This piece is part of our article program that features quality content from experts exclusively at FantasyPros. For more insight from Geoff, head over to GoingFor2.com or find him on Twitter @GeoffLambert77.
As I write this, Christian McCaffrey just got traded to the 49ers and shook up some things on the DFS front. I don’t think CMC is viable this weekend, but it probably takes Jeff Wilson Jr. off the table and adds some intriguing cheap options in Carolina. All-in-all, I don’t think it changes much for this week, but going forward, some things could get interesting. Let’s get to this week’s picks…
Quarterbacks
DraftKings
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB – SF) vs. KC $5,500
This piece is part of our article program that features quality content from experts exclusively at FantasyPros. For more insight from Geoff, head over to GoingFor2.com or find him on Twitter @GeoffLambert77.
As I write this, Christian McCaffrey just got traded to the 49ers and shook up some things on the DFS front. I don’t think CMC is viable this weekend, but it probably takes Jeff Wilson Jr. off the table and adds some intriguing cheap options in Carolina. All-in-all, I don’t think it changes much for this week, but going forward, some things could get interesting. Let’s get to this week’s picks…
Quarterbacks
DraftKings
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB – SF) vs. KC $5,500
After a disappointing loss in Atlanta last week, the 49ers return home in a Super Bowl LIV rematch. This game has the third-highest game total at 48.5, with the Chiefs a 2.5-point favorite. The Chiefs are 28th DVOA against the pass, and the 49ers will need to pass to keep pace with this explosive Chiefs offense. Adding CMC can’t hurt.
Others I Like: Trevor Lawrence (JAX) $5,700
FanDuel
Marcus Mariota (QB – ATL) @ CIN $7,100
Fanduel has done a great job pricing their quarterbacks — so much so that I had to reach a little to find a good value. Mariota had his best game of the season against the 49ers last week, scoring a touchdown on the ground and throwing for two others. That’s the game you hope to get from him in Cincinnati this week against a much softer run defense that ranks 16th DVOA. They are tough against the pass, but if he can be efficient like he was last week, he should be able to pay off his $7,100 price tag.
Others I Like: Daniel Jones (NYG) $6,900
Running Backs
DraftKings
Travis Etienne (RB – JAC) vs. NYG $5,400
For the second week in a row, Etienne has a 20-plus yard run and a 20-plus yard catch. He is still only getting about half of the snaps, but I don’t see how the Jags can keep him off the field for long with his big-play ability. The Giants’ defense ranks 28th in DVOA against the run and 20th against the pass.
Others I Like: Kareem Hunt (CLE) $5,400, Kenneth Walker (SEA) $5,800
FanDuel
Kenyan Drake (RB – BAL) vs. CLE $6,600
As good as the quarterback pricing is on Fanduel, the running back prices are even better. Barring any late-breaking news, there aren’t many clear-value running backs. Drake looked good last week, putting up over 100 yards and a rushing touchdown. J.K. Dobbins has yet to return to form coming off his knee injury, so I would expect Drake to get the lion’s share of the running back touches again in this one. The Browns are ranked 24th in DVOA against the run so far this season.
Others I Like: D’Onta Foreman (CAR) $4,000
Wide Receivers
DraftKings
Elijah Moore (WR – NYJ) @ DEN $4,800
This is a risky pick as the Broncos are the No. 1 team in pass DVOA, but this pick is all narrative, “the squeaky wheel gets greased.” Moore has been very public with his dissatisfaction with his usage in the offense, going so far as to ask to be traded. I’m looking for the Jets to come out and find creative ways to get Moore involved. This is strictly a GPP pick, as the floor for Moore is too low to risk in cash games.
Others I Like: Romeo Doubs (GB) $5,000, Michael Gallup (DAL) $5,100
FanDuel
Michael Gallup (WR – DAL) vs. DET $6,100
For the first time since Week 1, the Cowboys’ offense will be fully healthy. Not only is Dad Prescott returning, but tight end Dalton Schultz is also expected to play. It goes without saying that Prescott’s ability to throw the ball down the field compliments Gallups’ big play ability more than Cooper Rush‘s “game-manager” style. The Lions are the worst team in pass DVOA and rank third worst in explosive pass plays allowed.
Others I Like: Drake London (ATL) $6,000, Romeo Doubs (GB) $5,800
Tight Ends
DraftKings
Cade Otton (TE – TB) @ CAR $2,700
I don’t expect Cameron Brate to play this week, leaving the door open for Otton to step into a large role once again. Two weeks ago, with Brate out, Otton had seven targets and caught six for 43 yards. That’s not a ton of yardage, but at $2,700, you will take it. It’s possible he will see his first touchdown as the Panthers rank 25th in pass DVOA.
Others I Like: Daniel Bellinger (NYG) $3,400
FanDuel
Dalton Schultz (DAL) vs. DET $4,800
In Week 1, with a healthy Prescott, Schultz had a whopping nine targets. He has become one of Dak’s favorite targets over the last season and a half, and with Dak working his way back from that thumb injury, it’s very possible he looks underneath to Schultz early and often.
Others I Like: Cade Otton (TB) $4,900
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