This article looks to uncover some underrated NFL DFS Tournament Options for large-field contests. The following write-ups were constructed early Friday morning, meaning injury information and news could alter the fantasy landscape. Be sure to keep your eyes on the Rotoworld NFL Headline Feed for breaking news and fantasy implications as we head into the weekend.
Keep in mind that we are looking towards the NFL Main Slate starting at 1:00 ET on Sunday. The Monday and Thursday games are not included in the following analysis, neither is the Sunday Night matchup between the Rams and Bears.
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QUARTERBACK
Dak Prescott – QB – Dallas (vs Philadelphia)
I’m hoping people forgot about Dak Prescott, as he wasn’t involved in last week’s main slate. He had a mediocre performance on Thursday of Week 13 vs New Orleans, but Prescott was certainly trending upward prior to that. His upside has been reignited by the acquisition of Amari Cooper, and there’s also potential for a rushing touchdown. In fact, Dak has run for a touchdown in five of his past seven games. He’s facing a Philadelphia team that has allowed the tenth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Playing at home doesn’t hurt either.
Also Consider: Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen
RUNNING BACK
LeSean McCoy – RB – Buffalo (vs NY Jets)
McCoy has been seeing more work lately while averaging 21 touches over his past three. Granted, only one of those resulted in a nice fantasy performance (24.3 FP at NYJ on 11/11). However, Buffalo checks in as a home favorite against the same team McCoy posted his best game of the season against. That team (Jets) has allowed 5.4 yards per carry over their past three games. There’s a lot to like about Shady McCoy in this spot, and the generous $5700 price on FanDuel adds to the mix.
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Sony Michel – RB – New England (at Miami)
I’m thinking Michel will have a very low ownership despite looking at a strong matchup with New England checking in as eight point favorites in Miami. The Dolphins have allowed the ninth most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, and that situation continues to get worse while coughing up 6.2 yards per carry over their past three games – second worst in that span. The likely game flow has 20+ touches written all over it for Michel, so keep him on your tournament radar.
Also Consider: Justin Jackson, Alvin Kamara
WIDE RECEIVER
Demaryius Thomas – WR – Houston (vs Indianapolis)
This looks like a tough matchup on paper, as the Colts have allowed the fourth-least fantasy points to opposing receivers. However, they have had a very easy schedule in that regard lately, making the numbers look better than their overall pass defense capabilities. Texans QB Deshaun Watson racked up 375 yards and two scores against them in Week 4, and now Thomas is in the mix. Even though Demaryius has been somewhat mediocre since moving to Houston, there’s sneaky breakout potential in this matchup. Also, he would get an upgrade if fellow WR Keke Coutee (questionable) does not play.
DaeSean Hamilton – WR – Denver (vs Cincinnati)
As you’ve probably heard by now, Emmanuel Sanders sustained an injury in practice and will be done for the rest of the season. That leaves the Denver receiving corps desperate, as they also traded away the guy featured in the previous write-up. Courtland Sutton will serve as WR1, and he’ll likely be a highly-owned value play through all formats. Don’t forget about DaeSean Hamilton, who is promoted to WR2 by default. He’s a smart leverage play against the grain, hoping he can pick up more of the production vacated by Sanders. That could be the case against a bad Cincinnati defense.
Also Consider: Tre’Quan Smith, Dante Pettis, Zay Jones
TIGHT END
Ian Thomas – TE - Carolina (at Carolina)
Greg Olsen has been placed on injured reserve, so Ian Thomas will step in as the primary tight end for Carolina. He didn’t do much in that role earlier this season, but hauling in all five targets for 46 yards upon Olsen’s departure at Tampa Bay last week inspires some confidence. The Panthers have a good matchup on tap Sunday, facing a Cleveland team that has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Thomas is dirt-cheap for DFS purposes with an expected larger workload.
Also Consider: Vance McDonald, Benjamin Watson
