Fantasy Football: Week 6 DraftKings and FanDuel advice
Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball to running back Christine Michael (32) against the New York Jets in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Seattle defeated New York 27-17. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
We’re to provide you with the best matchups and players as you set your Fantasy Football DFS lineups for Week 6.
With four teams returning from a bye week there are a lot more players in the fold compared to last week. Not to mention, the two teams on a bye this week (Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) don’t bring a lot to the table from a fantasy perspective.
Each position will be broken into three separate categories:
1. High-tier – These are your “heavy-hitters”. If you play season long fantasy football, they more than likely the players who went in the first few rounds. They will cost you a pretty penny but in the end, it’ll be worth it.
2. Mid-tier – This is where a majority of the players will be located. The key is finding the players with the most favorable matchups and in turn, exceeding the dollar amount placed upon them.
3. Low-tier (value) – These are your bottom-of-the barrel players in terms of pricing, but not necessarily in ability or situation. Not only should these players outperform their salary; they should crush it.
At the end, I’ll provide you with two lineups (one for FanDuel and one for Draft Kings). These lineups should be used for you to use as a base while you plug in some different players you may prefer.
Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws the ball during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterbacks
High-tier
Tom Brady, New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals (FD $9,000/DK $7,700): In his first week back last Sunday, Brady had three touchdown passes and over 400 passing yards. Playing in front of his home crowd at Gillette Stadium for the first time this season, Brady wants to put on a show.
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $8,700/DK $7,500): Over the last two weeks Big Ben has nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions. Miami’s defense (and entire team) is a wounded duck who can’t do much of anything. Last week they helped Marcus Mariota finish as the No.1 fantasy football quarterback. Big Ben should have an even bigger day.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers (FD $8,500/DK $7,900): Breezy is playing at home where he is averaging 400 passing yards and 3.5 touchdowns this season. The last time Carolina played on the road inside a dome, Matt Ryan and Julio Jones treated them like first time inmates at a prison.
Mid-tier
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $8,400/DK $6,900): Wilson is returning from his bye-week where he now should be close to full health. Other than last week’s game against rookie Paxton Lynch, the Falcons defense has given up at least three touchdown passes in every game this season. Note: Wilson is “mid-tier” in DraftKings but “high-tier” in FanDuel.
Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Jets (FD $7,700/DK $6,000): It seems so long ago when Palmer was one of best fantasy quarterbacks around. However, this week he gets the Jets. Over the last two weeks the Jets have given up on average 345 passing yards and 3.5 touchdown passes. Palmer might not be the guy he was last year but he’s more than capable of having a one-week renaissance at home on Monday Night Football.
Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $7,600/DK $6,100): No I don’t believe Mariota will be the No.1 fantasy quarterback like last week. However, he should still do well on Sunday. The Browns have given up multiple touchdown passes in every game this season and three touchdown passes in three straight games.
Low-tier (Value)
Brian Hoyer, Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $7,000/DK $5,800): Since taking over as the team’s starting quarterback in Week 3, Hoyer has been one of the best fantasy quarterbacks. In the last three games he is averaging 339 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The Jaguars have given up multiple touchdown passes in three out of four games this season.
Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $6,800/DK $5,700): Last week the Raiders gave up four touchdown passes to Philip Rivers. That was the third time this season an opposing quarterback has thrown three or more touchdowns against them. Smith hasn’t thrown three touchdown passes in a game since Week 1 of 2015. Yet, he is always a threat to rack up some rushing yards and he could take one to the house in the process. A couple touchdowns through the air and one with his feet is a real possibility.
Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) gets past New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) for a touchdown during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Running Backs
High-tier
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $9,300/DK $7,900): In his first two games back from suspension he is averaging 166 total yards and seven receptions per game. He’s playing the Dolphins who might have the worst defense in the NFL. This should be a field day for Bell.
DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $8,800/DK $7,700): Murray is currently second in the NFL in rushing yards. The Browns on average have given up over 107 rushing yards over the last three weeks. They have also allowed a rushing touchdown in three straight games. Sounds good to me.
LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $8,200/DK $ 6,900): In case you haven’t noticed, McCoy has been one of the fantasy running backs ever since the Bills fired their offensive coordinator after their game in Week 2. In those three weeks he’s averaged 22 touches and 127 total yards. The 49ers have given up multiple rushing touchdowns in two out of the last three games and 130+ rushing yards in four straight weeks.
Mid-tier
Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $7,700/DK $6,200): Over the last two weeks Howard has been a volume guy (22.5 touches per game) and he’s been producing (148 yards per game). The Jaguars have been pretty good against the run so far in 2016 but his pricing paired with his volume makes him an intriguing play.
Christine Michael, Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $7,400/DK $6,800): Without Thomas Rawls, Michael should continue to be the Seahawks workhorse. In their last two games he’s averaged 22.5 touches, 101 yards and 1.5 touchdowns. The Falcons run defense on paper appears to be solid but in reality, they aren’t. Most teams were forced to abandon to run to keep up with the Falcons high-flying offense. Playing in Seattle, that won’t be the case.
Low-tier (Value)
Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers (FD $6,700/DK $6,000): Ingram isn’t a true “low-tier” guy but more of a mid-to-low tier player. In his last two games he averaged 22 touches, 106 yards and 1 touchdown. The Panthers defense of 2016 is nothing like the Panthers defense of 2015. Not to mention, they also have to travel on a short week.
Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins (FD $6,500/DK $4,900): Last week Mathews saw a team-high 16 touches and finished with 75 yards and a touchdown. He should be the lead back once again against a Redskins defense that is surrendering 129 rushing yards and over one rushing touchdown per game. Mathews did have a crucial fumble last week but I think (hope) the coaching staff doesn’t punish him for it this week in a favorable matchup.
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receivers
High-tier
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $9,700/DK $10,000): Well, the best WR in the NFL is going up against arguably the worst secondary in the NFL. Brown is first in the NFL in receptions (37) and second in targets (56). He should have a big day but keep in mind it’s going to cost you a lot of money.
Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants vs. Baltimore Ravens (FD $8,300/DK $8,800): Beckham finally found the endzone last week and the Ravens have given up nine receiving touchdowns to opposing wide receivers over the last four weeks. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Giants throw early and often in this game because teams simply can’t run the ball against the Ravens. A second straight week with a touchdown reception is a strong possibility.
Mid-tier
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Jets (FD $7,400/DK $7,700): Not only has Fitzgerald been the best wide receiver on the Cardinals but he’s also been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in 2016. He faces a Jets secondary that has been awful and has given up four touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in their last two games.
Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs (FD $7,000/DK $6,900): After five weeks, it is Crabtree and not Amari Cooper who leads the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns. The last time the Chiefs took the field we saw them give up four touchdown passes to the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers.
Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $6,900/DK $6,300): Although Maclin has done next to nothing this season he’s still the team’s No.1 WR. The Raiders have given up 216 passing yards per game over the last two weeks to opposing wide receivers. There’s a lot of upside here.
Low-tier
John Brown, Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Jets (FD $6,600/DK $4,500): In Brown’s last two games with Carson Palmer he averaged 8 receptions and 107 receiving yards. Just like with Fitzgerald, Brown gets a plus matchup against the Jets.
Sammie Coates, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $6,400/DK $4,700): Just like we saw last week, Coates is capable of a big play at any moment. As mentioned before, the Dolphins secondary can’t stop anything and it would be a shock if Coates didn’t have a big play or two before this one is over.
Cameron Meredith, Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $5,400/DK $4,100): Last week was Meredith’s coming out party but he could easily keep this thing going. He is acting as the Bears No.2 WR with no Kevin White in the picture and for whatever the reason, Brian Hoyer prefers the No.2 WR opposed to Alshon Jeffery. At Meredith’s price, why fight it?
Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) attempts to make a reception as Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) defends during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Tight Ends
High-tier
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals (FD $8,400/DK $6,700): With Brady back last week, Gronk was on full display (5 receptions, 109 yards). He’s now a threat for a monster week every time he steps on the field.
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $8,100/DK $7,000): After Olsen’s monster game on Monday Night Football, I guess it doesn’t matter who is playing QB for the Panthers. He’s a weekly TE1 who should get loose at least a couple times during this potential shootout.
Mid-tier
Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $6,900/DK $4,900): The Jimmy Graham of old seems to be back after suffering a serious knee injury last season. That’s bad news for the Atlanta Falcons who have given up a touchdown to an opposing tight end in four out five games this season.
Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $6,700/DK $5,500): Walker is good. The Browns are bad. Do you really need to know more? You do? Fine. The Browns have given up five touchdowns to opposing tight ends in just the last two weeks. You happy now?
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Okaland Raiders (FD $6,400/DK $5,000): Just like with Graham and Walker, Kelce is one of the better tight ends in the NFL and he gets a good matchup. Just last week the Raiders gave up two touchdowns to the Chargers TEs. Kelce currently leads the Chiefs in receptions (22) and is tied for the most receiving touchdowns (2).
Low-tier
Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $5,400/DK $3,000): In case you didn’t get the memo it’s, “start your Steelers against the Dolphins” week. Last week James set a season high in receptions (6), receiving yards (43) while finding the endzone for the third time in four games.
Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Jerry Hughes (55) celebrates stopping Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) from getting a 1st down during the 2nd half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
D/ST
High-tier
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Miami Dolphins (FD $4,800/DK $3,400): The Dolphins are a complete mess while the Steelers are one of the best teams in the NFL. When Ryan Tannehill attempts to keep up with Pittsburgh’s high-scoring offense, he will take sacks and turn the ball over. Book it.
Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $4,800/DK $3,700): The Bills defense has been borderline elite over the last three weeks and they get another favorable matchup. The 49ers have to travel all the way to the east coast for a 1:00 EST game. It doesn’t matter who is playing QB for the 49ers. They are not a good offense.
Mid-tier
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $4,700/DK $3,300): The Browns are either trotting out rookie QB Cody Kessler at less than 100% healthy or rookie QB Kevin Hogan who has never played in a NFL game. So….
Low-tier
Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $4,300/DK $2,300): Blake Bortles is almost always a good bet to turn the ball over and to sack a few sacks. Playing on the road at Soldier Field, I’m pretty confident he does it here.
Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after catching the ball to score a touchdown during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Lineups
FanDuel
QB – Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
RB – LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills
RB – Christine Michael, Seattle Seahawks
WR – Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
WR – Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders
WR – Cameron Meredith, Chicago Bears
TE – Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks
K – Will Lutz, New Orleans Saints
D/ST – Chicago Bears
Remaning Salary – $200
DraftKings
QB – Brian Hoyer, Chicago Bears
RB – Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles
RB – Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
WR – Sammie Coates, Pittsburgh Steelers
WR – John Brown, Arizona Cardinals
WR – Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants
TE – Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
FLEX – Cameron Meredith, Chicago Bears
D/ST – Chicago Bears
Remaining Salary – $300
Stacks
Pittsburgh Steelers
New England Patriots
Arizona Cardinals
Chicago Bears
New Orleans Saints
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