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
Jay Cutler, Chicago, $33
We’re getting Cutler as the 16th-most expensive option at quarterback? That’s a great deal.
Starting running back Matt Forte is out with injury, which should force Cutler into more work at the quarterback position. And it’s not as if he doesn’t have much of an excuse to throw on the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers own one of the worst defenses in the NFL, so we expect Cutler to throw all over the place on Monday night.
His weapons are getting healthier, so this deal is just too goo to pass up. Go with Cutler as the best steal at the quarterback position in DFS.
Running Back
Antonio Andrews, Tennessee, $16
The Titans backfield has been a mess for fantasy football owners. But this week offers an opportunity for daily fantasy owners to get a steal.
Andrews hasn’t been horrible as the starting running back for the Titans. He has a few touchdowns to go with several carries during the last few weeks.
But now, new head coach Mike Mularkey, is talking about finding a workhorse as a running back. And he’s mentioning Andrews as that person.
The Saints are a bottom-10 defense in the NFL and we anticipate the Titans to work their running game consistently against the Saints. Don’t buy into New Orleans opening up a big lead. We’re not seeing it. Andrews offers a great option as the 27th-most expensive option.
Wide Receiver
Stevie Johnson, San Diego, $18
We’re getting Johnson as the 31st-most expensive option at wide receiver in DFS leagues, so we’re taking this pick and running away with it.
Johnson is a competent wide receiver and with San Diego’s pass-happy offense, we see expanded opportunities for Johnson. Phillip Rivers should target Johnson early and often and against the bad Bears defense, we should a lot of points out Johnson.
Tight End
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tampa Bay, $15
The Tampa Bay tight end is currently listed as questionable, but he practiced this week, which should be a good sign for fantasy football owners.
Seferian-Jenkins hasn’t played since week 2, but if he’s able to go, he should be a high-end tight end.
The New York Giants have been horrible against the pass this season, allowing the most passing yards in the NFL. Quarterback Jameis Winston has been serviceable this season without many of his weapons at his disposal, so we like this matchup.
Seferian-Jenkins should be able to come back from injury and provide a big target for Winston.
Flex
DeAngelo Williams, Pittsburgh, $23
We’ve seen how well Williams did when he was the featured back earlier this season for the Steelers.
Williams totaled double-digit points in both games and against the Raiders this week, he should have similar luck.
Oakland owns a bottom-10 total defense, and although it owns a quality rush defense, we don’t anticipate this game to be close. If the Steelers mount a big lead, Williams will be called upon to erase clock and churn up yards.
The Steelers have plenty of weapons on offense and should expose the Raiders defense. Williams will be one of those players who will create a matchup problem, so we’re going with Williams as a good steal at the Flex position.
Defense
Jacksonville Jaguars, $11
The Jaguars aren’t that bad of a defense.
Jacksonville is near the top-10 in rushing defense, and against the New York Jets, that should be a good sign for the Jaguars.
The Jets will especially rely on the running game this week since the quarterback situation isn’t great. Ryan Fitzpatrick has an injured hand, but it appears he will still play. We don’t consider Fitzpatrick to be the best quarterback anyways, so with an injured hand, we have our reservations with him.
That means the Jets will be playing to the Jaguars strength. That’s a bad sign for New York. We like the Jaguars to compete in this game and should be able to limit what the Jets do offensively.
