Week 9 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 are six teams that play Home and Dome in the Week 9 Sunday Slate:
Arizona Cardinals vs Miami Dolphins
Atlanta Falcons vs Denver Broncos
Dallas Cowboys vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Indianapolis Colts vs Baltimore Ravens
Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders
Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
Quarterback
Drew Lock (DEN) $24 @ ATL
Unlike last week when there was only one indoor game, there is an abundance of dome contests. That is where we begin as Drew Lock hopes to lead the Broncos in Atlanta. According to Yahoo, the Falcons have allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing signal-callers. With a mostly healthy complement of weapons. Lock should be in a position to produce. This game is one of six contests with a combined over/under of at least 50 points. Can you smell a shootout?
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Jake Luton (JAX) $20 vs HOU
It can always be risky to go down to the minimum priced quarterbacks. However, Jake Luton is expected to get the start for the Jaguars. Mainly, the reason I am recommending him is because he has such a great matchup in Week 9. The Texans defense is ranked 28 in Football Outsiders’ DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). Luton is probably not safe enough in cash games, but I like his upside in tournaments.
More Value: Kyle Allen (WAS) $23
Running Back
James Conner (PIT) $26 @ DAL
One theme from this year has been to pick on the Dallas defense. As 15-points favorites, the Steelers are the heaviest favorites this week. A good strategy is always to take running backs in games they are expected to win handily. The advantage of James Conner is that he is also involved in the passing game. Therefore, whether Pittsburgh decides to exploit the Cowboys on the ground or through the air, Conner can contribute.
David Johnson (HOU) $20 @ JAX
Right of the bat, it is good form to go with a running back on a team favored by 7 points. Not only does the likely game script work in David Johnson’s favor, but has a great matchup against the league’s worst DVOA defense. Furthermore, throughout this season, Johnson has received double-digit carries in every game, and has seen at least 3 targets in all but one contest in 2020. Game situation, matchup, and workload; everything for Johnson to succeed. At $20 I believe he is one of the best values across all positions.
More Value: Justin Jackson (LAC) $20
Wide Receiver
Tyreek Hill (KC) $24 vs CAR
While the Panthers are improving as a team, their defense is currently ranked 25th in DVOA. Any time you can have a high-flying offense vs that type of opponent, it is typically a good play. Even more enticing is Tyreek Hill’s price. At a season-low $24 you cannot go wrong. The Panthers-Chiefs game has a combined over/under of 53 points, the second-highest of the week. If there was ever a week to put Hill in every single lineup, it’s this one.
Chase Claypool (PIT) $23 @ DAL
Again back to the Cowboys. Really, you can play any of the Steelers top receivers. Chase Claypool is the priciest at $23, but JuJu Smith-Schuster is right behind at $22, while Diontae Johnson sits at $21. This is really a pick your poison week in Pittsburgh. Personally, I prefer Claypool because I do not believe that Dallas has an answer for the Canadian physical freak. Expect Mapletron to pour it on.
Brandin Cooks (HOU) $17 @ JAX
Another example of targeting a specific opponent. While I already recommended the Texans running back, I also expect enough passing production to warrant attacking this team from the air. This one arrives on narrative street, but hear me out. Considering that Houston almost traded away Will Fuller this week, perhaps the game plan from the start was to make Brandin Cooks the alpha. Even if both receivers are on even stature, the $7 in savings for going down to Cooks is worth it in my opinion.
More Value: Marvin Jones (DET) $15
Tight End
Hunter Henry (LAC) $17 vs LV
There is something appealing about the $17 price point for this position. When looking at tight ends, I want targets. Hunter Henry has received 7 or more targets in 5 of 7 games this season. It is an especially great matchup against the Raiders 31th-ranked DVOA defense. And of course, you can never go wrong picking from a 52-points combined over/under game. Plus, Home and Dome never hurts.
Jonnu Smith (TEN) $17 vs CHI
While Jonnu Smith has been disappointing over the last few weeks, I believe that is about to change. The Bears are in the bottom half of points allowed to most positions. However, for tight ends, they have surrendered the 11th most fantasy points. If the Titans will funnel the passing attempts anywhere, it will likely be to Smith.
More Value: Hayden Hurst (ATL) $15
Deep Dive
RB – DeeJay Dallas (SEA) $11 @ BUF
DeeJay Dallas was in this section last week, and he sure did pay off. During Week 9, Dallas is again expected to carry the load for the Seahawks. And with only a $1 increase in price, Dallas remains one of the best bargains on the slate. If you want to buy into the game with a combined 55 point over/under, Dallas is by far the more effective way.
WR – Sterling Shepard (NYG) $13 @ WAS
In his two games played since returning from injury, Sterling Shepard has seen a combined 18 targets. Going against a dangerous Washington pass-rush, Shepard may get value as a PPR possession-type receiver. He can be a cheap add to boost your weekly point-scoring floor.
Defense
Houston Texans $12 @ JAX
Hopefully this isn’t too much Texans time. When looking for bargains at the bottom of defensive prices, I am focusing most on opponents. For Houston that is the Jaguars who will be playing a backup quarterback. While the Texans defense has struggled, they have talented pass-rushers. Perhaps that is enough to produce sacks and turnovers.
Minnesota Vikings $10 vs DET
The Vikings defense becomes incredibly appealing if Chase Daniel is the starting quarterback from the Lions. Minimum priced defense vs backup is always a bet I will take. Monitor the quarterback status for this contest.
Thank you for reading DFS NFL Yahoo Week 9. Be sure to check out all of the great DFS content available on Going for 2.
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