There are not a ton of attractive cash game quarterbacks this
week on the main Sunday slate, and those that could be strong
plays like Andrew Luck or Kirk Cousins could have their fantasy
value marginalized by strong performances by their respective
running backs and defenses. For this reason, I am opting to go
with the most expensive quarterback this week in cash and play
Big Ben against the Saints in what could be a very high scoring
game. Although it does give me a big of pause knowing that Roethlisberger
failed to reach 20 fantasy points in his last three games, including
a shocking 18-point performance against the Raiders, he should
find more success this week against a Saints team that ranks first
in most fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks.
Prescott enters Sunday’s game against the Bucs on the heels
of arguably the worst game of his young career, with 206 passing
yards and zero touchdowns in Indy’s 23-0 shutout victory
over the Cowboys. A home game against the Bucs is exactly what
Dak and the Dallas offense needs to get back on track, and Dak
admitted after the game against the Colts he made a mistake not
running the ball more.
Winston scored just five fantasy points last week in a difficult
road matchup against the Ravens in Baltimore. While I don’t
think he will do as poorly this week against Dallas, the Cowboys
have been tough at home this season and could present a low-scoring
opportunity for Winston.
With at least one rushing touchdown or 100 yards in six of his
last seven games, Nick Chubb has been a model of consistency this
season since taking over the lead running back role for the Browns.
Cash game players want to make sure they do not start a dud player
at running back, especially one who could get hurt by the possibility
of a negative game script. The Browns should not have a problem
beating their divisional rival this week with Chubb benefitting
from a ton of second-half closer work against a defense that allows
the fifth-most points to opposing running backs. Look for a safe
floor of around 75 yards and a score from Chubb with the upside
of a monster game with multiple touchdown runs.
Mack is without question my favorite sub-6k player this week
with a juicy game at home against the Giants. Mack was a fumble
away from posting his third 30-point perforce of the season in
a much more difficult game against the Cowboys, while the Giants
have all but phoned in this season as evident to the 175-yard
and two touchdown game that Derrick Henry laid on them last week.
As my start of the week, I am playing Mack on nearly all of my
tickets this week, and his price tag gives owners flexibly to
target more expensive wide receivers.
Mixon has been one of my favorite DFS plays this season with
at least 20 fantasy points in three of his last four games. Not
only has Mixon topped over 100 yards in consecutive weeks, but
he has also done so with Jeff Driskel under center and wide receiver
A.J. Green out for the season with a foot injury. I fear that
this game could get out of hand quickly for the Bengals and Mixon
is dealing with wrist and thigh injuries that could lead to him
getting a smaller workload than usual. I’d much rather pay the
extra $100 for Chubb in the same matchup.
The loss of Josh Gordon to his latest off field issue will open
the door for more targets for Edelman, Chris Hogan, and Rob Gronkowski.
While there is some hope among Hogan truthers this will be the
moment when Hogan comes through with a big game, I would rather
pay for the volume that Edelman provides, especially with Hogan
lining up outside against Tradevious White. Other options to consider - Amari
Cooper vs. Tampa Bay & DeAndre
Hopkins @ Philadelphia
Anderson has everything that GPP owners are looking for in a
value wide receiver. He has no fewer than seven targets in each
of his last three games, including 11 targets last week against
the Texans. He has a home matchup against a secondary that ranks
fifth in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers, and he fits
well into budgets so owners can pay up for expensive running backs
and other WRs.
Diggs has been the Vikings wide receiver to own in fantasy over
the past few weeks as Adam Thielen has come crashing down from
his heights from earlier in the season. With Thielen working in
the slot against a Lions secondary that ranks in the bottom quarter
in points allowed from slot receivers, I anticipate this game
will be a heavy dose of Thielen and Dalvin Cook, and not so much
of Diggs on the outside against Darius Slay.
It will take a significant leap of faith to play any of the top-tier
tight ends after the disastrous week that Eric Ebron, Rob Gronkowski,
and Zach Ertz delivered in Week 15. The tight end is a wasteland
that should most likely be avoided at possible with a low-cost
option like Jesse James or Ben Watson. If you insist on paying
up for an expensive tight end this week, I would go with Ebron
at home against a Giants team that ranks in the middle of the
pack against opposing TEs. While I anticipate this will be a monster
game for Marlon Mack and the ground attack, Ebron is always a
threat for multi-touchdowns.
For some reason, the linebacking tandem of Luke Kuchely and Thomas
Davis are studs against the run but weak against covering tight
ends. The Falcons know this full well and will get Austin Hooper
active early in this game.
It may sound crazy to recommend fading the second-most expensive
tight end in a must-win game for the Eagles against a Houston
team that ranks seventh in points allowed to tight ends. My logic
here is the lack of a connection between Nick Foles and Ertz,
something that was painfully evident last week against the Rams.
Defense & Special Teams
High Priced Option Worthy of the Cost:
Bears ($3,500) vs. 49ers
Well Priced with Upside: Patriots ($2,500) vs.
Bills
