(Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire)
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Running Backs
Cash Game Option:
Denver Broncos Phillip Lindsay ($10,600) – If looking for a cheaper option to pair with Todd Gurley or as a flex play if paying up for Gurley and James Conner, look no further than Lindsay. Teammate Royce Freeman is dealing with an ankle injury and appears he will miss this week’s contest against the Chiefs. Lindsay’s price does not factor in an increased workload and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will keep him on the field if the Broncos have to play catch up. It should be noted that the Chiefs have allowed the second most catches to running backs this season. I really like Lindsay in this spot, especially at his price.
Tournament Option:
Arizona Cardinals David Johnson ($12,300) – It was only three weeks ago that Johnson found the endzone twice against the 49ers. Johnson has been a disappointment this season, but I blame the coaching staff more than him. After getting thumped by the Broncos on national television, the Cardinals fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and promoted quarterback coach Byron Leftwich to take over play calling duties. Leftwich says he would like to use Johnson the same way former head coach Bruce Arians did and that would mean more catches. Johnson is an elite talent and was one of the best running backs two years ago. If the Cardinals actually use Johnson correctly, he will begin to dominate once again and that could happen this week.
Wide Receivers
Cash Game Option:
Cincinnati Bengals A.J. Green ($15,000) – Adam Thielen is the top option this week and is always in play. I don’t need to give analysis about a guy that gets 100 yards every game. If you can make the salary work, that is the route to take. If wanting to go cheaper or spend up at the position in both slots, Green is a strong play. The wide out has seven catches in back-to-back games and has gone over 100 receiving yards in two of the last three games. The Bengals are once again in a great spot this week as they take on a Buccaneers defense that ranks dead last in total defensive DVOA and pass defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders. The Bengals also have an implied team total of 29.25 so there shouldn’t be a shortage of points. Any skilled player from Cincinnati can be fired up in all formats with Green being the headliner.
Tournament Option:
Seattle Seahawks Tyler Lockett ($10,200) – The wide out has the second best individual match-up this week among all wide receivers according to Pro Football Focus as the Seahawks take on the Lions. Lockett, like the rest of the Seahawks receivers have been inconsistent which is why he is more of a tournament option. However, the Lions struggle against the pass as they rank 28th in defensive DVOA and have one of the worst coverage grades as a secondary according to Pro Football Focus. Lockett could smash which makes him a prime tournament option.