DFS NFL FanDuel Week 9: Mini Slate Lineup Advice
Welcome to the Week 9 NFL FanDuel Mini article. In this article we will be taking a look at a relatively new slate that was introduced about half-way through the MLB season this year. Unlike ar9e traditional FanDuel NFL lineup, you only have to roster five players (QB, RB, RB, WR, WR) in the FanDuel Mini format. One other slight difference is that all tight ends also appear as wide receivers, so you do have the option of using a tight end if you choose to do so. The total salary cap ($60,000) is the exact same as a traditional NFL FanDuel lineup, but they do scale the salaries up a little bit to accommodate for the smaller roster size. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite options for the FanDuel Mini slate in Week 9.
Quarterback
Dak Prescott had a disappointing game last week against the Redskins. However, I think he will bounce back against the Chiefs in Week 9. This game currently has the highest projected total on the board at 52.5 this should be a back and forth game all day long.
Drew Brees (NO): $12,500 vs. TB
Drew Brees was efficient last week completing 23 of his 28 passing attempts for 299 yards. However, he failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season. I don’t think that will happen two weeks in a row since he has a great matchup against the Buccaneers this week, who have been terrible against the pass this season.
Running Back
Mark Ingram (NO): $12,000 vs. TB
Despite fumbling twice, Mark Ingram had another solid fantasy day scoring a touchdown for the third consecutive week. Since the Saints Week 5 bye, Ingram is averaging nearly 27 touches per game. This is another game where we want to have some exposure since the projected total is currently sitting at 52 points.
Leonard Fournette (JAC): $12,500 vs. CIN
Despite being less than 100% with an ankle injury, Leonard Fournette was still able to have a huge game before the Jaguars Week 8 bye with a touchdown and a total of 138 yards on 21 carries and two receptions. There is no reason to believe that the rookie running back will slow down since the Jaguars are committed to having a run heavy offense to complement their strong defensive unit.
Adrian Peterson (ARI): $10,500 @ SF
Adrian Peterson came back down to earth last week after having a monster game in his Cardinals’ debut in Week 7. I think AP will be closer to his Week 7 performance than last week since he has a great matchup against the 49ers, who have allowed the most FanDuel points to opposing running backs. Also, the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator said earlier this week that he really wants to feed AP the ball this week.
Wide Receiver
Considering that Dak struggled last week, it makes sense that Dez Bryant did not have a good game either. As I mentioned previously, Dak should have a much better game this week against the Chiefs and in turn Bryant should do well too. The Chiefs have really struggled against opposing wide receivers this season, allowing the most FanDuel points per game. Marcus Peters of the Chiefs rarely shadows one wide receiver, playing 92% of his snaps on the left side of the field. The Cowboys have done a good job of moving Dez around, so he very well could see much more of Kenneth Acker who is not a good cornerback.
Michael Thomas (NO): $11,500 vs. TB
Michael Thomas has not scored a touchdown since Week 4 against the Dolphins, but he has done well in two out of his three last games. The one game where he did disappoint was against the Lions in Week 6 when he drew shadow coverage from Darius Slay. The Buccaneers do not have a cornerback who will shadow Thomas for most of the game, so he should dominate against a secondary who has allowed the third-most FanDuel points against opposing wide receivers.
Jimmy Graham (SEA): 9,000 vs. WAS
Jimmy Graham scored a pair of touchdowns last Sunday and now has four touchdowns in his last three games. The Redskins have a pretty solid secondary, but they have really struggled against opposing tight ends, allowing the fourth-most FanDuel points.
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