Welcome to the NFL GPP Pivots article, where we’ll be looking to uncover some sneaky-good DFS plays away from the popular lifts. These recommendations are usually risk/reward commodities meant to be used in large-field tournaments. Typically, blending these low-owned hidden gems with well-aligned staples contributes to a viable GPP strategy.
Keep in mind that the following player write-ups were constructed earlier in the week, and sometimes injury situations can alter the fantasy landscape. Monitoring our NFL News & Headlines Feed up until game time will keep you in the loop while giving you the subsequent DFS consequences of each information piece.
We will be looking at the Sunday main slate, meaning the Sunday night game is not included in the following analysis.
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QUARTERBACK
Teddy Bridgewater - Carolina (at Minnesota) - DK: $6,300 FD: $7,000 Yahoo: $28
Bridgewater missed last week’s game, but he should be ready for his return to Minneapolis. Putting the narrative aside, this is a pretty good matchup for the Panthers’ offense. The Vikings have gotten better as the season has gone along, but they still rank 26th overall in pass defense. Meanwhile, Bridgewater has been sneaky-good over his last two games (28 & 20 FP respectively), and this is an excellent matchup for him to thrive. Because of this, the Carolina QB has an optimistic blend of value and upside for large-field tournaments.
Also Consider: Cam Newton, Derek Carr
RUNNING BACK
Gio Bernard - Cincinnati (vs. NY Giants) - DK: $5,700 FD: $6,100 Yahoo: $15
Maybe people have forgotten about Gio Bernard. Cincinnati RB Joe Mixon hasn’t played since Week 6 (IR), and Bernard came through with 21+ fantasy points in two of three weeks after taking RB1 responsibilities. Unfortunately, Gio hasn’t been able to keep that going, checking in with single-digit FP in each of the past two weeks. Perhaps a date with the Giants could get him going? After all, NYG has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs this season. The Bengals’ offense will probably sputter with Ryan Finely at QB, but Bernard should see enough volume to make a fantasy impact (especially w/ full PPR scoring).
James White - New England (vs. Arizona) - DK: $4,500 FD: $5,400 Yahoo: $16
Rex Burkhead has been ruled out for the season, which will subsequently boost James White. Burkhead made a splash in the passing game over recent weeks, but now that role will fall squarely on White’s shoulders. White responded with five carries for 19 yards along with 6-64 and nine targets in the passing game last week (Burkhead left early). If he continues to see that type of volume, then White is positioned to pay fantasy dividends on his cheap salary. The game flow could have New England passing more in a high-scoring contest, which helps White also.
Also Consider: Nyheim Hines, Gus Edwards (if this game plays)
WIDE RECEIVER
Michael Pittman Jr. - Indianapolis (vs. Tennessee) - DK: $5,000 FD: $5,700 Yahoo: $20
Colts’ QB Philip Rivers loves to spread the ball around, but it appears he has a new favorite receiver. Michael Pittman Jr. has made the most of those extra opportunities by translating 18 targets into 14 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown over his last three games. His rapport with Rivers continues to grow, and the targets should keep coming with Indy WR Zach Pascal highly questionable once again. The matchup vs. Tennessee looks good toom, as the Titans have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to WRs this season.
Curtis Samuel - Carolina (at Minnesota) - DK: $5,100 FD: $5,900 Yahoo: $20
Samuel has become a frequent flyer of this article, as his receiving/rushing upside makes for a fantastic tournament option almost every week. That especially holds true when considering the matchup against a porous Minnesota defense. Samuel has produced 21+ fantasy points in three of his last four games, and he makes for a nice pivot off the popular-likes of RB Mike Davis (assuming McCaffrey is out). There are plenty of legitimate fantasy receivers in this salary range, but few have similar upside to Samuel.
Also Consider: DJ Moore, Nelson Agholor, Cole Beasley
TIGHT END
Evan Engram - NY Giants (at Cincinnati) - DK: $4,500 FD: $5,600 Yahoo: $19
Engram had a good thing going, seeing nine or more targets with double-digit fantasy points in three straight weeks. However, he only had two catches (three targets) for 15 yards despite a solid matchup vs. Philadelphia last Sunday. I’m thinking that’s an outlier instead of a sign of things to come. Engram finds himself in a nice bounce-back spot at Cincinnati, who has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to TEs this year.
Also Consider: Eric Ebron (if this game plays), Jordan Reed
