NFL Week 10: Daily Fantasy Preview

Week 10 is here. The big news this week is that Ezekiel Elliott is officially suspended for the next six weeks which will cause the Dallas Cowboys to change their offensive philosophy and most likely impact fantasy football. Also, Mike Evans ended up being the only player to come out of last week’s mid-game wrestling matches with a suspension.

High powered offenses like the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs are on bye this week, so there may end up being some weird names bringing in big results for daily fantasy teams. Fantasy players are going to be looking for a diamond in the rough in a week like this. Expect players from the Bucs, Jets, Browns, and Colts to be played just as much as players from expected high performers such as the Steelers, Cowboys, and Lions.

Overall, this is the type of week where a risky play (low owned /low costing player) can make a huge impact. Starting a first year wide receiver that gets more playing time because of injury or suspension could be a differentiator for fantasy players in daily contest. This is the kind of week to think outside of the box and play some guys that may not make much sense. Just to be different from the rest of the field.

Quarterback 

Dak Prescott

With no Ezekiel Elliott for the next six weeks, Dallas is going to have to depend on Prescott. It is time for him to prove that he is a top tier quarterback. His first test will be against a Falcons defense that can be burnt deep. Dez Bryant’s health has been in question but playing Prescott by himself should be fine.

Ben Roethlisberger

A few years ago this play would be a no-brainer. Roethlisberger is not the same quarterback as he has been and his age is starting to show but still with the amount of weapons that he has on his offense it is hard to not see this ending up as a big week for Ben.  Antonio Brown is by far the best play of the week (and he is priced accordingly). His week will be tied to the success of Brown and Leveon Bell.

Deep Sleeper: Eli Manning

If Manning is ever going to have a huge week it could be this week against the 49ers defense. The only people that play Manning in daily fantasy anymore are Giants fans that are stacking their favorite team so he will be extremely low owned. Pair him with Evan Engram and use the money elsewhere.

Running Back

Todd Gurley

The Rams have committed to the run this year and it is paying off for them. Gurley is the ultimate GPP play. Most fantasy players will lean toward Bell, Fournette, or lesser priced running backs. The Rams are going to run in the red-zone. They are second in the NFL in rushing touchdowns and Gurley will be getting the majority of red zone touches.

Jordan Howard

The Bears are favored in this contest according to Vegas and their lack of trust in Mitch Trubisky is clear by the increase in usage for Howard in recent weeks. Green Bay is toward the bottom in fantasy points given up to running backs and they also are ranked near the bottom in touchdowns given up to running backs.

Deep Sleeper: Orleans Darkwa

The 49ers are ranked dead last in fantasy points given up to running backs and touchdowns given up to running backs. Darkwa has looked decent over the last couple of games and the Giants still do not have many weapons available on offense due to injury. Still this makes a better GPP play than a cash game play.

Wide Receiver

Antonio Brown

AB against the Colts horrible secondary source a matchup fantasy players dream about. However, because of this, he is most likely going to be the highest used player this week. If fantasy players can fit him in their lineups he should be put in.

Golden Tate

Tate is finally starting to look like the player from last season. He gets to face a weak Browns defense. He is going to be Stafford’s top target this week and stacking the two in a lineup will be a popular but worthy play.

Deep Sleeper: Chris Godwin

With Evans suspended for this game Godwin is going to get an opportunity to step up. Ryan Fitzpatrick and DJax is going to be the most played stack for Tampa so paying Godwin in place of DJax may benefit  fantasy players. There is no guarantee with this play so only do this in one or two lineups. This is very risky.

Tight End

Evan Engram

Eli has to throw to someone. Engram has emerged over the last four weeks as Manning’s favorite target (especially in the red zone). Most fantasy players will avoid this game because it is not sexy so Engram may come in lesser owned than projected.

Cameron Brate

The Jets/Bucs games will most likely be a surprise game with some high productivity sleeper plays in it and with Fitz loving to look to tight ends in the red zone he could be a low cost asset for any fantasy player. On Draftkings a nice strategy may be to start two targets (Godwin and Brate) along with Fitz and fit in studs in other spots.

Deep Sleeper:  Austin Hooper

Julio Jones is still banged up and this game could turn into a shootout. Matt Ryan is going to need to go to somebody down field. Hooper could be the man that he looks to. Most top tight end options are on a bye this week so taking a sleeper tight end may be the best approach.

Defense

LA Rams

The Rams are expected to eat up Tom Savage and the Texans offense. Houston is not close to the same team as they are when they have Deshaun Watson under center. LA is also a top five defense in turnovers. Multiple turnovers can be expected and there is a good chance of a pick-six.

Detroit Lions

The Lions are playing the Browns. Most fantasy players will go toward the Jags and the Rams, who are both in the same price point. The Lions facing the worst offense in football is a great pivot.