This week we will turn our attention to Fanball DFS to see if we can lock up a free NFFC Primetime or Classic entry in 2019. With a $50 entry at fanball.com you can earn a free ticket to next year’s Main Event worth$1,600.
Quarterback
Josh Allen ($6700) – Buffalo’s rookie has posted rushing totals of 99 yards or more for three consecutive weeks with 2 rushing touchdowns. That’s more ground production than Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Ezekiel Elliot, Lamar Miller, or Phillip Lindsay. It’s almost like getting an RB and QB for one price/player. Allen is averaging 27 fantasy points over the last three contests.
Russell Wilson ($7400) – Some will be scared away by last week’s clunker or the low passing volume most of the season. Both are valid reasons to fade the Seahawks signal caller. However, prior to facing the tough Vikings defense on the week’s biggest stage, Wilson scored 18+ points eight consecutive weeks, including 24.8 just a couple of weeks ago against this same vulnerable 49ers secondary.
Nick Mullens ($5300) – The latest member of Frisco’s QB carrousel has quietly produced for fantasy owners recently, including 414 yards against these Seattle Seahawks previously. The rookie knows how to use Dane Pettis and George Kittle. Good for salary relief.
Running Back
Ezekiel Elliot ($8600) – All you really need to know is that over the last four games, the Cowboys workhorse carried the rock 100 times and received 30 targets from Dak Prescott. Unsurprisingly that led to a 30+ point per week average over that stretch.
Derrick Henry ($6100) – This pick feels like I’m chasing last week’s points. Something I go out of my way to avoid. However, the Giants run defense can be beat, and Washington’s paper machete offensive line isn’t enough to convince me that anything has changed. The carries should be there, and the smart money is on the Titans O-Line to have its way this week.
Matt Breida ($5600) or Jeff Wilson ($5100) – Breida is questionable and may or may not return this week. If active he’ll lead the backfield. If inactive, then Jeff Wilson has shown the ability to slide right into this plug and play system and not miss a beat.
Wide Receiver
Juju Smith-Schuster ($8400) – New England’s defensive strategy often involves scheming to eliminate one particular offensive weapon of their opponent. Our challenge then is to figure out who that is. With James Conner most likely to sit (always confirm), my money is on Antonio Brown being Bill Belichick’s focus. If I’m correct, that should translate into heavy target share for the Steelers’ #2 wideout. That’s some good juju.
Amari Cooper ($7900) – All aboard the Cooper train. For some reason the Raiders didn’t know how to use this weapon. Thirty targets the last three weeks, including 13 against the Eagles. Sign me up.
Dante Pettis ($5000) – Athletic, great route runner, Pettis was injured earlier in the season and disappeared from the 49ers’ offensive game plan for a time. The rookie is back as Nick Mullens secondary aerial target behind George Kittle. Questionable status after a late week addition to the injury report, so be sure to check the inactives.
Davante Adams ($8700) – The curse of Mike McCarthy has been lifted, to the joy of everyone in the land of cheese heads. The Windy City is a tough place for offense, but Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target will get fed.
Robert Woods ($7300) – The Eagles secondary has been decimated by injuries, and opponents continue to exploit that weakness. Robert Woods is Jared Goff’s favorite target .That’s a formula for fantasy happiness.
Michael Gallup ($4400), Chris Godwin ($4700) and Zay Jones ($4900) are all reasonable punt plays if you need salary relief. All should receive a decent number of targets.
Tight End
Eric Ebron ($6700) – The target monster has returned in Jack Doyle’s absence. Andrew Luck has targeted the former Lion 31 times over the last three contests. Expect that type of volume to continue.
George Kittle ($7100) – No mystery here. Tight End is a fantasy wasteland. If you have the salary room, don’t hesitate.
Traps to avoid:
David Johnson ($7700) – For some reason, either Byron Leftwich or Josh Rosen forgot that the quarter back is allowed to throw to the running back… that is until last week when the latter’s eyes were opened and looked toward their best offensive weapon ten times against Detroit. So we should lock and load against the Falcons crappy run defense that yields receiving yards to tailbacks, right? Wrong. This is a different defense with Deion Jones healthy and back in the fold. DJ might still be ok, but this is a lower percentage play than you think.
Gus Edwards ($6600) –Good matchup against the Buccaneers, but the volume won’t be there. Lamar Jackson won’t throw to him under any circumstances and Kenneth Dixon’s role has increased.
