Fantasy Football: Week 9 DraftKings and FanDuel advice
Oct 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball against Philadelphia Eagles free safety Rodney McLeod (23) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 29-23. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
We’re to provide you with the best match-ups and players as you set your Fantasy Football DFS lineups for Week 9.
It’s like Déjà vu from last week. Once again we have six teams on a bye week and once again we have some key injuries to keep an eye on. Players like LeSean McCoy, T.Y. Hilton and Spencer Ware very well could miss Week 9 so keep a close eye on the injury report.
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 match-ups 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 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles against Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterbacks
High-tier
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts (FD $9,100/DK $7,800): Finally, the Aaron Rodgers we used to love in the fantasy football community is back. Over the last two games, he’s combined for 639 total yards and seven touchdowns. Next up is a Colts secondary that could be without their No.1 CB Vontae Davis (concussion).
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $8,600/DK $7,100): Ryan has arguably been the best fantasy quarterback up to this point. Now he gets a Buccaneers defense that just gave up 513 passing yards and 4 touchdowns to Derek Carr.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $8,600/DK $7,200): The 49ers defense has given up multiple touchdown passes to opposing quarterbacks in six straight games. Those six quarterbacks are mere mortals compared to fantasy God Drew Brees. There’s a good chance he puts up a thundering performance against the 49ers on Sunday.
Mid-tier
Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $7,700/DK $6,100): The Falcons are averaging the most points per game this season. They should have no problem putting up points on the Buccaneers. This will force Winston to throw a ton, and he could rack up a lot of yards and fantasy points in the process.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $7,600/DK $6,100): The Browns are giving up two touchdown passes per game to opposing quarterbacks. Prescott has averaged three total touchdowns over his last two games. He should easily pay dividends especially if he gets his fifth rushing touchdown of the year.
Low-tier (Value)
Colin Kaepnerick, San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $7,2OO/DK $5,600): Kaep is averaging 75 rushing yards a game. There’s a good chance the Saints rout the 49ers, leaving him with plenty of time to rack up a lot of garbage time yards through the air and with his legs.
Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) can
Running Backs
High-tier
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $9,200/DK $7,900): The NFL’s leading rusher playing against a defense that has given up 429 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs over the last two weeks. It’s almost too good to be true.
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (FD $8,700/DK $7,700): The guy is averaging 147 total yards and 7.5 receptions per game. He’s basically matc-hup proof.
Mid-tier
Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers vs. Tennesse Titans (FD $7,800/DK $6,300): Believe it or not, the Titans have been pretty solid against opposing teams running back. However, Gordon just rushed for 111 yards against the Broncos last week, so I’m not all that worried. Plus, he’s averaging 27 touches over the last three games. That’s the kind of volume we love in fantasy.
Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $7,600/DK $6,700): Tevin Coleman will miss his second straight game, leaving Freeman with most of the touches. When he was in the same situation last week, he scored two touchdowns.
Devontae Booker, Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $7,000/DK $6,400): He didn’t look all that impressive last week but he did find the endzone on one of his 24 total touches. We should expect a similar high volume of usage this week.
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams (FD $6,400/DK $5,200): Stewart now has back-to-back games with two rushing touchdowns. The Panthers coaching staff doesn’t want to risk Cam Newton getting another concussion, so Stewart is seeing a lot more goal line carries.
Low-tier (Value)
Charcandrick West, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $5,600/DK $4,400): This recommendation is if and only if Spencer Ware is inactive. If he is, West should see a full compliment of snaps and touches.
Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) celebrates a second quarter touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receivers
High-tier
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (FD $8,700/DK $8,900): The Ravens have given up a touchdown reception to opposing wide receivers in six out of seven games. In four out of those seven games, they have given up multiple touchdown passes to opposing wide receivers. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger should be back this week, which gives Brown a boost. Even if he isn’t, Brown still produced (7/106/0) with Landry Jones throwing him the ball.
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $8,300/DK $8,500): Right now Evans is second in the NFL in targets (86) and is tied for the most receiving touchdowns (6). In a game where the Buccaneers should be trailing, there’s a good chance the 6’5″ Evans sees close to 15 targets.
Mid-tier
Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $7,800/DK $7,400): It didn’t look like Bryant was limited on Sunday Night Football, which means he should be near 100%. With his ability against a porous Browns secondary, he should have himself a day.
Brandon Marshall, New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $7,500/DK $7,300): Marshall returns to Miami for this weeks #revengegame. The last thing Miami wants to see is a guy with his talents with extra motivation. Look for Marshall to dominate the Dolphins weak secondary.
Low-tier (value)
Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (FD $6,500/DK $5,900): The Vikings made sure to get Diggs more involved in the offense last week. If they are smart, they will do it again against a Lions defense that has given up nine touchdowns to opposing wide receivers.
Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $5,800/DK $5,500): It’s a little shocking the rookie is being priced this low. He’s averaging seven receptions over his last three games and he has three receiving touchdowns over the last five games. Not to mention, you couldn’t ask for a better match-up against the 49ers.
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Tight Ends
High-tier
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams (FD $7,500/DK $6,200): Olsen is easily coming off his worse game of the season. I highly doubt he has two poor games in a row.
Mid-tier
Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $5,400/DK $3,300): The Buccaneers have lost their No.2 WR, No.3 WR, No.1 RB, No.2 RB and No.3 RB. This should mean their running game won’t be as effective, and Winston will be forced to throw. When Winston drops back to pass, Mike Evans along with Brate should be his two favorite targets. Note: Brate is “mid-tier” on FanDuel but “low-tier (value)” on DraftKings.
Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (FD $5,200/DK $3,800): Pitta is currently third in the NFL in targets among all tight ends and fourth in receptions. With Steve Smith Sr. likely to miss Sunday’s game, he should see a decent amount of volume once again.
Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (FD $5,000/DK $4,000): Rudolph has been one of the best fantasy tight ends this year, and the Lions are just awful at covering the tight end. The odds are in his favor of scoring a touchdown on Sunday.
Low-tier (value)
Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $4,500/DK $2,500): With Jacob Tamme out for Thursday Night Football, Hooper will get the start. The Falcons offense is one of the best in the NFL, so there’s reason for optimism.
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 25: Danielle Hunter
D/ST
High-tier
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (FD $5,300/DK $4,000): You might be a little hesitant to play them after their putrid performance on Monday Night Football. Yet they still have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and they play even better at home.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $5,100/DK $3,500): Arrowhead is one of the toughest places to play at in the NFL. The struggling Jaguars will have to take their underachieving offense in there and attempt to put up some points. I personally don’t see it happening. Note: The Chiefs are “mid-tier” in DraftKings.
Mid-tier
Seattle Seahawks vs. Buffalo Bills (FD $4,900/DK $3,900): This team is a different animal at home, and that’s where they’ll be playing on Monday Night Football. If LeSean McCoy can’t suit up, the Bills offense could be in for a long day.
Low-tier
Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts (FD $4,400/DK $2,700): Andrew Luck is always a good bet to take some sacks and turn the ball over. If one of those turnovers goes the other way for six, you’re golden.
Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Lineups
FanDuel
QB – Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
RB – Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
RB – Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
WR – Brandon Marshall, New York Jets
WR – Dez Byrant, Dallas Cowboys
WR – Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
TE – Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings
K – Will Lutz, New Orleans Saints
D/ST – Kanas City Chiefs
Remaning Salary – $100
DraftKings
QB – Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
RB – Charcandrick West, Kansas City Chiefs
RB – Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons
WR – Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
WR – Brandon Marshall, New York Jets
WR – Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
TE – Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
FLEX – Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers
D/ST – Green Bay Packers
Remaning Salary – $300
Stacks
New Orleans Saints
Dallas Cowboys
Atlanta Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
More from FanSided
This article originally appeared on 
