Last week, value priced running backs dominated the slate, with Jerick McKinnon and Mark Ingram scoring 25.9 and 34 DraftKings points respectively. This allowed higher priced player like Antonio Brown to be worked into lineups. This week features tighter pricing with McKinnon and Ingram receiving a salary increase. However, a few mid-priced players jump off the page for this week’s DraftKings Value Plays Column.
Jared Goff (v. Arizona) - $5,800
Although he has scored a mere 10.72 and 9.86 points the last two weeks, Jared Goff warrants consideration. As a cheap option at quarterback, Goff draws a spectacular matchup against the Cardinals. The last two weeks the Cardinals allowed Ryan Fitzpatrick and Carson Wentz to record 22.6 and 31.26 points respectively. Potentially missing Patrick Peterson, a matchup against the Cardinals makes Goff viable in GGPs and cash.
CJ Anderson (@ LA Chargers) – $7,200
CJ Anderson is averaging 24.3 touches in Denver victories and 9.5 in losses. With Denver opening as 1-point favorite, Anderson should be in line for a large workload. Additionally, the Chargers are allowing the most rushing yards per game in the NFL at 152.5. In tournaments Anderson offers a nice pivot off some of the more expensive running backs.
Jay Ajayi (v. New York Jets) - $6,200
Similar to Anderson, Jay Ajayi is averaging 27.7 touches in victories and 13 touches in losses. Coming in at 3.5-point favorites, Ajayi should dominate work against a Jets team allowing 138.8 rushing yards per games (28th in the NFL). Underpriced for the second consecutive week, Ajayi’s projected workload makes him a consideration for cash lineups.
Pierre Garcon (v. Dallas) - $5,800
Ranking 9th in targets per game (9.3) and 6th in targets overall (56), volume alone makes Pierre Garcon a DFS consideration this week. In addition, Dallas’ secondary should not be avoided. They have been scorched by Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp, and Larry Fitzgerald for 25.6, 17, and 36.9 points respectively. At $5,800, Garcon’s volume warrants GPP exposure this week.
Dez Bryant (@ San Francisco) - $7,800
In the same game, Dez Bryant has a dream matchup against a 49ers secondary allowing 277 receiving yards per game (27th in the NFL). In addition, Bryant comes into this week’s game ranked 7th in targets per game (9.6), 4th in red zone target share (39.1%) and 2nd in end zone target share (71.4%). Dez is a nice pivot away from the top receivers in cash and GPPs this week.
Kyle Rudolph (v. Baltimore) - $3,800
Since Dalvin Cook’s injury, Kyle Rudolph has been averaging 9 targets per game. Prior to the injury, he averaged a mere 3.75. This week he draws the Baltimore defense, allowing 15.2 PPR points per game (6th most in the league) to tight ends. At a modest price, Rudolph is a lock for cash games.
Devin Funchess (@ Chicago) - $6,000
In the last 4 games Devin Funchess has averaged 9 targets per game. In the same span, teammate Kelvin Benjamin has averaged 6.25. The Bears have played well against receivers, but have also been flamed by Antonio Brown and Jordy Nelson for 30 and 23.5 points respectively. Seeing more targets than Benjamin but coming in $900 cheaper, Funchess makes for an ideal GPP candidate this week.
