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 Thursday, Sunday, and Monday night games are not included in the following analysis.
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QUARTERBACK
Case Keenum - Washington (at NY Giants)
The last time Keenum played, he coughed-up six turnovers (3 INT, 3 FUM) in front of a national audience. However, the Washington QB was able to salvage his fantasy day with some garbage time stats. Without any semblance of a running game, it’s clear that Washington will need Keenum to keep chucking the pigskin. I’m expecting him to maintain his average north of 40 pass attempts this week, and a shootout could break out against a poor Giants secondary. Look to stack Keenum with his favorite WR, McLaurin, or dig deeper for Paul Richardson in large-field tournaments.
Also Consider: Matthew Stafford, Jacoby Brissett
RUNNING BACK
Josh Jacobs - Oakland (at Indianapolis)
Jacobs registered just 12 touches in back-to-back weeks, which comes as a stark contrast to 23 carries (85 yds, 2 TD) and one reception in Week 1. Sure, game flow played a huge role, as the Raiders found themselves trailing early against the Chiefs and Vikings. However, HC Jon Gruden mentioned that Jacobs needs more overall looks including targets out of the backfield. There’s a good chance Oakland feeds the rookie RB early and often at Indianapolis, a defense that was shredded by Austin Ekeler in Week 1. The Colts then allowed Derrick Henry and Devonta Freeman to average 5.5 ypc in consecutive weeks, so there should be some room for Jacobs to run.
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Justin Jackson - LA Chargers (at Miami) *RULED OUT*RB Melvin Gordon will rejoin the Chargers, but he’s not expected to play this Sunday at Miami. That means Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson will continue to split time in the LAC backfield. Even though Jackson is clearly behind Ekeler in the pecking order, there should be plenty of volume for both while facing a horrendous Miami defense. It’s worth noting that Jackson has had several touchdowns called back this season, and we’d probably be looking at his fantasy situation differently (with more ownership, buzz) if those counted. I’m expecting Jackson to finally reach paydirt (and have it stand) while seeing season-high totals for touches and yards. Needless to say, he’s an interesting bargain pivot in large-field tournaments.
*NOTE: Jackson has been ruled out due to an injury sustained in practice. David Johnson (RB - ARI) is another all-purpose, underpriced running back who should hold a sub 10% ownership rate for tournaments.
Also Consider: Marlon Mack, Carlos Hyde, Kerryon Johnson
WIDE RECEIVER
Curtis Samuel - Carolina (at Houston)
Carolina QB Kyle Allen impressed while going 19-26 with 261 yards and four touchdowns last week at Arizona. Greg Olsen led the way with 6-75-2 from Allen, but Curtis Samuel tied him with a team-high seven targets (5-53-1). It’s noteworthy to say that DJ Moore only had two targets. Perhaps that will be a trend moving forward with Allen at QB? If that’s the case, we’ll catch Samuel at a steal for DFS while facing a Houston defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season.
Marquise Brown - Baltimore (vs. Cleveland)
The rookie has one bad game, and it seems like the DFS community has moved on. Let’s not forget about Brown’s game-breaking speed along with 27 targets across three weeks. Brown had opportunities to make splash plays at Kansas City last Sunday, but QB Lamar Jackson could establish the connection. That could change against Cleveland, especially if CBs Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams (both questionable) miss another game. Brown is a strong tournament play regardless of how that injury situation turns out. However, if Ward and Williams don’t suit up, you can elevate Brown into cash consideration.
Also Consider: Larry Fitzgerald, Kenny Golladay, Paul Richardson, DK Metcalf
TIGHT END
Delanie Walker - Tennessee (at Atlanta)
Walker is often forgotten as a legitimate tight end for daily fantasy purposes. The Tennessee offense isn’t exciting, and his Week 1 breakout of 5-55-2 isn’t fresh in DFS enthusiasts’ minds. It’s safe to say that Delanie is still the top receiving option (and red-zone threat) for the Titans, and he’ll continue to see 7-10 targets on a weekly basis. That could translate to a rewarding fantasy score while facing an Atlanta defense that allowed Zach Ertz to post 8-72 followed by the Colts’ duo of Ebron/Doyle combining for 7-93 last week. There’s upside in this matchup, and Walker’s ownership rate will probably hover around 5% despite that. That’s the definition of a legitimate GPP Pivot.
Also Consider: Will Dissly, T.J. Hockenson
