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Week 6 FanDuel Picks
Cash Game Quarterback
Daniel Jones ($6,800) vs. Bengals
I’m playing Jones mainly for the salary relief.
But it’s worth pointing out that on the year, he’s the QB15 in fantasy scoring. He played perhaps his best game against Seattle in Week 5, despite missing Malik Nabers.
Nabers will miss another game with a concussion. Regardless, Jones should be leaned on with the Giants hitting the weekend as 3.5-point home underdogs against a shaky Bengals pass D. Note: The team just lost CB Dax Hill to an ACL tear.
Tournament Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott, Cowboys ($8,000) vs. Lions
Dak ranks second league-wide in pass attempts (191). He projects for another busy day against a Detroit squad that's defended the run much better than the pass.
Plus, the Cowboys hit the weekend implied for a solid 24.5 points. They’re 3-point home underdogs.
Also in my player pool: Kyler Murray, Joe Burrow
Cash Game Running Back
Bucky Irving, Buccaneers ($5,700)
Irving shot to the top of our RB $/point rankings following news that Rachaad White is doubtful to play. At $5.7K, the impressive rookie deserves a roster spot on volume alone.
The Saints are a fine matchup, too. They’re 12th in rush defense DVOA; 27th in PFF’s rush defense grades.
Antonio Gibson, Patriots ($5,500) vs. Texans
Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to miss time, putting Gibson in line for a boosted role.
In limited action, the former Commander has tallied 5.9 yards per carry; 10.8 yards per catch. Drake Maye will make his NFL debut against Houston, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him provide a spark.
The Texans don’t supply an ideal matchup. But they’ve allowed the fourth-highest EPA per rush through five games.
Also in my player pool: Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry
Tournament Running Backs
Saquon Barkley, Eagles ($9,200) vs. Browns
Since we’re spending down elsewhere, Barkley should be relatively easy to afford.
He’s a home favorite against the struggling Browns. Plus, getting A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith back is huge.
Prior to a Week 5 bye, Barkley hit 34 FD points two of four outings.
Chase Brown, Bengals ($5,400) at Giants
Brown and Zack Moss will play through injuries. Perhaps their status/timeshare will help keep the ownership low.
But there’s clear upside in Brown at $5.4K, given a plus matchup with the Giants. Per Next Gen Stats, New York has posted the league's highest light box percentage (71.7%). They've also surrendered 21 runs of 10+ yards -- fourth most league-wide.
Also in my player pool: Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, David Montgomery, Javonte Williams, J.K. Dobbins, Bucky Irving
Cash Game Wide Receivers
CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys ($9,300) vs. Lions
With both Barkley and Lamb, we’re rolling out a “stars and scrubs” build. But it’s feasible this week given the abundance of value options.
Lamb should see his value spike in a potential shootout vs. Detroit. The Lions sit bottom-seven in catches and yards allowed to WRs.
Drake London, Falcons ($7,400) at Panthers
London’s gathered 34 targets over the past three weeks.
With Kirk Cousins’ form improving and the Falcons implied for nearly 27 points, London profiles as an excellent cash game option.
Also in my player pool: Chris Godwin, Josh Downs (if Joe Flacco starts)
Tournament Wide Receivers
A.J. Brown, Eagles ($8,100) vs. Browns
Brown’s set to return from a multi-week hamstring injury. He’s not expected to be limited against Cleveland.
He catches the Browns at a good time, as top CB Denzel Ward (hamstring) is question. They've already ruled out both of their starting safties.
Nathaniel Dell, Texans ($6,700) at Patriots
Dell’s yet to have a breakout game in 2024. If you look at his underlying separation metrics, you’ll see he’s still excelling without the ball in his hands.
Dell sits tied for 15th among WRs in ESPN’s Open Score. The guy slotted second – Nico Collins – will miss Sunday’s game with a hamstring. Most importantly, he leaves behind nearly 11 targets per game in four healthy appearances.
Also in my player pool: Jayden Reed, Marvin Harrison Jr., George Pickens, Amari Cooper
Cash Game Tight End
Jake Ferguson, Cowboys ($6,100) vs. Lions
Ferguson easily projects as the best $ per point value among TEs. He’ll be highly owned, but given Dallas’ likely pass-heavy game plan, it’s for good reason.
Plug him into your lineup and move to the next spot.
Also in my player pool: Tucker Kraft
Tournament Tight End
Brock Bowers, Raiders ($6,700) vs. Steelers
Bowers draws a Steelers defense that remains without LB Alex Highsmith.
On Vegas’ side: The team will be without Davante Adams. Jakobi Meyers (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning on Friday.
There’s a layer of uncertainty with QB Aidan O'Connell now under center. Still, strong target volume remains likely for the rookie.
Also in my player pool: Sam Laporta, Trey McBride
Defense
*At defense, I’m generally looking to spend down across formats.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3,700) at New Orleans Saints
The Bucs will face rookie QB Spencer Rattler in his NFL debut.
While Tampa Bay was embarrassed by Kirk Cousins last Thursday night, they had extra time to prepare for this game. The extended rest might also help them get back key defenders like S Antoine Winfield Jr. and DL Calijah Kancey.
Also in my player pool: Falcons