Unlike last week where there were a lot of solid value RB options to consider, Week 5 seems dicier when looking to save at RB. At least there are a variety of good value options at the rest of the positions so you can pay up at RB if you wish. I even have a low-cost QB/WR combo that you can consider stacking in GPPs.
The intent is not to play this exact lineup as it will come in well below the Salary Cap but to use the players as a baseline of value options which can then be upgraded to a better player with a higher salary at a few of the positions.
So, onto the value plays for Week 5…
The LootCrate FanDuel Value Plays for Week 5
Quarterbacks
Jay Cutler (MIA) vs TEN $6,700
Anybody that used Cutler last week or really have just seen him play over the last few years know that he is never a safe option. However, with the Dolphins playing their first true home game this week and with a very favorable matchup, now is the time to roll the dice on Smokin’ Jay. Cutler will face a Titans’ defense that has allowed 282 passing yards and 2.8 TD passes per game this season and have allowed the 2nd most points to opposing QBs this season. As one of the cheapest starting QBs of the week, it is a good time to take a shot on Cutler, at least in GPPs. I don’t think I can bring myself to use him in Cash lineups on FanDuel.
Running Backs
Marshawn Lynch (OAK) vs BAL $6,100
Lynch has seen limited usage over the first four weeks of the season averaging just over 11 carries per game. However, now that Derek Carr is out for at least a couple of games it is time to “Unleash the Beast”. While the matchup isn’t ideal against a solid Ravens’ defense they have been more vulnerable on the ground than the air, allowing 113.8 rushing yards per game to opposing RBs while giving up 4.38 YPC which ranks 24th. I expect Lynch’s touches to approach 20 in this game at home and he should get the rock if the Raiders get inside the 10 yard line.
Wayne Gallman (NYG) vs LAC $5,200
The Giants’ may have found a RB that at least gives their running game a pulse with Gallman getting his first action last week with 50 total yards on 13 touches including a touchdown. Paul Perkins seems unlikely to play this week (good riddance) and Orleans Darkwa is also banged up so it could be the Gallman show in the Giants’ backfield. The Giants’ also have a very favorable matchup against a Chargers’ run defense ranks dead last in yards allowed and YPC (5.36) to opposing RBs this season. I can’t believe I just recommended a Giants’ RB, but I’m sticking with it.
Wide Receivers
Pierre Garcon (SF) @ IND $6,700
I like the narrative angle as much as the next guy and while I don’t think it really increases the ability or motivation much for players, I think that it does factor into the play calling somewhat which can increase targets for Garcon this week in his return to Indianapolis. It also helps that Garcon is the focal point of the 49ers passing game already averaging over eight targets per game as he will face a Colts’ secondary that has allowed the most receptions (15.7) per game to opposing WRs for 181 yards per game which ranks 28th. Extra emphasis on getting him a TD against his former team could put him over the top for a big day.
Randall Cobb (GB) @ DAL $6,600
It is never a bad thing to get a piece of the Packers’ passing game and this week is no different against a Cowboys’ pass defense that has allowed an average of 258 passing yards and two TD passes per game this season. Cobb will get a favorable matchup working out of the slot and has performed well against the Cowboys over the last few years in four games (including playoffs) averaging 7.5 receptions for 78 yards while scoring one touchdown. If Ty Montgomery is out or limited, Cobb could also see a few extra looks out after lining up in the backfield.
Devante Parker (MIA) vs TEN $6,100
Parker completes the QB/WR stack with Cutler in a favorable matchup against the Titans. Parker has received at least eight targets in all three games this season which gives him a solid floor. He also has great upside as the Dolphins’ primary downfield threat and has started to develop a nice connection with Cutler. Meanwhile, the Titans rank dead last in defending opposing #2 WR according to FootballOutsiders’ DVOA rankings. Look for the Dolphins’ offense to bounce back this week with Cutler and Parker connecting for at least one score.
Tight Ends
Evan Engram (NYG) vs LAC $5,400
While I have some interest in the TEs on the other side of this matchup (Gates/Henry), determining which one will get the targets and fantasy production is difficult. So, I’ll flip to the other side of the ball and use Engram instead. Engram has seen his involvement and targets increase from five in Week 1 to 11 last week. He has caught at least four passes in every game for at least 44 yards. He gets a favorable matchup against the Chargers who have allowed 14.7 YPC (29th) to opposing TEs and ranks 30th against TEs according to FootballOutsiders.
Kicker
Harrison Butker (KC) @ HOU $4,500
Butker scored 12 FanDuel points in his kicking debut for the Chiefs last week including hitting the game-winner with four seconds left. His price stayed at the minimum thanks to playing on Monday night and he is a solid option as a Sunday night hammer kicking for a good offense against a Texans’ defense that could force the Chiefs into field goal attempts instead of touchdowns in the red zone.
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Defense
Dolphins (MIA) vs TEN $4,100
This pick is completely dependent on who the QB is for the Titans’ this week. If Marcus Mariota is able to play then look to pivot to the 49ers at $4,200 against the Colts. However, if Matt Cassel is under center then look to use the Dolphins playing their first true home game of the season. Cassel was sacked twice and threw a pair of interceptions including one returned for a touchdown after filling in for Mariota in the second half last week.
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