Welcome to Week 8 everyone, where we take a look at some top considerations for you to put in your lineups on DraftKings this weekend. As always, if you have any questions this weekend, you can find me on twitter @kevdudz and I’ll do my best to respond.
Philip Rivers- San Diego Chargers- $6600
The most likely highest owned QB this week is Rivers, and for good reason. Rivers faces off against the worst pass defense in the NFL in the Ravens, and the Chargers continue to prove week after week, that they just can’t run the ball. Halfway through the game last week, it looked like Rivers was going to kill a lot of lineups, but at the end of the game, there he was with 30 DraftKings points. Rivers is my number one QB this week, as the volume of throws he’s going to have is going to force him to put up numbers.
Eli Manning- New York Giants- $6600
If you are playing in a GPP, and are looking to pivot off the “chalk” play at QB in Rivers, give a look to Eli. The Giants are now a pass first offense, and in a probable shootout in New Orleans, I am looking at Eli to have a big game. New Orleans only trails Baltimore as the worst pass defense in the NFL, so an Eli/Odell Beckham stack in tournaments can be a great play to get away from Rivers.
Cam Newton- Carolina Panthers- $6800
Cam’s in another good spot this week, facing a porous Colts defense. Cam’s the number one running option for the Panthers at the goal line, and with his overall rushing ability, his floor is always very safe in cash games. He also provides major upside with his rushing ability in the red zone, and on any given week can rush for 2-3 td’s and give you a leg up on your competition.
Andy Dalton- Cincinnati Bengals- $6000
With a high total in Vegas at 49, and Roethlisberger expected to return, the Cincy/Pitt game should provide plenty of fantasy points. The Red Rifle’s been playing great football this year, and has such a variety of weapons to throw to, he’s been an excellent play all year. Facing a below average Steelers pass defense, Dalton makes a nice under the radar play.
RB
Todd Gurley- St. Louis Rams- $6300
I loved Gurley at his price last week, and he more than delivered with a monster performance. I expect more of the same this week. Although his price jumped $1300 in one week, I still don’t think that he is priced at the level of his talent. Jeff Fisher is proving that he is going to run Gurley till he can’t run anymore, and against a bad 49ers defense, Gurley should be the focal point in a great spot again.
Devonta Freeman- Atlanta Falcons- $8000
A reoccurring theme has emerged, as we have to look at Atlanta Falcons guys nearly every week. Freeman is still seeing 87% of the snaps for Atlanta, and has proven to have a very safe floor, with major upside. The Bucs actually have a solid rush defense, but I expect the Falcons to grab an early lead, and then lean heavily on Freeman to grind out the clock.
Justin Forsett- Baltimore Ravens- $6100
Not only can’t the Chargers run the ball, but they can’t stop the run either. Enter Forsett. Now that Lorenzo Taliaferro is on injured reserve, Forsett is now getting red zone opportunities as well. In a great matchup, with an increased workload at the goal line, I’m excited for Forsett’s possibilities this week.
Chris Johnson- Arizona Cardinals- $4600
Jonathan Stewart- Carolina Panthers- $4100
The two low priced options you should be looking at this week are Johnson and Stewart. Both are facing awful rush defenses, and both are sizable favorites, so should have a lead, and be looking to pound the ground and run the clock. With depressed prices, both should have safe enough floors to hit value for you.
WR
DeAndre Hopkins- Houston Texans- $7700
Deandre was extremely disappointing last week, as we all watched Nate Washington steal the show. This won’t be a weekly occurrence, and I look for Hopkins to come back with a strong showing this week against the Titans. In a game that the Texans shouldn’t get blown out for once, and no semblance of a running game now that Foster is done for the year, Hopkins should rebound nicely.
Julio Jones- Atlanta Falcons- $9200
As mentioned above, Falcons guys are always going to be in play. Julio is especially enticing this week, as Hankerson is banged up and may not play. Already dominating the targets on the Falcons, if Hankerson is out, I could even see more targets headed his way. He’s an extremely safe play in your 50/50’s and has great upside in GPP’s.
Stefon Diggs- Minnesota Vikings- $4800
Diggs is now the clear cut number one option for Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings. It’s been a meteoric rise, and he’s been playing great since he nabbed a starting spot. Rumors flew last week that he was back to third on the depth chart, but the game showed he’s a starter, and not going anywhere. With an extremely affordable price, he’s a nice play in your lineups.
Willie Snead- New Orleans Saints- $4300
Although disappointing last week, I still feel the “need for Snead”. He’s still getting the most targets on New Orleans, and was a dropped TD pass last week from hitting value. With a high over under versus a lackluster Giants defense, at this bargain price, I think Snead is an extremely safe cash game play.
TE
Ladarius Green- San Diego Chargers- $3000
With Antonio Gates looking doubtful again, Ladarius is an easy play based on price alone. The Chargers will be firing the football all over the field, and Green is a great red zone target. Green doesn’t much to hit value, and provides great savings for some other studs.
Tyler Eifert- Cincinnati Bengals- $5300
A monster red zone target, and showing remarkable consistency, Eifert makes an excellent play in cash games this week, and is a great GPP play in a pairing with Andy Dalton. Pittsburgh is one of the worst teams at defending the Tight End, so feel free to run him out in your lineups.
Greg Olsen- Carolina Panthers- $6500
Olsen is an okay play this week. He’s the highest priced tight end, and Cam Newton’s favorite target. However, Indianapolis is only mediocre against Tight Ends, and I worry that Vontae Davis may cover him in some instances, limiting his upside. Use with caution.