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NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 9 – Running Backs

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

One of the highlights of Week 9 in the NFL will be Todd Gurley facing a New Orleans Saints defense that has allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (74.1) in the league. If there was ever a week not to pay up to get him into your entry, this might be it. Let’s dig into the running back position to see where you can gain the edge for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 9 - Running Backs

Melvin Gordon vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – CenturyLink Field
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $8,200

Gordon had his first 1000-yard rushing campaign last year, but his 3.9 yards-per-carry weren’t exactly great. He’s made a significant improvement in that area this season with 5.1 yards-per-carry through six games. The Chargers have relied on him more in the passing game, as well, resulting in Gordon catching 30 of 42 targets for 279 yards and three touchdowns.

Gordon sat out Week 7 with a hamstring injury, but he’s received the benefit of added rest after the Chargers were on a bye in Week 8. All signs are pointing to him playing Sunday, bringing back one of the top options in DFS. The Seahawks have been excellent defending against the pass, but their 4.5 yards-per-carry allowed is the 10th-highest mark in the league. If you want to shy away from using Gurley against the Saints, Gordon is a safe bet to consider in cash contests.

Kareem Hunt vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $7,700

Hunt was limited to 50 rushing yards in Week 8 by the Broncos after recording at least 80 rushing yards in four straight games. He still had plenty of attempts with 16, but his 3.1 yards-per-carry was his third-lowest mark of the season. However, he also chipped in five catches on six targets for 36 yards and a touchdown.

With the Chiefs high-powered offense, Hunt has recorded at least one touchdown in every game since failing to find the end zone in Week 1. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him score again Sunday with the Browns tied for the most rushing touchdowns allowed (12). They’ve also allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game (138.9), setting up Hunt with a very high floor.

Christian McCaffrey vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,800

The Panthers exploded for a season-high 36 points against the Ravens last week, which resulted in a very productive game from McCaffrey. His 56 total yards left a lot to be desired, but he scored two total touchdowns, one of which was his first rushing touchdown of the year. In fact, McCaffrey only had one receiving touchdown, as well, through his first six games.

Don’t be overly concerned with McCaffrey’s lack of yardage in Week 8, especially his paltry 11 receiving yards. He still had 14 carries and six targets, the kind of volume that is going to help him be productive more often than not. The Panthers are met with another favorable opportunity to score plenty of points in Week 9 against a Bucs team that has allowed 20 touchdowns through the air and eight on the ground. With McCaffrey as one of the focal points of their offense, this is a matchup to exploit.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 9 - Running Backs

Tarik Cohen vs. Buffalo Bills
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,200

It took a while for the Bears offense to get going, but they’ve been excellent of late. They are coming off of a 24-10 win over the Jets in Week 8, a game in which Cohen had a 70-yard receiving touchdown. It was his only catch of the game on three targets, although he did have five carries for an additional 40 yards. Cohen has benefited greatly from the improved play of the Bears offense, scoring a touchdown in four straight games.

Another encouraging stat for Cohen that came out of Week 8 is that he was on the field for 58 percent of the Bears offense plays, the exact same amount as Jordan Howard. It marked the first time this season that Howard didn’t have a higher percentage than Cohen. Howard could get plenty of carries if the Bears get up big against a bad Bills team, but Cohen’s big-play ability makes him someone worth targeting in tournament play.

Nick Chubb vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $4,500

In his second week as the Browns featured back, Chubb finished with 65 yards on 18 carries. He also caught his first two passes of the season, although only for a total of 10 yards. The Browns were down big to the Steelers, which might be why Chubb was only on the field for 48 percent of the Browns offensive plays after being on the field for 66 percent of their plays in Week 7.

While it was concerning that somehow Dontrell Hilliard played 23 percent of the Browns snaps last week, all that goes out the window for Week 9 with the Browns having fired their head coach and offensive coordinator Monday. Duke Johnson has largely been underutilized this year, so it will be interesting to see if they get him more touches Sunday. Even with the uncertainty surrounding their offensive scheme moving forward, Chubb is going to get the majority of their carries. The Browns might be able to move the ball well against the Chiefs leaky defense, leaving Chubb with touchdown upside, as well.

Lamar Miller vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Broncos Stadium at Mile High
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,200

There was certainly concern surrounding Miller heading into Week 7 against the Jaguars with him rushing for 49 yards or fewer in three straight games. He even had on horrid performance against the Giants where he gained 10 yards on 10 carries. However, he broke out of his slump against the Jaguars, accumulating 100 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he followed that up with 133 yards and another touchdown Week 8 against the Dolphins.

With Alfred Blue as his only real competition for carries, Miller is the most talented player in the Texans backfield. He’s set up with another great matchup Sunday with the Broncos allowing the sixth-most rushing yards per game (135.8). The game flow could lean in Miller’s favor, as well, with the Broncos having dealt away wide receiver Demaryius Thomas at the trade deadline. They’ve already scored 23 points or fewer in six of eight games, so his loss likely won’t improve their odds of being more productive. If the Texans get up big, we could see a heavy dose of Miller in the second half.

Isaiah Crowell vs. Miami Dolphins
Stadium – Hard Rock Stadium
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,200

On the surface, Crowell’s stats look pretty good. He’s averaging a career-high 5.1 yards-per-carry and has already found his way into the end zone six total times. The problem is that most of his damage done on the ground came in two games. Although he had 102 rushing yards in Week 1 and 219 rushing yards in Week 5, he’s had 40 rushing yards or fewer in each of his other six contests. Week 8 was another struggle against the Bears, gaining 25 yards on 13 carries.

It should be noted that his two big performances came against the Lions and Broncos, two of the worst rushing defenses in the league. He’ll face another bad one in the Dolphins in Week 9, who have allowed the third-most rushing yards per game (143.1). The Dolphins also don’t have a great offense, which is good news for Crowell since a close contest would likely result in a better game script for Crowell. He’s certainly risky, but he might be worth taking a chance on at this cheap price.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 9 - Running Backs

Mark Ingram vs. Los Angeles Rams
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $5,000

The return of Ingram in Week 5 struck fear in the hearts of everyone who rosters Alvin Kamara in season-long fantasy after Ingram rushed for 53 yards and two touchdowns on six carries. While Ingram does somewhat eat into Kamara’s upside, Ingram’s value in DFS is largely touchdown dependent. He hasn’t found his way into the end zone in either of the last two games and has to face a Rams defense in Week 9 that has only allowed five rushing touchdowns this season. His price isn’t all that unreasonable on DraftKings, but he’s definitely someone to avoid on FanDuel.

Tevin Coleman vs. Washington Redskins
Stadium – FedEx Field
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $4,800

Coleman only has 21 carries for 85 yards over his last two games. Ito Smith has cut into his opportunities with Coleman only on the field for 57 percent of the Falcons offensive snaps in those two contests. The Falcons don’t throw the ball to Coleman a lot, either, with him receiving three targets or fewer in all but one game this year. The Redskins have allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game (80.1) and have allowed just six rushing touchdowns, making Coleman too much of a risk based on his limited upside.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/30/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There are a lot of great value plays on tap Tuesday in DFS with eight games on the NBA schedule. Here are some options to consider as you craft what will hopefully be a winning lineup. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/30/18

Collin Sexton, CLE vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,000

The Cavaliers continue to start George Hill at point guard, but Sexton is their future at the position. He’s not your traditional point guard, though, averaging just 2.2 assists in 24 minutes per game. After getting off to a slow start, Sexton is showing some promising signs by averaging 13.3 points, 3.3 assists and one steal across his last three games. The Hawks play at the fastest-pace (108.8 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Sexton with a few added opportunities to provide value Tuesday.

D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300

The Magic have scored the fewest points per game (100.8) and some of that might be due to their lack of talent at point guard. Augustin has been starting for them, but he’s much better suited to be in a backup role at this stage of his career. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but his averages of 8.7 points, five assists and 1.5 three-pointers per contest make him someone to not completely overlook. This might be a spot to put him into your lineup against a Kings team that has played at the second-fastest pace (107.6).

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/30/18

Rodney McGruder, MIA at CHA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $6,200

McGruder didn’t exactly have a great performance with seven points, six rebounds, and one three-pointer Monday against the Kings. On a positive note, he did play 32 minutes. With all of the injuries the Heat suffered to start the year, McGruder found himself in an expanded role that he has yet to relinquish. With averages of 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, four assists, and 2.3 three-pointers look for him to have a bounce-back performance Tuesday.

Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600

With the Cavaliers loss of Kevin Love (foot), they have a gaping hole in their offense. Clarkson’s 28.8 percent usage rate is already the highest on the team, but he could be looking for even more shots moving forward. The departure of LeBron James certainly hasn’t been good for the Cavaliers, but it has benefited Clarkson, who is averaging a career-high 16.2 points per game. Considering the fast pace at which the Hawks play, this could be a big night for Clarkson.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/30/18

Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. SAC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,700

The Magic have some ugly offensive numbers, but they’ve played three tough teams in a row in the Celtics, Blazers, and Bucks. Isaac actually played well during that stretch, averaging 10 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. He still has a lot of improving to do offensively, but he can be a menace defensively and on the glass. With the added scoring potential facing a Kings team that has allowed the fourth-most points per game (119.3), Isaac is someone to consider in tournament play.

Jeff Green, WAS at MEM
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,400

One of the biggest disappointments of the season has to be the Wizards and their 1-5 start. They are allowing a staggering 125 points per game and they again don’t appear to be the most cohesive unit. A contributing factor for their struggles has to be injuries with Dwight Howard (back) yet to make his debut. Howard won’t play again Tuesday and the Wizards could also be without Markieff Morris, who is in the concussion protocol. If he can’t play, either, this is a prime spot for Green to get added playing time. Don’t expect lofty production, but he is averaging 11 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 26 minutes per game.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/30/18

Montrezl Harrell, LAC at OKC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,500

Marcin Gortat might be the starting center for the Clippers, but Harrell is the player who has seen the most playing time at the position. In the three games in which Harrell has played at least 20 minutes, he’s averaging a staggering 19.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 2.3 blocks. The Thunder could be really thin at center Tuesday with both Steven Adams (calf) and Nerlens Noel (ankle) listed as questionable. If either or both of them don’t play, the Thunder will have to go small, which could mean even fewer minutes for Gortat. Even if they do take the floor, Harrell can provide value at this price.

Zach Collins, POR at HOU
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000

Collins might only be averaging 22 minutes a game, but he’s been extremely efficient, shooting 69.4 percent from the field, 54.4 percent from behind the arc and 88.2 percent from the charity stripe. It’s going to be hard for him to continue to shoot that well, but he’s clearly made himself a fixture of the second unit for the Blazers. With the Rockets propensity to use small lineups and play at a fast pace, Collins could be set up for another valuable evening.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/30/18

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,400

The Raptors continue to play matchups at center, which resulted in Valanciunas coming off the bench Monday against the Bucks. Expect him to be back in the starting lineup Tuesday with the Raptors set to face Joel Embiid and the Sixers. Across the three games in which Valanciunas has started, he’s averaging 13 points and nine rebounds.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,100

Even though the Hornets like to use a lot of small lineups, Zeller has started all seven of their games. He doesn’t get traditional starter’s minutes at just 22 per game, but that hasn’t stopped him from averaging a respectable 9.4 points and six rebounds. The Hornets might be forced to give him more playing time against Hassan Whiteside, making Zeller someone to consider if you want to go really cheap at center.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/29/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The NBA starts off the week with nine games on the schedule Monday. With so many options to wade through, let’s get right down to business and examine some value plays that could be in line for big performances. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/29/18

Cameron Payne, CHI vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,800

With Kris Dunn (knee) out for over a month, Payne will continue to start at point guard for the Bulls. Across five starts this year, he’s averaging 11 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers per contest. This game feels like a blowout in the making, but Payne should still get enough playing time to provide value, especially since the Warriors play at the eighth-fastest pace (103.6 possessions per game) in the league.

Derrick Rose, MIN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,100

Rose has been one of the key cogs off the bench for the Timberwolves, averaging 28 minutes per contest. His 41.4 percent shooting percentage isn’t great, but he’s still averaging 14.8 points. Scoring hasn’t been his only area of value, either, with averages of 3.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists, as well. The Lakers have allowed the second-most points per game (122.2) and play at the fifth-fastest-pace (106.4), leaving Rose with a matchup to exploit.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/29/18

Wesley Matthews, DAL at SA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,200

Quick, who is leading the Mavericks in scoring this season? Is it their promising rookie Luka Doncic? Maybe it’s Dennis Smith Jr., who had a 28.9 percent usage rate last year? Nope, it’s the veteran Matthews at 20 points per game. Known more for his defensive abilities, Matthews has cashed in his career-high 23.3 percent usage rate in the early going. It’s hard to imagine him keeping this up for the entire season, but he’s playing 34 minutes a game and is clearly a key part of the Mavericks’ starting lineup.

Monte Morris, DEN vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500

With Isaiah Thomas (hip) yet to play in a game this year, Morris has worked his way into an expanded role. He’s shown some promise, averaging 13.3 points, four rebounds, six assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 three-points in all three games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. The Pelicans play at the fourth-fastest pace (106.8), which could lead to a productive outing from Morris on Monday.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/29/18

Harrison Barnes, DAL at SA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,200

The Mavericks had a severe lack of talent last year, leading Barnes to average 18.9 points and 1.5 three-pointers with a 25.2 percent usage rate. Barnes was sidelined to start the season due to a hamstring injury, but is healthy now and logged 34 minutes Sunday against the Jazz. His shot has been off so far, but it’s encouraging to see him get at least 13 field goal attempts in both games. His value is mostly limited to points and rebounds, but he is still someone to consider at this reduced price.

Justise Winslow, MIA vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,200

Winslow has only played one game this season because of a hamstring issue of his own. He logged 19 minutes in that contest Saturday against the Blazers and came out of the game with no apparent ill effects. His minutes upside is limited even when he is healthy, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore him for your entry. The Heat could put up a lot of points in this game with the Kings allowing the third-most points per game (120.3) and playing at the third-fastest pace (107.3).

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/29/18

Trey Lyles, DEN vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300

The injury to Will Barton (groin) has opened up a little extra playing time for Lyles. He’s logged at least 20 minutes in all three games since Barton went down, averaging 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals. Morris certainly has the higher upside of the two key reserves for the Nuggets, but Lyles is also someone to consider if you’re looking to save money at power forward.

Ersan Ilyasova, MIL vs. TOR
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,100

The Bucks could be without their best player Monday as Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable due to a concussion. If he can’t play, that leaves a huge void in their offense. Ilyasova could enter the starting five if Giannis sits, which would leave him with significantly more upside than his current role off the bench. That being said, you might want to consider Ilyasova even if Giannis does play since he is one of the key parts of their second unit.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/29/18

Julius Randle, NO at DEN
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $6,200

Randle started in place of Anthony Davis (elbow) on Saturday, but he only played 19 minutes. It was a tough matchup against Rudy Gobert, which could be the main reason why he finished with just 12 points and three rebounds. Davis’ status is in doubt again Monday, potentially leaving Randle with another opportunity to start. If that’s the case, he could be a great option since he won’t have to deal with Gobert again.

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700

With Dedmon missing the start of the season due to an ankle injury, Alex Len was given a chance to start at center. He didn’t do much with his opportunity, but he has continued to start even after Dedmon’s return. It wouldn’t be surprising for him to lose the job soon, though, especially since Dedmon looked great Saturday with 13 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks against the Bulls. Facing Joel Embiid is no easy task, but Dedmon is still someone to consider if you want to go really cheap at center.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/26/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

It isn’t necessarily the busiest Friday we’ll see in the NBA with seven games on the schedule, but there are still a lot of great value plays available in DFS. Let’s examine some players to consider as you wade through the options. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/26/18

Derrick Rose, MIN vs. MIL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,600

Rose hasn’t started a game for the Timberwolves this season, but he’s playing a key role off of their bench. Across 29 minutes per contest, he’s averaging 15 points, 3.6 rebounds, and five assists. He won’t provide much in the way of defensive stats or three-pointers, but his 23.4 percent usage rate is third-highest on the team behind Jimmy Butler (24.7 percent) and Andrew Wiggins (24.5 percent) percent. The Bucks are a tough defensive team, but Rose is still worth considering for your entry.

J.J. Barea, DAL at TOR
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,700

Barea is listed as questionable for Friday with a hamstring injury, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for updates on his status leading up to the game. If he does play, he could be a bargain at this price. Even though he’s only averaging 20 minutes off the bench, he’s averaging 8.3 points, 8.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 three-pointers per contest. His usage rate is down this season due to the addition of Luka Doncic, but it’s still relatively high at 22.7 percent.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/26/18

Damyean Dotson, NY vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,200

With Kristaps Porzingis still recovering from a torn ACL, the Knicks need to find offense any way they can get it. They’re currently riding Dotson’s hot hand, who exploded for 20 points and three three-pointers Wednesday against the Heat. He’s making a case to continue to see extended playing time with averages of 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and three three-pointers across the three games that he has played in.

Danny Green, TOR vs. DAL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,200

Green hasn’t exactly been consistent to start out the season. He’s scored at least 14 points in two of his five games but scored six points or fewer in two of the other three contests. On a positive note, he did receive at least eight shot attempts in all five contests and is averaging 2.8 three-pointers made. The Mavericks have been horrid defensively in the early going by allowing 119.3 points per game, leaving Green with some upside for your entry.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/26/18

Nemanja Bjelica, SAC vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,000

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride this season in terms of production from Bjelica. When he gets extended playing time, he’s been valuable, averaging 13.7 points, eight rebounds, two steals and 1.3 blocks across three games in which he has logged at least 27 minutes. However, trying to predict what rotations the Kings are going to use on a nightly basis is not easy, which makes Bjelica a risky option. With that being said, if he does get the added minutes, he could be an asset at this price.

Mario Hezonja, NY vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400

Hezonja’s playing time has been a product of the game score through five contests. In the Knicks’ two games that have been decided by fewer than 10 points, Hezonja only averaged 12 minutes. In their three blowouts, he averaged 24 minutes. Over those three contests, he posted 16 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per contest. It would be pretty surprising if the Knicks can hang with the Warriors on Friday, which could lead to garbage time stats for Hezonja.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/26/18

Markieff Morris, WAS at SAC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,600

If there’s one thing the Kings have, it’s size up front. The Wizards are currently lacking options in that department with Dwight Howard (back) yet to make his season debut. To complicate matters, Ian Mahinmi is listed as questionable for Friday with a back injury of his own. They might be forced to lean heavily on Morris, who is averaging 15.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.8 three-pointers. The Kings and Wizards are also both inside the top-five in the league in terms of pace of play, which could lead to even more opportunities for Morris to stuff the stat sheet.

Montrezl Harrell, LAC at HOU
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,600

The Clippers brought in Marcin Gortat to replace DeAndre Jordan, but they might have been better off leaving the center position to Harrell and Boban Marjanovic. Both have had some impressive performances so far while Gortat has mostly struggled. With the small lineups the Rockets like to use and the face pace at which they play, Harrell is likely going to lead the Clippers in minutes at center Friday. When these two teams met Sunday, Harrell recorded 17 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and three blocks over 24 minutes.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/26/18

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,400

The Raptors have been playing matchups at center, leaving Valanciunas to come off of the bench in three of their five games. Despite only averaging 19 minutes a contest, he’s still recorded 11.8 points and 8.6 rebounds a night. This could be one of the games where he does get added minutes facing DeAndre Jordan, making him one of the better cheap options at center to take a chance on in tournament play.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,100

These two teams squared off Wednesday in what was a high-scoring affair that came down to the final seconds. The Bulls lost Bobby Portis to a knee injury in that game, but they still have depth at center with Wendell Carter Jr., Robin Lopez, and Cristiano Felicio. Zeller didn’t exactly thrive in that game, but his stat line was respectable with 14 points, six rebounds and two assists across 21 minutes. While he doesn’t have nearly the upside that Valanciunas does, Zeller could be an option if you want to go really cheap at center.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 – TE/DEF/ST

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

Even with four teams on a bye for Week 8, the tight end position has several excellent options available in DFS. Let’s dive into the schedule and examine some players, and defenses/special teams, to target or avoid as you create your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - TE/DEF/ST

Travis Kelce vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $6,800

Kelce had another impressive performance last week against the Bengals, catching all five of his targets for 95 yards. He just missed posting 100 yards for the fourth time this season, but he has now caught at least five passes in six straight games. With his 60 targets and 563 receiving yards, he’s well on his way to his third straight season with at least 100 targets and 1,000 receiving yards.

This could actually be the best year yet for Kelce as his 14.8 yards per reception and 80.4 yards per game would both be the highest marks of his career. With a major upgrade at quarterback in Patrick Mahomes over Alex Smith, the Chiefs offense is demolishing the league. Kelce’s three touchdowns are a bit disappointing, but he’s still a great option in cash contests based on his role in this explosive offense.

David Njoku vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,600

Njoku doesn’t exactly pile up yards, but he does have at least 52 receiving yards in four straight games. He’s proven to be an important part of the Browns passing game, receiving at least six targets in all but one game. Although it took him a while to find the end zone, he has a touchdown in back-to-back contests.

Njoku has added opportunities to provide value because he has been on the field for 83 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, second only to Jarvis Landry (94 percent). With the departure of Josh Gordon, the Browns don’t have a ton of talent at wide receiver outside of Landry. The Steelers have been destroyed by opposing tight ends, allowing 46 receptions for 478 yards and three touchdowns to the position. If you don’t want to pay up for Kelce, Njoku is also one of the safer options based on this matchup.

Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets
Stadium – Soldier Field
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100

The Bears defense looked like a powerhouse to start the year, allowing an average of 16.3 points across their first four games. All that changed in Week 6 when they gave up 31 points to the Dolphins, of all teams. They followed that up by allowing 38 points to the Patriots. On a positive note, they did force six turnovers across those two contests.

One area of concern for the Bears is that after recording at least four sacks in each of their first four games, they only had one in the two games where they gave up all those points. Part of that is because Khalil Mack is battling an ankle injury, which still might hinder him in Week 8. The Jets offense is decimated by injuries right now and Sam Darnold has thrown 10 interceptions, so they are still a top option even with their recent struggles.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - TE/DEF/ST

Trey Burton vs. New York Jets
Stadium – Soldier Field
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $4,800

Being involved in a shootout with the Patriots last week certainly paid off for Burton, who had a season-high 11 targets. He hadn’t received more than six targets in any of the previous five games. Not only did he get plenty of passes thrown his way, but he took full advantage of the opportunity by catching nine of them for 126 yards and a touchdown. It marked Burton’s third straight game with a touchdown and his fourth score of the season, overall.

The Bears signed Burton to a big deal in the offseason, and even though his 325 receiving yards aren’t stellar, he has been on the field for 82 percent of their offensive snaps. That’s second only to Allen Robinson (88 percent). His five red zone targets are second only to Robinson and Tarik Cohen, who have seven each. Burton’s touchdown dependency makes him a bit of a risky play, but the Jets have allowed three touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season.

O.J. Howard vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $3,900

Howard received a season-high nine targets in Week 7, leading to five receptions for 67 yards. Outside of Week 4 when he injured his knee against the Bears, Howard has finished with at least 54 receiving yards in each of his other five contests. The Bucs do have another talented tight end in Cameron Brate, but Howard is clearly their top option at the position. Brate has only been on the field for 39 percent of their offensive plays while Howard has been on the field 59 percent of the time.

With how poorly the Bucs play on defense, they often get involved in high scoring contests where they have to abandon the running game. That certainly provides a boost in value for Howard, who has a matchup to exploit in Week 8 against a Bengals team that has allowed the third-most receiving yards (521) to opposing tight ends.

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – State Farm Stadium
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $3,200

If you just look at the final score of the Cardinals’ 45-10 loss to the Broncos in Week 7, it doesn’t exactly instill a ton of confidence for playing their defense in Week 8. However, the Broncos returned two interceptions for touchdowns, so the drubbing wasn’t all the fault of the Cardinals defense. Josh Rosen through threw total interceptions in that contest, which didn’t do any favors for his defense.

The Cardinals are terrible against the run, allowing the most rushing yards per game (148.3) in the league. The 49ers are a bit banged up in their backfield with Matt Breida dealing with an ankle injury. Even if he does play, it’s an injury that has plagued him at times this year, so he’s no guarantee to make it through the entire contest. Their quarter C.J. Beathard has shown flashes of promise, but he’s thrown at least two interceptions in three of his four starts. The Cardinals had four sacks, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions against the 49ers in Week 5, so they might be worth the risk in tournament play.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - TE/DEF/ST

Jordan Reed vs. New York Giants
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,500

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Reed is still healthy heading into Week 8. He’s already played in six games this year, matching his total from last season. The problem is, he hasn’t been productive with just 22 receptions for 268 yards and one touchdown. His total of 35 targets isn’t a terrible number, but his 62.9 percent catch rate is the lowest mark of his career. The Giants traded away a couple of their better defensive players in Eli Apple and Damon Harrison this week, but Reed still might not be worth the risk for your lineup.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $2,800

The Ravens defense hasn’t given up a lot of points this year, so this might not stand out as a team to avoid. However, they haven’t been great at creating turnovers with just five interceptions and two fumble recoveries, total. They’ve also recorded one or no sacks in three of their seven games. The Panthers are tied for the fifth-fewest sacks allowed (10) and Cam Newton has only thrown four picks, potentially leaving the Ravens with very little upside Sunday.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/25/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There are only four games in the NBA on Thursday, but the night is not short on superstars with the Lakers, Celtics, Thunder, Blazers, and Nuggets all in action. In order to fit some of those top-tier players into your lineup, you’re going to need the right mix of value plays. Let’s examine some players to consider as you wade through the options. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/25/18

Jamal Murray, DEN at LAL
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,900

Murray posted a rare dud Sunday against the Warriors, scoring just three points while shooting 0-for-9 from the field. He rebounded in a big way Tuesday by shooting 6-for-10 from the field for 19 points in just 19 minutes against the Kings. After posting a 45.1 percent field goal percentage last year, don’t read too much into Sunday’s outlier performance. This is a matchup he could exploit against a Lakers team that has allowed the most points per game (127.3) in the league.

D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700

The Magic are extremely thin at point guard, leaving the journeyman Augustin to start at the position. He’s averaging just eight points per game, but a lot of that is due to his abnormally low 28.6 percent field goal percentage. His 5.8 assists per contest would be his highest mark since the 2011-12 season and he’s also averaging 27 minutes a game, so he could provide value at this price if he can get his shot corrected Thursday.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/25/18

Jordan Clarkson, CLE at DET
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,600

Clarkson is only averaging 23 minutes per game, but that hasn’t stopped him from posting 16 points per contest. He’s been one of the players charged with trying to make up for the loss of LeBron James on offense, resulting in a lofty 30.2 percent usage rate. The Cavaliers have been horrible on defense, so they are going to need all the help they can get from Clarkson to try and keep pace with the Pistons.

Reggie Bullock, DET vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,500

Bullock logged 41 minutes in the Pistons big overtime win against the Sixers on Tuesday, shooting 6-for-14 from the field for 17 points. This performance came on the heels of him scoring 16 points on 13 shot attempts Saturday against the Bulls. His 18.8 percent usage rate would be a significant jump from his 15.7 percent mark last year, especially if he continues to play at least 30 minutes a game. With the Cavaliers allowing 120.5 points per game, there is potential here for Bullock to have another strong offensive showing.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/25/18

Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. POR
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,400

Isaac dealt with foul trouble in the Magic’s first two games, limiting him to 18 minutes or fewer in both contests. He hasn’t had those issues the last two games, allowing him to average 13 points, nine rebounds, 1.5 steals and two three-pointers in 27 minutes per contest. With his double-double upside and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, it might be worth taking a risk on Isaac staying out of foul trouble Thursday.

Lance Stephenson, LAL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700

The Lakers steamrolled the Suns on Wednesday, leading to plenty of garbage time production. Stephenson may have had the most surprising performances of the night, scoring 23 points to go along with eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in a season-high 25 minutes. It’s highly unlikely he comes close to that type of production against the Nuggets, but he could see added minutes again with Rajon Rondo and Brandon Ingram still suspended. Of note, Stephenson is only eligible at point guard and shooting guard on DraftKings.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/25/18

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at ORL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000

Aminu is an underrated part of the Blazers’s success. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he averaged 9.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.8 three-pointers across 30 minutes per game last year. He’s been a bit inconsistent through his first three games, but he posted 16 points and 15 rebounds Monday against the Wizards. Look for the Blazers to lean on him heavily in this contest against a talented Magic frontcourt.

Trey Lyles, DEN at LAL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600

The Nuggets lost a big part of their starting five when Will Barton went down with a groin injury. He might not carry the same name value a Nikola Jokic or Gary Harris, but he’s an important part of their offense. Torrey Craig has replaced Barton in the starting lineup, but Lyles has also seen added minutes since Barton went down, averaging nine points, 4.5 rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals over his last two games. With the potential for this to be a high-scoring affair, Lyles is someone to consider in tournament play.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/25/18

JaVale McGee, LAL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,300

McGee has proven to be a great addition for the Lakers in the early going. He’s only averaging 24 minutes but has responded with 16.3 points, seven rebounds and 3.3 blocks per contest. Facing Jokic is no easy task, but with such a limited slate, McGee makes a ton of sense at this price.

Tristan Thompson, CLE at DET
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,800

Thompson has seen a significant bump in playing time so far, averaging 29 minutes per game compared to 20 last year. It’s hard to count on him for much offense, but he is averaging 10.8 rebounds per contest. The Cavaliers will likely use Kevin Love or Larry Nance Jr. at center when they want to go small, but they might not be able to much against Andre Drummond on Thursday. Thompson’s upside isn’t close to McGee’s, but he’s still someone to consider if you want to go really cheap at the position.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 – Wide Receivers

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only special! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

A lot of the top stars at wide receiver won’t be available for the main Sunday slate in DFS for Week 8. Adam Thielen, Julio Jones, Keenan Allen, Michael Thomas, and DeAndre Hopkins are among the players who are either on a bye or playing in prime time games. That being said, there is still plenty of talent available across the price scale.  Let’s dive into the schedule and examine some players to target, and some to possibly avoid, as you create your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - Wide Receivers

Antonio Brown vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,500

Brown received a season-low six targets in Week 6, but he hauled in five of them for 105 yards and a touchdown. That marked Brown’s second consecutive game with at least 100 receiving yards and the fifth time in six contests that he found his way into the end zone. With six total touchdowns this season, he is only three scores away from matching his mark from all of last season. Even with being on a bye last week, Brown’s 72 targets rank sixth-most in the league.

Brown was able to take advantage of the Browns during their first meeting in Week 1, catching nine of 16 targets for 93 yards and a touchdown. The Browns have only allowed nine touchdown passes while generating 11 interceptions, but they have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game (279). This game being played at home does work in Brown’s favor since his quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has historically played better at Heinz Field. While Roethlisberger has posted similar yardage totals at home and on the road this year, he has seven touchdowns and two interceptions in three home games compared to five touchdowns and four interceptions in three road contests.

A.J. Green vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,000

Even with the Bengals’ offensive struggles in Week 7, Green still put up great numbers. He received a season-high 14 targets, converting them into seven receptions for 117 yards. That marked Green’s third straight game with at least 10 targets and the fourth time this season that he has finished with at least 85 yards. However, he did fail to reach the end zone for the third straight week.

While it is a bit concerning that Green has struggled to score touchdowns lately, he did record five of them across his first four games. He’s also finished with at least eight touchdowns in every season of his career in which he has played all 16 games. This is a prime matchup for him to find his way into the end zone again with the Bucs allowing the most passing touchdowns (18) in the league despite already having their bye week.

Tyreek Hill vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $8,600

Hill didn’t have a great performance yardage wise last week, catching seven passes for 68 yards. His 9.7 yards-per-reception was his second-lowest mark of the season. On the bright side, he still had 10 targets, marking the third time in the last four games that he had at least that many. Also, he scored a touchdown to bring his total to seven for the year, matching his mark from all of 2017.

The Chiefs offense leaves most of their skill players with significant upside with Hill maybe having the highest ceiling of them all. His 15.5 yards-per-reception rank him inside the top 20 in the league and his seven touchdown receptions are more than any other player. The Broncos have been much better at defending against the pass than the run this season, but Hill still has a high enough floor in this potent offense to be worth considering in cash contests.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - Wide Receivers

Emmanuel Sanders vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,500

The addition of Case Keenum at quarterback hasn’t exactly gone as well as the Broncos had hoped for, but he’s certainly provided a significant boost for Sanders. Last year, Sanders caught 47 of 92 targets for 555 yards and two touchdowns across 12 games. Through seven games this season, he has 46 receptions on 61 targets for 601 yards and three touchdowns. He had just a 51.5% catch rate last year, but that mark stands at 75.4% this season.

Sanders did leave their Week 7 game after injuring his ankle, but he’s had extra time to recover with that game being played on Thursday. All indications are that he should be able to play Sunday and the Broncos will certainly need him to try and keep pace with the Chiefs offense. The Chiefs defense did play much better against the Bengals. but they’ve still allowed the second-most passing yards per game (317).

Tyler Boyd vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,700

Boyd was one of the main players to suffer from the Bengals 10-point performance last week, catching three of four targets for just 27 yards. It was the first time this year he received less than five targets in a game and his three receptions were also his fewest since Week 1. He’s been a bit boom-or-bust, posting two 100-yard performances, but also recording three contests with fewer than 50 yards.

The Bengals continue to be short on pass-catching options with Tyler Eifert out for the season and John Ross unlikely to play in this game. That should be great news for Boyd because not only do the Bucs give up a ton of touchdowns, but they’ve also allowed the most passing yards per game (328). Boyd has been on the field for at least 93% of the team’s offensive snaps the last two weeks, so don’t be surprised if he has one of his best performances of the season Sunday.

Christian Kirk vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – State Farm Stadium
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500

The Cardinals offense is a disaster. They’ve scored fewer than 20 points in all but one game this season, which finally led to the firing of offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. Byron Leftwich now takes over the offensive reins, so it might take a couple of games to see how his play calling shakes out. That being said, it can’t be any worse than things were under McCoy’s tenure.

One player who has played fairly well despite the team’s struggles in Kirk, who has been on the field for 74% of their offensive snaps this season. He’s finished with at least 57 receiving yards in four of his last five games and has received at least five targets in five of his last six. Their offensive futility has resulted in him scoring only one touchdown, but that score did come against these same 49ers in Week 5. The 49ers defense has allowed 16 touchdown passes and recorded just one interception, so this looks like an opportunity to take a chance on Kirk in tournament play.

Jordy Nelson vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,700

This season has been a lost cause for the Raiders. The team traded away their best defensive player in Khalil Mack just before the start of the year and now they have dealt Amari Cooper to the Cowboys. Add in the fact that Marshawn Lynch was just placed on IR and this offense is severely lacking playmakers.

One of the last men left standing is Nelson. Outside of his 173-yard performance in Week 3, Nelson hasn’t finished with more than 50 receiving yards in another game this year. The good news is that he does have three touchdowns and he was tied with Cooper with 31 targets, so he could be even more involved moving forward. The Colts have been scoring in bunches of late, so the Raiders might need to lean on Nelson and the passing game to keep pace.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - Wide Receivers

Sammy Watkins vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $4,600

Watkins is coming off one of his better performances of the season in Week 7, catching four of seven targets for 74 yards. He has upside, but he also is very inconsistent, finishing with 21 yards or fewer three separate times. Hill and Travis Kelce are the clear top receiving options for the Chiefs, with both having at least 60 targets compared to Watkins’ 40. His price on DraftKings is somewhat reasonable based on his inconsistencies, but he’s still risky. Considering Boyd is close to the same price as Watkins on FanDuel, it might be prudent to avoid him all together there.

Marvin Jones Jr. vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – Ford Field
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $4,800

The Lions have three talented wide receivers, but they use a ton of three-receiver sets, helping Jones be on the field for 98% of their offensive snaps. With that being said, Jones’ 37 targets are third behind Golden Tate (57) and Kenny Golladay (43). Jones is only averaging 45 receiving yards per game, as a result, which is a far cry from his career-high 68.8 yards per game last year. The Seahawks have allowed the third-fewest receiving yards per game (206), leaving Jones with very little upside.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Wednesday’s NBA schedule is jam-packed with 11 games. There are a ton of value plays to consider, as a result. Let’s get right down to business and examine some to target for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

Derrick Rose, MIN at TOR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400

Tom Thibodeau loves him some Derrick Rose. The two have a long-standing relationship since their days with the Bulls and Thibodeau clearly plans to play him a lot this season, or, at least for as long as Rose is healthy. Rose is averaging 28 minutes per contest, helping him post 14.8 rebounds, 3.8 rebounds, and five assists. Rose is not a good three-pointer shooter, but his 23.5% usage rate is encouraging for his scoring upside. Look for him to get enough time on the floor Wednesday to provide value at this price.

Isaiah Canaan, PHO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300

With the ugliness that is the Suns’ point guard position, Canaan has started each of their first three games. Devin Booker is also helping to facilitate their offense, but Canaan has still been able to log 30 minutes per contest. Canaan can go damage from behind the arc, so the added playing time has helped him average 10 points and two three-pointers per contest. The Lakers play at the fastest pace (108.7 possessions per game) in the league, so Canaan could be in line for even more opportunities to score in this contest.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,800

Chris Paul will be out due to his suspension again Wednesday, leaving Gordon with another opportunity to start. He excelled without Paul on Sunday against the Clippers, scoring 21 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and five three-pointers. Across 30 starts last year, Gordon averaged 21.5 points. 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.8 three-pointers per contest. His usage rate also increased from 22% in a reserve role to 27.8% when he started.

Wesley Matthews, DAL at ATL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200

Matthews may not get a ton of publicity, but he’s an important part of the Mavericks. He’s averaged at least 34 minutes per game in every season that he’s been with the team, including through the first three games this year. His field goal percentage usually isn’t great, but he’s still managed to average 13.8 points and 2.2 three-pointers per game for his career. The Hawks have allowed 122.7 points per game, making Matthews a strong option to consider based on his minutes floor.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

T.J. Warren, PHO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800

Warren started all 65 games that he played in last year, but he’s moved to the bench this season. His playing time has dropped from 33 minutes to 23 minutes per game, but his usage rate has increased from 24.9% to a whopping 29.6%. He should continue to see the bulk of the scoring opportunities with the Suns’ second unit, making him a great option in what should be a high-scoring contest versus the Lakers.

Jae Crowder, UTA at HOU
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,800

This game sets up really well for Crowder. The Rockets like to play a lot of small lineups and will have their depth challenged with both Paul and James Ennis (hamstring) out. They also play at the eighth-fastest pace (105) in the league. Crowder plays a crucial role within the second unit for the Jazz, helping him average 30 minutes per contest. He’s cashed in the added playing time by averaging 15 points, 6.7 rebounds and two three-pointers.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

Markieff Morris, WAS at GS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,700

Speaking of dealing with limited depth, the Wizards frontcourt is hurting entering play Wednesday. Dwight Howard (back) will be out yet again and has yet to play a game this season. Fill in starter Ian Mahinmi is listed as questionable with a back injury of his own. Even if he does play, this is not a good matchup for him considering all the small lineups the Warriors like to deploy. Morris is averaging 16.3 points, seven rebounds, one steal, 1.7 blocks and three three-pointers across 27 minutes per game this year and should at least see similar playing time in this contest, if not more.

Dwight Powell, DAL at ATL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000

Powell is only averaging 17 minutes a game, but his 26.3 percent usage rate has helped him average 15.7 points. Both numbers are likely to decline over the course of the season, but he’s proven the Mavericks can rely on him for however long it takes Dirk Nowitzki to return from injury. The Hawks will again be without John Collins (ankle) on Wednesday, leaving Powell with a chance to thrive against their weak frontcourt.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

JaVale McGee, LAL at PHO
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300

McGee isn’t going to last as a value play for much longer. His price is steadily climbing because he’s averaging 15 points, 7.3 rebounds, and three blocks through three games. Having excellent passers around him like LeBron James, Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball is going to help him get a lot of easy buckets and he’s proven to be a force when it comes to blocks. Facing Deandre Ayton might not be an easy task, but McGee is still in line for valuable performance.

Myles Turner, IND at SA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,800

Is this finally the year that Turner breaks out? Well, it certainly doesn’t look like it through four games. With averages of just 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, a lot of Turner’s value on a nightly basis hinges on his ability to block shots. Luckily, he hasn’t disappointed in that department with 1.8 rejections per contest. Domantas Sabonis eats into some of Turner’s playing time, but it’s not often that you can roster Turner at this cheap of a price. It might be worth taking a chance on him in tournament play.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 – Running Backs

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

Even though four teams will be on a bye for Week 8, there are still plenty of great running backs available in DFS. Let’s dig into the position to see where you can gain the edge for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - Running Backs

Todd Gurley vs. Green Bay Packers
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
FanDuel = $11,000
DraftKings = $9,800

Gurley is as automatic as they come. His performance in Week 7 was a prime example of just how high his floor is. He didn’t rack up a ton of yards on the ground with 15 carries for 63 yards. His receiving yards weren’t stellar, either, catching four of five targets for 23 yards. However, he had two rushing touchdowns and one receiving score. With the Rams loaded on offense, Gurley has already been able to cash in with 14 total touchdowns.

The Rams destroyed the 49ers 39-10 last week, so it didn’t really make much sense to run Gurley into the ground during a blowout. This game figures to be more competitive against a Packers team that has far more firepower on offense. The Packers defense hasn’t been very good at stopping the run, leaving them tied for the 10th-highest yards-per-carry allowed (4.5) in the league. Gurley is crazy expensive, but he’s someone to build your lineup around in cash contests.

Kareem Hunt vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $8,100
DraftKings = $7,100

Things were looking scary for Hunt over the first three games this season, rushing a total of 52 times for 168 yards, which equated to 3.2 yards-per-carry. He wasn’t really involved in the passing attack, either, with one reception and three total targets during that stretch. The good news is that his struggles were shortlived. After destroying the Bengals for 141 total yards and three touchdowns in Week 7, Hunt now has 595 total yards and six touchdowns across his last four contests.

The Chiefs have arguably the most explosive offense in the league, which is going to leave Hunt with plenty of opportunities to find the end zone. His nine total touchdowns this year puts him only three scores away from passing hit total from all of last season. This has the makings of another monster performance for Hunt since the Broncos have allowed the second-most rushing yards per game (148.1) to go along with eight rushing touchdowns allowed.

James Conner vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,500

Conner comes into this game with fresh legs after the Steelers had a bye in Week 7. He was hot heading into the bye, rushing for 221 yards and four touchdowns across his previous two games. He also chipped in eight receptions for 93 yards. There were some rumors about Le’Veon Bell possibly reporting to the team during their bye week, but as of Wednesday, there was still no sign of his return. That should leave Conner as their starting running back for at least one more week.

This will mark Conner’s second start of the year against the Browns. He demolished them in Week 1, rushing 31 times for 135 yards and two touchdowns while also catching five of six targets for an additional 57 yards. While those numbers might be hard to duplicate, the Browns have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game (134.7) and the second-most rushing touchdowns (10). Don’t hesitate to add Conner to your entry.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - Running Backs

Kerryon Johnson vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – Ford Field
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $5,300

Johnson’s usage has been frustrating. In three of the first four games, he received nine or fewer carries. The only time he had more was in Week 3 when he cashed in 16 rushing attempts for 101 yards.  The Lions have finally started to lean on him a little more over their last two games, resulting in Johnson finishing with at least 12 carries and 70 yards in both contests. It will be hard for them to justify lessening his workload Sunday considering he posted 158 yards on 19 carries last week against the Dolphins.

Another downside when it comes to Johnson is that he’s not very involved in the passing game, receiving more than three targets in only one game so far. He also has to deal with LeGarrette Blount stealing some of the goalline work. The Seahawks defense has been very good against the pass, but they’ve allowed the ninth-most rushing yards per game (120.7). Johnson is certainly not a safe option, but this matchup leaves him with upside.

Marlon Mack vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $5,400

The Colts sure missed Mack at the beginning of this season. Injuries have limited him to just three games, but he’s healthy now and running away with the starting job in their backfield. He’s coming off of his best performance in what was a blowout win over the Bills in Week 7 when he had 126 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

The Colts racing out to a big lead helped Mack in terms of the game flow last week. There is a chance this game could play out in a similar fashion with the Raiders losing two key parts of their offense in Amari Cooper and Marshawn Lynch. Nyheim Hines limits Mack’s involvement in the passing game, but with the Raiders allowing the sixth-most rushing yards per game (131.8), Mack is worth considering for your entry.

Phillip Lindsay vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,200

The Broncos offense hasn’t been good, but that didn’t stop them from hanging 45 points on the Cardinals last week. Lindsay didn’t blow the roof off in that game, but he had a strong performance by turning 14 carries into 90 yards and a touchdown. Although he has to split carries with Royce Freeman, Lindsay has still provided value in large part because he is averaging 5.8 yards-per-carry. Freeman, on the other hand, is averaging 4.4 yards-per-carry.

Freeman injured his ankle last week and his status is still up in the air for Sunday. If he is unable to play, Lindsay is likely to see a significant increase in volume. That could lead to a stellar stat line with the Chiefs allowing the third-most yards-per-carry (5.2). In their first meeting this season, Lindsay had 12 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown.

Raheem Mostert vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – State Farm Stadium
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $3,800

The 49ers backfield looked so promising heading into this season after they signed Jerick McKinnon. However, he tore his ACL before playing in a regular season game, leaving Matt Breida and Alfred Morris to lead the position. Breida has played well, but he’s been battling injuries of late. Morris has been largely ineffective with just 3.6 yards-per-carry, which has opened up an opportunity for Mostert. He’s made the most of his chance, so far, with 146 yards on 19 carries across their last two games.

Breida re-aggravated his ankle injury in Week 7, resulting in him leaving the game early with just five carries. His status is still uncertain for Week 8, but it might be prudent for the 49ers to rest him since this is an injury he’s dealt with before. If Breida doesn’t play, Mostert could receive the bulk of the carries. At this cheap price, he’d make for an excellent play against a Cardinals team that has allowed the most rushing yards per game (148.3) and the most rushing touchdowns (12).

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - Running Backs

Alex Collins vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $4,600

Collins looked primed for a big campaign this year after grabbing hold of the Ravens starting running back job last year. He didn’t take over as the regular starter until Week 6 last season, but he finished with an average of 4.6 yards-per-carry. While efficiency was his strong suit, the opposite has been the case for him this year with just 3.6 yards-per-carry. Javorius Allen is their preferred option when they get close to the end zone, which significantly limits Collins’ upside. This is not a great matchup with the Panthers allowing the ninth-fewest rushing yards per game (95) so it might be best to avoid Collins.

Isaiah Crowell vs. Chicago Bears
Stadium – Soldier Field
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $3,700

Crowell has had two big games this season. His first was in Week 1 when he turned 10 carries into 102 yards and two touchdowns. The other was a 15-carry, 219-yard, one touchdown performance in Week 5 against the Broncos. However, he has a total of 138 rushing yards over his other five games. The Bears have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (87.5) and have still not given up a score on the ground, making Crowell way too risky of an option in Week 8.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/23/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

After a busy night with nine games Monday, there are only three games on the NBA schedule Tuesday. With their being so few options to choose from, let’s examine players across the entire price scale to consider for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/23/18

De’Aaron Fox, SAC at DEN
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,100

Fox’s improved numbers this year can be attributed to two factors in the early going. First, he’s averaging 35 minutes per game compared to 28 minutes per contest last season. Second, he’s shooting 52.5 percent from the field compared to 41.2 percent during his rookie campaign. While his shooting percentage is likely to decline, his increased playing time might stick. He’s shown he can contribute across the board by averaging 20.7 points, five rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.3 steals, making him a great option Tuesday.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $3,900

Like many rookies, Gilgeous-Alexander has been inconsistent to start his career. While he has chipped in exactly four assists in each of his three games, he sandwiched 11 and 12 point games around a two-point performance against the Thunder. On the bright side, he logged between 23 and 28 minutes in all three games. The Pelicans play at the second-fastest pace (108.8 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Gilgeous-Alexander with added opportunities to provide value.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/23/18

Markelle Fultz, PHI at DET
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $4,900

Ben Simmons had to leave Saturday’s game against the Magic early due to a stiff back. He’s listed as questionable for Tuesday, so his status is something to monitor as game time approaches. If he doesn’t play, Fultz could see a significant boost in value. Even if Simmons does take the floor, Fultz has averaged 8.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.3 steals across his first three games. His shot still has a long ways to go, but that’s enough overall production to be worth considering for your entry on such a limited slate.

Torrey Craig, DEN vs. SAC
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,800

The Nuggets suffered a tough blow when they lost Will Barton to a groin injury. Craig started in his place Saturday and should remain in that role moving forward. His five points in 27 minutes were nothing to write home about, but he did chip in with nine rebounds, a steal, and a block. At near the minimum price on both sites, his minutes floor alone making him an intriguing option in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/23/18

Danilo Gallinari, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,300

If only Gallinari could put together a healthy season. Since entering the league in 2008-09, Gallinari has played at least 70 games in a season only two times. He missed the entire 2013-14 season with a torn ACL and has played 63 games or fewer in all four seasons since. Last year, he only played in 21 contests. The good news is that he’s healthy now and firing on all cylinders, averaging 20.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and three three-pointers. He has a 25.8% usage rate and is playing 31 minutes per contest, so take advantage of him being healthy while you still can.

Nemanja Bjelica, SAC at DEN
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,600

Bjelica has started each of the Kings first three games, which is a bit surprising considering they drafted Marvin Bagley III. Not only is Bjelica starting, but he logged at least 27 minutes in two of those three contests. He didn’t always get a lot of playing time for the Timberwolves last year, but Bjelica did average 10.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals across his 21 starts. Although he’s risky, he could outproduce this price point if given extended minutes again Tuesday.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/23/18

Tobias Harris, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,500

The Clippers made a franchise-altering move last year when they traded Blake Griffin to the Pistons. Harris was part of the return for the Clippers and has been one of the focal points of their offense ever since. He’s currently averaging a career-high 22.7 points per game and has chipped in eight rebounds per contest. His 50% field goal percentage is likely unsustainable, but his 24.9% usage rate is going to leave him with a high floor most nights.

Montrezl Harrell, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300

Another significant change the Clippers underwent was the departure of DeAndre Jordan. They brought in Marcin Gortat to take over the starting center job, but he’s played 20 minutes or fewer in each of their three games. Harrell and Boban Marjanovic have been rotating as his primary backup, but this game against the athletic Pelicans seems to be a contest better suited for Harrell’s skillset. He can put up numbers when given the opportunity, scoring 17 points to go along with 10 rebounds and three blocks across 24 minutes Saturday against the Rockets.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/23/18

Julius Randle, NO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $6,700

The Pelicans may have lost DeMarcus Cousins to the Warriors, but Randle was a great addition to their roster. He’s wasted no time making a significant impact, averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds over their first two games. Even though he’s coming off the bench, he still played at least 24 minutes in both games and has a 26.4% usage rate. Based on the pace at which the Pelicans play, expect him to continue to have plenty of chances to provide value.

Zaza Pachulia, DET vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,800

Andre Drummond missed practice with the flu Monday and is considered questionable for Tuesday. Facing Joel Embiid, this isn’t likely a situation where the Pistons can just go small should Drummond miss the game. One player who would seemingly benefit from his absence is Pachulia, who has already grabbed at least seven rebounds in both of their games. Don’t count on Pachulia to score much, but considering his bargain basement price, he’s someone to consider if Drummond sits.