There’s another game in London and two teams on their bye, leaving 11 games on Sunday’s main slate. On the sizable slate, there are three games with an over/under of at least 49.0 points, headlined by a 51.5-point total. Additionally, there are only two games with a spread larger than a touchdown. So, there are intriguing options in every game. Although there are still a few teams that gamers should entirely fade.
Week 8 Matchups
Game: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Spread: ATL -4.5 Points
Over/Under: 41.0 Points
Panthers Analysis: DJ Moore arose from the dead last week. He had seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. Heck, Moore even had a run, albeit for negative-three yards. It was Moore's first game this year without Christian McCaffrey, and it shouldn't have been entirely surprising he shined.
According to 4for4 Football's Mark Share Splits App, Moore has averaged 8.8 targets, 5.0 receptions, 75.3 receiving yards, 104.8 Air Yards, 0.30 receiving touchdowns and 0.34 expected receiving touchdowns in his career in 23 games without CMC. He also has a dreamy matchup this week. According to Football Outsiders, the Falcons are 32nd in pass defense Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA). Thus, Moore ranks well in our optimizer, projecting as the WR17 at DraftKings and WR16 at FanDuel, with the WR5 value score (WR5V) at DK and WR8V at FD.
Terrace Marshall is a matchup-driven punt with an increasing role in Carolina's offense. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he was second on the Panthers in routes (23) in Week 7 and was used as a field-stretcher, sporting a 21.3-yard average depth of target (aDOT). In addition to ranking 32nd in pass defense DVOA, Atlanta has struggled with deep passes. According to numberFire, the Dirty Birds have allowed 29 completions on 54 pass attempts that traveled at least 15 Air Yards for 741 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. Further, those numbers would be more impressive if Jimmy Garoppolo wasn't a lead weight, completing zero of six attempts and throwing two interceptions. So, Marshall has some big-play appeal as a punt.
Falcons Analysis: Atlanta's most exciting DFS options are Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Unfortunately, they're non-options in Atlanta's insanely run-heavy offense. Marcus Mariota has attempted 20 passes or fewer in four of his last five games, with an underwhelming 25 attempts in the outlier. Yikes.
Game: Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys
Spread: DAL -9.5 Points
Over/Under: 42.5 Points
Bears Analysis: Chicago's decision to use Justin Fields' mobility against the Patriots last week was encouraging. Unfortunately, Dallas's elite pass-rushing ability and stout defense make Fields a non-option in DFS this week. Additionally, the backfield hot-hand split is a nightmare for DFS.
Cowboys Analysis: There's an odd lack of games projected to be played at a breakneck pace. So, it's noteworthy this game might have one of the best paces on the main slate. According to Football Outsiders, the Cowboys are eighth in situation-neutral pace, and the Bears are 14th. So, that's a good starting point for Tony Pollard.
Further, he's been an efficient runner. According to PFF, Pollard is first in Yards After Contact per Attempt (4.34 YCO/A) out of 48 running backs with at least 40 rush attempts this year. Pollard isn't a slouch in the air, either. He's 12th in Yards per Route Run (1.33 Y/RR) out of 52 running backs with at least 10 targets in 2022. Pollard has also earned a target on a stellar 19.0% of his routes in 2022.
Under normal circumstances, Pollard would have a compelling case for usage on the heavily-favored Cowboys. However, he's even more alluring, with Ezekiel Elliott trending toward an absence this week.
Finally, the matchup is nifty. The Bears are 24th in rush defense DVOA. So, Pollard is projected as the RB11 at FD and RB12 at DK, with the RB8V at the former and RB2V at the latter.
Game: Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions
Spread: MIA -3.5 Points
Over/Under: 51.5 Points
Dolphins Analysis: It's wheels up for Miami's offense this week, as they should take flight against Detroit's pathetic defense. The Lions are 31st in total defense DVOA, 29th in rush defense DVOA and 31st in pass defense DVOA. They're also last in scoring defense, allowing 32.3 points per game. Thus, Miami's table is filled with a variety of exciting options.
First, Tua Tagovailoa is the trigger man. According to Pro-Football-Reference, Tua is second in Adjusted Net Yards per Pass Attempt (8.26) and averaged 296.5 passing yards per game in the four games he finished. It hasn't always been pretty, but Tua has engineered a fantasy-friendly offense. We project him as the QB3, with the QB2V at both DFS outlets.
The passing game has primarily funneled through Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Hill is ranked highly on seemingly every meaningful receiving leaderboard. According to Sports Info Solutions (SIS), he's tied for third in Target Share (31.7%) and second in Intended Air Yards (915). Moreover, per PFF, Hill is first in Yards per Route Run (3.38 Y/RR) out of 53 wideouts with at least 30 targets this year. And, of course, his dominant underlying stats have produced box-score numbers. Hill is third in receptions per game (8.1) and first in receiving yards per game (110.4). So, we rank Hill as the WR3 at FD and DK, with the WR3V at the former and tying for the WR9V at DK.
Waddle is also ranked well in the optimizer, projecting as the WR7 at DK and WR8 at FD, with the WR3V at DK and WR7V at FD. Even with Hill balling out, Waddle is 17th in Intended Air Yards (597) and fourth in Yards per Route Run (2.69 Y/RR). The second-year wideout has also been at his best with Tua. He's had at least 69 receiving yards in all four games Tua has finished, besting 100 yards twice and catching at least four passes in all four contests.
Mike Gesicki is more affordable exposure to Miami's passing attack. The athletic tight end's usage earlier in the year was alarming. However, Gesicki has had encouraging usage lately. According to PFF, he's tied for third on the Dolphins in routes (92) and has led the way in slot snaps (62) since Week 5. So, Gesicki has returned to his jumbo-slot role in which he's thrived in previous campaigns.
Raheem Mostert is a legitimate lead back who's game-script-proof. Since Week 5, he's run 74 routes versus just 39 for Chase Edmonds. Additionally, Mostert handled 48 rushes compared to only 10 for Edmonds during that three-game stretch. Since Week 4, Mostert has had more than 80 scrimmage yards four times, touched the ball at least 15 times in each contest and reached paydirt in two games.
Mostert's ceiling is high in an outstanding matchup on a favored team. He's projected as the RB11 at both DFS sites and a screaming value at FD with the RB4V.
Lions Analysis: Amon-Ra St. Brown was knocked out of last week's game early after showing signs of ataxia. Fortunately, he was never diagnosed with a concussion. So, he should be good to go this weekend.
He'll attempt to right the ship after navigating an ankle injury, Detroit's bye and last week's early exit. In Week 1 through Week 3, ARSB averaged 7.7 receptions and 84.3 receiving yards per game, scoring three touchdowns and amassing 2.48 Y/RR while garnering a target on 32.4% of his routes.
St. Brown has a get-right matchup this week. The Dolphins are 25th in pass defense DVOA. So, ARSB is a sweet standalone play and the clear-cut bring-back for a Dolphins stack. The second-year wideout is projected as the WR9 at DK and WR10 at FD, with the WR7V at DK and WR5V at FD.
Game: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings
Spread: MIN -3.5 Points
Over/Under: 49.0 Points
Cardinals Analysis: Kyler Murray has rushed for more than 25 yards six times this year and passed for more than 200 yards in his past six games. Sadly, touchdowns have been hard to come by. Murray has had multiple touchdowns just three times this year and hasn't achieved that feat in his previous two games.
The dual-threat quarterback has a superb matchup for his rushing and passing potential. According to Pro-Football-Reference, the Vikings have allowed the 12th-most rushing yards (133) to quarterbacks at 5.32 yards per carry, allowing two touchdown scampers for good measure. Minnesota also allows the fifth-most passing yards per game (272.0) and is 21st in pass defense DVOA. As a result, Murray is projected as the QB2 at DK and FD.
DeAndre Hopkins rejoined the Cardinals last week and hit the ground running. Nuk was targeted on an absurd 48.3% of his routes. He parlayed his alpha usage into 10 receptions for 103 yards. This week, Hopkins should stay heavily involved against a defense that's struggled against top wideouts. According to Football Outsiders, the Vikings have allowed the ninth-most receiving yards per game (75.5) to No. 1 wide receivers. So, Nuk is projected as the WR6 at both DFS providers.
Rondale Moore is a GPP-specific dice roll. He was the cover boy for my 5 NFL FanDuel Value Plays to Target in Week 8 article at numberFire. I suggest checking out that piece for the rationale behind suggesting him this week. However, Moore is also a fun pick at DK. Further, Moore's value is volatile and tied to my optimism about Robbie Anderson playing more snaps on the perimeter and Moore kicking back inside to the slot, where he would have a tasty matchup.
It was suboptimal that Zach Ertz was targeted only three times in Nuk's return last week. Still, the Saints have allowed the second-fewest yards per game (29.4) to tight ends. So, the matchup was tricky. Fortunately, the Vikings are a good matchup for Ertz. Minnesota has allowed 55.8 receiving yards per game and three touchdown receptions to tight ends this year. So, Ertz is projected as the TE2 at DK and FD, with the TE6V at DK and TE2V at FD.
Vikings Analysis: Kirk Cousins has been a stud in domes. According to Pro-Football-Reference, in 39 games in a dome since joining the Vikings in 2018, he's completed 924 of 1,328 passes (69.6%), averaging 274.1 passing yards per game and tossing 83 touchdowns versus just 21 interceptions.
The matchup is tantalizing for Cousins, too. The Cardinals are 27th in pass defense DVOA and have allowed the eighth-most passing yards per game (258.6) and passing touchdowns (12) this season. So, Cousins can erupt out of Minnesota's bye.
Justin Jefferson is the alpha in Minnesota's offense the would be the primary beneficiary of a good showing from Cousins. The third-year wideout is ninth in Target Share (28.8%), third in Yards per Route Run (2.74 Y/RR), fourth in receptions per game (7.7) and third in receiving yards per game (109.0). So, he's understandably projected as the WR2 at both DFS providers, with the WR2V at FD.
Irv Smith is also a sweet matchup-driven pick. According to Football Outsiders, the Cardinals allow the second-most receiving yards per game (71.9) to tight ends. Moreover, per Pro-Football-Reference, the Cards are tied for the most touchdowns (six) allowed to tight ends. Therefore, Smith is projected as the TE9, with the TE5V at DK and TE7V at FD.
Game: Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints
Spread: LV -1.5 Points
Over/Under: 49.5 Points
Raiders Analysis: Josh Jacobs has been a hoss. He's second in the NFL in rushing yards per game (105.5) and tied for second in rushing touchdowns (six). Jacobs is also running behind a butt-whooping offensive line. Per Football Outsiders, the Raiders are first in Adjusted Line Yards (5.69).
Thankfully, he's also involved in the passing attack. Jacobs has at least three receptions in four consecutive games. Further, since Week 4, he's run 57 routes compared to only 12 for Brandon Bolden and seven for Ameer Abdullah. So, Jacobs is game-script-proof.
He's also shown his elite ceiling lately. Jacobs has had over 150 scrimmage yards in three straight games, scoring at least one touchdown in each and six during his heater. Finally, Jacobs is projected as the RB3 at both DFS outlets, with the RB4V at DK and tying for the RB5V at FD.
Saints Analysis: Coincidentally, the Saints are directly behind the Raiders in Adjusted Line Yards (5.05), ranking second. Obviously, that's excellent for Alvin Kamara's rushing outlook. However, the matchup is great for the well-rounded back, too. The Raiders are 19th in rush defense DVOA and have coughed up the fourth-most receiving yards per game (55.0) to running backs. Further, Las Vegas has permitted seven receptions per game to running backs.
Fortunately, Kamara is built to beat up the Raiders on the ground and through the air. Kamara has had more than 100 scrimmage yards in three consecutive games since returning from a one-game absence with a rib injury in Week 4. In addition, he's benefited from Andy Dalton starting at quarterback. Kamara has been targeted on a blistering 32.9% of his routes since Week 5, reeling in 19 receptions for 176 yards. So, he's projected as the RB6 at DK and RB8 at FD, with the RB7V at both outlets.
Chris Olave is the NFL king of Intended Air Yards, pacing the league with 953, despite leaving a game early and missing the following contest because of a concussion. Fortunately, the rookie has been on the same page as Dalton. Olave has been targeted on 28.1% of his routes, securing 15 receptions for 227 yards and two touchdowns in three games played with Dalton this season.
The fabulous rookie should continue his seamless transition to professional football in a plus matchup this week. The Raiders are 30th in pass defense DVOA. As a result, we project him as the WR12 at both DFS sites, with the WR4V at DK.
Las Vegas's incompetence defending the pass is a plus for Juwan Johnson, too. Further, the Raiders have been inept at defending tight ends. They've allowed 55.8 receiving yards and tied for the most touchdown receptions (six) allowed to tight ends this year. Meanwhile, Johnson has a steady presence on the field for the Saints, ranking second in routes (104) since Week 4. The converted wideout is most valuable at DK, where he has the TE7V.
Game: New England Patriots at New York Jets
Spread: NE -2.5 Points
Over/Under: 40.5 Points
Patriots Analysis: Rhamondre Stevenson is a do-it-all back and appears to have seized the lead-back duty. Damien Harris made his return from a hamstring injury in Week 7. Nevertheless, Stevenson had a juicy 77% snap share.
Stevenson has also exhibited the ability to rush at a high level and shine in the passing attack. First, he runs behind a talented run-blocking offensive line. The Patriots are fourth in Adjusted Line Yards (4.94). Still, Stevenson isn't merely the product of an excellent run-blocking offense. According to PFF, the second-year running back is ninth in Yards After Contact per Attempt (3.74 YCO/A), 13th in Yards per Attempt (5.0), 11th in Missed Tackles Forced (MTF) and tied for ninth in 10-plus-yard runs (12) out of 47 running backs with at least 40 attempts.
Stevenson is also involved heavily in the passing attack. He's had at least four receptions in four of his last five games and has been targeted on 26.6% of his routes during that stretch. So, Stevenson can help DFS squads in any game script. He's projected as the RB9 at DK and RB10 at FD, with the RB5V at the former.
The Patriots' defense is also a stellar DFS option this week. New England is tied for third in turnovers forced (13). They also do an outstanding job of pressuring the quarterback. According to Pro-Football-Reference, the Patriots are third in pressure rate (27.5%) and fifth in sacks (21). The matchup is also outstanding for New England. According to StatHead, Zach Wilson has the second-highest sack rate (9.70%) and 10th-highest interception rate (2.7%) among 36 quarterbacks who've attempted at least 200 passes since 2021. As a result, the Patriots are the DST3 at DK and FD, with the DST1V and DST5V.
Jets Analysis: The Jets have been stout on defense. Gang Green has allowed the fifth-fewest yards per play (4.9), forced the eighth-most turnovers (11) and recorded 15 sacks. Meanwhile, Mac Jones has been an interception machine this year. The second-year quarterback has the highest interception rate (5.8%) among qualified quarterbacks this year, tossing six picks in four games. So, the Jets are the DST6 at both sites, with the DST4V at DK.
Game: Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: PHI -10.5 Points
Over/Under: 43.0 Points
Steelers Analysis: The Steelers are 31st in scoring offense (15.3 points per game), and the Eagles are fourth in scoring defense (17.5) and fourth in total defense DVOA. So, Pittsburgh is an easy fade in DFS this week.
Eagles Analysis: Jalen Hurts has been a genuine dual-threat quarterback this year, making strides as a passer. He's fourth in Adjusted Net Yards per Pass Attempt (7.34) and averages a robust 252.3 passing yards per game. Still, Hurts is a terror on the ground, averaging 12.8 attempts and 48.8 yards per game. In addition, he's passed for six touchdowns and run for six.
Sure, the game's spread suggests the Eagles might milk the clock late. Still, if the Eagles boat race the Steelers, Hurts will almost certainly have a hand in hanging points on the scoreboard. Thus, he's projected as the QB1 in DFS, with the QB4V at FD in Week 8.
The potential for Philadelphia leaning on the run to close out this week's game enhances the risk for using A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Still, the matchup is drool-inducing. Pittsburgh has coughed up the fourth-most passing yards per game (275.4) and tied for the third-most touchdown passes (13) allowed.
The matchup is sweet for Brown and Smith. Brown is atop PFF's Week 8 wide receivers versus cornerbacks matchup chart. Meanwhile, Smith is 11th on the chart, and the Steelers have surrendered the second-most receiving yards per game (73.2) to No. 2 wideouts.
Since the Eagles will probably take their foot off the accelerator late, and there isn't a viable bring-back pick, gamers are advised to only use one of Philly's wideouts in a stack with Hurts. Further, Hurts can be used as a one-off without a stacking partner.
Game: Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
Spread: TEN -2.0 Points
Over/Under: 40.5 Points
Titans Analysis: Derrick Henry is doing King Henry things. He's fourth in rushing yards per game (89.3) and tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns (five). However, his increased receiving work and efficiency is an exciting new wrinkle. King Henry has earned a target on an eye-popping 25.8% of his routes and is second in Yards per Route Run (2.11 Y/RR).
The matchup is also noteworthy. The Texans are 32nd in rush defense DVOA, and running backs have steamrolled them for 135.3 rushing yards per game at 5.24 yards per carry. Additionally, Henry has clowned his AFC South rival, as Ian Hartitz pointed out on Twitter.
The King is an excellent selection across all game types. We project him as the RB2 at DK and RB1 at FD, with the RB6V and RB1V.
Texans Analysis: Gamers shouldn't go overboard on Davis Mills in GPPs. Still, firing a bullet or two as a contrarian pick is enticing. The second-year quarterback has decided home and road splits and a tasty matchup. According to Pro-Football-Reference, Mills has averaged 245.7 passing yards per game with 8.26 Adjusted Yards per Pass Attempt (AY/A), 16 touchdowns and only three interceptions in nine games at home. In addition, the Titans are 17th in pass defense DVOA and have allowed the second-most passing yards per game (277.5) while tying for the third-most touchdown passes allowed (13).
Tennessee has also been burned deep. They've allowed quarterbacks to complete 21 of 35 passes (60%) that traveled at least 15 Air Yards for 705 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. Unfortunately, Nico Collins hasn't practiced this week. So, he's probably out this week. Further, Brandin Cooks hasn't played well this year and has a more challenging matchup than Houston's other wideouts. The Titans have held No. 1 wideouts to only 62.4 receiving yards per game, fewer than the league average (68.8).
However, No. 2 and other wideouts have barbecued Tennessee. The Titans have yielded the most receiving yards per game to No. 2 wideouts (74.8) and other wideouts (70.5). So, the matchup is ideal for slot receiver Chris Moore and speedster Phillip Dorsett. Moore can wrangle higher-percentage targets from the slot. Yet, Dorsett is more likely than Moore to catch a deep pass since he has a 13.0-yard aDOT, per PFF. Still, both are enticing punts.
Game: Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts
Spread: IND -3.0 Points
Over/Under: 39.5 Points
Commanders Analysis: A three-headed backfield isn't ideal. Still, Brian Robinson has a 47% snap share in the last two weeks, leading Washington's committee. Moreover, his carries and yards per carry have climbed in each game he's played since returning from IR in Week 5, spiking to 20 attempts for 73 yards last week. Robinson also hauled in his first two targets of his NFL career for 13 yards.
The rookie's 20 rush attempts represented 64.5% of Washington's running back carries in Week 7. This week, Robinson has an excellent matchup against a struggling run defense in a game that projects to be close. Since Week 5, the Colts have allowed 423 rushing yards at 5.35 yards per carry and a touchdown on 79 attempts to opposing running backs.
B-Rob is a risky pick because he's been inefficient and would watch from the sidelines in a negative game script since J.D. McKissic and Antonio Gibson are superior receiving options. However, Robinson should be fed in neutral and good game scripts.
In addition, a good game script would be ideal for Washington's defense. Washington's DST is a great one-off choice or stacking choice with Robinson. They should pile up sacks against first-time-starter Sam Ehlinger. The Commanders are sixth in pressure rate (26.2%) and tied for seventh in sacks (19). Ehlinger was also slow to get rid of the ball in college and took 25 sacks in his last 10 collegiate games. According to PFF, his average time to throw was 3.03 seconds. Only four quarterbacks in the NFL who've dropped back at least 120 times this year have taken longer than three seconds to throw. As a result, the Commanders have the DST1V at FD and DST2V at DK.
Colts Analysis: The Colts have forced seven turnovers this year, but their pass-rushing prowess is most intriguing. They're tied for 10th in sacks (17) and 10th in pressure rate (24.1%). The matchup against Taylor Heinicke is rock-solid, too. Heinicke's had the 14th-highest sack rate (6.89%) and fifth-highest interception rate (3.0%) since last season. So, the Colts project as the DST5 at both DFS providers, with DST2V at FD.
Game: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams
Spread: SF -1.5 Points
Over/Under: 43.0 Points
49ers Analysis: Sadly, San Francisco's defense was lit on fire last week by Kansas City's elite offense. Still, the Rams aren't in the same stratosphere as the Chiefs. So, the 49ers should score DFS points on defense. They're tied for 14th in turnovers forced (nine) and second in sacks (24) and pressure rate (27.6%). Finally, Matthew Stafford has been a mess this year, and the 49ers clowned him once this year. Stafford's sixth in sack rate (8.9%) and second in interceptions (eight) this year. Moreover, San Francisco sacked him seven times and forced two turnovers against the Rams in Week 4. So, the 49ers are DST4 at both DFS outlets, with the DST3V at DK and DST7V at FD.
Rams Analysis: Van Jefferson is set to make his season debut this week. The speedy receiver will add a vertical dimension to LA's passing attack they've sorely needed. According to SIS, Jefferson had the 16th-deepest average depth of target (13.4-yard aDOT) among wideouts targeted at least 40 times in 2021. Fortunately, Jefferson's deep-ball usage is an ideal fit for this matchup. Quarterbacks are 22 for 36 (61.1%) for 577 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on pass attempts that traveled at least 15 Air Yards against the 49ers this season. So, Jefferson has a chance to hit a long reception and pan out as a tournament dart. He's most exciting at DK, where he has the minimum salary.
Game: New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks
Spread: SEA -3.0 Points
Over/Under: 44.5 Points
Giants Analysis: Saquon Barkley has been a one-man wrecking crew. He leads the NFL in scrimmage yards (906), 99 yards clear of the second-highest mark. Barkley is one of only three players averaging more than 100 rushing yards per game (103.7). He also averages 3.6 receptions and 25.7 receiving yards per game. The bell-cow back has even splashed paydirt four times, leaving a would-be touchdown on the table in Week 6 to give himself up so the Giants could kneel out the clock.
So, Barkley has an elite scoring ceiling in any game script. The matchup is mouthwatering, too. The Seahawks have allowed eye-popping marks of 162.6 scrimmage yards and 6.57 receptions per game to running backs. Further, they've allowed seven touchdowns to running backs. As a result, Barkley is projected as the RB1 with the RB1V at DK and the RB2 at FD, where he's tied for the RB5V.
Wan'Dale Robinson ran a season-high 29 routes last week. Moreover, he was second on the Giants in receiving yards (50) and paced the team in targets (eight) and receptions (six). The rookie can build on last week's showing in a great matchup this week.
First, the Seahawks are tied for the ninth-most passing touchdowns allowed (11), have yielded the 10th-most passing yards per game (249.4) and are 19th in pass defense DVOA in 2022. Second, slot wideouts have specifically given the Seahawks problems. According to PFF, Coby Bryant has allowed the ninth-most receiving yards (204) and sixth-highest Quarterback Rating (118.1) out of 32 cornerbacks and safeties who've played at least 70 coverage snaps in the slot this year. Meanwhile, Robinson aligned in the slot for 39 of 51 passing snaps this season. Therefore, he's a sweet value option.
Seahawks Analysis: Kenneth Walker has dazzled in his rookie campaign. He's tied for seventh in Yards After Contact per Attempt (3.96 YCO/A), tied for ninth in 10-plus-yard rushes (12) and tied for fifth in Missed Tackles Forced (25 MTF), despite sparing usage through the first five weeks. Still, Walker flashed his explosiveness in relief of an injured Rashaad Penny in Week 5 and hasn't looked back. Since Week 5, Walker has led the NFL in rushing yards (353) and is tied for first in rushing touchdowns (four).
The talented rookie also has run 33 routes versus just 22 for DeeJay Dallas in the last two weeks. So, if the Giants continue to defy the oddsmakers and the Seahawks are in a negative game script, all hope isn't lost for Walker. Still, Walker's best-case scenario is a neutral or good game script against Big Blue's pathetic run defense. The Giants are 30th in rush defense DVOA. Further, running backs have had a field day against the G-Men, with 118.1 rushing yards per game at 5.74 yards per carry and ripping them for more than 10 yards per reception. Thus, Walker is projected as the RB4 with the RB8V at FD and the RB5 with the RB2V at DK.
Marquise Goodwin will be asked to step up if D.K. Metcalf is out this week. Metcalf hasn't practiced because of a knee injury and is seemingly going to miss this week's contest. Head coach Pete Carroll said regarding Goodwin, "if he gets considerably more playing time, we are going to use him for the things that he does well." Goodwin can fly and has been used deep in his career, owning a 14.5-yard aDOT in his career, per SIS.
The veteran has flashed for the Seahawks lately. Since Week 6, he's third on the Seahawks in routes (42), parlaying them into six receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Goodwin did the bulk of his damage last week and was able to win in tight coverage, hauling in one of two contested-catch opportunities, per PFF. Since Goodwin's a lid-lifting wideout, he's a volatile pick with a boom-or-bust outlook.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
