Big Ben proved to be well worth the high salary last week when
he put up 32 fantasy points against the Saints, and should once
again come through for cash owners this week at home against the
Bengals. In what is a must-win game for the Steelers against a
team that just gave up three passing touchdowns to Baker Mayfield
and the Browns. Although there is the worry of the Steelers defense
scoring a D/ST touchdown and the Steelers run game limiting the
production of Big Ben, there are no better matchups for a cash
quarterback this week, and Big Ben should give a solid floor of
production.
Other options to consider - Matt
Ryan @ Tampa Bay & Tom
Brady vs. NY Jets
Allen’s rushing yards that made him such a valued DFS play have
dried up over the past two weeks with the former Wyoming Cowboy
totaling 46 yards against the Patriots and Lions. Look for Allen
to return to his “running around like his pants are on fire” glory
this week against a Miami defense that he torched Week 13 for
33 fantasy points. Sure, he could end up with a dud of a game
and a few boneheaded turnovers, but he could also be the No.1
fantasy QB this week at a relatively cheap price of 6K. Pair him
with Robert Foster for a home run GPP stack.
Brady scored just seven fantasy points last week as the Patriots
used a run-heavy approach to control the clock and impose their
will on the Bills. I anticipate New England will use a similar
plan this week against the Jets, with the Patriot defense forcing
multiple turnovers and a possible score on mistakes by Sam Darnold.
The old days of Brady being a monster fantasy producer are likely
over, and I can’t justify paying a premium for him when I can
pay $300 more for Big Ben or Patrick Mahomes.
The Patriots used a run-heavy approach last week against the
Bills with Sony Michel posting 116 rushing yards and a touchdown
on 18 carries. While it is likely that the Chiefs will secure
the top seed in the playoffs with a victory over the Raiders,
the Patriots technically do have something to play for this week
in their final game of the season against the Jets in Foxboro.
Although the Jets allow the 9th fewest points to opposing running
backs, I anticipate this will be a lopsided win for New England,
with Michel and Rex Burkhead garnering a large chunk of carries.
In what could be the final game of his career, look for the Eagles
to feature Darren Sproles against a Washington team that has been
eliminated from playoff contention and is steaming with the turmoil
surrounding the release of safety D.J. Swearinger. Sproles has
a touchdown in two of his last three games and could score once
again this week. He is an excellent low-cost play in a week filled
with question marks and risky plays.
Elliott had not played up to his salary over the past two weeks
when the Cowboys were playing for the division title. WIth the
Cowboys locked into the fourth seed and nothing the play for,
it would make sense to limit the workload for Zeke or bench him
altogether.
With the hype surrounding Patrick Mahomes and the high flying
Kansas City Chiefs offense this season, Davante Adams’ impressive
2018 campaign has gone mostly under the radar. Adams’ season is
arguably the most valuable fantasy performance by any wide receiver
in NFL history, with a touchdown or 100 yards in all but one game.
In the one game he did not reach a TD or 100 yards, Adams still
came through with 80 yards and eight catches.
Although he is questionable for the game with a knee ailment,
I anticipate he will play against the Lions, and Aaron Rodgers
will look to help Adams set new team records for catches in a
season and receiving yards.
The Dolphins have allowed the 10th-most point to opposing wide
receivers over the past three games, including 37 catches for
455 yard and four touchdowns. Foster has developed into a favorite
target for rookie Josh Allen and the primary deep threat for the
Bills. I plan on pairing Foster with Allen for a cheap GPP stack
with high upside in an otherwise meaningless game.
Hopkins and the Texans have a chance to jump the Patriots into
the second seed in the AFC with a victory over the Jaguars and
a loss by New England to the Jets. While the former is almost
a foregone conclusion, the chance of the Jets beating the Pats
in Foxboro is between slim and none. With Hopkins questionable
with an ankle injury, don’t be surprised to see the Texans
bench him and their other starters when the game between the Pats
and Jets gets out of hand.
Paying up for a tight end this week may be the smart move based
on the fact that there really are no appealing tight end matchups
outside of Travis Kelce at home against the Raiders, a team that
leads the league in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. I typically
do not want to pay more for my tight end than my quarterback,
but in this environment and with Kelce’s upside, it makes
sense in cash.
Herndon was one of the best tight end plays last week with seven
catches for 82 yards and a touchdown against the Packers. As a
favorite target for rookie Sam Darnold, Herndon could be active
again this week in what projects to be a lopsided win for the
Patriots and a positive game script for Jets receiving options
in the second half.
Gronk is moving around the field like he is doing his best Antonio
Gates impression. No longer a primary passing threat for Tom Brady,
Gronkowski is clearly hampered by injuries and more of a decoy
than a legit weapon.
Defense & Special Teams
High Priced Option Worthy of the Cost:
Seahawks ($3,700) vs. Cardinals
Well Priced with Upside: Bills ($2,700) vs.
Dolphins
