This article first appeared on RotoBaller.com
[sc name=”Author Matt Terelle”]
Hey there RotoBallers! Hopefully you got in on the fantasy goodness during the Packers-Cowboys game in Week 5 and trusted Melvin Gordon to bounce back.
In this article, I will be taking a look at some of my favorite Yahoo DFS lineups picks for the Week 6 slate. These DFS picks are based on a multitude of factors including matchup, talent, recent performance, Vegas odds, and pricing on Yahoo.
Generally, I will try to outline a top option at each position along with a value option with a chance to at least hit value. Let’s get to it!
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Quarterback Picks for Yahoo DFS
Matt Ryan, Atlanta vs. MIA, $29
Ryan and the Atlanta offense, will be fresh coming off their bye week. They draw a fantastic matchup in their return to action as they will take on a leaky Miami pass defense at home in the dome. Ryan has only reached two touchdown passes once this season but he is set up for a big game in Week 6. The Dolphins’ pass defense has been scorched by opposing passing attacks this season, ranking just 29th in DVOA. The Falcons are hefty 12.5-point home favorites, which bodes well for their starting quarterback in this one. He’s a solid cash option this week.
Jacoby Brissett, Indianapolis Colts @ TEN, $23
Brissett continues to be a solid value on Yahoo, topping 18 points on the site in two of the past three weeks. He faced off against a tough Seattle defense in the week he wasn’t able to hit that milestone. While he still can’t be trusted against difficult opponents, his Week 6 matchup against the Titans is about as good as it gets. Tennessee has been decimated by enemy quarterbacks this season, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position. Brissett continues to do damage on the ground, as well, which gives him a high weekly floor. He’s a great, cheap option for cash and GPP play this weekend.
Running Back Picks for Yahoo DFS
Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers @ OAK, $25
Gordon broke out in a big way in Week 5, leading all running back scorers in fantasy and hanging two touchdowns on the hapless Giants. Despite the big performance, his price is still depressed due to a string of slower games before his Week 5 explosion. He draws another favorable matchup against the Oakland Raiders in Week 6. Oakland’s run defense ranks just 19th in the league in DVOA. Gordon showed his elite ceiling last week, yet he still is significantly cheaper than Todd Gurley ($38), Kareem Hunt ($37), and Le’Veon Bell ($34).
Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota vs. GB, $12
McKinnon is basically a free square this weekend. At $12, he is just $2 over the minimum price. While it is possible the Vikings may still be calling Latavius Murray the “starter,” it was McKinnon who saw a starter’s workload in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears and outplayed Murray in every phase of the game. Most of his production came on a long, 58-yard touchdown, but he was also extremely active in the passing game, which bodes well for his Week 6 outlook if the Vikings aren’t able to keep up with an explosive Packers offense. At his price and with his upside, McKinnon is a no-brainer play in all formats.
Wide Receiver Picks for Yahoo DFS
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona vs. TB, $25
Fitzgerald has cooled off some since his massive Week 3 performance against the Cowboys, but the veteran receiver is still being targeted heavily by Carson Palmer. Since Week 1, Fitz has seen 13, 6, 15, 7, and 10 targets. He draws a fantastic matchup against a weak Tampa Bay pass defense this week, which ranks just 27th in the league in DVOA. While John and Jaren Brown will have to deal with Brent Grimes, Tampa Bay’s best corner, Fitzgerald will run his routes at Bucs’ slot corner Robert McClain. McClain has earned just a 37.5 grade from Pro Football Focus this season. Fitzgerald has as much upside as the most expensive options on the slate but comes at quite the discount this week.
Adam Thielen, Minnesota vs. GB, $18
It appears that Vikings wideout Stefon Diggs plans to play through the groin strain which he suffered in Week 5 against the Bears. History tells us that Diggs hasn’t been very effective when trying to play through injury, which elevates Thielen into the de facto No. 1 receiver role, whether Diggs is on the field or not. Thielen has been very consistent this season and should be leaned on heavily in a game script which is likely to force Case Keenum to throw often. He may go overlooked this weekend, especially if Diggs does play.
Tight End Picks for Yahoo DFS
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, New York Jets vs. NE, $16
Seferian-Jenkins delivered his first touchdown score of the season in Week 5 against the Browns. While he only gained 29 yards on his six catches, he has been utilized heavily in the Jets’ passing attack since returning from suspension. In his three games played, ASJ has averaged six targets per game. The Patriots’ defense has been bad at everything this season, ranking last in the league in pass DVOA and 27th against the run. Of course, New England also has one of the top offenses in the league, so the Jets are likely going to have to pass more than usual to keep up on the scoreboard.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers @ WAS, $11
Kittle popped up as questionable on the injury report Wednesday with a chest issue, but there’s nothing to suggest he won’t be able to play this Sunday. The rookie tight end is coming off a breakout game which saw him haul in seven catches for 83 yards and a score. He draws a favorable matchup in Week 6 against a Washington pass defense that is allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to enemy tight ends. While the matchup is right, Kittle is a rookie tight end, meaning he is going to be inconsistent. He’s a better play in GPPs.
Defense/Special Teams Pick for Yahoo DFS
Denver Broncos vs. NYG, $15
The D/ST pricing on Yahoo is pretty flat this week. We have the Baltimore Ravens at $20 and then most of the other teams somewhere between $10 and $16. Considering the state of New York’s offense, the Broncos have to be seriously considered as the top defensive option on the slate. The Giants lost Odell Beckham, Jr. and Brandon Marshall to season-ending injuries in Week 5, leaving second-year wideouts Roger Lewis and Sterling Shepard to deal with Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, and the dominant Broncos secondary. The Broncos are huge 13-point home favorites in a game with a low 39-point over/under. Tee up the Broncos defense anywhere you can this weekend.
