We always try to find a trend or storyline for a given week. This one wasn’t difficult: salaries are outrageous. Last week, we had a break in that we could afford almost anyone we wanted. This time more than most weeks, bargains are a necessity.
Based on our expected Week 11 DFS game flow analysis and Week 11 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 11 Plays:
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson – Let’s play out the possible scenarios for Sunday’s game between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens. If the Ravens win – as many expect them to – then Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson will be forced to throw often as his team attempts a comeback. Or, if the Texans win, it will likely be due to Watson playing well against a Ravens defense that is not nearly as good as its reputation suggests. Either way, Watson will be in a position to succeed.
Ryan Findley – Whenever we name a player we believe might be a ‘stretch,’ we often throw in the caveat that said player is in a positive position. In the case of Ryan Findley, he is in many ‘positive positions.’ The rookie quarterback saw his team get massacred by the Ravens, last week but, outside of one horrible decision with the ball, he was not a complete atrocity – at least, compared to the rest of his team. Still, we mentioned “positive positions,” and Findley has two. The first is simply the matchup with the Oakland Raiders. Despite the winning record, the Raiders are allowing the third-most passing-yards-per-game, the most passing touchdowns, and have given up at least 21 points in every game except one. The other positive for Findley is that he will most likely have to throw all day. Oakland is finally a heavy favorite in a game and, with the team in the midst of a playoff race, will look to set the tone early and push the envelope on offense. The Bengals have absolutely nothing to lose as they stare at winless season, and the combination of the two teams’ mindsets should lead to aggressive offense all-around. Findley will benefit from this.
Tom Brady – Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense hasn’t been the same dynamic group we are used to lately, but it is worth noting that Brady exceeded 23 fantasy points in five-of-his-first-six games of the season – all of which were blowout victories. The Patriots are coming off a bye week, following a tough loss, playing a terrible secondary belonging to an Eagles team that the Patriots are still mad about losing to in the Super Bowl. An extra motivated Patriots team in a positive matchup is an easy pick.