It’s a ‘stars-and-scrubs’ lineup weekend, yet again, although not for the usual reasons. Often, we are forced to find discounted players so that we can fit some high-priced players into our lineups. This time, we actually have a few less expensive players that have such a great storyline that we want to use them. This opens the door to pay for some of the more top options.
Based on our expected Week 9 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 9 Plays:
Quarterback
Drew Brees – Drew Brees is essentially the perfect target this week for so many reasons. For starters, he is fresh off the lowest passing total for a full game in his career. Someone as talented and consistent as Brees is basically a guarantee to bounce back. Aiding his attempt at bouncing back, Brees travels back to New Orleans where he almost always performs well in front of his home crowd in the perfect conditions of the Superdome. He is facing off with a defense that has had its up and downs against the pass, but ranks amongst the worst in the league at defending deep throws. Finally, when any team faces off with the Rams, you can count on that team needing to score plenty of points to keep up with the Rams’ offense. The Saints will be forced to throw often in this game that has great potential to be high-scoring.
Matthew Stafford – On paper, a matchup between Matthew Stafford and the Vikings’ defense could create concern. “Could,” but shouldn’t. We are now halfway through the season, and we have not seen anything from Minnesota to suggest it will be as suffocating as it had been. Specifically, the team has not prevented opposing quarterbacks from having success, as the Vikings rank 25th in net-yards-per-pass-attempt. The Lions will most likely be forced to throw the ball often against Minnesota, and Stafford is frequently productive when given high volume. His price tag is probably as low as it is because of the perception of Minnesota’s defense. It shouldn’t be.