DRAFTKINGS DFS CASH GAME PICKS 2023 Week 8

DRAFTKINGS DFS CASH GAME PICKS - WEEK 8

QUARTERBACK

TOP PLAY

Jalen Hurts, PHI ($8200)

Hurts is a bit hobbled right now, but is fully expected to play with no limitations. As a result, he’s set up for a smash spot against the Commanders who have allowed the third most FPPG to QBs, along with the fifth most rushing yards to the position. Hurts is trucking right along in his usual elite status, ranking QB2 for the season with four games out of six over 24 DK points. There’s no better floor/ceiling play at the position.

Other options - Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson

Mid-tier options - Dak Prescott, Joe Burrow


VALUE PLAY

Sam Darnold, SF ($4300)

With Brody Purdy in the concussion protocol, it’s extremely unlikely that he’ll get cleared by Sunday. This sets up Sam Darnold for his first start of the season, and his bottomed out price gives you carte blanche to spend elsewhere. Darnold is no slouch, averaging 8.2 YPA in six starts last season, and the Bengals secondary can still be had. You’re not looking to win a GPP with Darnold, but his per dollar floor is great for cash.

Other options - Russell Wilson, Mac Jones, Kenny Pickett

RUNNING BACK

TOP PLAY

Christian McCaffrey, SF ($9200)

McCaffrey’s price has dropped $300 after his “pedestrian” outing last game against the Vikings. CMC still scored a TD to extend his streak, and I think it’s safe to assume that he’ll be in line for a VERY heavy workload as long as his body is no worse for the wear. McCaffrey is the RB1 on the season as usual, and is honestly in a tier of his own as far as FPPG goes (unless you count Achane’s limited games this year). The Bengals are a below average run defense, and you can absolutely play Darnold and McCaffrey together with the latter’s prowess in the passing game.

Other options - Tony Pollard, Alvin Kamara, Travis Etienne, Kenneth Walker

Mid-tier options - Isiah Pacheco, D’Andre Swift, Jonathan Taylor, Bijan Robinson


VALUE PLAY

Breece Hall, NYJ ($5900)

Breece Hall’s price tag simply feels like a mistake. The electric second-year RB has logged 42 touches in two games since being unleashed (5.65 YPC) and also has eight catches and two TDs in that span. Hall has had a chance to get even more healthy following the Jets’ Week 7 bye and face a Giants squad allowing the 10th most FPPG to opposing RBs.

Other options - Joe Mixon, Kareem Hunt, Emeri Demercado

WIDE RECEIVER

TOP PLAY

Ja’Marr Chase, CIN ($8100)

With Tyreek Hill looking very iffy for Sunday, Chase seems like the clear WR1 on the slate, and the $1400 difference in price tag honestly makes him a better per-dollar play anyway. As stout as San Francisco’s front seven are, their secondary has gotten cooked the last two weeks, highlighted by a 7-123-2 line from rookie Jordan Addison. Chase has averaged 14 targets per game over the last four contests, and QB Joe Burrow has had another week to heal.

Other options - Tyreek Hill (Q), AJ Brown

Mid-tier options - Brandon Aiyuk, Adam Thielen, Michael Pittman, Chris Olave


VALUE PLAY

Kendrick Bourne, NE ($4700)

Kendrick Bourne’s price tag is rising, but not quickly enough. The de facto WR1 in the NE offense, Bourne has received 18 targets over the past two weeks. Even if Juju Smith-Schuster returns, all indications are that he’ll play behind Bourne and DeVante Parker. New England gets a massive pace-up game against the Dolphins, and the negative game script should invite more NE dropbacks. Miami has allowed the eighth most FPPG to WRs and the second most receptions.

Other options - Christian Kirk, Zay Flowers, George Pickens, Jordan Addison, Drake London, Tank Dell, Michael Gallup

TIGHT END

TOP PLAY

T.J. Hockenson, MIN ($6600)

Kelce is always the top play, but he’s FULLY priced. Hock has arguably the same floor and ceiling right now in that Vikes offense. He has 20 targets since Justin Jefferson went down, and his price is simply not indicative of this volume. It’ll be hard to justify spending up since there’s a ready-made value the field will be flocking to (see below), but my choice up high is Hockenson at a $2200 discount to Kelce.

Other options - Travis Kelce

Mid-tier options - Evan Engram, Dallas Goedert


VALUE PLAY

Trey McBride, ARI ($2800)

The Cardinals have placed Zack Ertz on IR, but it was trending towards #McBrideSZN anyway with the latter receiving 11 targets over the past two weeks. Now we should see McBride play near every snap, and his sub-3k price tag indicates he’s a full backup. The matchup against Baltimore is brutal (second fewest FPPG allowed to TEs), but this a sheer “price relative to volume” play. McBride can be utilized in all formats.

Other options - Dalton Schultz, Jake Ferguson

TOP FIVE DEFENSES FOR CASH

Atlanta Falcons ($2900)
Seattle Seahawks ($3400)
Cincinnati Bengals ($2200)
Cleveland Browns ($3000)
New York Jets ($4000)