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
Mac Jones, New England Patriots at NY Jets
Jones had a mistake-free Week 1, and though the Patriots ultimately lost the game, there were fantasy positives to take away. He was very efficient, completing 74.4 percent of his 39 passes. He threw one touchdown pass, to Nelson Agholor, a security blanket if there ever was one, and targeted eight different players. While none of the skill players excite me too much, I do think Jones has a very reasonable floor and plenty of upside against a Jets defense that doesn’t scare me at all.
Tyrod Taylor, Houston Texans at Cleveland
Possibly a little Week 1 overreaction, but Houston was not as bad as any of us expected. The Browns isn’t as soft as Jacksonville’s, but they can definitely be exploited through the air, a tendency dating back to the 2020 season when they ranked eighth vs. QB for fantasy. Taylor targeted all four running backs, four different receivers and two tight ends in the big win in Week 1. The fact that he can still run gives him a nice floor – if he could repeat his four attempts for 40 yards, I’d be happy with him.
Also consider: Teddy Bridgewater
Running Back
Melvin Gordon III and Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos at Jacksonville
Sometimes we react too fast, and sometimes too slow. Gordon was incredible vs. the Giants, which may not be saying much, but he broke off a couple really nice runs. He was also targeted three times and is still very reasonably priced. Williams actually out-carried Gordon (14 attempts) but was far less efficient (3.2 YPC). To me, after seeing what the Texans’ backs did in this matchup last week, I’m interested in both, though reserving Williams for GPPs only.
James Conner and Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota
The Cardinals were all about the pass game in Week 1, and it was working vs. the Titans. This game is projected to be a high scoring one and the Cardinals are favored at home. After seeing the success Cincinnati had with their rushing attack, I’m hoping the Cardinals follow the same plan. Both Conner and Edmonds were involved last weekend, with Edmonds the better option on the ground and through the air as he caught all four of his targets. Still, Conner had 16 carries, and you can bet that Minnesota won’t stack the box against him. Edmonds is more the pricier cash game play while Conner will make some of my tournament lineups.
Also consider: Elijah Mitchell, Kenneth Gainwell
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Wide Receiver
Mike Williams, LA Chargers vs. Dallas
I was not surprised by Mike Williams’ toe-tapping, play making abilities in Week 1, but I was surprised at how narrow the gap between his usage and Keenan Allen’s was. Herbert looked to Williams 12 times, Allen 13 times. Dallas looks like it will be a pass-friendly defense again this season, and this game carries the highest point total of the week so you’ll want plenty of pieces from it to build lineups around. Williams is the cheapest guy I feel really good about for Week 2.
Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos at Jacksonville
With Jerry Jeudy set to miss time, and Teddy Bridgewater’s obvious affinity for Patrick, not to mention his low, low salary, this should be a popular play. If you’re looking to get some exposure to this matchup and situation in a more unique lineup, consider paying more for Courtland Sutton. I’m probably less high on KJ Hamler than a lot of people this week, but he, too, is a very inexpensive WR flier in a great matchup.
Also consider: Deonte Harris, K.J. Osborn, Chester Rogers, Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith
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Tight End
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints at Carolina
Jameis Winston did not have to throw the ball a lot in Week 1, but when he did, he looked at his tight ends nine times, and his wide receivers six. Johnson was the end zone guy, without a doubt, and he did nothing to make Winston regret that, catching two of his three targets for touchdowns. Carolina is going to be tougher, with their defensive front among the league leaders in sacks and QB hits, but having a guy like Johnson able to win at the point of catch should earn him some more high quality targets in Week 2.
Also consider: David Njoku
Defense
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans
As I just mentioned, the Panthers were aggressive in Week 1, creating six sacks and nine hits of Zach Wilson. Winston is more experienced and the Saints’ offensive line has more to offer than the Jets, but Winston has also been prone to the occasional interception or four. I don’t love rostering defenses in high scoring games, but the potential for turnovers and sacks here is enough that I’m happy to save some salary with the Panthers.
Also consider: Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals (DK)
