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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 Sunday’s main slate, so Sunday and Monday Night Football are not included in the following analysis.
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QUARTERBACK
Daniel Jones - NY Giants (vs. Atlanta) - DK: $6,400 FD: $7,500 Yahoo: $32
This recommendation can cause nausea, but that’s exactly the reason we are looking to Jones in a large-field tournament. Most DFS enthusiasts have labeled him as a bad QB that they would never use in fantasy. However, Jones has been putting up solid fantasy performances while averaging 25 FPPG in the first two games. He’s no Lamar Jackson, but there’s some rushing upside to his profile with 15-122-2 across two outings. Atlanta was generous to Jalen Hurts and Tom Brady the last two weeks, and Jones could deliver another solid DFS outing this time around.
Also Consider: Justin Fields, Ryan Tannehill
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RUNNING BACK
Chase Edmonds - Arizona (at Jacksonville) - DK: $5,400 FD: $6,200 Yahoo: $23
Edmonds makes for an interesting mid-tier value play on Sunday. Most people will target the Arizona passing attack with Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins, and Rondale Moore. However, Edmonds has game flow on his side with the Cardinals favored by two possessions. He could see 15-20 touches with strong efficiency. If Edmonds finds the end-zone on top of that, then he’ll certainly pay fantasy dividends.
Austin Ekeler - LA Chargers (at Kansas City) - DK: $6,100 FD: $7,300 Yahoo: $25
The fantasy community is confused about Austin Ekeler’s usage. He had no targets in Week 1, then caught nine passes for 61 yards last Sunday vs. Dallas. I’m willing to believe that the season-opener was an outlier, and we can expect Ekeler to be peppered with more than enough targets all season. That’s good news while facing a Kansas City team that is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to RBs this season. If you recall, the Chiefs were a bottom ten team against RBs last year as well. Ekeler could benefit from a fast-paced shootout in this divisional clash.
Also Consider: Ty’Son Williams, Javonte Williams
WIDE RECEIVER
Sterling Shepard - NY Giants (vs. Atlanta) - DK: $5,900 FD: $6,400 Yahoo: $23
Shepard is the best stacking extension of Jones as we look to pick on the Atlanta defense. The Falcons have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season, and Shepard will have a chance to keep impressing. Sterling is definitely the WR1 in this offense, seeing 19 targets for 16 catches, 207 yards, and a touchdown through two games. His salary hasn’t caught up to that level of output, so go ahead and jump on Shepard as a cheap mid-range bargain.
DK Metcalf - Seattle (at Minnesota) - DK: $7,300 FD: $7,200 Yahoo: $29
It’s only two games, but Metcalf is playing second fiddle to Tyler Lockett. I believe the DFS community is taking a wait-and-see approach with Metcalf, but you’d be wise to get ahead of the curve. Minnesota’s defense has improved (on paper) this season, but they still give up big plays. Metcalf can take advantage of that with his unique speed/size combination. A breakout is on the horizon, and it could come Sunday in a potential high-scoring draw in Minneapolis.
Also Consider: Calvin Ridley, Allen Robinson, Marquise Brown
TIGHT END
Kyle Pitts - Atlanta (at NY Giants) - DK: $4,900 FD: $6,200 Yahoo: $19
Pitts is a better real-life player than a fantasy player at this point in time. He’s extremely athletic for a tight end, but it hasn’t translated to DFS upside through two games. Pitts took a step in the right direction while snagging five receptions (six targets) for 73 yards at Tampa Bay last week. Similar to Metcalf, the rookie is going to have a massive breakout one of these weeks. Atlanta doesn’t have much of a rushing attack, so they’ll be looking to throw the ball early and often once again. His opponent, the Giants, have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. That includes 9-78-1 to Denver TEs and 6-64-1 to Washington TEs last Thursday.
Also Consider: Jared Coo
