We didn’t set out to write about a massive amount of players on Sunday, but the pieces fell into place as soon as we started going through the games. We have liked certain matchups since the start of the week, and they keep appearing on our lists. This column is no different.
Based on our expected Week 8 DFS game flow analysis and Week 8 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 8 Plays:
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson – It is never surprising to land on Deshaun Watson due to the pass-heavy offense the Texans run and his ability to make plays with his legs. While he’s always viable, this week he gets a perfect macthup against a struggling Raiders secondary. This Raiders’ defense is allowing the second-most passing-yards-per-game this season, and the fourth-most points-per-game. They are coming off a horrendous showing against the Packers, and after trading away a starting cornerback, things figure to only get worse for them. Watson should take advantage.
Matthew Stafford – Matthew Stafford is coming off one of his best games of the season and is in a prime position to repeat his performance. This week, Stafford and the Detroit Lions take aim at a Giants defense that simply cannot stop anyone. Excluding the game against the lowly Redskins, the Giants have allowed at least 27 points in every game this season. The Lions should have absolutely no problem continuing that trend, and it figures to be on the back of Stafford. With Kerryon Johnson out, many people will floc kto his replacements, but it is Stafford who figures to benefit the most. The Lions rarely run the ball, and even more rarely run it particularly well. Now without their starting back, they are likely to lean on Stafford more than ever.
Sam Darnold – If we are looking for value, then how do we not start with Sam Darnold? His last outing has obviously done damage to both his perception and expectations, but we can take advantage of this in a true rebound setting. The Jacksonville Jaguars used to be outstanding defensively, but now rank 19th in yards-per-game and 17th in passing-yards-allowed-per-game. With his price extremely low and potential high, Darnold is one of the better ‘upside’ picks of the weekend.
Andy Dalton – Wait. Before you scroll past Andy Dalton’s name and laugh at his appearance on this page, just wait. Think about what we like in a quarterback and what has worked in the past for Dalton. The former is volume – that is either set up by game flow or gameplan. How will Dalton not have volume on Sunday? Will his team suddenly play well on both sides of the ball and take a large lead in the first half without Dalton’s help? Almost certainly not. His team will likely be playing from behind, which means he will have to keep throwing. The latter is a matchup for which his head coach can plan. Think back to Opening Day. Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals traveled to Seattle in what-appeared-to-be a massively lopsided game. Dalton led the league in passing, that day. This was largely because Cincinnati’s new head coach – who has struggled in almost every area – was most recently the assistant wide receiver and quarterbacks coach with the Los Angeles Rams. Familiarity plays a role, and it will be present in today’s non-conference showdown in London. Dalton has sneaky potential to deliver.