Last week was an interesting week on FanDuel. There were a few
clear “chalk” plays that we knew would be highly owned
like Todd Gurley and the Rams defense. I was asked if there is
merit to fading players you think will be high owned in cash games.
Maybe I don’t think highly enough of casual players, but
if you are reading this you are researching the right way. Many
people do not so I don’t worry about fading the chalk plays
in cash because I need people to prove to me they know who the
best plays are, especially in a week as chalk as Week 7.
My primary cash game lineup for FanDuel in Week 8 is posted below.
Be sure and check back later on in the week as I often update
my lineup on Saturday night or Sunday morning. Below my lineup
are my top value plays for Week 8 on FanDuel.
Forsett had a tough matchup last week against the Cardinals who
were allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs
going into the game. He only rushed for 36 yards but did add a
touchdown and three catches to his day. Look for a bounce back
performance this week against a Chargers defense ranked 31st against
the run and gave up 85 yards and a touchdown to Latavius Murray
in Week 7. The Chargers have given up seven rushing touchdown
through seven weeks of the season.
Crabtree had eight targets in Week 7 and posted a 6-63-1 stat
line against San Diego. He actually saw more targets than rookie
phenomenon Amari Cooper and I expect that to continue with Cooper
likely to be shadowed by Darrelle Revis in Week 8. The growth
of Derek Carr in a new offensive scheme has Crabtree a consistent
factor in fantasy. At his price, he is a clear value pick for
the volume he is currently receiving.
Green was the clear pivot off of Antonio Gates last week when
Gates’ MCL injury was found out to be more serious than
originally thought. Green saw nine targets against the Raiders
and had 45 yards and a touchdown. He could have had an even bigger
day but he dropped a pass where he could have made it into the
end zone. If Gates can’t go this week, Green will continue
to be a huge part of this pass-happy offense especially in the
red zone.
Smith is fighting through injury but continues to prove his age
is a non-factor. He is second in the league in plays over 20 yards
and will continue to lead this offense in targets… an offense
that lacks major outside threats. The Chargers defense has some
injuries in the secondary; so don’t let a tough matchup
fool you. The Ravens should be able to move the ball from both
the ground and the air, which should produce plenty of red zone
opportunities. Smith is becoming yet another consistent value
play for the volume he is receiving.
I feel like Decker makes this column every week but FanDuel refuses
to raise his price. Last week was the first game he did not have
a receiving touchdown but he did have 94 yards off of six receptions
with a whopping 12 targets against the Patriots. Fitzpatrick has
proven that he can support two viable pass options and has been
prone to zoning in on Decker early and often. This week, the Jets
face the Raiders who are ranked last in the NFL in pass defense.
I am willing to look past Snead’s performance in Week 7
where he had just 25 yards and three catches. He did have seven
targets but I believe his lack of production was due mostly to
poor game script. He has been consistent as Drew Brees’
favorite target and I expect him to rebound nicely in Week 8 against
a Giants pass defense that is ranked 30th in the NFL. Snead will
continue to be one of the better value options available on FanDuel.
Diggs is the clear number one option in the Vikings passing game.
I said last week that he may be the best route runner on the team
and now I have zero doubt that he is. Diggs went off for 108 yards
and a touchdown in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions. His leaping
touchdown grab was impressive as he was able to lay out for the
ball with full extension. He has great deep speed and is quick
out of his routes. This week against the Bears, Diggs will continue
to burst on the fantasy scene. Don’t miss out on this value
while his price is this low, it won’t be for much longer.
Cutler has actually looked relatively comfortable the past few
weeks after returning from a hamstring injury. A big part of his
recent success has to do with the return of Alshon Jeffery who
went crazy in Week 6 before the Bears bye for 147 yards and a
touchdown. The Vikings do not have a slouch of a defense but they
did give up two good games from Matthew Stafford already this
year so I don’t see any reason Cutler can’t out produce
this low price point.
