- by the NFL DFS team
Some of the usual defenses to attack won’t be a part of Sunday’s main afternoon DFS slate since the Jaguars and Texans will be on a bye and the Falcons and Cowboys will play in primetime games. With that being said, there are still plenty of juicy matchups to exploit, so let’s discuss a couple of players to consider at each position.
These two teams faced off in Week 1 and Rodgers had a monster performance, throwing for 364 yards and four touchdowns. It hasn’t been just Rodgers who has had success against the Vikings, either, considering they have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game in the league. With Rodgers having thrown at least three touchdown passes in four of six games, he carries plenty of upside into this matchup.
Targeting the Seahawks defense has usually been a sound strategy. They once again struggled in Week 7 in what was eventually an overtime loss to the Cardinals. They have allowed the most passing yards per game (368.7) in the league by a wide margin, which makes Garoppolo and intriguing budget-friendly option. Although Garoppolo’s overall numbers aren’t great, he has thrown at least two touchdowns in three of five games. The 49ers might also be forced to throw more in this game given that their running back depth chart has been decimated by injuries and the fact that the Seahawks offense has also been potent.
Henry had a brutal matchup against the Steelers last week, but still managed to finish with 75 rushing yards and a touchdown. The key was that he received 20 carries. He hasn’t received fewer than 19 carries in a game all season, which leaves him with an incredibly high floor. This has the makings of a potential stellar performance from him considering the Bengals have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game.
This could be a good week to spend up at running back. Hunt also stands out in what is a great matchup against the Raiders, who have allowed a league-high 12 rushing touchdowns this season. Hunt was once again busy with Nick Chubb (knee) out last week, posting 102 total yards and a touchdown against the Bengals. Chubb could be back after their bye in Week 9, but since he won’t be back this week, expect Hunt to continue to remain busy.
It’s going to be difficult to resist a Rodgers/Adams stack despite their hefty salaries. Adams was at the center of the Packers’ scoring outburst against the Vikings in Week 1, catching 14 of 17 targets for 156 yards and two touchdowns. He is also coming off of a tremendous game against the Texans in Week 7 in which he finished with 13 catches for 196 yards and two touchdowns. He already has 46 targets despite playing in just four games, so with that type of target share, his upside is through the roof.
It’s been an injury-riddled season for the 49ers on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side of things, they lost their top wide receiver last week in Deebo Samuel (hamstring), who should at least be out for this contest against the Seahawks. Aiyuk stepped up against the Patriots, catching six of seven targets for 115 yards. With a heavy workload likely coming his way in this matchup, he could end up being a bargain.
With Samuel out and the Seahawks’ defense struggling, George Kittle will probably be included in a lot of entries this week. However, don’t sleep on Waller, who can be had at a cheaper salary on both sites. He’s one of the safer options at tight end given that he has received at least seven targets in five of six games this season. This is also a great spot for him against the Browns, who have allowed the third-most passing yards per game.
The key here will be the status of Austin Hooper, who sat out Week 7 while recovering from an appendectomy. Since the Browns have a bye in Week 9, it makes sense that they might be extra cautious with him and hold him out for this matchup against the Raiders. As of Thursday morning, reports have indicated that it’s unlikely he plays against the Raiders. The Browns do have two other capable options at the position in David Njoku and Bryant, who both scored a touchdown last week. Bryant actually had two scores while catching four of five targets for 56 yards. If Hooper is out and you need to save money a tight end, Bryant might be your man.