Fantasy Football: Week 8 DraftKings and FanDuel advice
Dec 20, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) beats Cleveland Browns cornerback Johnson Bademosi (24) to the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
We’re to provide you with the best matchups and players as you set your Fantasy Football DFS lineups for Week 8.
This week we have a total of six teams on a bye week. That means we are missing players in every position at every tier. Not to mention, there are also a few key players who are not on a bye that are dealing with injuries (C.J. Anderson, Tevin Coleman, LeSean McCoy). These injuries very well could cause these players to miss their Week 8 games. Keep that in mind while you set your lineups.
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; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws during the second half of the Buffalo Bills 16-0 win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterbacks
High-tier
Tom Brady, New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills (FD $8,700/DK $7,600): If there is such a thing as “foolproof” it’s Brady. He has yet to turn the ball over in three games while totaling eight touchdowns. The last time Brady played the Bills in Buffalo he threw for 466 yards and three touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $8,800/DK $7,500): A-Rod had his best statistical game in over a calendar year last week when he threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns. The Falcons defense has allowed an opposing quarterback to throw 3+ touchdowns against them on four separate occasions this year. There’s a good chance Rodgers can put together back-to-back strong performances.
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers (FD $8,500/DK $7,000): Ryan has been one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in 2016. The Packers secondary is missing multiple starters in their secondary. Playing at home, Ryan’s floor should be around 250 yards and two touchdowns.
Mid-tier
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs ($7,900/DK $6,800): It’s not always pretty but for the most part Luck puts up solid stats on a week-to-week basis. Over the last three games the Chiefs defense has given up nine touchdown passes. Luck is already in a good spot but he also could get back his No. 2 wide receiver, Donte Moncrief, back from injury. If he does that’s just one more reason people should want to plug him in lineups.
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Redskins (FD $7,700/DK $6,200): Over the last three games Dalton has 20 fantasy points a week. This week isn’t the best matchup against the Redskins but it could be. The Redskins might be without their No.1 cornerback Josh Norman. If he isn’t available, Dalton gets a huge boost and is a strong bet to post 20+ points for the fourth straight game.
Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots (FD $7,600/DK $5,200): As mentioned before, I believe the Patriots have a good chance of putting up some big points on the Bills. If they do, this will force Taylor to be pulled along. Over the last five games Taylor has more rushing touchdowns (2) than interceptions (1). He also has 28+ rushing yards in five straight games. It might be garbage time points but Taylor could put up some big ones before this one is over. Note: Taylor is “Mid-tier” in FanDuel and “Low-tier” in DraftKings.
Low-tier (Value)
Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $7,300/DK $5,000): This call is more about the matchup than about the quarterback. The Browns defense has given up multiple touchdown passes to opposing quarterbacks every game this season. In four out of the last five, they have given up three touchdown passes to opposing quarterbacks. He’s worth the gamble if you want to load up on other positions.
Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) carries the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Running Backs
High-tier
David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers (FD $8,700/DK $7,700): This dude is a flat out workhorse. Last week he had 41 total touches. In Week 5 he had 30 touches. Not only is this guy a great running back but he’s getting a crazy amount of touches. There’s so much to love about Johnson this week and pretty much every week.
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles (FD $8,500/DK $7,200): The rookie has four straight games with 18+ touches and 157+ total yards. The Eagles defense has shown over the last couple weeks they are more than capable of getting run on too.
Mid-tier
Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts (FD $7,400/DK $6,800): Over the last two games the former Seahawks backup running back has averaged 23 touches and 147 total yards. He’s shown big play ability the entire season and Andy Reid has a history of turning running backs into workhorses. There has only been one game this season where the Colts haven’t allowed 100 total rushing yards to opposing running backs.
Matt Forte, New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $7,300/DK $6,400): Just like with the Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, this call is so much more about the matchup than the player. Forte was irrelevant for about a month before his big game in Week 7. The Browns defense just gave up 271 rushing yards and two touchdowns to the Bengals running backs last week. If Forte can maintain fresh legs for the second consecutive week, he could have another big day.
Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers (FD $6,900/DK $6,5000: Remember last year when Freeman dominated all the touches in the Falcons backfield? Well, it could happen here. Tevin Coleman is fully expected to miss this game so Freeman should get a huge workload.
Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $6,600/DK $5,800): Don’t fight it. Don’t think about. Don’t question it. The Buccaneers third-string running back is a workhorse. Over the Buccaneers last two games he has averaged 31 touches and 146 total yards. He gets a plus matchup against the Raiders and should see 22+ touches.
Low-tier (Value)
Devontae Booker, Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers (FD $5,600/DK $3,700): Last week Booker had a coming-out party with 18 touches, 87 yards and one TD. He did that while splitting carries with C.J. Anderson. Now, Anderson is expected to miss this game (and more) with a knee injury. The rookie should see a serious amount of work in a favorable matchup.
Mike Gillislee, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots (FD $5,900/DK $3,800): Just like last week, this play is good if and ONLY IF LeSean McCoy is inactive. Last week, the Bills coaching staff let McCoy play and he aggravated his injured hamstring (swell job there Rex). So in theory, they should not let McCoy play this week. Then again, who knows what they do.
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receivers
High-tier
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers (FD $9,200/DK $9,600): After seeing five receptions or less in the first three weeks of the season, Julio has gone off. He has seven receptions or more in the team’s last four games and has 139+ receiving yards in each of those three games.
A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Redskins (FD $8,500/DK $8,800): I love A.J. in this spot if Josh Norman misses this game. It’s not to say Green can’t beat Norman if he suits up but if you’re going to pay up for a guy you better love his talents and the matchup.
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $7,900/DK $8,100): Over the last five games Evans has averaged over 13 targets, seven receptions, 89 yards and a touchdown. Over the last four games the Raiders defense is giving up just shy of 200 receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. So you do the math. Oh wait, I just did.
Mid-tier
Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $7,200/DK $6,900): I’m not on board with paying up for Wilson this week. I think there’s better value and/or plays this week. With that said, I think he’s very capable of having a good game against the Saints. If he does have a good game he’ll be sure to get his No.1 WR heavily involved. The Saints have given up a touchdown to an opposing wide receiver in five out of six games.
Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $7,100/DK $6,700): If you want to pay up for name value than go with Amari Cooper. If you want the better fantasy receiver go with Crabtree. Right now he has a touchdown in three out of the last four games and five total. Derek Carr loves him in the red zone and that goes back all the way back to last season. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Low-tier (Value)
Ty Montgomery, Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons (DK $5,300): This is ONLY for DraftKings because they kept him at wide receiver while FanDuel moved him over to running back. He isn’t dirt cheap like last week but for a guy who has 10 receptions in back-to-back weeks, he’s still pretty inexpensive. He also kicked in 60 rushing yards on nine carries last week. At his price, he’s almost a steal.
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 25: Kyle Rudolph
Tight Ends
High-tier
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills (FD $8,100/DK $7,000): Since Brady returned Gronk has averaged 5 receptions and 121 yards while totaling two touchdowns. Just like with Brady, Gronk is as “foolproof” as it gets.
Mid-tier
Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $6,700/DK $ 6,100): Don’t ever underestimate the narrative of a revenge game. With Graham returning to New Orleans, that’s exactly what we have. Over the last four games Graham has averaged over 5 receptions and 89 receiving yards. Graham wants to make some noise coming back to New Orleans and believe me, the entire Seahawks team wants to help.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts (FD $5,700/DK $4,900): Kelce hasn’t done anything over the last couple weeks but that makes him all the more likely to go off this week. He’s one of the most athletic tight ends in the NFL and the Colts have given up 210 yards and two touchdowns to opposing tight ends over the last two weeks.
Low-tier (Value)
Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears (FD $5,100/DK $3,500): I love Rudolph at this price because he has a great floor. He has 5+ receptions in three out of the last four games and two touchdowns in those four games. Quarterback Sam Bradford loves targeting the tight end and this year it just so happens Rudolph is that guy.
Gary Barnidge, Cleveland Browns vs. New York Jets (FD $5,000/DK $3,300): Despite all the quarterback drama in Cleveland, Barnidge has remained consistent. He might get Josh McCown back this week and if you remember, McCown was the main reason Barnidge was one of the best fantasy tight ends last year.
Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs (FD $4,900/DK $3,500): In his first game as the Colts No.1 TE he exploded for nine receptions, 78 yards and one touchdown. He probably won’t do that again this week in a tougher matchup but at his price, he’s worth the gamble.
C.J. Fiedorowicz, Houston Texans vs. Detroit Lions (FD $4,900/DK $2,800): The Texans tight end has averaged five receptions over the last three games and has two total touchdowns over the last four. He gets a major boost this week due to the matchup against Detroit who has given up seven touchdowns to opposing tight ends on the season.
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 17: Defensive back D.J. Swearinger
D/ST
High-tier
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears (FD $5,200/DK $4,100): I can safely assume the Vikings game last week was an outlier and not a trend. I expect them to dominate a very bad Chicago Bears team despite playing on the road.
Mid-tier
New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $4,700/DK $3,400): The Browns could be getting back their best quarterback on the roster in Josh McCown but he’s still an average NFL QB at best. I like to take my chances against the Browns every week because more often than not, it’s going to pay dividends.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers (FD $4,600/DK $2,700): Arizona has one of the best defenses in the NFL and I like their chances against the Panthers. Yes they play on the road and yes they playing against Cam Newton. However, the Panthers are nowhere near the team it was a year ago.
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $4,500/DK $2,800): Blake Bortles has been flat out bad this year. In the five games he’s played in this year in the United States, he has averaged over two turnovers a game. Now he has to travel on a short week and play on the dreaded Thursday Night slate.
Low-tier
(Nothing I can really recommend and honestly vouch for)
Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) reacts with quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Lineups
FanDuel
QB – Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
RB – Devontae Booker, Denver Broncos
RB – Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR – Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
WR – Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR – A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
TE – Gary Barnidge, Cleveland Browns
K – Josh Lambo, San Diego Chargers
D/ST – Arizona Cardinals
Remaning Salary – $200
DraftKings
QB – Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills
RB – Devontae Booker, Denver Broncos
RB – Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR – Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
WR – Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR – Ty Montgomery, Green Bay Packers
TE – C.J. Fiedorowicz, Houston Texans
FLEX – Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs
D.ST – Arizona Cardinals
Remaining Salary – $0
Stacks
Atlanta Falcons
New England Patriots
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cincinnati Bengals
Green Bay Packers
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