DFS Gut Plays week 4 2017

By JJ Buck

DFS Gut Plays If you're reading this, you are amid a whirlwind of fantasy opinion and football statistic overload. With this article, we are looking at matchups that standout after a quick look over of the schedule and prices; going with your gut. Sometimes the obvious play is the best. Other times, it burns us. We'll try to split the difference. Here we'll look at DraftKings (DK) and Yahoo Sports (YS). As always, be sure to know the scoring settings of what every you are playing; DK is a PPR league as opposed to .5 PPR for Yahoo.

Quarterbacks

Carson Palmer - Arizona - (DK $6,100 - YS $36)

The Cardinals rushed for 49-yards Monday night against Dallas. Palmer attempted 48 passes. That trend will continue as-long-as the veteran quarterback can stay upright. Yahoo has Palmer as the second highest priced QB (includes all games except Thursday night). With Tom Brady and Matt Ryan having delightful home matchups, Palmer will be a popular alternative. (ARI -7, O/U 44.5)

Dak Prescott - Dallas - (DK $6,200 - YS $29)

Ezekiel Elliot found the end zone at Arizona, but the Cowboys offense still isn't clicking as expected. That means we have seen Dak the creator; a touchdown run and Brice Butler's TD reception were created thanks to his athletic ability. That should continue in a home game against the Los Angeles Rams. (DAL -6, O/U 47.5)

Marcus Mariota - Tennessee - (DK $6,400 - YS $26)

This is a Yahoo value-dart throw. People are still waiting for Mariota to become a stud fantasy QB, however, the Titans offense won't allow that. He's a threat for a rushing TD and doesn't turn the ball over. We'll probably just be paying up for QB on Yahoo. (TEN -1.5, O/U 44)

Running Backs

Devonta Freeman - Atlanta - (DK $7,300 - YS $33)

I won't be getting too cute with RB this week. Freeman went over 100-yards rushing last week at Detroit and has found the end zone four times in three games. I expect the Falcons to settle in to a nice rhythm, allow Freeman to do work and post a 20-point outing. (ATL -8, O/U 48.5)

Leonard Fournette - Jacksonville - (DK $6,700 - YS $36)

The Jets burned so many lineups with Jay Ajayi in them last week. The Jaguars are returning from an overseas trip. The rookie from LSU only received 17 carries in their route of Baltimore (17-59-1). The end zone has saved his fantasy line the last two weeks, this week a score will be accompanied by at least 20 carries and a 100-yards. (JAX -3, O/U 39.5)

Carlos Hyde - San Francisco - (DK $6,600 - $25)

Kyle Shanahan knows were the offenses bread is buttered. Hyde is averaging 16 carries a game and already has chipped in 12 receptions. A couple extra days to rest his hip will have him ready to go Sunday.

Dalvin Cook - Minnesota - (DK $6,500 - YS $24)

Case Keenum, what a life he lives. As Stefon Diggs sat on my bench, I watched a win against an opponent who had the, Todd Gurley - Hyde combo, slip away. The one thing that should carry over into their game against the Lions is Cook's performance. He already has a 22 and 27 carry games under his belt. (Odds TBD - Sam Bradford)

Mid-Range Finders: Bill Lazor, Cincinnati's new offensive coordinator, gave Joe Mixon 18 carries against Green Bay and scoring his first TD of the season against the Browns seems like a good bet. (DK $5,700 - YS $17)
Denver was roughed up in their first road game at Buffalo. They need to run and control the game for Trevor Siemian to be effective. C.J. Anderson will be leaned on against Oakland. (DK $5,600 - YS $23)

Wide Receiver

Alshon Jeffery - Philadelphia - (DK $6,200 - YS $22)

The Eagles play their third road game of the season as they travel cross-country to face the Chargers. Jeffery's targets (7-13-8) show that Wentz is working in his new number one. The Chargers were stingy last week, but I'll take a change on what should be a low owned Eagle. (LAC -1.5, O/U 47.5)

Larry Fitzgerald - ARI - (DK $6,100 - YS $20)

One of the G.O.A.T's of our generation. He's still got it and as mentioned above, if Palmer stays upright Fitz will get all the looks he can handle.
A bonus Card, J.J. Nelson; Jaron Brown exploded last week and John Brown could be back this weekend. Nelson has been a sneaky red zone target. (DK $5,600 - YS $19)

Cooper Kupp - L.A. Rams - (DK $4,300 - YS $13)

After a huge week one, the rookie has faded into the background. Sammy Watkins is dealing with a concussion and we know his up-and-down play throughout his career. Kupp could soak up targets underneath as Dallas looks to stuff Todd Gurley.

DK Receptions Fillers - Demaryius Thomas ($6,300), Keenan Allen ($7,200).

YS Touchdown Makers - A.J. Green ($35), Mike Evans ($35).

Tight Ends

Jimmy Graham - Seattle - (DK $4,900 - YS $18)

Graham is on the injury report again with an ankle issue. That's concerning given the fact they play the Sunday night game. With Doug Baldwin questionable, if Jimmy-G gets a good report heading into the weekend the Colts won't present a big hurdle.

Evan Engram - N.Y. Giants - (DK $3,000 - YS $15)

The rookie TE provides salary space and Eli Manning hasn't shied away from him. He's had at least four receptions for 40-yards in all three games this season.