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.
Running back heavy is the strategy that I love to use every week. Running backs have the ability to get 60+ rush yards, 60+ receiving yards, plus multiple touchdowns. They have a much higher floor with their volume then WRs as a result. A running back can get upwards of 20 touches whereas a WR might only record six catches total.
Must-Starts For Week Nine:
Russell Wilson $8600
He is coming off a couple ‘bad’ games fantasy wise only recording 15.5 points over the last two weeks. However, he faces the Tampa Bay defense which ranks 31st in terms of pass yards allowed per game. This should be a high scoring affair, not to mention the fact that the Seahawks are at home. Wilson and the Seahawks tend to perform much better at home over the last few years.
Dalvin Cook $9000
He is very expensive however his 28 touches last week and his generally insane usage makes him a must-start this week against the 30th ranked run defense in the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes might play which could allow Minnesota to fall behind early however Cook’s usage in the passing game and the red zone makes him a great start this week regardless.
Nick Chubb $8100
He has been great all year and Denver has not been good against the run. The Browns should rely on Chubb this game more than any so far. As long as he holds onto the ball the guy is a must-play every single week. Chubb is definitely a guy who should be on a roster if possible.
Le’Veon Bell $7000
He has been bad this year. I am well aware. But it’s Miami. James Connor had not topped 100 yards rushing in any game this year. He had 146 against Miami last week. Gase has come out and said that Bell would be receiving more touches this week. Expect a breakout week for Bell this week. His low price is what makes him a must-start this week.
Chris Godwin $8200, Mike Evans $8100
Two insanely talented WRs with a very good matchup this week. Personally, I would not pay up for WR because there are always lower values guys who can produce similar value. However, if you are looking to build your team around WRs go for these guys. Either one will be great this week.
Value Plays For Week Nine:
Josh Jacobs $7200
Jacobs’ touches have been hovering at around 22 the last five weeks. He faces the 26th ranked run defense in terms of yards allowed per game. The volume plus the matchup makes him a great value play this week. The price is high however the running back position prices have gone up significantly of late.
Devin Singletary $6100
Singletary out snapped Gore 68% to 29%. He as been very efficient whenever he has gotten touches this year. His matchup is really good and if he gets the volume, the production will be great. This risk of Singletary though is he might not get the volume desired. I do think that based on the high snap count more touches are on the way for Singletary.
John Brown $6200
Ever so consistent, Brown has recorded over 50 yards receiving in every week this year. His floor is large making him a great value at his price. Let’s not forget his big play ability either as he can break off a long touchdown at any time. With 5+ targets in every game this season and playing a suspect Redskins secondary, Brown could erupt for a big week this week.
Zach Pascal $5200
Hilton is out for three weeks and the targets have to go somewhere. Why not Pascal who had 106 yards and two touchdowns just two weeks ago? He is talented and the ball is going to have to go somewhere so I expect Pascal to have a bigger role in this offense. It is risky though because we can’t be sure Pascal will emerge as the number one wideout.
Tyrell Williams $6300
He’s been amazing this season for the Raiders. He has 6+ targets in every game but one and touchdowns in every single game. He faces the Lions secondary this week which has just been absolutely horrible this year. The worst pass defense in terms of yards allowed per game in the entire NFL this year to be exact. He has huge boom potential this week.
Robby Anderson $6200
The ultimate boom-or-bust candidate, Anderson can go from 125 and a touchdown to one catch for ten yards. Miami is a terrible defense in general so he certainly can boom this week. I’m expecting a big statement game for a guy who thought he was going to get traded earlier this week. He wants to prove that the Jets made the right call.