(Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire)
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It was a strong week 6 as Jameis Winston, Tom Brady, Cameron Brate and the Ravens defense all came through for us, but as always, time to move on to a new week.
Quarterbacks
Cash Game Option:
Baltimore Ravens Joe Flacco ($10,600) – In cash games we are looking for a high floor and if we can get it at a cheap price then we should try and take advantage. Flacco is priced as the 16th highest quarterback in Week 7 yet faces a Saints defense that is 30th ranked against the pass in defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders. Flacco also ranks second in the NFL in pass attempts so the Ravens are not shy about throwing the football which bodes well this week. Flacco is also a nice option in tournaments, but I’m not sure he has the extreme upside needed to win large field tournaments. However, the floor he should provide along with the price makes him a safe cash game play.
Tournament Option:
Cincinnati Bengals Andy Dalton ($12,800) – Dalton checks in as the third highest quarterback this week, but that doesn’t mean he should be avoided. The Bengals take on a Chiefs defense that can’t stop anyone right now as they are allowing 468.2 yards per game with 340.3 of those coming through the air. Dalton has been consistent this season as he has thrown for two touchdowns in every game, but one and has the high ceiling we are looking for as he has had multiple games with at least three touchdown passes. Dalton is a fine cash game play if you make the salary work, but a game stack of Dalton with A.J. Green and/or Tyler Boyd is a strong option this week as the Bengals-Chiefs match-up checks in with an over/under of 58.
Tight Ends
Cash Game Option:
Cleveland Browns David Njoku ($8,000) – The Browns offense is in a great spot this week as they take on a Buccaneers defense that ranks dead last in total defense and passing defense according to Football Outsiders. Using multiple Browns this week makes me nervous, but I think we can pick and choose what players to target and Njoku should be near the top of the list. The second-year tight end is finally being integrated in the offense as he has been targeted 23 times in the last two weeks and has converted that into 13 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. The Buccaneers also rank 29th against the tight ends this season. This is an absolute prime spot for Njoku to smash and he is cash game along with tournament worthy this week. The ownership will be high because of the match-up and price tag, but we can differentiate elsewhere.
Tournament Option:
Philadelphia Eagles Zach Ertz ($13,300) – The tight end continues to perform at an elite wide receiver level as he is sixth in the league in total targets and ranks second in receptions. The price tag is increasing, but he is very much in play as long as he is the focal point of the Eagles offense. The Panthers aren’t great against tight ends which is another plus for Ertz along with him ranking in the top 10 in the league in red zone targets. Ertz will continue to produce at a high level and shouldn’t be forgotten about when constructing lineups.
Defenses
Cash Game Option:
Buffalo Bills ($4,500) – Let’s get this out of the way now, I’m not confident in any defense this week and because of that, I’m going to punt. I think we learned last week when many people went to the Bears after Ryan Tannehill was ruled out and then had to watch Brock Osweiler and the rest of the Dolphins offense light up the scoreboard. Since I’m going to punt, I’m focusing on a Bills defense that ranks third in defensive DVOA and have racked up the third most sacks in the league with 19. The Colts offense led by Andrew Luck can score points, but they also have the fourth highest turnover rate in the league.
Tournament Option:
Baltimore Ravens ($4,600) – Time to get nuts! The Ravens defense is coming off an epic 11-sack performance against the Tennessee Titans and now will be rewarded by taking on the high-powered Saints offense led by Drew Brees. We are about to find out if the Ravens defense that has not allowed a second half touchdown all season is legit or not. The Ravens historically play better at home and we know Brees can struggle when he is playing outside. The Ravens are dirt cheap and will come with close to zero ownership, but it’s hard to find a defense that possesses higher upside.