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Writer's pictureLuke Wergeles

DFS: Must-Starts and Values





I have found that in DFS, especially GPP tournaments, that there are always players who just have to be in your lineup in order to win. By this I mean that certain studs with great matchups tend to be almost must-plays in these types of tournaments. I’m going to list three guys I think are essentially must-plays in GPP play. Note: All prices used in this analysis are for the site FanDuel but players are priced similarly on most sites relative to each other.


Must-Plays for Week Five:

Lamar Jackson $8300

Mahomes is playing Sunday night so the next best option in Lamar Jackson. He’s scored over 21 fantasy points in every week this season and is looking to bounce-back against a Pittsburgh defense that ranks 22nd in rushing yards allowed per game. His rushing give him a very high floor and he has thrown over 34 times the last three games. His price is not too high making him a guy that should be in your lineup.


Dalvin Cook $8200

Running back is deep this week with a lot of guys who have some great matchups. However, Cook is playing the 19th ranked run defense in yards per game and is also looking to bounce back after a tough matchup with the Bears. His floor has been ridiculous this year as his lowest scoring game was 16 points and he has three 20+ point games this season. In a very run-heavy offense, it is hard to imagine a world in which Cook is not continuing his amazing season. It is a high price to pay but the matchup is just too good to pass up on.


David Johnson $6800

His efficiency has not been there. He is averaging just 2.8 YPC in his last three games. He is also playing the Cincinnati Bengals who just let James Connor and Jaylen Samuels combine for over 40 fantasy points. He has 20 targets over the last two games so his receiving floor his very high. Factor in his almost disrespectful price and you have a guy who needs to be slotted into your lineups this week.


Chris Godwin $7800

The Saints have been atrocious against slot WRs this year allowing the fifth most fantasy points per game at 21.3 with 103 receiving yards allowed per game. Godwin is coming off of a 12 catch 172 yard two touchdown day and looks to continue his success against PJ Williams who has struggled mightily this season. The matchup is way too good to not have him in the lineup.


Value Plays For Week Five:

Larry Fitzgerald $5800

We don’t have to talk about talent with Fitzy, the guy is easily a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Combine that with the Christian Kirk injury as well as a matchup against a very suspect secondary and you have a great value option at WR. The injury to Kirk really limits the options Murray will have to throw to and leaves a lot of room for Fitzy to have a great week.


Cole Beasley $5500

Beasley has 10 and 13 targets in each of the last two games with reception totals of 8 and 7 respectively. The Tennessee Titans have allowed 9.85 fantasy points per game to the slot position which isn't but he also just played the Patriots secondary last week who possess easily a top three defense/secondary and did quite well. This is especially due to his role as the 'if all else fails' guy in the offense. His floor is high but his ceiling is limited so he is more of a guy to play if you have a lot of boom or bust options on your team.


Tyler Boyd $6700, Auden Tate $5300

Both guys have an awesome matchup with a horrible secondary in the Arizona Cardinals. Boyd has had a consistently high target share this year while Auden Tate has averaged over 60 receiving yards per game over the last two games. With John Ross now on the IR and AJ Green still out, look for these guys to produce in what is likely going to be a high scoring game.


Diontae Johnson $5000

He has quickly become Mason Rudolph’s favorite target with 129 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games. Now he faces a surprisingly struggling Baltimore secondary that ranks 30th, yes 30th, in pass yards allowed per game. Not to mention Jarvis Landry just had eight receptions for 167 yards against this same secondary. The risk is there but the upside of Diontae Johnson is very intriguing this week.


David Montgomery $5700

He faces an Oakland front line that ranks 15th in rushing yards allowed per game after receiving 24 touches in last week’s win against the Minnesota Vikings. Follow the volume and take a shot on Montgomery this week as it is only a matter of time before he erupts for a big game. Even if he doesn’t the volume makes him a safe play anyways.


Will Fuller $5700

He’s been bad this year. 23 receiving yards is not the high output fantasy owners expected of him this year. However, the volume is somewhat there with 6.7 targets per game over the last three games. We all know the talent is there and at home against the Falcons in a game they really want to win after a horrible loss last week to the Panthers. It’s a risk. He’s also due for a big game. If you feel your team is strong enough, take the shot.

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