Let’s face it, the only way to beat the computers and algorithms involved with daily fantasy leagues is to find the best steals.
We’ve searched and we’re giving out the best value picks for DFS leagues. The DFS prices are from Yahoo daily fantasy leagues.
Quarterback
Last week: Ryan Fitzpatrick, 25.22 points (4th best among QB)
This week: Blake Bortles, Jacksonville, $35
Surprisingly Bortles hasn’t been the main issue for the Jaguars. He’s actually not been that bad so far this season.
He has 19 or more fantasy points in four of six games this season. He has a bit of an issue keeping the ball out of the opposition’s hands with seven interceptions already this season. However, he’s made up for those problems with 13 touchdowns.
This week, he does face a difficult defense against Buffalo. But the Bills are better against the run as a top-five rushing defense, while the defense ranks in the bottom-10 against the pass. Jacksonville won’t be able to run the ball, so it will have to pass. Bortles is giving good value with this price and the Jaguars will be forced to pass often in this one.
Running Back
Last week: Lamar Miller, 17.80 points (7th best among RBs)
This week: Charcandrick West, Kansas City, $17
DFS is making things tougher on finding the steals, so this might be a stretch.
But we have a feeling that although West had a rough first week, his luck will change this week. We know that Pittsburgh has been stout against the run lately, but the defense just doesn’t see many rushing attempts.
Twenty teams face more rushing attempts than the Steelers on weekly basis. Kansas City will pound the rock because its quarterback can’t stretch the field at all. The Steelers will see a heavy dose of West and with that value, we like our odds with the increased workload.
Wide Receiver
Last week: Anquan Boldin, 10.20 points
This week: Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis, $19
We hit again with Boldin last week, but we avoided him like the plague this week against the Seattle Seahawks. We were looking for a defense with far less skill. So we found the worst defense in the NFL, at least when it comes to total defense.
Moncrief should see several targets this week as Andrew Luck should slice through the Saints. Moncrief saw 11 targets last week and hauled in six catches. We see another double-digit target performance this week, and with a value of less than $20, he’s the best steal.
Tight End
Last week: Kyle Rudolph, 6.90 points
This week: Delanie Walker, Tennessee, $18
Atlanta’s pass defense actually ranks toward the bottom of the NFL, giving way for Tennessee to at least gameplan for the pass.
The passing game hasn’t been there of late for the Titans, but Walker appears to be the best skill position player for Tennessee. Last week, Walker hauled in eight catches on 10 targets.
We expect more targets this week against the Falcons, as Tennessee will be forced to pass, but doesn’t have any weapons. As of now, Walker is the best weapon, so he should give DFS owners quality value at this price.
Flex
Last week: Charcandrick West, 1.90 points
This week: Stefon Diggs, Minnesota, $16
We’re not seeing greatness from Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, but we’re wondering what weapons he’s had at his disposal.
Injuries and disappointing seasons have defined the wide receivers and tight ends for the Vikings, but since Diggs has entered the lineup in the last two games, he’s been on the same page with Bridgewater.
Diggs hasn’t found the endzone yet but he has a little more than 20 points combined in two games in fantasy scoring.
The Lions haven’t shown the ability to slow down the passing game this season and we’re confident that Bridgewater is making Diggs his number one target. He should see plenty of targets this week and his value is one of the best in DFS this week.
Defense
Last week: Miami Dolphins, 24 points (Best among defenses)
This week: Kansas City Chiefs, $10
We can get the Chiefs at the cheapest price available in DFS? Sign us up.
Pittsburgh is bringing a third-string quarterback to Kansas City to go against one of the better rush defenses in the NFL. The Steelers will be forced to pass and it just won’t work.
We like the Chiefs in this game to win straight up, and one of the major reasons is because of what the defense should be able to do against Pittsburgh.
The Chiefs haven’t done a lot in fantasy football for defensive scoring, but this week should be a solid turnaround for Kansas City.
