Jameis Winston could be a tremendous value this week (Getty Images)
– John Bandinelli
Last week ended up being a mediocre week in terms of picks. No one really had a huge game but there was some consistency going down the list. Hopefully the momentum rolls over into this week where we should have some competitive division games that I really like this week. Tampa Bay vs New Orleans, Philadelphia vs Washington and Dallas vs the New York Giants are all matchups I’m going to want to be in on this week. Those games have 3 of the 4 highest over/under totals this week and should be exciting games to watch. I’ll be paying up for running backs this week and looking for some value in the wide receiver area.
QB
High End
Jameis Winston (TB) – $6700
Tampa Bay is in a nice divisional matchup this week against New Orleans with the highest over/under of the week. The Saints defense has allowed over 1000-yards passing and 8 TDs in their past 4 games. He’ll be without Adam Humphries this week who has been in concussion protocol but he still has Mike Evans and Cameron Brate to work with as 1 and 2 receiver options.
Eli Manning (NYG) – $5500
It’s the Giants and the Cowboys this week in another division matchup. The Cowboys have also allowed 8 passing TDs in their past 4 games as well as allowing just under 1400-yards through the air. The Giants defense will likely struggle to slow down Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys offense which, should result in Eli having to throw the ball frequently.
Notables
Philip Rivers (SD) – $6600
Kirk Cousins (WAS) – $6300
RB
Devonta Freeman has been a key part of the Falcons offense all year (Getty Images)
High End
David Johnson (ARI) – $9800
I think this week is going to be one of those weeks where starting the expensive RB options will be the way to go. Johnson has scored 30+ fantasy points in each of his past three matchups and Miami is allowing an average of over 25 fantasy points to RBs in their last 4 games. The most expensive back on the slate will likely be worth the money.
Solid Start
Devonta Freeman (ATL) – $6100
Freeman appears to have a firm grip on the goal line work for the Falcons, scoring twice in each of the last 2 games compared to Coleman’s one score in the last 2. Atlanta faces a Rams defense that has allowed over 550-yards total rushing in their past 4 games. The Falcons are in a tight race for their division with Tampa.
Notables
Matt Forte (NYJ) – $6800
Lamar Miller (HOU) – $5100
WR
Jamison Crowder has been quietly productive all season. (Getty Images)
Solid Start
Jamison Crowder (WAS) – $5400
The Eagles took home the win the last time these teams met. Washington will try to get revenge and steal a home game this time around. Crowder is averaging 7 targets and almost 5 receptions a game this season. Philadelphia is averaging 45 fantasy points a game to opposing wide receivers through their last 4 games.
Bargains
Taylor Gabriel (ATL) – $4300
Julio Jones is listed as questionable and a game time decision this week but will likely play through the toe injury he suffered in last weeks contest. One could imagine that it may affect Jones’ play this week and he might just play to be a decoy. Mohamed Sanu is also ruled for the tilt against the Rams. Gabriel had a down week last week but his 4 games before that were all in double digit fantasy points.
Russell Shepard (TB) – $3500
Freddie Martino (TB) – $3000
With Cecil Shorts still on IR and Humphries out this week due to a concussion there’s only Cameron Brate and Mike Evans as reliable targets for Jameis Winston. One of these two will need to step up into the WR2 spot this week. I’m leaning towards Martino at the moment he showed more promise after Humphries left the game last week. 10-12 points from either of these guys and you’re getting your monies worth.
Notables
Odell Beckham Jr (NYG) – $8000
Tyrell Williams (SD) – $6100
TE
Solid Start
Cameron Brate (TB) – $4100
This will probably a heavily owned play this week. Brate is the clear cut number two pass catcher with the current injuries to the Bucs receiving unit. He has had some really impressive games this season as well as a few I’m sure some fantasy owners would like to forget. The targets should be there this week for Cameron to produce.
Bargain
Lance Kendricks (LA) – $2800
Jared Goff is going to need to be able to work the ball through the air to compete with Atlanta’s offense. Thankfully for him, Atlanta’s pass defense is near last in the league and they struggle with the TE position specifically. The Falcons have allowed 7 total receiving touchdowns to the TE position this which is second to last in the league. They also average an allowed 70-yards receiving per game to TEs, which also second last in the league.
Notable
Zach Ertz (PHI) – $4900
DEF
Arizona Cardinals – $3200
The Cards have 10 sacks in their last 4 games and 30 total for the season. Arizona plays a Miami team that was shut down last week by the Ravens. Baltimore was able to keep pressure on Tannehill who threw 3 interceptions. While the Dolphins are making a play-off push could continue to force passes and throw INTs.
Notables
San Diego Chargers – $2600
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $2400
That’s all for another week. As always feel free to comment below or tweet me with remarks, questions, concerns, complaints, jokes etc. Good luck this week.
HARD FOUL SPORTS 