By Dave Hunter
The Hunter Report - DFS Week 19 Playoffs Round 2
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the NFL Playoff contests on FantasyFeud.com, be sure to give ‘em a whirl. It’s always kind of cool getting into a fairly new DFS site, especially when you play GPP leagues as there’s a guaranteed payoff in GPP leagues, even if they don’t fill up to maximum capacity. Sort of a cool deal-io, although I have no doubt that FantasyFeud.com will be right up there with the likes of the Big Boys before long, filling all leagues to capacity.
How did you do last week? I didn’t do too well; not nearly as well as I did in Week 17 where I was just two short breaks away from landing the million dollar payoff. Maybe if DeAngelo Williams didn’t get hurt and maybe if I kept Big Ben Roethlisberger in my lineup instead of switching him out for the Jets’ Ryan Fitzpatrick, I’d be a millionaire. Still, I’m not crying. I did triple my entry fee with my almost 200-point showing on DraftKings.com. Someday I’ll land the big one.
Week 18 presents a wonderful opportunity for some NFL fun, so I hope you’re taking advantage. It’s not always about making the big bucks, is it? Not for me anyway. I like the thrill of competition and watching my lineups as much as I like snagging some dough. I’m sure you do as well, so be sure to take a gander at my suggestions for the second round of NFL playoffs.
QUARTERBACK
Top Level
Carson Palmer, ARI vs. Green Bay Packers ($153,100) – Yep, the price tag is very high. I know that, you know that. Are we complaining too heavily though? Nah. Palmer is one of a few players worth the up-charge price this coming weekend. The other quarterback plays have question marks or they face crunching defenses that limit their ceiling. Sure, you could go with Cam Newton or Russell Wilson if you want. I won’t fault you for trying to save some cap dollars. I just expect you to squeeze more out of Palmer.
Value
Aaron Rodgers, GB @ Arizona Cardinals ($139,200) – Rodgers is sort of a gut-play for me, with his excellent road showing facing the Redskins last weekend. The Cardinals will surely put up a better fight defensively, so you won’t get what Rodgers gave last week; however, if you’re looking to save some change at the QB slot then Rodgers isn’t a bad play. I’m not buying into Peyton Manning or Alex Smith, so who does that leave? Rodgers.
RUNNING BACK
Top Level
David Johnson, ARI vs. Green Bay Packers ($129,700) – There are too many questions at running back to consider any other as a premier stud-option over Johnson. I really don’t mind this price tag either, considering the overall field. Johnson is a must-add to all lineups, especially in 50/50 or cash-option games. And, even in GPP plays I’m rostering Johnson based on his boom-potential and that he’ll be highly owned and difficult to fade. Bear in mind that the Packers were decent against the run in 2015, although over their last four games played they gave up an average of 111 yards to opposing RBs. Gimmee!
Value
Ronnie Hillman, DEN vs. Pittsburgh Steelers ($75,600) – I normally don’t get too excited about relying upon running backs in timeshare situations, especially when the RBs’ offense is usually embedded deeply into the passing game. Hillman represents an intriguing play, however, considering Peyton Manning is back in action and I see him going to a short passing game over relying on deep downfield passes. That means Hillman should benefit as a pass catcher out of the backfield, while still getting some decent reps as a runner. Sure, C.J. Anderson will cut into carries although not enough where I’m ignoring Hillman’s reasonable price tag.
WIDE RECEIVER
Top Level
Emmanuel Sanders, DEN vs. Pittsburgh Steelers ($120,400) – The price tag is close enough between Demaryius Thomas and Sanders that it’s a toss-up between the two. I like Sanders just a smidge better, mainly due to most owners going with Thomas. And, I must admit, I do like the $4.3 K savings between the two. I see Peyton Manning going to Sanders a bunch underneath coverage, with Sanders using his tackle-breaking skills to net longer gains. Thomas is certainly capable of the same; I’m just leaning Sanders a bit more. What about Doug Baldwin? I’m just not crazy about the matchup situation and that Baldwin will be blanketed by Josh Norman.
Value
Larry Fitzgerald, ARI ($102,300) and John Brown, ARI ($92,300) vs. Green Bay Packers – I like both Brown and Larry Fitzgerald here with Carson Palmer throwing the ball frequently down field. I consider them both values and solid options to fill out your WR core. Brown gives you the deep threat you want to give your lineup a high upside ceiling potential, while Fitzgerald gives you some upside along with his go-to presence. I wouldn’t be adverse to you rostering both receivers, along with Palmer, in a hook-up lineup.
TIGHT END
Top Level
Rob Gronkowski, NE vs. Green Bay Packers ($133,300) – There isn’t a more obvious TE Top Level play than Gronk. You have to believe that Gronk will get tons of targets; I’m guessing at least 10 on the day, with more than half as reception conversions. Maybe you can find another TE to build into your lineup at Flex, but we all know that Gronk should occupy your TE slot. I can see playing a contrarian view with your lineup but not at the TE position.
Value
Travis Kelce, KC @ New England Patriots ($93,200) – The sub-$100 K price tag is enticing, eh? With Jeremy Maclin’s status as highly questionable against the Patriots, I’m going out on a limb in saying that Kelce will see added looks in the Chiefs’ offense. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Where there’s more targets there’s a better chance of receptions and TD red zone chances.
Good luck in Week 18! Feel free to stalk me on Twitter: twitter.com/@TheRolyPolyBoy