Digging In The Crates Daily 2016 week 9

By Justin Lonero
Justin Lonero
Week 9 Draft Kings (main slate)


Quarterbacks


Colin Kaepernick vs. Saints ($5,600)
Chip Kelly met with the media Wednesday and listed everything that was wrong with the offense. He mentioned shaky, offensive line play, dropped passes, and inaccurate passes. Colin Kaepernick has a dream matchup at home against a Saints defense that is allowing 397 yards per game. He is averaging 17 fantasy points per game despite losing the two games he has been back. The beauty of using Kaepernick is that we know he'll be useful with his legs. So far he has 17 rushing attempts for 150 yards. Vegas has this game set as the second point total (52.5). He is tough not to like in cash games or tournaments week 9.

Sam Bradford vs. Lions ($5,000)
It isn't rocket science to discover what has made the Vikings a powerhouse in the NFC. The defense has created a ton of plays and the offense has done just enough right. Sam Bradford has been very efficient tossing eight touchdown's, and just one interception. Interim offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur , who worked with Bradford during his two most successful season will be doing the play calling. More good news, he'll get the Lions at home Sunday. The Lions have allowed more touchdown passes than anyone with 19. The Vikings are a -6 point favorite. Pairing Stefon Diggs or Kyle Rudolph could be a smeaky-low owned stack.

Running backs


Charcandrick West vs. Jaguars ($4,400)
With Jamaal Charles on Injured reserve and Spencer Ware in concussion protocol, the Chiefs are thin in their back field. Both Ware and West were extended in the offseason and we saw some terrific fantasy flashes last season when Jamaal Charles was hurt. If Specer Ware does not play week nine, West will get all the work he can handle against a Jaguars run defense that is allowing 124.7 yards a game. Dollar for dollar West makes for arguably the best running back week 9 in tournaments and a staple for cash games.

Duke Johnson vs. Cowboys ($4,000)
Duke Johnson has 14 catches for 161 yards over the last three games. He has scores 17 fantasy points per game in two out of the last three games. He'll face a Cowboys defense that is only allowing 93 yards per game, but Johnson's fantasy production will come in the passing game. Darren Sproles at $3,900 is another one of my cheap plays this week, based on price and opportunity.

Wide Receivers


Kendall Wright @ Chargers ($4,400)
It is hard to instill faith into a player that is only on the field 40% of the time. This is what we are seeing from Kendall Wright. In two of the last three games, Wright has two touchdown's and gone for over 19 fantasy points. The Titans are going to run first, and most weeks Delanie Walker is the primary beneficiary in the passing game. Wright showed us a couple years ago his 90-reception upside and we have caught small glimpses so far this season. There are safer options in cash games, but Wright is well worth a tournament dart. He has shown us 30 point upside this season. Marcus Mariota will get to face a Chargers secondary that are giving up 291 yards per game in the air.

Kenny Britt vs. Panthers ($4,400)
It is really difficult to rely on anyone on the Rams offense week to week in fantasy football. The passing game especially lacks stability and consistent leadership. Quietly Kenny Britt is having a decent season by Ram's standards. Over the last four weeks, Britt has caught 19 of 26 targets, with two touchdowns. Similar to Kendall Wright he has shown 30 point upside, but has also been some what inconsistent. I feel more comfortable using Britt in cash games then Wright Sunday. Both are very affordable.

Tight Ends


Lance Kendricks vs. Carolina ($2,900)
It feels like settling for less when I am suggesting two members of the Rams Passing in this week's column. The emphasis is always opportunity, based on a cheap price in my segment, so I can justify either Rams play's this week. After Rob Gronkowski, Jordan Reed, and Greg Olsen, there is an ocean of parity amongst tight ends in fantasy land. Lance Kendricks falls in that range. Case Keenum has used Kendricks often as a security blanket so far this season. Kendricks has caught 19 of 27 targets in the last four games, averaging just over 10 fantasy points a game. He set a personal best with targets (9) and receptions (7) one week ago. Given his price point, he is a viable cash game option.

Eric Ebron @ Vikings ($3,100)
Eric Ebron caught 7-of-10 targets for 79 yards in week 8. With Theo Riddick healthy, Golden Tate slowly re-emerging and Marvin Jones in the mix, targets are at a premium in Detroit. With all the mouths to feed each week it is difficult to gauge who will eat the most any given week. Zach Miller week eight, caught seven passes for 88 yards against the Vikings, I expect similar production from Ebron.


Defense/Special Teams


Rams vs. Panthers ($2,400)


Typically it is wise to target a home defense for fantasy football purposes. The Rams get Cam Newton at home and they are cheap! Defenses have scored the fourth highest amount of points against the Carolina Panthers.