Fanduel NFL Week 9 Picks & Lineup Advice (2018)
Welcome to the Fanduel NFL DFS Week 8 Picks & Lineup Advice column.
QB
Cam Newton – $8,600
He’s the chalk play of the week but there are plenty of reasons to play Newton in this matchup. Tampa Bay allows the most FDP to opposing QBs and Newton has a safe floor with his running ability. Ryan Fitzpatrick is capable of making throws and putting up points so this game could turn into a shootout. I think it’s safe to plugin Newton and look else where for differentation in tournaments.
Russell Wilson – $7,700
If you want to fade Newton, then consider Russell Wilson who has increased his FDP output in 3 straight weeks. He has thrown for 3 scores in each of his last 3 games and the matchup Vs the Chargers could turn into a shootuout. I’ll be splitting my ownership between Newton and Wilson in tournaments.
RB
Kareem Hunt – $8,500
RBs are clocking the Bears defense for 31 FDP per game over the last 3 weeks. With Tyreek hill a little banged up, I think the Chiefs will rely on Kareem Hunt, especially in the 2nd half. I don’t see the Browns capable of putting up enough points to keep up with the Chiefs offense.
Adrian Peterson – $7,500
In his last matchup vs the Falcons, AP went for over 100 yards and 2 TDs. He is averaging 25 carries over the last 2 games and should perform well against a struggling Falcons run defense. His FDP has increased in 4 straight weeks and I think he can go off for 30+ FDP in this matchup. I like the AP + Redskins defense for a solid RB-DEF stack.
WR
Mike Evans – $7,900
With Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, Mike Evans becomes an elite WR play under 8k for cash games and GPPs. There isn’t much chemistry between Evans and Winston because Jameis Winston prefers to target tight ends. Fitzpatrick doesn’t mind throwing the deep ball and he and Evans have connected for 483 yards and 4 TDs.
Brandin Cooks – $7,500
The Saints have a pass funnel defense that ranks #1 against the run but they are vunerable against the pass. Cooks is a deep threat and will be playing against his former team that traded him away to make room for Michael Thomas. The revenge narrative is here and The Rams will have no choice but to throw the ball a ton.
DJ Moore – $5,300
The young WR put on an impressive display against the league’s #1 pass defense and nearly scored twice but was tackled in the redzone. That put a damper on his fantasy line but he gets a great matchup Vs Tampa Bay who is getting owned by slot receivers. He should have plenty of space in the middle to operate and could break a long TD.
TE
Greg Olsen – $6,200
A smash spot for Olsen facing the league’s worst pass defense. Has scored in each of his last 2 games.
Flex
Tre’Quan Smith – $5,100
2 weeks removed from his blowup game against the Redskins, most players will overlook Smith who has filled in nicely ever since Ted Ginn Jr. went down. The Rams are undefeated and will score some points so Drew Brees may be more busy than usual if the Saints fall behind. This is basically a preview of the NFC Championship and I expect the game to be high scoring and exciting. Enter Smith who has downfield speed and Brees found him twice for TDs in their last home game. He’s super cheap and has at least 3 catches in each of his last 3 games.
Defense
Redskins – $3,400
AP is averaging 25 carries in his last 2 games so I think stacking him with the Redskins is a logical yet high upside play for tournaments. Matt Ryan is elite at home but has struggled on the road with an 0-2 record. The Falcons only managed to score 14 ppg on the road so the Redskins should do fine and pick up the W at home.
