We always like to highlight when a certain ‘type’ of roster build is necessary. Week 14 forced our hands into a ‘stars-and-scrubs’ approach, no matter what we tried. Therefore, our list follows a similar pattern.
Based on our expected Week 14 DFS game flow analysis and Week 14 Games to Target published 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
Kyler Murray – Kyler Murray starts off as arguably our top and favorite fantasy quarterback for the weekend. Wherever we look, we’ve seen arguments against Murray that range anywhere from a potentially lingering injury to a bad matchup in Sunday’s game. We’re not buying either. Even if Murray’s shoulder was limiting, his main value comes from his legs. Indeed, he needs to be able to throw to have success, but Murray’s run-first nature lowers the emphasis we’d place on his throwing — which, as it stands, was not particularly great. The Arizona Cardinals have seen their offensive yardage totals topple in recent weeks and, with it, the team’s record. They will take on a New York Giants squad that is still two games under .500 and relying solely on its defense. Murray will be able to break through eventually, and it should lead to a high-volume day, even if the majority of it is on the ground.
Justin Herbert – Justin Herbert is the perfect ‘bounceback’ candidate. He’s also so much more than that. Starting with the ‘bounceback,’ Herbert was completely stymied by the Patriots’ defense, last week, as he put together his worst game as a professional. This isn’t surprising. New England has been shutting down rookie quarterbacks since Bill Belichick became the team’s head coach. Herbert will have a comparatively easier time on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Still, the real reason to target Herbert is his remarkable consistency. Herbert had at least 19.7 DraftKings points in every single start of the season until last week. It won’t be surprising if he reverts right back to the steady producer of fantasy points on Sunday.
Kirk Cousins – The matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely scare off some potential fantasy owners, but Kirk Cousins has tremendous upside on Sunday. If you are buying into a big win by the Buccaneers, then the Minnesota Vikings will have to throw. Buried underneath a disappointing season is the reality that the Vikings have one of the most efficient passing attacks in the league. If Cousins must throw, he is generally finding success with it. A boost in the volume only leads to a boost in the production.