Assembling a DFS lineup each week helps keep that draft-day feeling alive. Consult our optimal FanDuel lineup for Week 9 if you’d like to keep that feeling alive throughout Sunday’s main slate of games.
QB – Cam Newton (CAR) vs. TB – ($8,600)
While he’s likely to be the top cash game QB this week, Cam Newton should also be the top owned tournament QB this week. The Panthers are projected to put up 30+ points in this game. The Buccaneers have given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, allowing 26.2 per game. Newton bolsters an incredible floor with tournament winning upside given the Buccaneers atrocious defense. Newton has accounted for 85% of all the Panthers touchdowns this season. If they score, it’s in some part because of him. While you likely will grab shares of the Saints-Rams game (for good reason), this seems like a very clear smash spot for Newton.
RB – Alvin Kamara (NO) vs. LAR – ($8,000)
At just $8,000, we get to roster a RB that’s in a 60 point game total, displaying 2+ TD upside, in a true back and forth pick em’. This game marks the highest projected total of the season. Fireworks are likely to come. Many people are still skeptical of Kamara because of Ingram’s threat to take snaps, however, last week Kamara played on 72% of plays. Ingram did see 16 touches, but 9 of them came after the Saints were up by two scores. Kamara has GPP winning upside at a relatively discounted price and relatively discounted ownership. Fire him up.
[More Week 9 Coverage: Fantasy Football Rankings | Start/Sit | Sleepers | Busts]
RB – Latavius Murray (MIN) vs. DET – ($6,700)
Latavius Murray now has three games in a row of 18+ fantasy points. With Dalvin Cook listed as questionable, but more likely doubtful, Murray should continue his good fortune. Facing the worst run defense in the NFL, Murray will have great opportunity this week. With the Vikings at home, projected to score almost 30 points and command a nice lead, game script aligns perfectly in Murray’s favor. He’s not a glamorous pick this week, but should provide exactly what his salary costs.
WR – Michael Thomas (NO) vs. LAR – ($8,600)
It feels like weeks 1-4 again, suggesting to play both Kamara and Thomas. This week, there’s very good reason to. Thomas has slowed in recent weeks after posting ridiculous target / game totals throughout the first couple games. With less traction being drawn to him over recent events, he’s someone who firmly could go overlooked with Adam Thielen being only $300 more than him. Thomas won’t go completely overlooked given the ridiculous implied total of the Saints-Rams game, but currently, his ownership is projected at less than 5%. To get to roster an individual who is in a 60 point game total, with a very high consolidation of targets, on an elite offense, at less than 5% ownership, is a true gem. People will look at his price tag and recent stat lines and try to find different exposure to the Saints offense, but don’t fall into that trap. He’s Drew Brees’s #1 option and for good reason. Variance happens, enjoy the progression.
WR – Cooper Kupp (LAR) at NO – ($6,800)
With Kupp firmly back in the lineup, it just makes sense to go here. On a half PPR site, for $700-$800 dollars less than Cooks and Woods, rostering the greatest red zone threat of the three is the smartest play. With Goff having an amazing matchup through the air, it’s likely he’ll throw 3+ touchdowns. You have to believe that Kupp will be part of the reason for that. Gaining exposure to this offense will be tricky, as you will likely want shares of all three wideouts, but in making only one lineup, I have to give the nod to Kupp. On paper, he just makes the most sense.
WR – Courtland Sutton (DEN) vs. HOU – ($5,500)
I’ll be the first to admit, I think Sutton has been slightly overhyped this week. Everyone has reacted very positively to Sutton taking on the WR #2 duties in Denver. While he surely will see an immediate impact from moving up on the depth chart, this week isn’t the greatest matchup on paper. The Broncos-Texans game projects a modest 46 point total. At a $5,500 salary though, he’s a minimal risk with a decent amount of upside. He looks to an estimated 6-8 targets. At home, in a decent game environment, you could do a lot worse at your No. 3 WR.
TE – Greg Olsen (CAR) vs. TB – ($6,200)
One of my favorite plays this week, Olsen has GPP changing upside at a very meager position. We already know the potential of the Panthers this week. Olsen has now scored in back to back games. He’s yet to tally a high receiving yard total this season, but now gets to face a Buccaneers defense that is highly exposed over the middle. It’s as good of time as ever to imagine him racking up 80-100 yards and a score. He’s my favorite TE play of the week, given the moderate discount from Travis Kelce ($7,600).
FLEX – Jordan Howard (CHI) at BUF – $6,200
Sometimes you have to zig when everyone zags. Howard has been a very unpopular RB this season, as Tarik Cohen has eaten considerably into his workload. However, Howard still saw 22 carries last week. He’s a non-factor in the passing game, but with the Bears likely gaining an early lead against the Bills, the Bears game script should play favorably towards Howard. He’ll need to score a TD to pay off his price tag, but given the Bills susceptibility to the run, there’s a definite possibility he will. While it’s not at all likely he’ll post 100 yards and 2 scores, you always need a couple of low-owned players come Sunday. In a couple of scenarios, Howard could be a very sneaky play.
DEF – Redskins (WAS) vs. ATL – $3,400
The Redskins have strung together three great weeks of defense in a row. Over the entire season, they’ve held opponents to under 20 points five of seven times. While the Falcons have been very dominant at home, Matt Ryan is averaging only 268 passing yards and 0.5 passing TDs on the road. At home, in a modest game total of 48 points, where they’re slightly favored to win, Washington makes for a nice value DEF this week.
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