Expert Picks Preview: Week 7
Glean insight from one of the game’s best in RotoMonkey’s NFL Tourney Picks, as he lists Contrarian picks he’ll actually be targeting in his GPP games. Contrarian Corner is your headquarters for “contrarian” plays. The definition of contrarian is: “a person who opposes or rejects popular opinion, esp. in stock exchange dealing.” The goal is to help you find that play way under the radar, and could perform well enough to separate you from the pack.
Week 7
Quarterback
Kirk Cousins – I don’t think Cousins is thought of as a top fantasy QB right now, but perhaps that needs to change. Cousins has not thrown for less than 250 yards, and has thrown for at least 2 touchdowns in every game aside from his disaster against the Giants. Expect his numbers to get even better now that Jordan Reed, an excellent pass-catching tight end, is back in the fold. Tennessee’s defense isn’t scaring anyone, and Washington seems content to throw the ball much more often than they run. I expect Cousins to be very low owned given players like Kaepernick and Ryan are cheaper, and Flacco and Cutler are just a bit more expensive. However, he has just as much upside as almost anyone, and can set your lineup apart if he outscores the more popular plays.
Cam Newton – Newton went off against Cincy, and the reason for that is he rushed 17 times for over 100 yards and a score. Up until this point, Newton had been relying solely on his arm, and the result has been very disappointing fantasy totals. The Carolina running back situation is a mess, and even though Jonathan Stewart appears to be on track to play, I can’t imagine the coaching staff putting their trust in him. If they want to win, they need to let Newton be the dual threat quarterback that he is. This game against Green Bay is shaping up to be a possible shootout, as both offenses can move the ball well, but their defenses can’t stop much of anyone. Newton’s price point puts him in a spot where I expect him to be very low owned despite coming off a monster game, but his ability to run gives him upside that no other quarterback has.
Running Back
Marshawn Lynch – Lynch only received 10 carries, and I’m sure the Seattle coaching staff won’t make the same mistake two weeks in a row, especially against a Rams defense that has struggled against the run. He’s only 7100, but he has legitimate 25-30 point upside each and every week. With players like Charles and Bell slightly cheaper, Lynch may go overlooked this weekend as players flock toward the cheaper plays. I expect the Rams to see a healthy dose of Lynch this weekend, and 100+ yards and 2 scores, as well as his typical involvement in the passing game, is well within reason.
Matt Forte – No running back has Forte’s upside. He has caught 22 passes over the past 2 weeks, which is incredible for a running back. The Dolphins have been successful at limiting opposing running backs, and Forte’s price may put him out of play for a lot of players. Backs like Jamaal Charles, Le’Veon Bell, and Ben Tate look extremely attractive at their prices this week. I expect fairly low ownership for Forte this weekend, but he’s still a terrific play as he has the most upside of any back due to his elite pass catching ability. If you can find some good value plays, he needs to be in some of your lineups this weekend.
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