DraftKings Week 9 NFL Picks

Each week there are millions that participate in Daily Fantasy Sports, and since we at Section215.com care about our readers, we have decided to provide you with some detailed insight on the best plays on DraftKings.

Not everyone plays on DraftKings, and there is definitely pricing differences between each site. If you have any questions on whether or not I would recommend using the players listed on another site, feel free to reach me on Twitter @JFerrie23.

I realized that there are some factors that I need to include in this to give some better insight on my selections. Next to the player name, you’ll find the opponent, Vegas spread and total for the game.

Quarterbacks

Ben Roethlisberger ($6,600) vs. Oakland; (Pitt -4.5, O/U 48)- This week Big Ben comes in as one of my favorite plays. The Steelers and Raiders have one of the higher totals on the board at 48. Ben returned last week against Cincinnati and didn’t look great in a low scoring loss. This week the Steelers get a more favorable matchup at home against Oakland. For the season, the Raiders are allowing 20.49 fantasy points per game, including 312 passing yards per contest–which is the second most in football. This game has all the makings of a shootout, and for just $6,600, I like Ben as a top play this week.

Eli Manning ($6,900) @ Tampa Bay; (NYG -2.5, O/U 50)- Coming off his best performance of the year, Eli Manning will head into Tampa Bay to face the defense who is allowing the second-most fantasy points to Quarterbacks this year at 21.7 per game. Along with that, Tampa is allowing just under 2.5 passing touchdowns per game. According to FootballOutsiders’ DVOA numbers, Tampa Bay ranks 29th against the pass. With a high total, a poor secondary in Tampa and a the hot-hand, I like Eli at $6,900. Only thing I would be worried of is high ownership in tournaments coming off his 41 point performance on DraftKings.

Tom Brady ($8,500) vs. Washington; (NE -14, O/U 52)- Tom Brady comes into this week as the top priced Quarterback on DraftKings, and it’s for a good reason. Aside from being the MVP thus far, Brady has produced at least 25 DraftKings points in each game this season, including three 30-plus point performances. That is elite. In a matchup where Brady and the Pats are a HUGE favorite with a high total, value should be met and exceeded. According to DVOA, Washington ranks 22nd against the pass. Heading into Foxboro with a poor pass defense, good luck. Brady should lead all Quarterbacks in points this week, and is worth paying up to get.

For your consideration: Derek Carr @ Pittsburgh ($5,500); Jameis Winston ($5,200); Peyton Manning ($6,300)

Running-Backs

Devonta Freeman ($8,000) @ San Francisco; (ATL -7, O/U 44.5)- Devonta Freeman makes his way back into the column this week, but this time he is the highest-priced RB on the board. The San Francisco 49ers will be starting Blaine Gabbert, who is just isn’t a good NFL Quarterback. That means that Atlanta should be able to control this game. The 49ers have allowed 110 rushing yards per game, and an average of 29.75 fantasy points per game to opposing Running-Backs. Even if San Francisco takes a lead for some reason, Freeman should still be involved as he has 52 targets this season. If you want to pay up at RB, go up and get Freeman.

Darren McFadden ($4,300) vs. Philadelphia; (PHI -3, O/U 44)-  Writing about McFadden on a Philadelphia-based blog isn’t the best idea, but lets face it, McFadden gets volume. Since taking over the full-time job, McFadden has 49 carries for 216 yards. He isn’t just involved in the running game either. McFadden has 8 receptions for 59 yards in the past two weeks. There is no doubt that Philly has been good against the run this season, but at $4,300 on a bad team that is looking to slow the game down with Matt Cassel–McFadden becomes a great value play.

LeSean McCoy ($5,500) vs. Miami; (BUF -2.5, O/U 44)- I promise I’m not just trying to make Philly fans angry here. McCoy comes into week nine with back-to-back double-digit fantasy point performances on DraftKings. In his last two games, McCoy has 35 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown. Sure, the volume is a little lower than what was originally projected, but then again, the Bills have constantly been trailing with EJ Manual at Quarterback. This week, Tyrod Taylor returns to action and that should help Shady out a little bit. Miami comes into this contest ranked 25th in positional DVOA against Running-Backs. On the season, Miami is allowing 106 rushing yards per contest. I expect McCoy to see close to 20 carries, and exceed his value.

Jeremy Langford ($4,000) @ San Diego; (SD -4.5, O/U 49)- I hate when players go down to injury, but it does open some value for DFS players. The unfortunate injury to Matt Forte has paved the way for Jeremy Langford’s first start at Running-Back. Forte had been averaging 23 touches per game this season. Someone is going to need to take that volume, and it appears that Langford has the first shot. On the road with a high total and a low-price makes Langford an interesting option. San Diego is 28th in DVOA against Running-Backs this season. Along with a poor positional ranking, the Chargers have allowed 116 yards rushing and 31.25 points per contest to Running-Backs. If you’re trying to save some money and assume the risk, Langford is a great option.

For your consideration: Todd Gurley ($6,900); Mark Ingram ($6,500)

Wide Receivers

Odell Beckham Jr. ($8,800) @ Tampa Bay; (NYG -2.5, O/U 50)- As stated in the Eli Manning portion, the Manning-Beckham stack will probably be the most popular option of the weekend. Coming off their ridiculous performance against the Saints, the two get a great matchup in Tampa Bay. This season Tampa Bay has the worst DVOA against WR1, which means an elite matchup for Beckham. Add onto the elite matchup a high game total, and you understand why he would be a popular play. Beckham is a great play this week at the second-highest WR price.

Antonio Brown ($8,100) vs. Oakland; (PIT -4.5, O/U 48)- The absence of Big Ben has allowed the price on Antonio Brown to drop, and we become the beneficiaries of that drop. Brown is arguable the most talented WR in the league. He clean routes and great hands make him a matchup nightmare for all defenses. This week Oakland’s 16th ranked pass defense, according to DVOA comes to town. Even if the matchup isn’t perfect in terms of DVOA ranking, Oakland is still allowing 38.5 fantasy points per game to opposing WR’s. At the lower than should be pricing, I like Brown in this matchup.

Demaryius Thomas ($7,500) @ Indianapolis; (DEN -5, O/U 45)-  It seems like I’m going chalk plays this week, doesn’t it? Well, I don’t think it is chalk if they can easily exceed their value. Thomas comes into this matchup in a great spot. In his last two games, Thomas has 18 receptions for 279 yards and NO TOUCHDOWNS. For the season, Thomas has just one touchdown. With his talent, regression to the mean has to kick in, no? The Colts are allowing just under 40 fantasy points per game to Wide Receivers. Demaryius Thomas is also seeing a ton of targets at 12.29 per game. The opportunity is high, and the talent is elite. This week feels like the week where Thomas gets in the end zone.

Brandon LaFell ($3,200) vs. Washington; (NE -14, O/U 52)- Brandon LaFell returned to action a few weeks ago and looked more like Brandon LaDrop than anything (excuse my attempt at humor). This week, LaFell will get the Washington pass defense, which is ranked 22nd against the pass, according to DVOA. If we continue to use DVOA, we can also see that LaFell has a great matchup as Washington is ranked 30th against WR2’s. In the past two weeks, LaFell has 15 targets, so the opportunity is there.

Stevie Johnson ($3,200) vs. Chicago (SD -4.5, O/U 49)- Again we run into a situation where an opportunity has been opened due to injury. Keenan Allen suffered a very unfortunate kidney injury against the Ravens and it his season is over. While we all wish Keenan Allen a speedy recovery, this opens up a great opportunity for Stevie Johnson. For the season, Allen was responsible for just over 25-percent of San Diego’s receptions. Those targets and receptions will need to go elsewhere now. Against the Bears defense, who has struggled against WR1’s this season, Johnson has a great matchup. Prior to suffering an injury against Minnesota that slowed him down, Johnson had back-to-back weeks on DraftKings where he produced at least 15 fantasy points. At a very cheap price, I like the matchup and spot for Johnson. If you don’t like Johnson, you can pivot to Malcom Floyd at $3,900.

For your consideration: Brandon Marshall ($7,600); Amari Cooper ($6,700); Michael Crabtree ($4,900)

Tight-End

Rob Gronkowski ($8,000) vs. Washington (NE -14, O/U 52)- Gronk comes in as the top-rated Tight-End just like every other week. The total in the game is 52, and that usually means Gronk has a great shot at scoring. Washington ranks 22nd in DVOA against Tight-Ends, so the matchup is favorable. In the last three weeks, Gronk is averaging 10 targets per game. The volume is great, the matchup is great and Gronk is great. If you’re paying up at TE, Gronk is pretty much a sure thing.

Heath Miller ($2,700) vs. Oakland (PIT -4.5, O/U 48)- Last week, Miller caught ten balls for over 100 yards. This week he gets the Oakland Raiders, who have surrendered 23.1 fantasy points per game to Tight-End. Miller is significantly cheaper than Gronk, and has good upside against the Raiders poor pass defense against Tight-Ends.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins vs. NYG (TB +2.5, O/U 50)- Mike Evans appears to be the only threat for Winston coming into this week, but Jenkins could return to face the 23rd ranked defense against the Tight-End position. Jenkins hasn’t played since Week two, so snap count may be limited. But if he plays, he is a great option in a game with a high point total and limited options for Winston.

For your consideration: Antonio Gates ($4,700); Charles Clay ($4,200); Ben Watson ($4,000)

Defense/Special Teams

Denver ($3,000) @ Indianapolis (DEN -5, O/U 45)- Did you see what this Broncos defense did to Aaron Rodgers last weekend? Was there a play where a WR created space for Rodgers? I don’t think so. This week, the turnover prone Andrew Luck will meet the Broncos defense, and the matchup isn’t ideal. For starters, the Broncos have the top ranked defense in football. The Colts have listed T.Y Hilton as a game time decision, so that doesn’t benefit the Colts. I think the Broncos are a great value play this weekend.

New England ($3,300) vs. Washington (NE -14, O/U 52)- First off, I will bet against Cousins in Foxboro every single time, so there is that. Washington also has an implied point total of just 19, which is very low considering the high total. This season, Cousins has thrown multiple interceptions in four games. FOUR! I can see that happening again this weekend since he will be forced to throw the ball in what should be a blowout in Foxboro.

Atlanta @ San Francisco (ATL -7, O/U 44.5)- BLAINE GABBERT. That’s enough to warrant playing the Falcons defense.

For your consideration: New Orleans ($2,200); Philadelphia ($2,700); Dallas ($2,700)