We began our Week 14 game-by-game DFS analysis column by noting how this weekend’s slate of games appears to be poised to produce lower-scoring affairs. Not only does this impact the individual players, but it obviously has an overarching effect on the scoring in tournaments. We may not need to run up the scoreboard to place high in the standings.
For this reason, ‘paying up’ for a higher-priced player carries extra risk. Instead, we will look for better bargains – we always do, but Week 14 requires it more than a usual week – to overperform and help maximize our roster’s production. Unfortunately, loading up on ‘sleepers’ might also force us into a position where multiple lineups are necessary to cover more bases.
Based on our expected Week 14 DFS game flow analysis performed earlier, we can carry our thoughts into actual lineup positions. The long list of players that fit the requirements set forth by the projected flow of the game was cut dramatically by the requirements set forth by salaries.
Below are Sporfolio’s DFS Week 14 Plays:
Quarterback
Drew Brees – The matchup against an improved Buccaneers defense might not be outstanding, but Drew Brees, himself, is. The offense rises-and-falls with Brees’ production and, after a zero touchdown dud at home against the Lions in Week 13, he is in perfect position to rebound when facing a division rival on the rise. He is the highest-priced quarterback of Sunday – on DraftKings – but he is also the most likely to deliver another top-notch performance.
Jared Goff – On the completely opposite end of the pricing scale – from the aforementioned Drew Brees – is Jared Goff. Thankfully, he is also in a much better position than Brees by virtue of playing against a Falcons team with a horrible defense and fantastic offense. The latter forces opponents to throw more in an attempt to catch up and, after a poor outing in New England in Week 13, Goff should welcome the return home and weak opposing unit.
Philip Rivers – We cannot fully buy into another disastrous performance by a Panthers defense that has failed to show up basically every week, but we can expect the better offenses to continue taking advantage. Enter Philip Rivers and the bevy of weapons at his disposal. In fact, we would love to pair Rivers with a receiver for Sunday’s tilt in Carolina, but there are simply too many to consider. Instead, we will roll with the centerpiece of the offense and start Rivers in a fantasy lineup.