In this weekly article, we’ll look at the cheaper options that should return good value to your NFL DFS lineups. The bargain threshold varies by site, and position, but generally we’ll aim for our bargain plays to take up about 8-10 percent of your salary cap, except for quarterbacks, which we’ll allow 11-12 percent. A great tool to find bargains is our DFS projection system, which gives a dollar per fantasy point projection for each player. I refer to it often!
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Quarterback
Carson Wentz, Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville
Wentz has averaged well over 20 fantasy points per game since Week 4, with his only real down game being Week 3 vs. Tennessee. He is clicking with Michael Pittman and Jonathan Taylor is keeping opposing defenses honest. The Colts are big home favorites this weekend, and although the Jags don’t stand out as a top QB matchup, they are seventh in both real points allowed and overall fantasy points allowed this season. Wentz is the cheapest QB I’m looking at for high-floor cash game lineups.
Also consider: Trevor Siemian, Trevor Lawrence
Running Back
Eno Benjamin, Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina
The Cardinals have Chase Edmonds listed as doubtful, leaving Benjamin the only other healthy back besides the increasingly expensive James Conner. Benjamin was impressive after Edmonds left the Cardinals’ Week 9 game, scoring and averaging 4.3 YPC. For an offense that has enjoyed a backfield by committee, Benjamin is a really attractive salary-saver, even in a tough matchup with the Panthers. If Kyler Murray is out or limited again this week, expect the team to rely even more on the run game.
Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills at NY Jets
The Bills are not a running back-centric team. If you subtract Josh Allen’s average rushing attempts per game, the Bills are dead last in rushing attempts. Even with Allen, they are the third-lowest over the last three weeks. Moreover, minus Allen’s contributions, the Bills running backs are averaging only about 80 yards per game, bottom five in the league. However, they play the Jets this weekend, and unless you live under a rock, you know that the Jets are the team everyone runs on, like crazy. They lead the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs by a mile, and if the Bills don’t run the ball this weekend, I will pull my hair out. Zach Moss is in the concussion protocol, so you’ll have to watch to see if he clears it before Saturday. If not, give Singletary a shot to have the game of his life in your lineups this week.
Also consider: D’Ernest Johnson, Brandon Bolden, AJ Dillon
Wide Receiver
Zach Pascal, Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville
Pascal hasn’t scored since Week 2, but he is nearly tied with Pittman in red zone targets and is seeing healthy usage. If you’re looking for a cheaper option than Pittman to pair with Wentz, Pascal is your guy, particularly in the PPR format at DraftKings. Both receivers get Top 8 DvP from the Jags’ secondary, and given that Indy’s defense has been lax against the pass as well, Jacksonville could make this game more competitive than the current spread would indicate.
Deonte Harris, New Orleans at Tennessee
Although Kenny Stills and Marquez Calloway both scored in Week 9, it was Harris who led the team in targets and catches (six of eight). Expect more of the same if Trevor Siemian starts this weekend as expected, with a much better matchup on tap. Tennessee is the best WR matchup in terms of fantasy points allowed, and this game is expected to be competitive. You could throw a dart at any of the Saints’ receivers, but Harris is the cheapest on FanDuel and DraftKings (not counting Stills, who I think is too fluky).
Also consider: Jamal Agnew, Olamide Zaccheus, Russell Gage,
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Tight End
Dan Arnold, Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis
Arnold has double-digit PPR fantasy points in three of his last four games, without scoring a touchdown. With the kind of volume he’s seeing lately (7-8 targets per game), he should be in the end zone at some point, and I’m taking my shot while his salary is still super low ($3500 DK, $5100 FD, $14 Yahoo).
Also consider: Logan Thomas (if active), Tyler Conklin
Defense
Yahoo: Pittsburgh Steelers ($16)
The Steelers take on the Lions at home, in the game with the lowest over/under of the week (43 points) and they’re 9-point favorites. Pittsburgh is one of the league-leaders in sacks with an average of 2.8 sacks per game (thanks Chicago), while Jared Goff is no stranger to the sack, taking an average of 2.9 sacks per game.
DraftKings and FanDuel: Tennessee Titans ($2600 DK, $4100 FD)
The game between the Titans and Saints is expected to be on the lower scoring side (over/under 44.5 points) and the Titans are favored at home. It’s unclear at this point who will be starting at QB, but does it matter? I expect Trevor Siemian to be the starter, and he hasn’t been awful. No picks, but he has fumbled in both of his games, losing one in Week 9. Of course, Alvin Kamara is the biggest threat but the Titans have held opposing teams to fewer than 95 rushing yards in their last four games. If you’re choosing to save on defense (instead of QB and WR), I think the Titans will finish as a middle-of-the-pack team, which is fine for their price.
