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Welcome to RotoBaller's daily fantasy football FanDuel lineup picks for Week 9 of the NFL season. In this article I will be taking you through the best FanDuel DFS plays of the week for this upcoming Sunday.
This week features a relatively short main slate, which makes it feel as if the analysis across the industry is all more or less the same. Given that, I'm going to skip over explaining why Dez Bryant and the rest of the chalk is a good play (which they are) this week because we've all heard it before.
These FanDuel lineup recommendations are based on matchups, recent performances, overall upside/talent levels, and other factors such as Vegas odds, home field advantage, and more. Good luck with your FanDuel DFS lineups!
FanDuel Quarterbacks - Week 9 DFS Picks
Alex Smith (@DAL, $7,900)
The Chiefs should be in one of the highest scoring games on the slate, though unlike the Cowboys it can be difficult to predict where their production will come from. Given that, the safe bet is to play Smith who has a relatively safe floor of production. The Cowboys are a middle of the road matchup in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks and are 19th in DVOA. With an offensive line returning to health and all of his weapons ready to go, Smith should be able a nice cash game play in one of the more attractive games of the slate.
Eli Manning (vs. LAR, $6,500)
This isn’t a play based on any great matchup but instead on Manning’s price point. This week he can be found down in the weeds with the likes of Jacoby Brissett, Trevor Siemian, and every backup quarterback you can imagine. The Giants offense is lacking and the Rams defense is relatively strong, but 200 yards and one touchdown would get close to returning value for Manning. This is not a safe play, but it is an easy way to pay down to get to the expensive, high upside options.
FanDuel Running Backs - Week 9 DFS Picks
Lamar Miller (vs. IND, $7,500)
Prior to the terrible DeShaun Watson news, Miller was projected to be one of the highest owned running backs on the main slate. If that remains the case, he isn’t all that interesting. However, the more likely scenario seems to be that people will move away from the Texans offense now that Tom Savage is at the helm. If that’s the case, I’d be happy to capitalize on Miller’s safe volume. He has had only one game with under 15 carries (he recorded 14 against New England) and should see an increased workload as the Texans desperately try to hide Tom Savage. The matchup isn’t exceptional as the Colts are an average run defense as measured by DVOA, but the volume locks Miller into a safe floor.
Doug Martin (@NO, $6,700)
New Orleans has been a surprisingly effective defense this season, but that is limited to their ability to stop the passing game of their opponent. Entering their Week 9 matchup against the Bucs, the Saints are ranked 29th in DVOA against opposing rushing attacks including surrendering over 100 yards to each of the past two featured backs they have faced. Martin is clearly the Bucs lead back at this point in his return from suspension as he is now consistently on the field for over 50% of the team’s offensive snaps and has seen his carries approach or reach 20 in the past two weeks. Martin is currently projected at 2% ownership for GPPs according to Rotogrinders, making him a strong contrarian option.
FanDuel Wide Receivers - Week 9 DFS Picks
DeVante Parker (vs. OAK, $6,100)
Parker returned to being a full practice participant on Wednesday and indications are that he will be ready to go on Sunday night. The Raiders secondary is a bit beat up which means that Dexter McDonald will likely be charged with covering Parker. He has allowed a 78% catch rate this season and is ranked 53rd at his position by PFF. Parker is a bit of a risk because we can’t be sure that he is 100% healthy, but his matchup figures to be positive and this game has sneaky shootout potential.
Sterling Shepard (vs. LAR, $5,900)
While losing Odell Beckham and Brandon Marshall isn’t good for the Giants' offense, it is beneficial to Shepard. Even prior to Beckham and Marshall’s absence, Shepard had maintained a 14% target share and that number figures to shoot up now. While he isn’t a big play threat he should have a chance to break big plays thanks to volume alone.
FanDuel Tight End - Week 9 DFS Pick
Jared Cook (@MIA, $5,500)
Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and Jimmy Graham should all be popular choices this week and rightfully so. However, the Dolphins have allowed the second most receptions to tight ends this season and Jared Cook has emerged in the Raiders offense in the past two weeks. This is a classic spot for Cook to let us down, but he makes for a nice pivot off the elite tight end options on the slate and is a cheap alternative to get a piece of the Raiders offense.
FanDuel Defense - Week 9 DFS Pick
Jacksonville Jaguars (@ CIN, $5,300)
The Jaguars are priced incredibly highly, but they should have a performance to back it up. The Bengals have allowed 22 sacks on the season, among the highest in the league, and Jacksonville has forced a league-leading 33. That pressure should force Dalton into some bad decisions, which the Jaguars’ strong secondary will be able to take advantage of.
More Week 9 DFS Analysis
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