Week 7 Kings: QBs & RBs
Hopefully somebody out there took my advice on the Joe Flacco GPP play last week. Flacco erupted for a monstrous five TD performance in the first half last week. Cam Newton also posted a huge performance due most to his 107 rushing yards and a TD. Week Seven QB options offer some tough choices without any true standouts. Only three QBs are projected to have over 20 points in our DraftKings NFL Projections. DeMarco Murray turned in another 100 yard performance against the very tough run defense of the Seattle Seahawks. Matt Forte had his second consecutive dominant performance, and favorite value play Branden Oliver easily paid off his modest price tag. DK did a great job making it rather difficult to fit in Forte or Murray by setting their salaries above the $9k mark for week seven.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers ($8800) – Without many standout cheaper options at the QB position, I think it makes most sense to pay up for
Aaron Rodgers. The Carolina Panthers defense has really been on the decline this season; which is rather surprising after they showed such dominance last season. The Green Bay Packers are projected as one of the higher scoring teams this week. Rodgers is always a great QB to target at home where he plays much better.
Russell Wilson ($6800) – Wilson was undoubtedly a huge disappointment at home against Dallas last week. One of the most important skills for a successful DFS player is to have a short memory. Wilson should have no problem bouncing back this week against a St. Louis Rams team that is surrendering the ninth most fantasy points to the QB position. The Rams defense struggled to contain Colin Kapernick Monday night and I expect them to struggle this week against a similar type player in Wilson.
Ben Roethlisbeger ($5700) – This pick definitely brings a lot of risk, as Roethlisberger has not scored over 12 FPs in the last two games. However, if you dig a little deeper you will find the Big Ben has actually performed really well at home this season where he is averaging 23.9 FPs/game. I expect the Steelers to perform much better in this primetime match-up with the Texans after their embarrassing performance last week.
Colin Kaepernick ($6500) – Kaepernick had his best performance of the season Monday night when he threw for 343 yards and three TDs against the Rams. In order to keep up with Peyton and company Sunday night, the Niners will need a similar performance from Kaepernick. I can easily see this game becoming a shootout due to both teams possessing poor run games.
GPP
Drew Brees ($8100) – For the first time all season, Drew Brees will be under owned this week. The Detroit Lions are the top ranked defense in the league and Brees will be without his top target Jimmy Graham. However, the O/U is high at 49, and with the Lions having such a dominant run defense, the Saints will have to move the ball through the air.
Running Backs
Arian Foster ($8300) – For over $1000 less than Forte and Murray, I will gladly take Arian Foster. Foster is currently averaging just over 24 fantasy points per game which is the same as Matt Forte. Foster’s match-up is friendly as well; Pittsburgh has a very below average defense which is something Foster will certainly take advantage of. Foster will also receive some additional rest this week after playing in the Thursday night contest.
Andre Ellington ($6500) – Ellington is one of the most explosive RBs in all of football. The match-up bodes well for him too as the Raiders are very susceptible to giving up big plays. Backup Branden Oliver ran all over of the Raiders defense last week in his first career start. Ellington will continue to be relied on heavily as QB Carson Palmer is still not 100 percent healthy.
Le’Veon Bell ($6600) – The price is just way too low on Bell; he has consistently turned in 100 total yard performances all season long. His lack of TDs has brought his price down, however this is something that is not very concerning. Bell is the guy getting the goal line carries, leaving me to believe that the TDs will eventually come.
Matt Forte ($9400) – The price on Forte is skyrocketing and rightfully so. Forte’s involvement in the Bears passing game is unbelievable; he has 46 receptions on the season and phenomenal 22 receptions in the last two weeks. Forte’s 46 receptions lead not only all running backs but all wide receivers in the league. Miami’s run defense ranks in the middle of the NFL, but Forte’s pass catching ability makes him the top overall play at the position.
GPP
Giovanni Bernard ($7800) – Giovanni Bernard appears to be a guy that will be overlooked week seven when the Bengals travel to Indy. The Colts defense was just torched on Thursday night courtesy of Arian Foster. Giovanni Bernard is an explosive RB that is very capable of some huge games. I love his sneaky upside this week.