Fantasy Football: Week 10 DraftKings and FanDuel advice
Oct 23, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Buffalo Bills 28-25. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-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 10.
We welcome back six teams who are returning from their bye week. This means a handful of players will be returning to each one of the three tiers. As always, keep an eye on the injury report. The last thing you want is to have a player plugged into your lineup who won’t be active on game day.
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.
Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterbacks
High-tier
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans (FD $9,000/DK $7,600): Rodgers has three or more touchdown passes in three straight games. He’s also averaged 290 passing yards during that span. The Titans have given up multiple touchdown passes in four straight games. Something got to give, and it’s probably going to be the Titans secondary.
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles (FD $8,600/DK $7,300): In five out of nine games this year, Ryan has thrown three or more touchdown passes. Over the last five weeks the Eagles are surrendering more than two touchdown passes per game on average. The last time the Falcons played was on Thursday Night Football, so they had a mini bye-week to prepare for this game.
Tom Brady, New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (FD $8,300/DK $7,400): Seattle’s defense certainly isn’t what it used to be, and that was evident on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. Since returning, Brady is averaging more fantasy points than any player in the NFL. In three out of his four games, he has three or more touchdown passes.
Mid-tier
Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $7,900/DK $6,500): The 49ers awful defense has given up multiple touchdown passes in seven straight games. In the last two weeks, quarterbacks have averaged 296 passing yards and three touchdowns. Palmer hasn’t been great this year, but he did have a season high in passing yards (363) and three touchdown passes the last time he took the field.
Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears (FD $7,800/DK $6,300): Over the last three weeks, Winston is averaging 237 passing yards and nearly three touchdown passes per game. Chicago’s defense is getting healthier, and their front seven is more than respectable. If the Buccaneers want to move the ball, it has to be through the air.
Low-tier (Value)
Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans vs. Green Bay Packers (FD $7,400/DK $5,700): Mariota is averaging three total touchdowns over his last five games. The Packers are a tough match-up but they are beatable. In two out of the last four games, a quarterback has managed to throw three touchdowns against their banged-up secondary.
Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $7,000/DK $5,300): The Buccaneers defense has been embarrassing over their last two games. They have given up 857 passing yards and eight passing touchdowns total in those two games. Cutler has shown he’s capable at times, and in a good match-up he should produce.
Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Running Backs
High-tier
David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $9,400/DK $8,400): The best fantasy running back against arguably the worse run defense in the NFL. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (FD $8,900/DK $7,900): Don’t confuse this Steelers defense with ones you’ve seen in the past. They have given up five rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs over the last three games. Also, don’t forget this is the same defense that gave up over 200 rushing yards to Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi. Elliott currently leads the NFL in rushing yards.
Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $8,300/DK $7,100): Gordon has been playing is best football as of late, and he gets another decent match-up. The Dolphins just gave up 92 yards and a touchdown to Matt Forte on just 12 carries. Gordon has 100+ total yards in three straight games, and it’d be surprising if he didn’t make it four straight after this week. Note: Gordon his “high-tier” in FanDuel but “mid-tier” in DraftKings.
Mid-tier
Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins vs. San Diego Chargers (FD $7,800/DK $7,000): Ajayi’s three-game stretch has been one of the best we’ve seen in the NFL this season. In that span, he’s averaged 26 carries and 176 rushing yards. The Chargers have given up 11 rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs so far in 2016.
DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans vs. Green Bay Packers (FD $7,400/DK $6,900): With Derrick Henry expected to miss this week’s game, there’s no reason to believe Murray won’t see a full workload. The Packers run defense isn’t as scary as it was in the begining of the season. They have given up three rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs over the last two weeks. Over the last four weeks, opposing teams’ running backs are averaging 95 rushing yards per game against them.
Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $6,900/DK $6,000): Before the Bears went on their bye week in Week 9, Howard had 202 total yards against the Minnesota Vikings. That performance should earn him 18+ touches a game. Against the Buccaneers run defense, that many touches should pay big dividends.
Low-tier (Value)
Chris Ivory, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans (FD $5,200/DK $3,400): Last week Ivory set a season high in carries (18) and rushing yards (107). Last week was also the first game the Jaguars played with their new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. That means Ivory’s workload last week could be more a trend as opposed to an outlier. On average, the Texans are surrendering 106 rushing yards to opposing running backs per game.
Darren Sproles, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $5,100/DK $4,300): Sproles has averaged 18 touches per game over the last two weeks. In all likelihood, the Falcons will be leading this game, forcing the Eagles to keep up and catch up. Sproles should see plenty of targets and receptions on Sunday.
Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) is defended by Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) in the second quarter during game 17 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receivers
High-tier
Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants vs. Cincinnati Benglas (FD $9,000/DK $8,800): Remember in the beginning of the season when everyone was asking, “What’s wrong with OBJ?” That was fun. Over the last four games, he has averaged 5.5 receptions, 93 receiving yards per game and five total touchdowns. The Bengals have surrendered eight touchdown receptions to opposing wide receivers in 2016.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles (FD $8,800/DK $9,500): The Eagles have one of the worse cornerback groups in the NFL. Julio either has 100+ receiving yards and/or a touchdown in six out of nine games this season.
A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Giants (FD $8,700/DK $8,500): The last time we saw Green, he was embarrassing cornerback Josh Norman over in London. The Giants secondary has been underwhelming at best in 2016, so there’s a good chance Green embarrasses yet another cornerback or two on Monday Night Football.
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears (FD $8,500/DK $9,000): Evans has been a monster all season long, and the Bears secondary has been bad. Evans should do some damage with his usual double-digit targets.
Mid-tier
Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $7,200/DK $6,600): With Jay Cutler back for the first time from injury in Week 8, Jeffery scored his first touchdown of the year. Going up against a very bad Buccaneers secondary, he has a good chance to do it for the second straight game.
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $7,200/DK $7,600): Fitz has consistently been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL this year. The 49ers on the other hand have been consistently one of the worst secondaries in the NFL this year.
Low-tier (Value)
Kenny Britt, Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Jets (FD $6,400/DK $4,900): Believe it or not, Britt has been the best fantasy receiver on the Rams, and he has three touchdowns over the last three games. The Jets have given up 10 receiving touchdowns to opposing wide receivers so far in 2016.
Tyrell Williams, San Diego Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $5,900/DK $5,700): With Travis Benjamin expected to be out or limited for the second week in a row, Williams will be the Chargers No.1 WR. The Dolphins secondary is one of the worst in the NFL, and it’s hard to imagine them containing a guy with Williams’ size and speed all game long.
J.J. Nelson, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $5,600/DK $4,200): The coaching staff promoted Nelson into the starting lineup. He’s an explosive playmaker who only needs a couple of catches to reward owners.
Nov 5, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) spikes the ball in celebration after scoring on a 9-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter during an NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Tight Ends
High-tier
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (FD $8,000/DK $6,900): Over the last four games, Gronk has averaged 118 receiving yards per game and three total touchdowns. He has a tough match-up, but it doesn’t even matter against a guy like Gronkowski.
Mid-tier
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Carolina Panthers (FD $6,300/DK $5,600): The Panthers are one of the worst teams in the NFL when it comes to covering opposing tight ends. As long as Kelce doesn’t get ejected, he should do well on Sunday.
Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Giants (FD $6,100/DK $5,200): In his first game back with his usual complement of snaps in Week 8, Eifert finished with nine receptions, 102 yards and one touchdown. Eifert was one of the best fantasy tight ends last year, and it looks like he’s returning to form.
Low-tier (Value)
Zach Miller, Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $5,400/DK $3,600): Miller’s stock is on the rise with Jay Cutler back under center. The Buccaneers have given up three receiving touchdowns to opposing tight ends over the last two weeks.
Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $4,600/DK $3,700): Ertz is coming off his best game of the season, and it looks like he’s becoming a bigger part of the Eagles offense. He should see plenty of targets when they try to keep up with the Falcons offense.
Lance Kendricks, Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Jets (FD $4,500/DK $3,000): Kendricks has seven receptions in back-to-back weeks, and the Jets are more than capable of getting beaten by opposing tight ends.
Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) winces after almost making the goal line tackled by Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Kevin Minter (51) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
D/ST
High-tier
Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $5,200/DK $3,700): Last week the Saints defense had a respectable fantasy outing against the 49ers. In case you didn’t know, the Saints have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. With Arizona having one of the best defenses, it should pay off.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $5,100/DK $3,700): They are playing the Browns, so that’s a good start right there. The Ravens D/ST has produced a touchdown in back-to-back weeks, and they’re more than capable of making it three weeks in a row.
Mid-tier
New York Jets vs. Los Angeles Rams (FD $4,800/DK $2,800): The Rams have the worst offense in the NFL, and they have to travel all the way to the east coast for a 1:00 EST game. Yes, the Jets defense hasn’t been good this year, but they have the opportunity to do well in this one. Note: The Jets are “low-tier” in DraftKings.
Low-tier (Value)
Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans (FD $4,500/DK $3,000): The Titans offense is putting up some good points due to Marcus Mariota and DeMarco Murray. However, opposing D/ST’s have scored seven touchdowns against the Titans this season.
Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Chester (65) spikes the ball after running back Devonta Freeman (24) scored a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Lineups
FanDuel
QB – Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans
RB – Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins
RB – DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans
WR – Julio Jones, Atalanta Falcons
WR – Tyrell Williams, San Diego Chargers
WR – Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
TE – Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
K – Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona Cardinals
D/ST – New York Jets
Remaning Salary – $100
DraftKings
QB – Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals
RB – Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins
RB – Darren Sproles, Philadelphia Eagles
WR – Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR – Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears
WR – J.J. Nelson, Arizona Cardinals
TE – Zach Miller, Chicago Bears
FLEX – Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles
D/ST – New York Jets
Remaning Salary – $100
Stacks
Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons
Philadelphia Eagles
Green Bay Packers
Chicago Bears
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