In my Week 4 article, I
discussed the importance of choosing consistent performers when
building a roster foundation in head-to-head games where the goal
is to beat one player as opposed to massive GPP games with tens
of thousands of other DFS players. A core group of three or four
players who have a track record of providing solid points on a weekly
basis will ensure that you have a high probability of keeping pace
with your opponent, with the hope that one or two of those players
will have a breakout performance and put you over the top.
After building your foundation of consistent skill position players
and a quarterback that has an advantageous matchup, you will likely
be left with a small budget to use on your third wide receiver,
tight end, or second running back, depending on how you allotted
your salary cap up to that point. With those remaining players,
I like to look for a boom-or-bust option that could pay huge dividends
despite their small cost. These players will not make or break
your roster due to the fact that you have already built a solid
core that should already put you close to your opponent for the
win. If they bust, you have already mitigated your risk with quality
players at your other roster spots. If they hit, you are riding
their wave to a daily fantasy payday.
The following players are low-cost options that can be considered
as roster-filling upside plays for Week 7.
WR Michael Floyd, ARZ ($4,900 on FanDuel)
After missing most of the preseason with a gruesome hand injury,
Michael
Floyd has been the odd man out in the Arizona passing game
through the first half of the season. With five catches for 50
yards and a touchdown on eight targets against the Steelers Week
6 and seven targets two weeks ago against the Lions, it appears
that even Floyd can be fantasy relevant this season when the Cardinals
face off against poor passing defenses.
Fortunately for Floyd owners, Arizona hosts a Baltimore Ravens
secondary that is dead last in points allowed to opposing quarterbacks
and second to last in points to wide receivers. If the formula
holds true for the Detroit and Pittsburgh games, look for Floyd
to have at least five targets and a possible touchdown this week.
WR Brandon Coleman, NO ($4,800 on
FanDuel)
A preseason sleeper pick after a solid training camp and offseason,
Brandon
Coleman has been a disappointment this season with nine catches
for 113 yards and one touchdown in six games. He played in 35
of the Saints 75 offensive plays against the Falcons last week,
but failed to log a single catch as Drew
Brees took advantage of Atlanta over the middle with tight
end Benjamin Watson.
Willie Snead has emerged as the clear-cut No.2 wide receiver
alongside Brandin Cooks, with Coleman a distant third in catches
and targets. Despite multiple negatives surrounding Coleman, he
is a touchdown dependent play going against a secondary in Indianapolis
that has given up the third-most points to opposing wide receivers.
The Saints will likely need to score a ton of points to keep pace
with the Colts, opening the door for someone as disappointing
as Coleman to get into the action. With a salary near the league
minimum of $4,500, Coleman is a boom-or-bust play this week for
owners looking for a guy who may catch a touchdown with minimal
yards.
Boom or Bust TE in Week 7: Seattle has
given up five touchdowns to tight ends in six games.
TE Vernon Davis, TE SF ($4,800 on FanDuel)
Vernon
Davis’ time with the 49ers appears to be coming to an end,
as the former first round pick from Maryland has been rumored
to be on the trading block and lost his starting role to Garrett
Celek last week against the Ravens. Although head coach Jim
Tomsula told reporters that Davis is still the starting tight
end, Celek played in 12 more offensive snaps than Davis and the
long-standing 49er is clearly not a focal point of the offense
for the long term.
In the short term he may be a sneaky play on Thursday night against
a Seattle team that has struggled against opponents’ tight
ends this season. In addition, Anquan Boldin is dealing with a
sore hamstring and may miss the game or be limited, which could
mean more targets for Davis and Celek.
WR Chris Hogan, WR BUF ($5,100 on FanDuel)
Injuries to Sammy
Watkins, Percy
Harvin and Marquise
Goodwin has opened the door for Chris
Hogan to likely receive the starting nod for the Bills as
they take on the Jaguars in London on Sunday. When given a chance
to play, Hogan has been a fairly productive receiver this year,
with two 45-yard, one-touchdown performances. He is not flashy
and will not likely give you a 100-yard game. But at just $5,100,
Hogan is a nice third WR due to the fact that the Bills have very
few receiving options.
