As far as injuries go, Week 14 was simply brutal. With so many players set to be sidelined for Week 15, we have some interesting choices to make in DFS. Let’s dive into the quarterback and running back positions and discuss some options that stand out.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 14 – Quarterbacks and Running Backs
If you missed out on the playoffs in your season-long fantasy football league, don’t get too down. There is still plenty of fun to be had in DFS for Week 14.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 1 – Quarterbacks
The long wait is finally over! The month of September is here, and with it, comes the start of the NFL season. That also means we have some DFS fun to partake in. Let’s start out by breaking down the quarterback position for Week 1.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 11 – Quarterbacks
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.
We’re back up to six teams on a bye for Week 11, but at least this will be the last week that more than two teams will be on a bye. The Packers, Chiefs, Rams, and, Seahawks all play primetime games, making the main Sunday slate in DFS even more thin at quarterback. Let’s dive into the position to see where value can still be found. 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
Cam Newton vs. Detroit Lions
Stadium – Ford Field
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $6,200
The Panthers were blown out on the road Thursday night, but at least they get some extra rest for Week 11. Newton completed 79.3 percent of his passes in that contest, but for only 193 yards. The Steelers also bottled him up on the ground, holding him to 10 yards on two carries. Newton was able to somewhat salvage his line with two touchdown passes, which marked his eighth straight game with at least two scores through the air.
Being the road team on Thursday night is tough, let alone having to face the Steelers. Newton and the Panthers get a much easier matchup this week against the Lions, even though it’s also on the road. The Lions have done a good job limiting passing yards, but they’ve given up 19 touchdowns through the air. They’ve also had troubles forcing turnovers with just three interceptions. The passing yards still might not be great for Newton in this contest, but his touchdown upside still leaves him as a good option in cash contests.
Drew Brees vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $6,500
The Saints demolished the Bengals 55-14 in Week 10. It’s no surprise that Brees was spectacular, completing 22 of 25 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns. He even chipped in a rushing touchdown, giving him a great overall line despite not playing the entire fourth quarter due to the lopsided score.
While that game wasn’t close, this should be a much more competitive matchup against the Eagles. Brees could be lined up for a big performance with the Eagles allowing the 10th-most passing yards per game (266). It won’t help their cause that they just lost cornerback Ronald Darby to a torn ACL, either. This game being played at home also favors Brees. In four games at the Superdome, Brees has 12 touchdown passes and is averaging 347.8 yards per game. Across five games on the road, he has nine touchdowns and is averaging 242 yards.
Carson Wentz vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,300
In one of the more surprising games of Week 10, the Eagles lost at home to the Cowboys. Wentz played well in the defeat, throwing for 360 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw an interception, but it was only his third of the season. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise considering he only threw seven picks across 13 games last year.
One noticeable improvement for Wentz this season has been his completion percentage. After completing 60.2 percent of his passes last year, that mark stands at 71 percent through seven games. That’s helped his passing yards per game jump to 306.9 compared to 253.5 last year. The Saints have allowed the second-most passing yards per game (296), leaving Wentz with the potential for another great performance Sunday.
GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS
Deshaun Watson vs. Washington Redskins
Stadium – FedEx Field
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $5,700
The Texans squeaked out a close two-point win over the Broncos in Week 9. Then, they were able to enjoy the victory during their bye in Week 10. Watson hasn’t been able to keep up his crazy touchdown rate from his rookie season, but he’s still posted 17 passing touchdowns across nine games. He’s even increased his passing yards per game from 242.7 last season to 265.4 this year.
The loss of Will Fuller to a torn ACL could have been a big blow to Watson’s value, but the Broncos helped mitigate that by adding Demaryius Thomas in a deal with the Broncos. The Texans bye certainly came at the right time since Thomas will now have had extra time to familiarize himself their offense and develop a rapport with Watson. If you want to beat the Redskins, the way to do that is through the air. They are allowing the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game (90.9), but the eighth-most passing yards per contest (270).
Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. New York Giants
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $5,600
What an odd performance from Fitzpatrick against the Redskins in Week 10. He completed 70.7 percent of his passes for 406 yards, so he should have finished with a monster stat line. However, he failed to record a single touchdown and was picked off twice. Across the previous three games in which Fitzpatrick finished with at least 400 yards this season, he had a total of 11 touchdown passes.
The goods news for Fitzpatrick is that he’s held onto the starting quarterback job for at least another week. With how poorly their defense has played, he’s going to continue to be forced to throw a lot to try and keep pace in games. The Giants defense has certainly been better than their offense, but they traded away a couple of key players in Damon Harrison and Eli Apple. Don’t expect Fitzpatrick to be shut out on touchdowns again in this contest, leaving him as a tournament play with upside.
Eli Manning vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $5,200
The Giants finally put another game in the win column with a defeat of the 49ers on Monday night. Manning wasn’t particularly sharp despite the victory, completing 61.3 percent of his passes for just 188 yards. However, he made up for it by recording a season-high three touchdown passes. That was even more shocking when you consider he had eight touchdown passes all year entering Week 10.
Manning will get another chance to shine against the Bucs, who have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game (292). This could be another one of Manning’s better touchdown performances of the season, as well, with the Bucs allowing the most touchdown passes through the air (23) in the league. It’s hard to trust Manning at this stage of his career, but he’s priced so cheap that he might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – TIAA Bank Field
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $5,800
Roethlisberger destroyed the Panthers in Week 10, throwing for 328 yards and five touchdowns. He failed to complete just three passes all game and didn’t throw an interception for the third time in his last four contests. It’s hard to be too down on him coming off of a stat line like that, but the Jaguars have allowed the fewest passing yards per game (201) and have given up only 12 passing touchdowns. Roethlisberger’s price on DraftKings is reasonable, but he’s awfully risky at his price on FanDuel based on this matchup.
Andy Dalton vs. Baltimore Ravens
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $5,000
Simply put, Dalton was a disaster against the Saints. He really missed having his start receiver in A.J. Green (toe), finishing with just 153 passing yards and one touchdown. The Saints also picked him off twice, which was just the second time all season that Dalton has thrown at least two interceptions in a game. Dalton got off to a hot start, but he now has 229 passing yards or fewer in three of his last four contests. The Ravens have one of the best pass defenses in the league, so stay far, far away from Dalton with Green set to miss Week 11.
NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 10 – Quarterbacks
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.
After a brutal Week 9 where six teams were on a bye, things get a little better in Week 10 with only four teams getting the added time off. Let’s examine some quarterbacks to target and avoid as you craft your DFS 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.
CASH CONTEST OPTIONS
Patrick Mahomes vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $9,800
DraftKings = $7,200
To no surprise, the Chiefs beat the Browns soundly in Week 9. Another obvious outcome of that game was Mahomes having a strong performance. He certainly didn’t disappoint, throwing for 365 yards and three touchdowns. Although that marked five consecutive games with an interception, he also has four straight games with at least three touchdowns.
There might not be any other quarterback who is more automatic than Mahomes from a DFS perspective. He has a ton of talent around him and plays within a great offensive scheme. What shouldn’t go unnoticed with all the passing yards and touchdowns is that Mahomes has even posted a completion percentage of at least 70.6 percent over three straight games. The Cardinals have been one of the better teams at defending the pass in the league, but facing Mahomes on the road is a whole different story.
Drew Brees vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $6,300
The highlight matchup of Week 9 was the Saints taking on the undefeated Rams. It certainly was an offensive shootout with the Saints ultimately dealing the Rams their first loss. Brees had one of his best performances of the year, throwing for 346 yards and four touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception, either, and has only thrown one pick all season.
Brees’ stellar stat line came on the heels of a dud in Week 8 against the Vikings when he threw for 120 yards and one touchdown. He might have games from time to time where the Saints heavy use of the run limits his upside, but that wasn’t exactly a great matchup against a Vikings team that is only allowing 233 passing yards per game. With the Bengals allowing the most passing yards per game (319), expect this to be an opportunity that Brees exploits.
Philip Rivers vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $6,000
Rivers faced a tough Seahawks defense in Week 9 that had allowed 10 touchdown passes all season. They did a good job limiting Rivers to 228 passing yards, but he still salvaged his performance with two touchdowns. Rivers has been extremely consistent in that department, recording at least two touchdowns in every game this year.
Things get much easier for Rivers in Week 10 against a Raiders team that was just lit up by the 49ers with Nick Mullins at quarterback. The Raiders have not only allowed the ninth-most passing yards per game (263), but they’ve put very little pressure on the quarterback with only seven sacks. In their first meeting this season, Rivers had 339 passing yards and two touchdowns, so don’t be surprised if he excels in their rematch.
GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS
Andy Dalton vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $5,800
The Bengals are coming off of their bye after squeaking out a 37-34 win over the Bucs in Week 8. Dalton took advantage of the Bucs porous secondary, finishing with 280 passing yards and two touchdowns. After averaging only 207.5 passing yards per game last year, Dalton has been much more productive this season with 262.8 yards per contest.
One big negative for Dalton’s prospects for Week 10 is the injury to his star receiver A.J. Green (toe), who is expected to miss at least the next two games. On the bright side, receiver John Ross (groin) is looking like he might be able to return to the field. Even without Green, Dalton has the potential to be productive against the Saints, who have allowed the second-most passing yards per game (311). The Bengals might also be forced to throw the ball a lot to keep up with the Saints offense, so don’t shy away from Dalton just because of Green’s injury.
Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Washington Redskins
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $5,900
Fitzpatrick regained his starting job for Week 9 against the Panthers. The Bucs were down big early and forced to throw a lot, which played right into Fitzpatrick’s wheelhouse. He did throw two interceptions, but he also had 243 yards and four touchdowns. Across his five starts this season, he has finished with at least three touchdown passes four times.
Even though the Bucs suffered yet another loss, Fitzpatrick played well enough to remain the starting quarterback for this matchup against the Redskins. The Redskins have been stout against the run, but they’ve allowed 254 passing yards per game to go along with 15 touchdown passes. With how bad the Bucs are playing on defense, look for Fitzpatrick to have plenty of opportunities to provide value Sunday.
Baker Mayfield vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $5,400
The change at head coach and offensive coordinator made an immediate positive impact on Mayfield last week against the Chiefs. He finished with 297 passing yards and two touchdowns, but it should also be noted that his 69.1 percent completion percentage was the highest in any game in which he has started.
While it certainly helped that Mayfield was facing the Chiefs defense, the initial results under his new coaching staff are encouraging. He also gets another exploitable matchup against the Falcons in Week 10, who have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game (304), which is actually more than the Chiefs have allowed. The Falcons have also given up 18 touchdowns through the air, which is tied for the fourth most. If you want to take a chance on a cheap option in tournament play, Mayfield is worth considering.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Mitch Trubisky vs. Detroit Lions
Stadium – Soldier Field
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $5,600
As most people expected, the Bears destroyed the Bills last week. With Nathan Peterman under center for Buffalo, the Bears defense scored two touchdowns of their own. The Bears had little need to throw the ball with a big early lead, leaving Trubisky to produce season-lows in pass attempts (20) and passing yards (135). This should be a more competitive game against the Lions, but the way to beat them is on the ground, not through the air. The Lions have allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (215), but the third most rushing yards per game (142.5). Trubisky might not attempt a lot of passes in this contest, either.
Matthew Stafford vs. Chicago Bears
Stadium – Soldier Field
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,000
Stafford and the Lions had a disastrous performance against the Vikings in Week 9, losing 24-9. Stafford attempted 36 passes but only finished with 199 yards. Although he didn’t throw an interception, he also failed to throw a touchdown for the first time this season. The trade of Golden Tate to the Eagles certainly isn’t going to help Stafford moving forward, either. The Bears have the second-most interceptions (14) and are allowing only 237 passing yards per game, leaving Stafford with limited upside.
NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 2 – Quarterbacks
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Early bird special! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.
The NFL started the season on a high note with a weekend full of wild games. The Browns finally ended their losing streak by forcing a tie against the Steelers, Ryan Fitzpatrick led the Buccaneers to a surprising win against the Saints and the Raiders were beaten soundly in Jon Gruden’s coaching return.
We’re right back at it for Week 2, which is highlighted by the Packers against the Vikings and the Patriots facing the Jaguars. It also brings another opportunity to win some money in DFS. Let’s examine some quarterbacks to target and avoid as you craft 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
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $6,900
Coming away with a tie in Cleveland was a disappointing start to the season for the Steelers. There were plenty of concerns about the weather heading into the contest and while it did rain, it was nowhere near the magnitude that was being discussed as a possibility early in the week. Roethlisberger threw for 335 yards but only had a 56.1% completion percentage and one touchdown to go along with three interceptions. He threw more than two interceptions in a game one time in 2017, which was a five-pick performance against the Jaguars.
While his performance wasn’t pretty, Roethlisberger is set up for a nice rebound game in Week 2. He’s been much better at home, averaging 316.6 yards per game there last year compared to 254.4 yards on the road. He also threw 16 touchdown passes across seven home games compared to 12 over eight road contests. The Chiefs secondary leaves a lot to be desired and allowed Philip Rivers to throw for 424 yards and three scores in Week 1. They also have a potent offense, so Roethlisberger and the Steelers might be forced to throw a lot to keep pace.
Philip Rivers vs. Buffalo Bills
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $6,700
The Chargers came away with a tough loss of their own at home against the Chiefs. They played poorly on defense and special teams, which forced Rivers and their offense to try and play catch up after being down 31-12 after three quarters. Not only did Rivers finish with over 400 passing yards and three scores, but he threw just one pick and had a 66.7% completion percentage.
He was set up for a big game based on the Chiefs weak secondary and has another good matchup against the Bills, who were destroyed 47-3 by the Ravens. Joe Flacco finished that game with only 236 passing yards, but he had three touchdown passes and a 73.5% completion percentage. Flacco never threw more than two touchdown passes in any game last year and his yardage total could have been higher, but he wasn’t needed to throw much late with the game in hand. The Bills do get the benefit of playing this game at home, but Rivers is still an excellent target for your entry.
Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Detroit Lions
Stadium – Levi’s Stadium
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $6,000
It’s no surprise that Garoppolo struggled on the road against the Vikings in Week 1. The Vikings allowed the fewest points in the NFL last year. Garoppolo finished the game with only one touchdown, three interceptions, and a 45.5% completion percentage.
Don’t read too much into that performance, there are few defenses in the league that can compare to the Vikings. One of them is certainly not the Lions, who were crushed by the Jets on Monday Night Football. Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold wasn’t needed to throw much based on the score, but he completed 16 of 21 passes for 198 yards and two scores. Garoppolo isn’t overly expensive, but he has a high floor in this matchup.
GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS
Alex Smith vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – FedEx Field
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $6,000
Smith wasted no time getting off to a strong start with his new team in a win against the Cardinals. While Adrian Peterson did have a great game on the ground, Smith was no slouch himself. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns. It’s no surprise he didn’t throw an interception considering he threw five all of 2017. His 70% completion percentage isn’t out of the ordinary, either, since he has finished with a completion percentage of at least 67.1% in both of the last two seasons.
Like the Chiefs, the Colts have a porous secondary. Andy Dalton didn’t throw for a ton of yards against them with 243 in Week 1, but he did throw for two touchdowns and post a 75% completion percentage. Dalton only had a 59.9% completion percentage in 2017. Smith’s upside isn’t off the charts, but his ability to limit turnovers while also potentially providing value with his legs makes him someone to consider in tournament play.
Case Keenum vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Broncos Stadium at Mile High
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $5,800
It’s wasn’t all rainbows and gumdrops for Keenum in Week 1. He threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns against the Seahawks, but he also had three interceptions after throwing seven all of last season. He did attempt 39 passes, which was more attempts than he had in all but two games last year. His completion percentage was still reasonable, as well, at 64.1%. It was also encouraging to see him have such good chemistry with Emmanuel Sanders so quickly, who caught 10 of 11 targets for 135 yards.
The Raiders defense suffered a tough loss when they traded Khalil Mack to the Bears. His ability to get to the quarterback can cover up a lot of holes in a secondary which entered the season ranked 24th by Pro Football Focus. Keenum has some weapons at wide receiver with Sanders, Demaryius Thomas, and Courtland Sutton, while Philip Lindsay showed he could be an excellent compliment to Royce Freeman in the Broncos backfield. Expect Keenum to cut down on his interceptions in this game while still providing yardage and touchdown upside.
Tyrod Taylor vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $5,900
Well, at least the Browns didn’t lose for once. They could have come away with a big win to start their season, but they clearly should be an improved team. They’ve been a mess at quarterback in recent years, but they have turned to Taylor to provide some stability at the position. He completed just 37.5% of his passes in Week 1, but he provided plenty of value on the ground with 77 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
The Saints defense may have provided the most unexpected flop of the first week, giving up 48 points to Fitzpatrick and the Buccaneers. Don’t count on the Browns matching that point total, but they might be forced to play catchup against the productive Saints offense late in this game. Taylor’s passing contributions can be inconsistent, but when added with his ability to provide rushing yards, he has plenty of upside at this price.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Jared Goff vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $6,300
Goff didn’t have a great performance against the Raiders, completing only 18 of 33 passes for 233 yards. On a positive note, he did throw for two scores without tossing an interception. The Rams have built him a promising wide receiver trio of Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp, but their offense is still led by Todd Gurley. That was clear last year when Goff’s 477 pass attempts were the fourth-fewest for any quarterback who played at least 15 games. The only players who attempted fewer were DeShone Kizer, Jacoby Brissett, and Marcus Mariota. His ceiling isn’t very high, so it might be best to avoid Goff at this price, even though this isn’t a bad matchup.
Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,500
Fitzpatrick was likely the biggest surprise of the opening week. Filling in for the suspended Jameis Winston, he torched the Saints for 417 passing yards and four touchdowns. He completed 75% of his passes and didn’t throw a single interception. For good measure, he added 36 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Fitzpatrick is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league, but it’s highly unlikely he comes close to matching this performance since he threw three touchdowns in three starts combined last year. He’ll also be facing a much tougher Eagles defense, so even though he’s cheap, I’d stay away from him in tournament play.