Week 8 is a great time to get into Yahoo’s DFS format. For those who have been reading my previous articles, you’ll know that I attempt to point out the best player price value on Yahoo’s Sunday slate.
For roster and scoring settings, check out my Week 1 article.
Home and Dome
There are a few elements that I look at in order to find the most desired matchups. There is what I call Home and Dome, teams that are playing at home with an indoor stadium. Wind can be a factor that can negatively impact passing offenses and being indoors takes that element away. There is only one team that play Home and Dome in the Week 8 Sunday Slate:
Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford (DET) $28 vs IND
What a Sunday to have only one indoor game. It seems as though heavy winds and even snow will affect several games. Even though it is a difficult DVOA (Defense-adjusted value over average) matchup, I am prioritizing the playing conditions. All of the other quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford’s price range will likely be dealing with some form of precipitation and windy conditions. So yes, the Colts defense is ranked 4th Football Outsider’s DVOA. However, I will trust Stafford and his indoor stadium.
Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) $26 @ SEA
The 49ers-Seahawks contest is seemingly one of the few without severe weather predictions in the forecast. Also, unlike with Stafford, a great matchup opportunity presents itself for Jimmy Garoppolo. Seattle is ranked 28th in Football Outsiders DVOA. The risk with Garoppolo is that Kyle Shanahan employs a run-heavy approach, especially in the Red Zone. It is quite possible that Garoppolo does not score a TD. However, we can use that to our advantage as that could keep his ownership lower. Especially in tournament formats, Garoppolo is my favorite quarterback play.
Running Back
Jonathan Taylor (IND) $23 @ DET
Coming off of their bye week, the Colts will among the more rested NFL teams this week. Perhaps that is just what they need to improve upon their 28th ranked offensive line in adjusted yards. Jonathan Taylor is getting the type of workload we like to see from running back. Double-digit carries for five weeks in a row, as well as 7 targets combined during the final two games before the bye. His big breakout week can happen at any time. Take advantage while the price is still relatively low.
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Le’Veon Bell (KC) $18 vs NYJ
This my enter narrative street territory. Truthfully, it is never a bad play to go with a running back on a 20.5 point favorites (according to BUSR). If that running back happens to have just left (quite happily apparently) that large underdog opponent, then the numbers and narratives combine. Perhaps LeVeon Bell will be quite a chalk play. But at only $18, and the likelihood of scoring a TD, Bell is one of those players that you’ll put in any format. Cash or tournaments, he is a solid value.
More Value: JaMycal Hasty (SF) $18
Wide Receiver
Davante Adams (GB) $38 vs MIN
The main reason I want to pay down everywhere else is to afford Davante Adams. You may see the $38 price tag and think that he is not a value. Going against a Vikings secondary that he absolutely obliterated during Week 1, I expect him to finish as the #1 fantasy wide receiver this week. I’d even argue that he should be the highest-priced player overall. The fact that he is not, (an RB is at $40), tells me that that he technically counts as a value. And with so many great cheap plays all across the slate, one can easily afford to pay up. Might as well be for Adams. And for those worried about the weather, I trust Matt LaFleur to put Adams in a position to get the ball in his hands even if the deep plays aren’t working. Also, Adams is also always a Red Zone threat.
Keenan Allen (LAC) $22 @ DEN
Funny enough that the game played in Denver in one of the better weather situations. Keenan Allen is active in one key area getting targets. Over the last 4 games, Allen has seen 45 targets. That includes a match where he only received 2 targets due to leaving with an injury. But he returned healthier than ever last week. Allen is primed in the middle of my preferred player price point at the wide receiver spot.
Brandon Aiyuk (SF) $22 @ SEA
Part of the reason that Garoppolo is my favorite quarterback play is the ability to stack in this price range. The rookie Brandon Aiyuk has begun to establish himself at the top of the 49ers depth chart. Going against the Seahawks, production should be available to Aiyuk because of the defense (again 5th worse in DVOA) as well as an offense that should force San Francisco to throw more than usual.
Tight End
Richard Rodgers (PHI) $11 vs DAL
If there was ever a week to punt on tight end, this is the one. Richard Rodgers may get the majority of the work in a smash matchup. Regardless of position, the Cowboys have been allowing fantasy points. Their 30th ranked DVOA defense is the perfect spot to go after a low-cost high-upside player. As the primary tight end, Rodgers saw 8 targets last week. If he repeats that for $11, you’ll probably be very happy.
David Njoku (CLE) $10 vs LV
Even lower in price than Rodgers is David Njoku at the minimum $10. Again injuries to key receivers could force Njoku on the field a lot more often. In order to pay off his price, Njoku doesn’t need to produce all that much in order to be a good value play.
Deep Dive
RB – DeeJay Dallas (SEA) $10 vs SF
Another minimum priced player. This one also has a lot to do with injuries. There is a chance that three of DeeJay Dallas’s backfield mates could miss Week 8. If that is the case, Dallas will get a very advantageous touch to price ratio.
WR – Darnell Mooney (CHI) $11 vs NO
Yet another player who has a low price plus a potentially injured teammate. Allen Robinson’s status for Week 8 is up in the air. If he misses time, then Darnell Mooney should get extra targets. When you’re looking at this price range, opportunity is key.
Defense
Los Angeles Rams $15 @ MIA
The Rams have the opportunity in Week 8 to welcome Tua Tagovailoa to the NFL. Such a punishing pass rush against a quarterback making his first NFL start seems like a recipe for success.
Green Bay Packers $14 vs MIN
This is rare week where I will pay more for a defense than a tight end. The Packers are placed in a primed spot to produce. The Vikings offensive line ranks 28th in adjusted sack rate. Considering that the Packers front line is mostly in tact, they should be able to take advantage.
Thank you for reading DFS NFL Yahoo Week 8. Be sure to check out all of the great DFS content available on Going for 2.
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