Just to preface, I’m not saying I don’t like the guys I list down below – I don’t like them at cost. If you can find cheaper alternatives, and ideally more production, then by all means!
Starting today, every Friday I’ll be dropping my list of DFS ‘fades’, so be sure to check back in and stay tapped in throughout the season so you know who to insert and NOT to insert in your lineups (all salaries courtesy of DraftKings).
QB: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams ($5,700, QB12 at cost)
Just ranked outside of the top 10 as far as QB salaries, Stafford is a guy I’m staying far and away from. Not only will he be without his favorite target in Cooper Kupp, he’ll be going up against one-time teammate Bobby Wagner, who’ll surely have inside information on some of the things the Rams like to do offensively.
In addition, Stafford and the Rams are playing in a hostile environment in Seattle with an unproven group of wide receivers and a questionable offensive line. Not to mention, with LAR-SEA being an in-division affair, points could be at a premium. You can do a lot better than Stafford at QB in your lineups for this weekend.
RB: Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings ($6,500, RB11 at cost)
Statistically speaking, Mattison is set to go up against the wall that is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers run defense. As stout as they get, I’m not sure Mattison is going to find much running room, especially when he’s not the most explosive back (career yards per carry average of 4.1).
Volume will be there, I’m just not sure the efficiency and passing down work will be. Given the cost, you’re better off saving some money and going with a cheaper alternative who has an easier matchup.
WR: Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts ($6,200, WR18 at cost)
I like Michael Pittman a lot more in real life than I do in fantasy as a wide receiver. Yes, he’s the Colts’ No. 1, but is the volume going to be there in what’s expected to be a run-heavy offense?
Also, how accurate will Anthony Richardson be in the pros? Having displayed a lot of chemistry with fellow rookie Josh Downs, I’m not sure the chemistry will be there right away with Pittman given the other options at pass catcher.
TE: George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers ($5,700, TE3 at cost)
Kittle is another player I adore more in real life than I do in fantasy. While Brock Purdy altered that narrative somewhat with his penchant for targeting Kittle in the latter portion of the season last year, Kittle has been nursing a groin injury & more likely than not won’t be at 100%.
Yes, Kittle is one of the toughest players in the NFL and has a tendency to play injured, but given the dearth of options at Purdy’s disposal, coupled with the fact that Pittsburgh’s defense is no joke (not to mention, Heinz Field will be a very hostile environment) I’m staying away from Kittle this week, especially at a salary just south of $6,000 on top of the fact that there’s a bunch of tight ends flying under the radar.
FLEX/BONUS: Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos ($6,600, WR13 at cost)
Hamstring injuries can be tricky, and they tend to linger too (ask Cooper Kupp). Given the nature of that, I suspect the Broncos will keep Jeudy on a pitch count IF he even plays.
The matchup might be juicy against the Raiders & their porous secondary, but his health is not & won’t be until Week 2 at the earliest. There are plenty of receivers you can insert into your lineups that are not only cheaper, but that are 100% healthy. (Jahan Dotson anyone?)
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