100 $7,900
Joe Mixon $6,900 $7,600
Nick Chubb $6,800 $8,000
James Robinson $6,600 $8,200
Darrell Henderson $6,500 $7,700
Leonard Fournette $6,300 $7,200
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,200 $7,300
Damien Harris $6,100 $6,900
Chuba Hubbard $6,000 $6,600
Antonio Gibson $5,700 $6,200
Myles Gaskin $5,600 $5,700
D’Ernest Johnson $5,400 $6,700
Eli Mitchell $5,400 $5,800
Khalil Herbert $5,400 $6,500
Alex Collins $5,300 $7,000
Damien Williams $5,300 $5,500
Javonte Williams $5,300 $5,900
Melvin Gordon $5,200 $6,000
Zack Moss $5,200 $6,100
J.D. McKissic $5,100 $5,400
Kenneth Gainwell $5,000 $5,900
Mike Davis $5,000 $5,500
Michael Carter $4,900 $5,700
Samaje Perine $4,900 $5,700
Jamaal Williams $4,700 $5,600
Devin Singletary $4,600 $5,500
Brandon Bolden $4,500 $5,500
Nyheim Hines $4,500 $5,600
Boston Scott $4,400 $5,800
Ty Johnson $4,400 $5,300
David Johnson $4,200 $5,100
Mark Ingram $4,100 $5,300
Giovani Bernard $4,100 $4,900
Marlon Mack $4,000 $5,300
Rashaad Penny $4,000 $6,000
Sony Michel $4,000 $5,200

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Derrick Henry’s price is improved over last week. I still cannot imagine having huge exposure to him. In fact, all of the top options are solid plays, but I feel this week I want to target that second tier. D’Andre Swift, Joe Mixon, Darrell Henderson, James Robinson, Damien Harris, and Chuba Hubbard are the ones I will have the most in my lineups. The bargain choices I will consider are Zack Moss, Brandon Bolden, and the Eagles duo.

Fantasy Four-pack

Derrick Henry, Titans @ IND
($8,900 DK, $10,500 FD)
The healthy WRs for Tennessee may limit Henry’s numbers some, but even limited may approach 30 points. Henry failed to score against Indy earlier this year, but he has three scores against the Colts in their last three meetings.

Joe Mixon, Bengals @ NYJ
($6,900 DK, $7,600 FD
The Jets are allowing 166 combo yards per game to opposing running backs. They have also allowed a league-worst 10 running back rushing scores. This includes four over the last two weeks (they also allowed a running back receiving TD over that span). Mixon has scored in four straight. He will score again here, probably twice.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. TEN
($7,200 DK, $8,500 FD)

Taylor and Nyheim Hines combined for 22 touches, 151 yards, and a score in Week 3 versus Tennessee. Hines actually slightly outproduced Taylor, but JT still averaged 6.2 YPC in that game. Hines’ usage has dried up of late as Frank Reich realized that he has an elite level back to feature. Over his last four games, Taylor has had four 100-plus-yard performances and six total TDs. In those same four games, Hines has posted a total of only 63 yards from scrimmage.

D’Andre Swift, Lions vs. PHI
($7,100 DK, $7,900 FD)
Swift trails his running mate Jamaal Williams in rushing yards this season. That said, he has more carries and more rushing TDs than Williams. In addition, Swift leads all Lions skill position players in receptions and receiving yards. He is also tied for the team lead in both targets and receiving scores. Philly has been bad against opposing RBs. Seattle is the only team allowing more total combo yards on the year. In their last two games, the Eagles have given up 362 combo yards, four total TDs, and 19 receptions to opposing backs. There is a legit possibility that Swift leads all backs in fantasy points this week.

DFS Sleepers

Zack Moss, Bills vs. MIA
($5,200 DK, $6,100 FD)
Since Week 3, Moss has outproduced Devin Singletary in every category. Week 2 versus the Dolphins was one of the last times that Singletary actually had more yards from scrimmage than Moss. Still, Moss had two scores in that game, while Singletary only had one. Including those three scores, Miami has allowed a total of 10 TDs to opposing RBs this year. Only two teams have allowed more.

Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles @ DET
($5,000 DK, $5,900 FD)
I’m fearful that this will be the chalk play this week. I’m also fearful that Nick Sirianni will do something insipid, like only run the ball with Jalen Hurts or Boston Scott. Either way, this could be a trap. Still, if the Eagles are smart, they should use the talented Gainwell to move the ball at will against a useless Detroit defense. It won’t take much for him to reach 3x if given adequate volume.

DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,000 $9,200
Stefon Diggs $8,100 $7,300
Mike Williams $7,700 $7,600
Terry McLaurin $7,600 $7,400
Ja’Marr Chase $7,500 $8,200
Deebo Samuel $7,400 $7,800
DJ Moore $7,200 $7,700
Mike Evans $7,000 $7,500
A.J. Brown $6,900 $7,600
DK Metcalf $6,800 $7,400
Diontae Johnson $6,700 $7,500
Calvin Ridley $6,600 $7,000
Keenan Allen $6,500 $6,900
Chris Godwin $6,400 $7,200
Courtland Sutton $6,400 $7,100
Chase Claypool $6,300 $6,500
Robert Woods $6,300 $6,800
Tyler Lockett $6,100 $6,600
Michael Thomas $6,000 $6,500
Marvin Jones $5,900 $6,400
Julio Jones $5,800 $6,500
Brandin Cooks $5,700 $6,000
Jaylen Waddle $5,600 $6,400
DeVonta Smith $5,500 $6,200
Emmanuel Sanders $5,400 $6,700
Marquez Callaway $5,400 $5,900
Kalif Raymond $5,300 $5,700
Michael Pittman $5,300 $6,600
Corey Davis $5,200 $6,100
Tee Higgins $5,200 $6,300
Jakobi Meyers $5,100 $5,700
Jarvis Landry $5,000 $6,000
Allen Robinson $4,900 $5,600
Cole Beasley $4,900 $6,100
DeVante Parker $4,900 $5,700
Jerry Jeudy $4,900 $6,000
T.Y. Hilton $4,900 $6,200
Darnell Mooney $4,800 $5,700
Jamison Crowder $4,800 $5,600
Tyler Boyd $4,800 $5,800
Laviska Shenault $4,700 $5,800
Robby Anderson $4,700 $5,700
Tim Patrick $4,700 $5,800
Odell Beckham $4,600 $5,700
Kendrick Bourne $4,500 $5,600
Zach Pascal $4,400 $5,300
Brandon Aiyuk $4,200 $5,700
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,200 $5,300
Russell Gage $4,200 $5,600
Jalen Reagor $4,100 $5,500
Nelson Agholor $4,000 $5,400
Quez Watkins $4,000 $5,300
Amon-Ra St. Brown $3,900 $5,100
Elijah Moore $3,900 $5,200
Tre’Quan Smith $3,900 $5,500
Van Jefferson $3,900 $5,700
James Washington $3,800 $5,100
Jamal Agnew $3,700 $5,300
Adam Humphries $3,400 $5,100
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,400 $5,100
DeSean Jackson $3,300 $5,200
Chester Rogers $3,200 $5,000
Freddie Swain $3,200 $5,000
Nico Collins $3,200 $5,100
Rashard Higgins $3,100 $5,000
Chris Conley $3,000 $5,000
Chris Moore $3,000 $5,000
Danny Amendola $3,000 $4,900
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $5,200
Keelan Cole $3,000 $5,000
Keke Coutee $3,000 $4,700
Mack Hollins $3,000 $5,200

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy –  Cooper Kupp is in a league of his own this year. It took a while but both sites have finally priced him in the Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, and Davante Adams stratosphere. Nevertheless, not starting him versus a bad Houston defense just seems wrong. If I decide to not pay up for Kupp, I could pivot to Deebo Samuel, DJ Moore, A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf, Chris Godwin, or Diontae Johnson at WR1. I don’t love the midtier this week at WR. So, if possible, I may also choose my WR2 from that group. There are only three sure things in that midrange in Marvin Jones, Emmanuel Sanders, and Michael Pittman. That said, Pittman is one of my absolute favorite plays of the week, so he may even get slotted at WR3 for me even if I spend up at WR2.  My other options at WR3 include Tee Higgins, Cole Beasley, Laviska Shenault, and the returning Jerry Jeudy. Punting doesn’t seem profitable here this week. The only options I like are Van Jefferson, Jamal Agnew, and Danny Amendola.

Fantasy Four-pack

Cooper Kupp, Rams @ HOU
($9,000 DK, $9,200 FD)
Kupp will score here with zero issues. The only question is how many times he will score here. I’ll lock him in for 10-120-1. This will just barely give him 3x value. If he scores more than once, it is cake. Watch to see if Tyrod Taylor starts for Houston. If he plays, the Texans may be able to keep this game closer. This in turn will keep Rams starters in the game longer.

A.J. Brown, Titans @ IND
($6,900 DK, $7,600 FD)
Brown is back and dominating the Titans’ WR categories over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, Indy has allowed the second-most WR scores this season. The only team to not have a WR1 destroy Indy this year was Tennessee back in Week 3. In that game, Brown was injured early and never had a chance to get on the board. Julio Jones finished that game with 3-47. This was easily the low-water mark for WR1s against this defense. In their other six games, Indy is allowing an average of 7-102 to the role to go along with 7 TDs.

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals @ NYJ
($7,500 DK, $8,200 FD)
The Jets have actually been very good against the pass this year. It is opposing running backs that have made a mockery of them. That may make you think twice about starting Chase here. DON’T! Chase just clowned arguably the best CB in the league last week. Over the last three weeks, Chase has only recorded 18 receptions. Still, he has turned those into 457 yards, nearly 80 yards more than the next closest receiver. The Marlon Humphrey shadow kept me off of Chase last week. I won’t make that mistake again.

Deebo Samuel, Niners @ CHI
($7,400 DK, $7,800 FD)
No team has allowed more WR touchdowns than Chicago. This includes five over the last two weeks. Deebo was limited in practice on Wednesday with a minor calf issue, so keep an eye on this. Still, Samuel’s freakish athletic ability should have him on the field. San Francisco targeted Samuel on 47% of their passes last week. He had 11 targets, the rest of the WR room had four.

DFS Sleepers

Michael Pittman, Colts vs. TEN
($5,300 DK, $6,600 FD)
Pittman had a down week in Week 6 with T.Y. Hilton back on the field. Last week, in a torrential downpour, he wasn’t the most targeted receiver for Indy, but he did catch all four of his passes for 105 yards and a score. No other Indy WR had more than 14 receiving yards in that game. Back in Week 3 versus Tennessee, Pittman had more targets, receptions, and receiving yards than the rest of the Colts WRs combined. I expect a similar outcome here if T.Y. cannot play.

Jerry Jeudy, Broncos vs. WAS
($4,900 DK, $6,000 FD)
The absence of Jeudy has forced Denver to over-target Courtland Sutton. Sutton is a solid receiver, but Jeudy is slightly better. Coming off of an ankle injury, Jeudy may have his snaps limited. Of course, this could also suppress his ownership numbers. Washington is one of the worst teams in the league against opposing WRs. Only one team has allowed more yards to the position and only one team has allowed more TDs to the position. While everyone else is stacking Teddy Bridgewater with Sutton, pivot and stack him with Jeudy. If by off-chance Denver chooses to let him rest one more game, I’d even consider using Tim Patrick here.

DraftKings FanDuel
Kyle Pitts $6,300 $6,800
T.J. Hockenson $5,400 $6,200
Mike Gesicki $5,000 $6,300
Noah Fant $4,900 $5,800
Dallas Goedert $4,700 $5,900
Rob Gronkowski $4,600 $6,500
Tyler Higbee $4,500 $5,300
Hunter Henry $4,200 $5,500
Logan Thomas $3,900 $5,000
Ricky Seals-Jones $3,800 $5,400
C.J. Uzomah $3,700 $5,700
Pat Freiermuth $3,600 $4,900
Jared Cook $3,400 $5,200
Gerald Everett $3,300 $4,800
Mo Alie-Cox $3,200 $5,100
Austin Hooper $3,100 $4,800
Cole Kmet $3,100 $4,700
Eric Ebron $3,100 $4,700
Cameron Brate $3,000 $4,400
David Njoku $3,000 $4,700
Hayden Hurst $2,900 $4,700
Tommy Sweeney $2,900 $4,300
Dan Arnold $2,800 $4,900
Jonnu Smith $2,800 $4,800
Ross Dwelley $2,800 $5,000
Adam Trautman $2,700 $4,500
Anthony Firkser $2,700 $4,800
Donald Parham $2,600 $4,700
Tommy Tremble $2,600 $4,600
Charlie Woerner $2,500 $4,000
Jordan Akins $2,500 $4,600

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Both Kyle Pitts and T.J. Hockenson make great plays this week. They aren’t even that pricey when you consider where your top TEs are usually priced. If you want to save some money (or use double-TE), I could easily pivot to Noah Fant, Dallas Goedert, Tyler Higbee, or Hunter Henry.  I don’t mind using C.J. Uzomah on DK, but his FD price seems high. The only punt plays I feel great about are Dan Arnold, Tommy Tremble, and Tommy Sweeney. 

Fantasy Four-pack

T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. PHI
($5,400 DK, $6,200 FD)
This might be the easiest 3x lock ever. Philly has allowed the second-most receptions and the most receiving TDs to the position. Seeing as how Hockenson (and D’Andre Swift) are the Lions’ offense, he will be featured early and often.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. CAR
($6,300 DK, $6,800 FD)
This will be the last week that Pitts gets a sub-$7k salary. Carolina’s numbers against opposing TEs look elite. Those numbers are also flattened by a lack of talent faced. The only serviceable TEs they have gone against are Dalton Schultz and Dallas Goedert. Pitts posted more receiving yards over the last three weeks than any other TE. This is particularly amazing as this three-week stint includes his team’s bye week.

Noah Fant, Broncos vs. WAS
($4,900 DK, $5,800 FD)
Fant has alternated between good games and then mediocre games recently. This week would be his next good game based on the trend. The return of Jerry Jeudy could eat slightly into his targets, but also it may open up more of the field for him. Over their last two games, Washington has allowed an average of 8-110-0.5 to the position. If he can post two-thirds of that, I would be happy.

Dallas Goedert, Eagles @ DET ($4,700 DK, $5,900 FD)
Goedert finally gets the Philly TE1 job to himself. Last week, he led the Eagles in receiving yards and finished third in targets. Detroit has given up sizeable numbers to every decent TE they have faced. Goedert definitely is in the decent or better category.

DFS Sleepers

C.J. Uzomah, Bengals @ NYJ
($3,700 DK, $5,700 FD)
The Jets have allowed an average of 6.3-79-0.75 to opposing TEs over the last four weeks. Meanwhile, Uzomah has reemerged as a threat for Cincinnati scoring for the fifth time in his last four games. With opposing defenses forced to deal with Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins, Uzomah is left far too open far too often. I wish his FD price was a hair lower, but a score is all he needs to return 3x on DK.

Tommy Sweeney, Bills vs. MIA
($2,900 DK, $4,300 FD)
I bumbled my call on the @BlitzedPodcast this week when I had inadvertently switched out Durham Smythe and Sweeney on my notes for this game (mistakes happen). Smythe has actually been used efficiently behind Mike Gesicki for the Dolphins, but Sweeney is the TE that will fill in for Dawson Knox (and unlike Gesicki, Knox will actually miss this game). Sweeney caught a TD last week on his only target, so another score is always a possibility. That said, the reason I have even more faith in him is that back in Week 17 of 2019, Knox was given the week off to rest for the playoffs and Sweeney filled in catching all five of his targets for 76 yards.

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 154

The guys talk recent news, stashing injured players, and DFS plays for Week 8.

 

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you B.P.N. NFL news, IR stashing, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or click here to listen