Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations for Week 9
*Mike Barner*
Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations – Week 9
Get our NFL Seasonal package for 50% off for a LIMITED TIME using code “NLA5017”
After one of the more active trade deadlines we have seen in the NFL, several players will see a major adjustment in their fantasy value. Throw that in with six teams being on a bye this week and that could make for some unexpected DFS lineups. Don’t worry though, there are still plenty of viable options to help you bring home some cash. Put your favorite daily fantasy football recommendations from the article below in our lineup optimizer and hit calculate. You can let it fill in the rest of the spots for you or choose your personal favorites from the NFL Player Lab.
**QUARTERBACKS**
Deshaun Watson vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – NRG Stadium
DraftKings = $8,100
FanDuel = $9,600
Watson is putting up insane numbers as he has thrown 16 touchdown passes over the last four games. It’s hard to imagine he started this season as the backup quarterback. Not only is he providing excellent numbers through the passing game, but he has also rushed for at least 31 yards in four of the last six games. Sunday brings a great match up against a Colts defense that has allowed the second most net passing yards in the NFL. Pay up for Watson.
Drew Brees vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
DraftKings = $7,000
FanDuel = $8,300
Brees doesn’t come into this game firing on all cylinders as he has thrown for less than 300 yards in four of his last five games and has thrown for only two touchdowns in his last two games combined. The Saints rushing duo of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara has taken some pressure off of Brees and has been able to punch in several scores of late, taking some red zone pass attempts away from Brees. This could be a breakout week for Brees though as the Buccaneers have allowed the third most net passing yards per game this season. In a week with limited options, Brees is one of the best.
Jared Goff vs. New York Giants
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
DraftKings = $5,500
FanDuel = $7,600
Goff has had a hard time finding the end zone of late as he only has two passing touchdowns over his last three games combined. Don’t get overly concerned though as those three games were against the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Arizona Cardinals. The Giants defense is not nearly as impressive and will be without top cornerback Janoris Jenkins as he is suspended for this game. If you need to save money at quarterback, look no further than Goff.
**RUNNING BACKS**
Lamar Miller vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – NRG Stadium
DraftKings = $6,200
FanDuel = $7,500
Miller has been helped greatly by the rapid ascent of Watson as defenses can no longer stack the box against the Texans to stop the run. Miller has scored four total touchdowns over his last four games and has gained at least 81 total yards in three of those four games. The Colts defense isn’t much better against the run as they have allowed the most rushing touchdowns (10) in the NFL this season. Look for another productive game from Miller.
Alvin Kamara vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
DraftKings = $6,300
FanDuel = $6,600
Kamara has really benefited from Adrian Peterson being traded to the Arizona Cardinals as he has become an excellent compliment to Ingram. He has a significant role in the passing game as he has recorded at least 48 receiving yards in three of the last four games. I already documented the struggles the Buccaneers have defending the pass, meaning Kamara could provide excellent value at this price.
Kenyan Drake vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium = Hard Rock Stadium
DraftKings = $4,000
FanDuel = $4,500
With the trade sending Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles, Drake should find himself with a more significant role in Miami. You can’t really take much stock in his numbers this year as Ajayi handled much of the work load for the Dolphins, leaving Drake with only 10 total carries. Based on volume alone, it’s hard to pass up taking a chance on Drake at this bargain price.
**WIDE RECEIVERS**
DeAndre Hopkins vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – NRG Stadium
DraftKings = $9,200
FanDuel = $9,100
After struggling last year, Hopkins has been revived with Watson throwing him passes now. He has received at least 11 targets in three of the last four games and already has 76 targets in 7 games this season. Not only is he putting up great yardage totals, but he has also scored at least one touchdown in each of the last four games. With all the problems the Colts’ defense has, Hopkins is a great play this week as well.
Jarvis Landry vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Hard Rock Stadium
DraftKings = $6,300
FanDuel = $7,000
The Dolphins offense is a mess, but that hasn’t stopped Landry from receiving a whopping 80 targets this year. Not known for his ability to reach the end zone, Landry actually has three touchdowns receptions, which is only one shy of his season total from 2016. The Dolphins may be forced to throw the ball a lot to keep up with the Raiders offense, leaving Landry with another heavy work load Sunday.
Devin Funchess vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
DraftKings = $5,400
FanDuel = $6,100
The Panthers traded wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to the Buffalo Bills Tuesday, leaving Funchess as the number one receiver in Carolina. His 33 receptions this season have already set a new career high and he is close to setting new career bests in receiving yards and touchdowns as well. While he has failed to exceed 41 receiving yards in any of his last three games, the volume he should see in his new role makes him a valuable option at this price.
Cooper Kupp vs. New York Giants
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
DraftKings = $4,500
FanDuel = $6,000
Kupp has had a bit of an inconsistent rookie season as he enters this game with only 23 receptions on 42 targets for 316 yards and three touchdowns. However, two of his touchdowns have come over the last four games and he had a season high 10 targets in his last game against the Arizona Cardinals. With the Giants down their best cornerback in Jenkins, Kupp should be met with less resistance in this game. At this price, he’s worth the risk.
**TIGHT ENDS**
Zach Ertz vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
DraftKings = $6,800
FanDuel = $7,600
Ertz has been a touchdown machine of late as he has at least one score in each of the last four games. He’s developed a great relationship with emerging quarterback Carson Wentz and is well on his way to establishing new career highs across the board. The Broncos are excellent against the pass overall, but struggle to defend tight ends. They have allowed 543 receiving yards and four touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season. Start Ertz with confidence this week.
Jared Cook vs. Miami Dolphons
Stadium – Hard Rock Stadium
DraftKings = $4,000
FanDuel = $5,500
A quick glance at Cook’s numbers aren’t very reassuring as he has 46 receiving yards or less in five of his last seven games. However, this a favorable match up against a Dolphins defense that has allowed 358 receiving yards and four touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season. If you need to save money at tight end, Cook is someone to consider.
**DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS**
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – EverBank Field
DraftKings = $3,800
FanDuel = $5,300
The Jaguars defense has been a valuable DFS commodity as they lead the NFL in sacks (33) and are tied for the third most interceptions (10). The Bengals have allowed 22 sacks this season, so the potential is there for the Jaguars defense to rack up sacks again in this contest. They will cost a lot, but should be well worth it this week.
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
Stadium – Lambeau Field
DraftKings = $3,000
FanDuel = $4,500
It would have been hard to imagine liking an opposing defense playing at Lambeau Field at the start of this season, but I’m going in that direction this week. The loss of quarterback Aaron Rodgers has crippled the Packers offense as Brett Hundley has really struggled. Over the last two games, Hundley only has 244 passing yards, one passing touchdown and four interceptions. The Lions have 10 interceptions this season, so Hundley could be in for another rough game. If you want to go with a more budget friendly defense for Week 9, look no further than the Lions.