We are back. Daily Fantasy Sports is a growing phenomenon and several sites are hosting their own versions. Yahoo is no different, with a DFS platform of its own. Having played Yahoo DFS for years, I will provide insight into this lesser-known DFS format. Every week I will share the preferred player price points and best values for the NFL main slate.
Quarterback
Daniel Jones (NYG) $25 vs ATL
Daniel Jones certainly has had a hot start to the season. Through two games, he is producing alongside the elite performers at the position. Among the quarterbacks on the Sunday main slate, Jones is ranked 5th in fantasy points per game in 2021. The reason that Jones is featured in this article is because of the value difference he provides compared to those elite options. All of the five other quarterbacks with over 25 fantasy points per game this season, are at least $10 more expensive than Jones. In Week 4, the Giants take on the Falcons, the team allowing the most fantasy points per game to the QB position.
Justin Fields (CHI) $23 @ CLE
With his skill set as a rushing QB, Justin Fields has top 10 upside at the position. At only $23 on Yahoo, he is also one of the least expensive starting quarterbacks. That makes Fields a perfect candidate to be the best value play in terms of fantasy points per dollar. Aside from his own play, the matchup he faces in Week 3 is excellent. The Browns are one of only two teams to allow multiple rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks so far in 2021. With Fields on the field, I would not be surprised if Cleveland allowed yet another rushing score to a signal-caller.
Running Back
Jonathan Taylor (IND) $27 @ TEN
Early in this season, the Colts are already dealing with injuries at the QB spot. Jacob Eason appears to be starting in Week 3. Some may shy away from this offense, but in DFS that makes me want to embrace it further. One of the best leverage plays to this situation is Jonathan Taylor. Either Indianapolis takes a run-heavy approach, or they will likely throw the ball more towards the running backs. Both instances should benefit Taylor. I believe that he has top 5 upside at the position, and his rostership will likely be lower than expected.
Chris Carson (SEA) $26 @ MIN
On the surface, Chris Carson‘s matchup against the Vikings might appear to be middle of the pack. Through two weeks, Minnesota has surrendered the 15th most fantasy points to the RB position. However, a lot of that has been specifically on the ground, where Carson gets most of his work. The Vikings have allowed the 6th most rushing yards to running backs early in this season. Look for Carson to capitalize.
Saquon Barkley (NYG) $24 vs ATL
Week 3 may be the last time we see Saquon Barkley priced so low. A matchup against the Falcons favors the Giants in terms of total points scored. They have also allowed over 20 fantasy points per game to the RB position. While he has a questionable tag next to his name, there is no indication that Barkley will miss this game or even be limited. He should see a majority of the RB production for New York. Plus having the red Q next to his the name Barkley may keep his rostership low. Take advantage of potentially the last chance to get him at such a value.
Wide Receiver
Mike Evans / Chris Godwin (TB) $22 @ LAR
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In Week 4, the preferred player price point is pretty precise at WR. Several top options are available for $22 on Yahoo’s main slate. That includes both Buccaneers’ wide-outs, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. It comes down to personnel preference for which is the better play. Evans provides higher TD potential while Godwin offers more reception and yardage upside. Personally, I would go with Godwin as he can match a high ceiling with a safe floor. But either Tampa Bay WR is a good bet.
Allen Robinson (CHI) $22 @ CLE
A mobile QB, like Justin Fields, is fine to play in a lineup without any teammates. However, because Fields is so cheap this week, it makes it easy to stack with other Bears players. Why not pair him with Chicago’s top option, Allen Robinson? Consider that stacking Fields and Robinson would only cost $6 more than the most expensive player this week. A rather affordable way to get a high upside lineup construction.
Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) $21 vs PIT
Just $1 below the preferred position price point is rookie Ja’Marr Chase. With teammate Tee Higgins expected to miss the Week 3 contest, Chase should see additional targets. The Steelers defense has been particularly vulnerable through the air this season surrendering the 9th most fantasy points to the WR position. So go out and Chase the rookie this week.
Mike Williams (LAC) $18 @ KC
Looking at the Yahoo Sunday main slate, there are only a handful of wide receivers priced under $20 with at least 14 fantasy points per game this season. Mike Williams comes in at only $18 having produced back-to-back 18+ fantasy point performances. He could conceivable do even better in Week 3 against the Chiefs. The game script sets up well for Williams to see a lot of volume. Kanas City has also been very vulnerable in the Red Zone. Therefore, Williams’ TD upside increases this week.
Tight End
T.J. Hockenson (DET) $24 vs BAL
While the Ravens are known as a great defense, they have been particularly vulnerable at a certain position. So far in this young season, Baltimore has surrenders the most fantasy points to the TE position. Now to be fair, they have played against arguably the two best tight ends in the NFL. But they are matchup up once again against an elite TE. T.J. Hockenson is the top target on his team and that should be no different in Week 3. There are four tight ends with over 15 fantasy points per game in 2021. Hockenson is one of them and the other three are all more expensive on Yahoo’s Week 3 main slate pricing. He is the perfect mix of paying up for a top TE, while still getting a good value.
Austin Hooper (CLE) $12 vs CHI
I have already talked up the Bears side of the brawl, now to bring up a Brows player. Considering the injuries to the Cleveland wide receiver corps, targeting the tight ends may be a wise choice. All of them are affordable, but I want to highlight Austin Hooper. Two years ago, the Browns paid him a big-money contract for a tight end, likely for scenarios such as this: where he can become the alpha target in the passing game. We already saw a little of this as he led Cleveland in targets last week.
While Hooper is my favorite Browns TE to roster, Both David Njoku ($11) and Harrison Bryant ($10) are solid options in DFS this week.
Deep Dive
Anthony Schwartz (CLE) $11 vs CHI
In addition to all of the tight ends just mentioned, there are Browns wide receivers worth putting in lineups. For anyone looking for a WR close to minimum price, Anthony Schwartz presents a great opportunity. His big-play ability makes Schwartz a great boom-bust option in tournaments.
Defense
New England Patriots $12 vs NO
If there is one thing that is true about a Bill Belichick defense, it’s the ability to take away the best offensive weapon. Unfortunately for the Saints, they are a one-dimensional offense in terms of talent. If the Patriots can find a way to stop Alvin Kamara, I do not think New Orleans will be able to score many points. In last week’s loss, QB Jameis Winston showed his tendency to throw multiple interceptions. If New England can force turnovers, they could be one of the best fantasy defenses in Week 3.
Tennessee Titans $10 vs IND
If you do not like my Jonathan Taylor call in the RB section, then perhaps you will like to take this minimum price defense. One advantage of this Titans defense is that they are playing a backup QB. Even so, the risk investment is low that they can easily pay off the price just by preventing the Colts from scoring a big game.
Thank you for reading DFS Yahoo Best Value Player Prices NFL Week 3 (09/24). Be sure to check out all of the great DFS content available on Going for 2.
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