If you’ve never played weekly salary-cap fantasy games, you’re missing out on what’s quickly becoming the hottest new trend in fantasy football and a great way to make some quick cash. No longer are you locked into a team for an entire season (or longer) and subject to the pain of injuries and poor performance. Instead, each week you pick a new set of players to fill your lineup. This is an exciting format that takes away a lot of the stress that goes with season-long fantasy leagues.
For those not familiar with DraftKings’ format, you are awarded a total budget of $50,000 to fill a roster of nine players (QB, RB1, RB2, WR1, WR2, TE, FLEX (RB/WR/TE), K and DST). You must pick players from at least two different NFL teams that represent two different games that week. The scoring rules are similar to most PPR scoring leagues, but you can check out the details over at DraftKings for more information there.
Now that we’ve gotten the introductory information out of the way, here’s the most valuable DraftKings lineup for Week 9.
Quarterback
Terrelle Pryor, Oakland Raiders ($6,700)
Pryor has played better than most expected all year and continues to improve with each passing week. He’s currently ranked 11th for the season on DraftKings, averaging 18.3 fantasy points-per-week. This week, Pryor and the Raiders welcome the Philadelphia Eagles and their 23rd ranked overall defense to town. The Eagles rank 29th in pass coverage with a -27.4 grade. They’re also allowing 18 fantasy PPG to opposing quarterbacks, which is right in line with Pryor's average. Expect Pryor to have a field day against the Eagles’ terrible secondary and finish in the top eight for the week.
Running Back
Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers ($6,600)
Lacy is starting to be a staple in weekly leagues and will continue to be one as long as his price doesn’t rise too much higher. He’s a work-horse, every-down back that is going to get 25-plus touches per game. With the Packers receiver corp decimated by injury, Green Bay has leaned heavily on Lacy, with great success. The Packers take on the Chicago Bears this week, who rank second-to-last in run defense with a -39.0 grade and allowing 18.1 fantasy points to opposing ‘backs this season, which is the sixth most. Look for Lacy to have a huge day.
Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams ($3,900)
Stacy has done well since taking over as the primary ball carrier in St. Louis. With Kellen Clemens struggling, the Rams will look to run the offense through Stacy to make things easier for Clemens in the passing game. This week, Stacy and the Rams face the Tennessee Titans’ 23rd ranked run defense, sporting a -9.3 grade and allowing 17.7 fantasy PPG to opposing running backs this season. Stacy will be a RB1 this week, which makes him an absolute steal for less than $4,000.
Wide Receiver
Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys ($8,900)
Bryant and the Cowboys take on the hapless Minnesota Vikings this week, who come into the game ranked 27th in pass coverage with a -21.7 grade and are allowing over 24 fantasy PPG to opposing receivers. Yes, Bryant is the most expensive receiver this week, but he’s going to finish as the top dog, so he’s worth the price.
Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers ($4,600)
Rarely can you find a true No. 1 receiver for as cheap as $4,600. The Panthers have really turned things around recently and have been on a roll, which doesn't bode well for the Atlanta Falcons and their 24th-ranked pass defense. They’re allowing the fifth most fantasy PPG to opposing wide receivers with 25.4 and will have a hard time containing Smith. Cam Newton will target Smith a ton, and he'll finish in the top 15 among fantasy receivers this week.
Tight End
Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys ($8,900)
Dallas is clearly a pass-heavy team, Romo loves to spread the ball around and Witten has been his favorite target for a long time. Minnesota struggles against opposing tight ends as much as they do against receivers, allowing over eight fantasy PPG this season. With all of the bye weeks and tough matchups this week, Witten will easily crack the top five for fantasy tight ends.
Flex
Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers ($4,600)
Just like Smith, Allen is another true No. 1 with a ridiculously-low price. The talented rookie has emerged as Philip Rivers’ favorite target and is averaging 14.0 fantasy PPG. The Washington Redskins are terrible on defense this season, especially against the pass, ranking 30th with a -32.8 grade and allowing the third-most fantasy PPG to opposing receivers. Allen should have no problem putting up huge numbers and cracking the top 12 on the week.
Kicker
Graham Gano, Carolina Panthers ($3,200)
Atlanta’s defense is a mess and the Panthers are rolling lately. Gano should get plenty of scoring opportunities and is by far the best option among the cheapest kickers this week.
Defense and Special Teams
Seattle Seahawks ($5,500)
Normally I’m not a fan of spending big on defense, but it could pay off in a big way this weekend. Yes, Seattle is the most-expensive defense, but they’re worth the price. The Seahawks’ defense is averaging 12.5 fantasy PPG and is ranked second overall with a whopping +92.8 grade. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense has been mostly one dimensional after the loss of Doug Martin, relying heavily on rookie quarterback Mike Glennon.
The Seahawks talented secondary is ranked second with an impressive +24.6 grade and could make life miserable for Glennon this weekend, which spells mega points for fantasy owners. Seattle is a must start and will easily finish as the top fantasy defense for Week 9.
© 2024 PFF - all rights reserved.