Are you a seasoned Daily Fantasy player on Yahoo or are you just testing the waters? Either way, this weekly piece will dissect the DFS landscape, shining a spotlight on key players to construct your lineups around, stars to avoid, undervalued options, and bargain picks to optimize your team.
Key Players to Build Your Lineup Around
Amon-Ra St. Brown ($31) @ Los Angeles Chargers
St. Brown has been racking up an average of 14.3 targets in his last three games. He is expected to have fully recovered from a lingering foot injury following Detroit’s bye. All of his touchdowns this season have come on the road, and this week, he faces a favorable matchup indoors. The Chargers have recently solidified their run defense, but they have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. St. Brown’s ability to excel against press coverage makes him a great DFS building block.
Christian McCaffrey ($40) @ Jacksonville Jaguars
McCaffrey, who has been dealing with an oblique injury, should be healthier coming out of the bye week. He has an opportunity to set an NFL record with a touchdown in his 18th consecutive game. Despite playing through a painful injury and facing tough run defenses, CMC has been averaging 19% more fantasy points than the second-ranked RB this season. Jacksonville has been strong against the run but has struggled with receptions and receiving yards by running backs. The 49ers have a healthy team point total for Week 10, making McCaffrey a worthwhile DFS investment.
DeAndre Hopkins ($26) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Titans naming Will Levis as the starting quarterback is a significant development for Hopkins. He has had a low catchable target rate this season but managed to score three touchdowns during Levis’ debut. Tampa Bay’s pass defense has been dominant, but they have been susceptible to receiving yards and touchdowns. Missing CB Jamel Dean could further open up opportunities for D-Hop. With the Titans transitioning to a pass-first offense, Hopkins is a strong DFS option.
Stars to Avoid
Derrick Henry ($28) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Henry faces a tough matchup against the Buccaneers who have been formidable against the run, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Despite recent changes at the quarterback position, teammate DeAndre Hopkins appears to be a more viable DFS play this week.
Undervalued Options
Joe Mixon ($23) vs. Houston Texans
Mixon, despite his inefficiency, is still a top-10 RB in expected fantasy points per game. With key injuries to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Mixon is likely to see increased involvement. The Bengals have a high implied team total, and Houston’s defensive injuries make Mixon an undervalued DFS option.
Chris Olave ($19) @ Minnesota Vikings
Olave leads the league in unrealized air yards and is set for a significant number of targets against a tough Minnesota defense. Despite his quarterback’s accuracy issues, Olave’s volume and favorable matchup make him a strong DFS play.
Marquise Brown ($15) vs. Atlanta Falcons
Brown, who has had high air yards and targets, has faced a low catchable target rate. With Kyler Murray set to return, Brown is undervalued in DFS this week.
Bargain Bin
Juwan Johnson ($10) @ Minnesota Vikings
Johnson recorded season highs in snap and route percentages last week. Facing a Vikings defense that struggles against tight ends, Johnson is a solid DFS punt option at tight end.
