September 11, 2023
NFL

How to Use the Contrarian Edge Optimizer

Follow These Tips to Maxmize the Impact of the Optimizer
QBs Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers

An optimizer is a powerful tool to harness in DFS play, capable of bulk operations in an instant that would otherwise take hours of manipulation to perform manually. Like any other tool, one must first learn how to wield an optimizer before its true power can be realized. That is exactly what we will look to sort through in this weekly series.

We’ll focus on the Contrarian Edge Optimizer to use for Monday Night Football this season to explore the tool itself, maximize expected value through optimal utilization and provide a sneak peek into the newest, and most dynamic optimizer in the industry.

Get Projection CSV

Before manipulating any of the settings in the optimizer, I first like to export the projections via a comma-separated values document, which provides all the raw projections used by the optimizer for each player on the slate. Before continuing, it is important to understand what these values represent.

Median Projections

By definition, a median represents a projection whose final outcome would land above the projection and below the projection an equal 50 percent of the time. As such, the modeling in these algorithms can be back tested to find reliability indexes and tweak the algorithm to provide further accuracy.

The idea of median is difficult for the human brain to comprehend. We like things simple, direct and to the point – which is what median projections aim to provide. We must realize that these top-level values are a numerical representation of a range of outcomes for each player on a given slate.

This range of outcomes will be different shapes, sizes, and magnitudes for every player and becomes one of the better inputs to manipulate to alter the output from the optimizer. Give it a try! Run the optimizer without manipulating any of the median projections and see what it provides.

Test-Drive Our Optimizer for 7 Days, $1

Then, manipulate just one player’s median to a 60 percent outcome (multiply the raw projection by six and divide by five) and run the optimizer again to see how that changes the output in roster form. Higher on a player on a given slate than the median projections are accounting for? Bump their value in the CSV within their range of outcomes and see how the optimizer responds! And best of all, the directions to complete this step in the process are readily available in the top-level of the optimizer design.

Predictive Analytics Modeling

Predictive analytics utilizes statistical modeling methods to predict future outcomes. In other words, predictive analytics attempts to utilize machine learning algorithms to create predictive models. With the optimizer, the behind-the-scenes work has been done for us, but we can manipulate the outputs by changing inputs as previously discussed.

Variance in Median Projections

The best way to visualize a range of outcomes projection, assuming we are provided with a median projection, is to utilize a bell curve. This bell curve will be situated about the median with an array of potential outcomes. Most bell curves are symmetrical about the median, but some players carry an asymmetrical distribution of values within their broader range. These players, largely considered “low floor-high ceiling” plays, are some of the most difficult to predict and project due to their lopsided array.

Median projections must also account for ambiguity in certain situations. For example, there is significant ambiguity associated with the Buffalo Bills and the expected snap rates for players from the slot. Deonte Harty, Khalil Shakir, Trent Sherfield, and rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid could all see slot usage, but the optimizer must account for these wide ranges of potential outcomes and display it through median projections in numerical form. This introduces significant variance in those projections, something we can look to manipulate to harness in our favor.

In numerical models, these statistical anomalies are best represented through standard deviation – but we can do things to manipulate these players manually in the optimizer.

Auto Ownership Bonus

First, select “Set Pro Options” on the top left of your screen in the optimizer. Next, toggle “Auto Ownership Bonus” in the dropdown menu. This function is used to set an ownership threshold and bonus to encourage the inclusion of players that are less owned, leveraging the variance associated with median projections and ownership values.

This functionality will also help to harness the second major statistical input to the modeling – expected ownership. Since the game of football includes high rates of variance, ownership projections are a valuable input to leverage in the process. These ownership bonus thresholds can be manipulated to increase or decrease exposure to variance.

Week 1 MNF Example

Let’s put these practices in action for Week 1 using the Contrarian Edge Optimizer. We’ll focus on the ambiguity with the expected slot snap rates from the Buffalo Bills, alter inputs, and see the outputs from those deviations. We won’t be able to see the full roster outputs for obvious reasons (the optimizer is a paid tool), but we should be able to conceptualize the effects of these manipulations.

I changed the projection of Deonte Harty to an 80 percent outcome, accounting for the potential for him to see a slot snap rate that is higher than his expectation, imported the new data into the optimizer and ran the simulation without adjusting any other values or manipulating any of the Pro Options.

Deonte Harty returned as the optimal Captain in that run, at 0.6 percent expected ownership. Doing the same for Dalton Kincaid returns him as the optimal Captain. The same can be done in the other direction to account for outcomes below median projection, which is useful for variant acts like injuries and matchup induced outliers.

The first installment in this series was broader and more conceptual than it will be in the future, but hopefully it helped to establish a foundational and working knowledge of the power of the optimizer and how to manipulate top-level statistical inputs. From here on out, we’ll get into the optimizer on a deeper level. Best of luck in Week 1 and we’ll see you at the top of the leaderboards!

Our newsletter is coming soon, but you can register now!
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Continue Reading

Other News

Alright people, we’ve got football, tons of it for the next 16 weeks. It doesn’t get much sweeter than that! Week 2 of the NFL season kicks off tonight with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles hosting Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football.

Game

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings, 8:15 pm ET

Betting Odds (DraftKings)
  • Line: Vikings +6.5, Eagles -6.5
  • Moneyline: Eagles (-265), Vikings (+215)
  • Over/Under: 49.5
Team Ranks (2023)

Eagles

  • Points for: 25.0 (8th)
  • Points Allowed: 20.0 (14th)

Vikings

  • Points For: 17.0 (20th)
  • Points Allowed: 20.0 (14th)
Key Injuries to Watch

Eagles

  • Reed Blankenship (S) – Out
  • James Bradberry (CB) – Out
  • Kenneth Gainwell (RB) – Out
  • Fletcher Cox (DT) – Questionable

Vikings

  • Garrett Bradbury (C) - Out
  • Christian Darisaw (OT) – Questionable
  • Marcus Davenport (LB) - Questionable

Week 1 saw accumulated injuries across the NFL. The Eagles and Vikings are no exception. Bradbury’s absence will arguably have the biggest impact on tonight’s game. Minnesota will miss its starting Center against one of the best interior defensive line groups in the NFL. The Vikings are desperately hoping Darisaw will be able to suit up to help on the offensive line.

The Eagles will miss running back Kenneth Gainwell, who surprised in Week 1 by dominating touches out of the backfield. There’s plenty of depth at RB with D’Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny and Boston Scott.

With corner James Bradberry out due to a concussion, there is an inexperienced group in the Eagles defensive backfield outside of Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox.

Captain Prices (DraftKings)
  • Justin Jefferson, WR, $18,600
  • Jalen Hurts, QB, $17,100
  • A.J. Brown, WR, $15,900
  • Kirk Cousins, QB $13,800
  • DeVonta Smith, WR, $13,500
  • Alexander Mattison, RB, $11,400
  • T.J. Hockenson, TE, $10,200
Flex Prices (DraftKings)
  • Justin Jefferson, WR, $12,400
  • Jalen Hurts, QB, $11,400
  • A.J. Brown, WR, $10,600
  • Kirk Cousins, QB $9,200
  • DeVonta Smith, WR, $9,000
  • Alexander Mattison, RB, $7,600
  • T.J. Hockenson, TE, $6,800

According to the Contrarian Edge Optimizer, Jalen Hurts is projected to be the most owned Captain on the slate over at DraftKings. Kirk Cousins finds himself in the most lineups in over 57%.

With the Eagles playing without RB Kenneth Gainwell, many will try to guess which Eagles running back will dominate touches. My guess is they run out a true committee approach. Many DFS players are expected to have Rashaad Penny in their lineups as his salary is just $1,600!

Hurts is probably the Eagles’ best option near the goal line and sportsbooks give him the best chance to score a touchdown. It’s wise to find a way to get Hurts in your lineup.

Kirk Cousins is notoriously bad in primetime with a record of 8-10. It may be best to avoid him on the road with a banged up offensive line.

Sneaky Options

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings TE, $10,200 – Captain Slot

The Vikings uber athletic tight end is in a bit of a smash spot here. According to the Contrarian Edge Optimizer, his roster percentage as Captain is just 5.3%. He was second in targets in Week 1, a trend carrying over from last season.

In Week 1, the Patriots’ Hunter Henry was the top scoring tight end in the NFL against the Eagles. Philly will be without Bradberry on the outside, and Slay will shadow Jefferson. The Eagle D will also be without top cover linebacker Nakobe Dean, which opens the door wide open for Hockenson to produce big numbers.

DeVonta Smith, Eagles WR, $9,000

I’m not sure I can truly define Smith as “sneaky” but he isn’t at the top of tonight’s board due to teammates A.J. Brown and Justin Jefferson on the other side of the field. The Eagles’ wide receivers are set up for success. Dating back to the start of last season, the Vikings have the third-highest yards per attempt allowed and the fifth-highest explosive pass play rate.

In Week 1 under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings played the most zone of any team in the NFL. This is important because in 14 games in which Brown, Smith, and Goedert played together, Smith leads the trio with a 25% target share when facing zone defense.

Eagles Defense/Special Teams $4,400

The Eagles defense struggled on the road in Week 1, but in their home opener we can expect that group to come out with their hair on fire. Particularly up front, the Eagles have a massive advantage.

I know what you’re thinking, the Eagles are missing three starters on defense. I’m not sure that matters as slay will be tasked with shadowing Jefferson. If he can slow him down like he did last season (6 catches, 48 yards vs. Eagles), Cousins and the Vikings are in for a long night.

It woudn’t be surprising if the Eagles matched what the Cowboys did Sunday night, racking up 7 sacks. The Eagles had 70 sacks last season and their front seven might be even better in 2023.

Prediction

I expect we will see an MVP-caliber performance from Jalen Hurts. I’m also confident the Eagles defense will make its mark against a banged up offensive line. The Eagles had the highest implied team total of 28 points in Week 2.

We should expect Hurts to throw for multiple scores against the inexperienced Vikings secondary. I’m also predicting Dallas Goedert to not produce another goose egg in Week 2!

Final Score: Eagles 31, Vikings 17

Thursday provides an abbreviated MLB slate of games. Among them the Yankees and Red Sox will have another day-night doubleheader and the Rays and Orioles will battle it out for AL East dominance on FOX. With sportsbooks focused on sharp lines for Thursday Night Football, we’re jumping on some good numbers on PrizePicks and Underdog.

Merril Kelly, Diamondbacks RHP, 17.5 Pitching Out (Higher) – Underdog

This has been one of my favorite picks to turn to this season. They keep giving us 17.5 or lower on Kelly and we keep taking it. He has gone at least six innings in 17 of 25 starts since April. He has struggled a bit of late on the road against the Dodgers and Padres, but the Mets lineup has been terrible at Citi Field. They have the third-lowest batting average of any team at home this season at .234.

Mike Yastrzemski, Giants OF, 1.5 Total Bases (Higher) – Underdog

Yastrzemski has been on fire in September. He has MLB’s 10th-highest average at .387. He has solid numbers against Rockies starting pitcher Chase Anderson, going 3 for 7 with 2 doubles. Oddly, he’s yet to record a hit at Coors Field in his young career but I expect that to change tonight. Anderson has allowed an opponent batting average of .310 since joining the Rockies in May.

Gunnar Henderson, Orioles 3B, 1.5 Total Bases (More) -- PrizePicks

The rookie might be the difference-maker the Orioles need down the stretch to claim the AL East title. He has the fourth most total bases over the last two weeks and the sixth most over the past month.

But he has yet to face starter Aaron Civale, who has been decent since joining the Rays but has struggled in two starts in September with a 6.10 ERA. Henderson has at least two total bases in nine of 12 games in September.

Logan Webb, Giants RHP, 4.5 Strikeouts (More) – Prizepicks

This one is simple. Webb has been excellent this season for the Giants. He has had at least five strikeouts in 22 of 30 starts. The Rockies have the third most strikeouts of any team since the All-Star break. Webb has shut down this Rockies lineup throwing 20.1 innings with 17 K’s and to the tune of a 1.77 ERA.

Bryan Reynolds, Pirates OF, 0.5 Singles (Higher) – Underdog

The Pirates and Reynolds will square off with righty Josiah Gray of the Nationals. Reynolds is 3 for 5 in his career with a .667 wOBA versus Gray. He has a single in 11 of 12 games in the month of September. He sees the ball better in day games with a .282 average versus night where he hits .266.

Rafael Devers, Red Sox 3B, 1.5 Total Bases (Higher) – Underdog

Devers is that dude when he goes up against the Yankees. This season, he’s hitting .410 versus Yankee pitchers in 39 at-bats with 5 homers. He rakes during day games batting .307. He goes up against Michael King in Game 1 of today’s doubleheader. He’s 4 for 6 in his career against King with 2 homeruns. We can count on Devers to stay hot.

NFL Stack Options

Tua and Tyreek headlined Week 1 in the high scoring affair against the Chargers, but who will be the duo or trio to rack it up in Week 2? Each week we will explore the best stack options for you to bring down that GPP.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals
  • Joe Burrow ($7400 FanDuel, $6900 DraftKings)
  • Tee Higgins ($7000 FanDuel, $6400 DraftKings)

Week 1 went about as poorly as you could have written it up for this duo, but it’s redemption time, baby! Higgins had zero fantasy points off eight targets from Burrow. Going against an already-beat up Ravens secondary provides the perfect opportunity for a bounce-back.

The Bengals are slightly favored, but I think the Ravens keep it close. If you’re feeling feisty, Zay Flowers’ salary is only $5000 on Draftkings ($6600 on FanDuel) to grab a piece on the other side of this game.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Tennessee Titans
  • Justin Herbert ($8200 FanDuel, $7000 DraftKings)
  • Keenan Allen ($7800 FanDuel, $7100 DraftKings)
  • Mike Williams ($6700 FanDuel, $5700 DraftKings)

With projected ownership of Herbert at 1.3% this week on FanDuel (8.8% on DraftKings), you can get contrarian without getting crazy. Shoutout to Fantasy Sports Logic’s Contrarian Edge Optimizer for identifying this anomaly in ownership percentage for what I view as one of the best stacks of the weekend.

The Titans may look scary up front, but that fear dissipates when you look at their weak secondary. With RB Austin Ekeler banged up, the Chargers are likely to depend on Justin Herbert’s arm more than usual. Add in the struggles the Titans have against the pass and we have ourselves a recipe for points galore.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Trevor Lawrence ($7800 FanDuel, $6700 DraftKings)
  • Calvin Ridley ($8300 FanDuel, $7200 DraftKings)
  • Travis Kelce ($8500 FanDuel, $7600 DraftKings)

Sitting at a 51.5 total, this is “the game of the week”, like the Dolphins-Chargers was last week. Sometimes you don’t have to get too creative when looking for a stack, the creativity can come elsewhere in your lineup.

We have a game with the highest projected point total of the week, a discount on Trevor Lawrence compared to other top pass catching options, and one week of evidence that Ridley IS THAT DUDE still. Throw Kelce in there and find some contrarian plays to fill out the rest of your lineup.

As par for the course, Thursday’s slate is small -- four games, with the Yankees vs. Red Sox available for DraftKings in the second half of their doubleheader.

Weather Report

There is a chance of showers in the Denver area, but nothing seems like a washout. The other games should be good to go.

Injury Report

Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles 1B -- Mountcastle injured his shoulder at the plate Wednesday and was removed in the third inning. He is set to undergo imaging prior to Thursday’s pivotal contest against the Rays. Heston Kjerstad is expected to be called up from Triple-A Norfolk so it appears Mountcastle will be unavailable.

Starting Pitchers
Starting Pitchers
 DKFD
Aaron Civale9,0008,700
Chase Anderson5,2006,200
Chris Murphy6,1000
Clarke Schmidt7,1000
José Ureña5,0005,700
Kenta Maeda7,8007,600
Kevin Gausman11,00010,300
Kyle Bradish9,40010,600
Logan Webb8,8009,500
Nathan Eovaldi9,8009,200

Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays RHP – Gausman’s second half production has been more up and down than his first. Since August 3, Gausman has a 3.86 ERA, 20 percent K/BB ratio, and a 3-3 record. He has only pitched into seven or more innings twice and has stumbled against the Nationals and Rockies. He faces a tough matchup against the Rangers in a must-win game and his price point ($11,000 DK/ $10,300 FD) is a bit too high for my tastes.

Logan Webb, Giants RHP – Webb and the Giants make the trek up the mountains to face the Rockies at Coors Field. It seems odd to recommend a pitcher in Denver but the Rockies offense has been horrendous over the late month --.250/.319/.412 with an 83 wRC. That’s the fifth-worst offense in baseball over that time span.

Webb has been as reliable as they come, with a 3.40 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 3.21 SIERA to pair with a 19 percent K/BB ratio. He just surpassed his 2022 innings total and Giants manager Gabr Kapler lets him go deep into the game, if the 26-year-old is pitching well.

Batter to Target

José Ureña is the pitcher I am targeting. His 8.46 ERA, 6.62 SIERA, and 2.10 WHIP is too juicy to pass up. Max Kepler has been on fire since the All-Star break, hitting .299/.365/.561 with 10 of his 22 homers over that span. Due to his production, he has been moved up to hitting cleanup and is sandwiched in the middle of Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa.

Stack Attack

Ranger (Nathan Eovaldi) vs. Blue Jays:

PlayerDKFD
George Springer$4,800$3,600
Davis Schneider$5,300$3,900
Alejandro Kirk$3,200$2,300

Since returning from the injured list, Eovaldi hasn’t gone more than 2 1/3 innings and it is still up in the air if he is fully healthy. Springer is hitting .275/.368/.484 with five homers over the last 30 days and should be able to get to either Eovaldi or the Rangers bullpen.

Schneider has taken the majors by storm, and not because of his 1970s Cop movie mustache. He has been the best hitter on the Blue Jays over the last month, hitting .333/.467/.817 with six homers across 75 plate appearances. Since Danny Jansen’s unfortunate injury, Alejandro Kirk has received the bulk of the playing time behind the dish and could pay off at a lower price point.

Twins vs. White Sox (José Ureña)

BatterDKFD
Max Kepler$4,000$2,900
Alex Kirilloff$3,100$2,600
Willi Castro$3,200$2,700

Ureña has been dreadful, and the Twins should be able to capitalize on the Southside of Chicago. Kirilloff returned from the injured list last week and has hit extremely well against right-handers. Thursday could be the night he breaks out of his funk.

Castro also recently returned to the Twins starting lineup. He's had an amazing first season with the Twins this year, hitting .252/.329/.400 with seven homers and 31 stolen bases. He typically hits around seventh in the batting order but could provide points juice at a low price point.

The golden nugget of my offseason was going to the Carolina Panthers training camp and laying eyes on the soon to be target leader for Bryce Young. Hayden Hurst made his return to Atlanta in Week 1 and did so in true leader fashion,  finishing as TE2.

Hurst is no longer a sleeper, he is “the guy”, just as Frank Reich warned us he would be back in August. Although Carolina has the most difficult matchup at tight end in Week 2 -- with New Orleans -- Hurst is still a viable start in fantasy football. He is the top target on a team depleted of true veteran talent.

Cody's Rankings for Week 2:

Look for these guys to bounce back

Week 2 bounce-backs at TE belong to Darren Waller and Gerald Everett. Waller and the Giants were shut out at home against the Dallas Cowboys. In 2022, Waller finished as TE2 while playing the Arizona Cardinals while on the Las Vegas Raiders.

Despite the blowout loss on Sunday night, Waller tied Darius Slayton for the team-lead of five targets.

Tight End Rankings
RankNameTeamOpponent
1Travis KelceKC@JAX
2T.J. HockensonMIN@PHI
3Evan EngramJAXKC
4Darren WallerNYG@ARI
5Mark AndrewsBAL@CIN
6Gerald EverettLAC@TEN
7George KittleSF@LAR
8Dalton KincaidBUFLV
9Kyle PittsATLGB
10Adam TrautmanDENWSH
11Luke MusgraveGB@ATL
12Dalton SchultzHOUIND
13Hunter HenryNEMIA
14Dallas GoedertPHIMIN
15Hayden HurstCARNO
16Sam LaPortaDETSEA
17Pat FreiermuthPITCLE
18Jake FergusonDALNYJ
19Tyler HigbeeLARSF
20Dawson KnoxBUFLV
21Juwan JohnsonNO@CAR
22Zach ErtzARINYG
23David NjokuCLE@PIT
24Cole KmetCHI@TB
25Logan ThomasWSH@DEN
26Chig OkonkwoTENLAC
27Irv SmithCINBAL
28Josh OliverMIN@PHI
29Kylen GransonIND@HOU
30Austin HooperLV@BUF
31C.J. UzomahNYJ@DAL
32Isaiah LikelyBAL@CIN
33Durham SmytheMIA@NE
34Mike GesickiNEMIA
35Darnell WashingtonPITCLE
Kicker Rankings:
RankNameTEAMWeek 2
1Tyler BassBUFLV
2Justin TuckerBAL@CIN
3Jason MyersSEA@DET
4Nick FolkTENLAC
5Daniel CarlsonLV@BUF
6Greg JosephMIN@PHI
7Harrison ButkerKC@JAX
8Brandon McManusJAXKC
9Jake ElliottPHIMIN
10Anders CarlsonGB@ATL
11Matt GayIND@HOU
12Jason SandersMIA@NE
13Younghoe KooATLGB
14Evan McPhersonCINBAL
15Eddy PineiroCARNO
Defense rankings:
Wk 2 RankTeamOpponent
1PHIMIN
2SF@LAR
3DALNYJ
4NO@CAR
5WSH@DEN
6BAL@CIN
7GB@ATL
8NYJ@DAL
9DENWSH
10CLE@PIT
11NYG@ARI
12TENLAC
13ARINYG
14LV@BUF
15NEMIA

WR Rankings

After an eventful Week 1 from the Dolphins and Chargers, I am most intrigued to continue to watch the super-nova that is Miami’s Tyreek Hill. His ability to get in and out of breaks in routes, which I don’t understand due to his lack of crisp route running, can only be explained as a “bend” in the route.

General route-running savants take aggressive cuts at the top of a route, whereas Hill just bends them, or cuts them short. But his sheer speed and explosion in those “bends” allows him to create upwards of six yards of separation on short inside slant routes.

If Hill and Tua Tagovailoa stay healthy, there is a near 100% chance that Hill surpasses his preseason goal of 2,000 receiving yards.

Cody's Rankings for Week 2:

My favorite sleeper is the Texans’ Tank Dell. He was a sweetheart at the 2023 Reeces Senior Bowl, skating across the field with ease and separation. In Week 1, he and Noah Brown tied for third on the Texans with four catches each.

With Brown now on the IR, the door is open for Dell. Throughout training camp, analysts with boots on the ground in Houston called him “unguardable” and “the best” receiver on the team, while quarterback C.J. Stroud said he was his “favorite” target.

1A.J. BrownPHIMIN
2Tyreek HillMIA@NE
3Ja'Marr ChaseCINBAL
4Justin JeffersonMIN@PHI
5Calvin RidleyJAXKC
6Stefon DiggsBUFLV
7Amon-Ra St. BrownDETSEA
8CeeDee LambDALNYJ
9Keenan AllenLAC@TEN
10Devonta SmithPHIMIN
11Chris OlaveNO@CAR
12Brandon AiyukSF@LAR
13D.J. MooreCHI@TB
14Mike EvansTBCHI
15Jaylen WaddleMIA@NE
16Garrett WilsonNYJ@DAL
17Amari CooperCLE@PIT
18Michael PittmanIND@HOU
19Davante AdamsLV@BUF
20Puka NacuaLARSF
21Courtland SuttonDENWSH
22Zay FlowersBAL@CIN
23Deebo SamuelSF@LAR
24Kendrick BourneNEMIA
25DeAndre HopkinsTENLAC
26Tee HigginsCINBAL
27Michael ThomasNO@CAR
28Elijah MooreCLE@PIT
29Tyler LockettSEA@DET
30D.K. MetcalfSEA@DET
31Romeo DoubsGB@ATL
32Jordan AddisonMIN@PHI
33Chris GodwinTBCHI
34Nico CollinsHOUIND
35George PickensPITCLE
36Mike WilliamsLAC@TEN
37Calvin AustinPITCLE
38Tank DellHOUIND
39Jahan DotsonWSH@DEN
40Josh ReynoldsDETSEA
41Drake LondonATLGB
42Marquise BrownARINYG
43Terry McLaurinWSH@DEN
44Robert WoodsHOUIND
45Curtis SamuelWSH@DEN
46Tutu AtwellLARSF
47Treylon BurksTENLAC
48Jayden ReedGB@ATL
49Rashid ShaheedNO@CAR
50Brandin CooksDALNYJ
51Rashee RiceKC@JAX
52DeMario DouglasNEMIA
53Zay JonesJAXKC
54Laviska ShenaultCARNO
55Odell BeckhamBAL@CIN
56Marvin MimsDENWSH
57Rondale MooreARINYG
58Alec PierceIND@HOU
59Allen RobinsonPITCLE
60Gabriel DavisBUFLV
61Quentin JohnstonLAC@TEN
62K.J. OsbornMIN@PHI
63Juju Smith-SchusterNEMIA
64Jonathan MingoCARNO
65Van JeffersonLARSF
66Josh DownsIND@HOU
67Tyler BoydCINBAL
68Rashod BatemanBAL@CIN
69Jaxon Smith-NjigbaSEA@DET
70Allen LazardNYJ@DAL
71Trey PalmerTBCHI
72Darnell MooneyCHI@TB
73Jalin HyattNYG@ARI
74Josh PalmerLAC@TEN
75Marvin JonesDETSEA

RB Rankings

Let’s do it again – McCaffrey, McCaffrey, McCaffrey. if Christian McCaffrey is healthy, it will be difficult to assume anything less than a weekly top three finish in fantasy points on the 49ers. This is what we said for Week 1 -- a week of tough predictions, and McCaffrey was one of five running backs we projected to finish in the Top 10, who did.

Two rookie RBs finished in the top 10 in fantasy points after Week 1 – the Falcons’ Bijan Robinson (RB7) and former college teammate Roschon Johnson (RB8).

Cody's Rankings for Week 2:

The majority of Johnson’s work came in the fourth quarter while Chicago was clawing to come back against Green Bay, but Johnson made play after play in the passing and running game. Expect to see his role grow in coming weeks as Chicago struggles to score points in a miserable NFC North.

RankNameTeamOpponent
1Christian McCaffreySF@LAR
2Travis EtienneJAXKC
3Tony PollardDALNYJ
4Saquon BarkleyNYG@ARI
5Nick ChubbCLE@PIT
6Bijan RobinsonATLGB
7Miles SandersCARNO
8Jahmyr GibbsDETSEA
9Aaron JonesGB@ATL
10Derrick HenryTENLAC
11Rhamondre StevensonNEMIA
12Tyler AllgeierATLGB
13Josh JacobsLV@BUF
14Jamaal WilliamsNO@CAR
15Joe MixonCINBAL
16Joshua KelleyLAC@TEN
17Dameon PierceHOUIND
18James CookBUFLV
19Kenneth WalkerSEA@DET
20Rachaad WhiteTBCHI
21James ConnerARINYG
22Khalil HerbertCHI@TB
23Raheem MostertMIA@NE
24Dalvin CookNYJ@DAL
25Gus EdwardsBAL@CIN
26David MontgomeryDETSEA
27Roschon JohnsonCHI@TB
28Najee HarrisPITCLE
29Alexander MattisonMIN@PHI
30Brian RobinsonWSH@DEN
31Javonte WilliamsDENWSH
32Isiah PachecoKC@JAX
33D'Andre SwiftPHIMIN
34Kyren WilliamsLARSF
35Breece HallNYJ@DAL
36Tyjae SpearsTENLAC
37Justice HillBAL@CIN
38Zack MossIND@HOU
39Zach CharbonnetSEA@DET
40Ezekiel ElliottNEMIA
41Samaje PerineDENWSH
42Jaylen WarrenPITCLE
43Tank BigsbyJAXKC
44A.J. DillonGB@ATL
45Deon JacksonIND@HOU
46Antonio GibsonWSH@DEN
47Rashaad PennyPHIMIN
48Chuba HubbardCARNO
49Cam AkersLARSF
50Jerick McKinnonKC@JAX
51Jerome FordCLE@PIT
52Michael CarterNYJ@DAL
53Mike BooneHOUIND
54Boston ScottPHIMIN
55Damien HarrisBUFLV
56Jake FunkIND 
57Rico DowdleDALNYJ
58Anthony McFarlandPITCLE
59D'Onta ForemanCHI@TB
60Sean TuckerTBCHI
61Ty ChandlerMIN@PHI
62Clyde Edwards-HelaireKC@JAX
63Ty MontgomeryNE 
64Salvon AhmedMIA@NE
65Devin SingletaryHOUIND
66Chris EvansCINBAL
67Matt BreidaNYG@ARI
68Deuce VaughnDALNYJ
69Elijah MitchellSF@LAR
70Keaontay IngramARINYG
71Zamir WhiteLV@BUF
72Latavius MurrayBUFLV
73Gary BrightwellNYG@ARI
74DeeJay DallasSEA@DET
75Chris RodriguezWSH@DEN

Jalen Hurts disappointed in Week 1 for fantasy managers, who expect a top-5 finish week in and week out. Hurts finished as the QB19 after completing 66% of his passes for only 170 yards and running nine times for an abysmal 37 yards.

In Week 2, Hurts plays on Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings, a team that in Week 1 couldn’t slow down Baker Mayfield and the new look Buccaneers. Mayfield had two passing touchdowns and nearly a 100 QB Rating.

In 2022, Hurts and the Eagles defeated Minnesota 24-7 in Week 2. He finished with 333 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He and the Eagles should continue that success in their 2023 home opener.

Last week, people looked past the flaws on Geno Smith’s 2022 stat sheet -- the dip in completion percentage down the 63% over the last five games and winning just two of five.

Cody's Rankings for Week 2:

We told you to be careful, because “The Rams are coming to play football on Sunday in Seattle.” Los Angeles not only came to play, but they walked the dog as well, outsourcing Seattle 23-0 in the second half and walking away with a big divisional win.

Continue to start Anthony Richardson with confidence if you drafted him as your QB1. Despite a loss to the Jaguars in Week 1, Richardson showed extreme promise with a whopping 37 pass attempts, of which he completed 65%. Richardson threw the ball more than 37 times, just three times while at Florida.

  • at Tennessee (44 attempts - 54.5% completion)
  • at Vanderbilt (42 attempts - 59.5% completion)
  • vs Georgia (37 attempts - 48.6% completion)
RankNameTeamOpponent
1Jalen HurtsPHIMIN
2Patrick MahomesKC@JAX
3Lamar JacksonBAL@CIN
4Justin HerbertLAC@TEN
5Justin FieldsCHI@TB
6Josh AllenBUFLV
7Deshaun WatsonCLE@PIT
8Geno SmithSEA@DET
9Jared GoffDETSEA
10Anthony RichardsonIND@HOU
11Kirk CousinsMIN@PHI
12Trevor LawrenceJAXKC
13Tua TagovailoaMIA@NE
14Daniel JonesNYG@ARI
15Joe BurrowCINBAL
16Ryan TannehillTENLAC
17Brock PurdySF@LAR
18Jordan LoveGB@ATL
19Kenny PickettPITCLE
20Mac JonesNEMIA
21Dak PrescottDALNYJ
22Derek CarrNO@CAR
23C.J. StroudHOUIND
24Desmond RidderATLGB
25Russell WilsonDENWSH
26Baker MayfieldTBCHI
27Bryce YoungCARNO
28Joshua DobbsARINYG
29Sam HowellWSH@DEN
30Zach WilsonNYJ@DAL
31Matthew StaffordLARSF
32Jimmy GaroppoloLV@BUF
33Malik WillisTENLAC
34Clayton TuneARINYG
35Kyle AllenBUFLV

Wow, Week 1 was… bizarre -- to say the least. I don’t think I’ve ever finished with a worse ‘Pick ‘Em’ correct percentage than what I posted in any Week 1 before -- 50%.

Could the games have been scripted any crazier? Every single primetime game happened the exact opposite of what I and many others had forecasted.

Don’t worry, I’m not here to rant about my miscues, rather I’m here to be your version of Grocery Outlet, DFS style! (all salaries courtesy of FanDuel)

QB: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers ($7,100, QB19 at cost)

Having played six games so far in calendar year 2023 -- two regular season games and three playoff games -- Purdy has thrown only one interception. As efficient as it gets, I’m baffled Purdy is so cheap, given the plethora of weapons in his arsenal.

You can do a lot worse than Purdy as your starting QB, both in real life and in fantasy. He doesn’t have the highest upside, but his floor is stable enough to warrant starting consideration just about every week. Until I see him not perform, he’s a QB I love moving forward.

RB: Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts ($6,100, RB32 at cost)

After having been held out of Week 1 (arm), Moss is expected to give it a go in Week 2 in Houston vs the Texans. With Jonathan Taylor still on the PUP list and rookie RB Evan Hull having been recently placed on IR (knee), this Colts backfield is ripe for the taking for Moss.

I’m worried about Deon Jackson’s ghastly Week 1 – 18 touches for 28 scrimmage yards and two lost fumbles. Moss averaged 83.5 rushing yards per game -- on 4.8 yards per carry -- in the last four games last season.

In a divisional matchup where Moss’ only competition for touches (goal-line included) is an already-banged up QB Anthony Richardson, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Moss rush for more than 100 yards in his first game back.

WR: Kadarius Toney, Kansas City Chiefs ($5,300, WR75 at cost)

The memes about Toney’s hands (or lack thereof) have been hilarious, but let’s take a deeper dive into the numbers. He was targeted on 50% of his routes while only playng 26% of the snaps. He also tied for the team lead in targets with five.

People forget, he missed essentially all of training camp and the preseason because of a torn meniscus, so rust and a lack of rhythm was definitely a factor. Add in that Travis Kelce is likely to play Week 2 against the Jaguars, and there will be less attention on Toney in what is expected to be one of the highest-scoring games of the week.

Everyone’s down on Toney, but here’s your chance to come up with a potential steal, given his measly price point.

WR: Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints ($5,700, WR52 at cost)

MT is back, baby! Perhaps FanDuel hasn’t caught on yet. C’mon y’all -- WR52? I know, I know. It’s just one game. But five receptions (on eight targets) for 61 yards in his first game back?

Clearly, the new Saints offense can support multiple pass catchers in fantasy, perhaps three given the emergence of Rashid Shaheed, and Thomas will benefit from that.

In a divisional matchup against the Carolina Panthers who’ll be missing promising young cornerback Jaycee Horn, I wouldn’t be surprised if Thomas clears 100 yards and puts up a vintage performance. He’ll only continue to earn Derek Carr’s trust throughout the season, and he will also have Chris Olave soaking up attention. Don’t be surprised if you find him in another one of these articles down the line.

Test Drive the Contrarian Edge Optimizer for 7 Days, $1!

TE: Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions ($5,100, TE20 at cost)

As the season goes along, don’t be surprised if LaPorta ends up becoming a backend TE1. His usage in Week 1, along with his talent,  supports that notion, even if the sample size is less than ideal.

As a guy who covers the Seattle Seahawks, I know how vulnerable Seattle can be in the middle of the field in defending the pass (and especially tight ends), and that’s where LaPorta will contribute for the Lions. In another matchup that’s expected to fill up the scoreboard, LaPorta is an absolute bargain as the TE20.

FLEX: DJ Moore, Chicago Bears ($6,100, WR39 at cost)

Look, I get it. Two receptions for 25 yards isn’t an ideal start to the season, but let’s not forget Moore had to go up against one of the best cornerbacks in all of football in Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers.

That Bears offense was a mess, but the cheeseheads also boast one of the better units in the league, so take Moore’s Week 1’s performance with a grain of salt.

While I don’t want this to come off as downplaying their opponent -- the Buccaneers also boast a very athletic and nasty defense -- Tampa Bay doesn’t have a Jaire Alexander on the other side of the ball.

In addition, Moore has plenty of history going up against the Bucs, with and without Tom Brady, dating back to his time with the Carolina Panthers. Just last season alone, Moore compiled 13 receptions (on 20 targets) for 186 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in two games against the Bucs. I expect him to bounce back. More Moore, please!

It’s an ideal day for stacking some baseball matchups out west whether you’re playing the early slate or the main one later tonight.

In the early contest, both sides of the Cubs and Rockies matchup are intriguing with the Rockies sending Ty Blach to the mound and the Cubs attempting to counter with Jameson Taillon.

Blach is coming off back-to-back starts where he’s struggled giving up five and four runs respectively. Jameson Taillon has been up and down all season. He’s coming off one of his best starts of the season against the Diamondbacks, but since Aug. 1 he has a 4.87 ERA and has been averaging 2.03 HR/9 innings. It could be a rough day for Taillon at Coors.

The Cubs have been slightly above average against left-handed pitchers this year with a team wRC+ of 103 and a few of their hitters have really done damage against southpaws at Coors.

Cody Bellinger ($6700/$4600)* is slashing .347/.396/.607 with nine home runs and 31 RBI against lefties. Christopher Morel ($5600/$3700) has a 466-foot home run in this series and six of his 22 bombs have been hit off lefties. He’s got a wRC+ of 120 against them.

Seiya Suzuki ($4600/$3500) has a wRC+ of 215 over the last two weeks, and even with his earlier struggles he’s above average against lefties (286/.345/.429) with a 110 wRC+.

If you’re looking for a cheap option at catcher, Yan Gomes ($3900/$3000) has been above average against lefties this season batting .281/.310/.488 with a wRC+ of 110 this season.

On the other side of that game, stacking Rockies against Taillon also makes a ton of sense. Kris Bryant ($4400/$2500) was the hero Tuesday with his ninth home run of the season to push the Rockies ahead of the Cubs.

At catcher, Elias Díaz ($4000/$3200) has been excellent at Coors at .282/.321/.454. Outfielder Nolan Jones ($4900/$4000) has been excellent since Aug. 1, slashing .279/.358/.529 with six home runs and Charlie Blackmon ($4500/$3400) is also an enticing outfield play. He’s batting leadoff and hitting .299/.390/.497 at home this season.

It’s worth staying out west for the main slate later. The Astros are a must stack against Paul Blackburn and the Oakland Athletics. José Altuve ($6400/$4200) has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball with six home runs and a wRC+ of 175 over the last two weeks.

Yordan Alvarez ($6100/$4100) has been even better – .342/.519/.605 with a wRC+ of 211 during that period. Add him to your outfield along with one of Kyle Tucker ($5700/$3800) or Chas McCormick ($4400/$3500).

You’ll want to balance out the pricey Astros stack with a more cost-effective option, and the Contrarian Edge Optimizer likes either side of the Royals lineup as an additional stack, Tim Anderson ($3300/$2400) at shortstop or Maikel Garcia ($3900/$2800) at third base both offer intriguing options there.

On the pitching side of the early matchups, Luis Castillo ($10800/$10800) has been excellent in a year where even the best starting pitchers have had struggles. He’s got 16 quality starts and faces a depleted Angels lineup that has been without Shohei Ohtani since Sept. 3. The Optimizer also likes Logan Allen ($8500/$8700) as a less expensive option. Allen will face a Giants lineup that has been slightly below average against lefties.

For the main slate take a look at Zac Gallen ($9800/$10600) against the Mets. He's coming off his best start of the season, throwing nine scoreless innings against the Cubs at Wrigley. Tonight, he’ll take those skills to a good pitching park at Citi Field against a young Mets team that is intriguing but has a lot of swing and miss amongst their rookies.

*Prices in parentheses are (Draft Kings/FanDuel) throughout.