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We had a nice Week 8 as Phillip Lindsay, A.J. Green and Tyler Lockett all came through for us. Let’s keep it going as we head into a big Week 9.
Running Backs
Cash Game Option:
New England Patriots James White ($12,900) – Todd Gurley, Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt are the clear top plays at the running back position. However, if filling out the flex or want to go a cheaper route to pay up at other positions, White is a prime target. The Patriots running back has caught at least eight passes in two of the last five games including two 10 catch performances in that stretch. The Patriots host the Packers in a prime time showdown that has an over/under of 57 with New England have a slate high implied team total of 31.25. We want a piece of this game and White is a way to get exposure.
Tournament Option:
Cleveland Browns Nick Chubb ($8,800) – If filling a flex or paying up at receiver in tournaments, Chubb is a strong option. The Chiefs rank dead last in defensive DVOA against the run and just had Broncos running backs Phillip Lindsay and Devontae Booker gash them for 173 yards in Week 8. A couple of concerns with Chubb is if this game gets out of hand and the Browns rely more on Duke Johnson in the passing game. The new offensive coordinator from the Browns Freddie Kitchens also said they want to get Johnson more involved. However, Chubb is simply too cheap which negates some of that risk. If the Browns can somehow keep this game within striking distance, I think Chubb can easily rush for over 80 yards and possibly find the endzone. It should also be noted that he has touched the ball at least 18 times in back-to-back contests.
Wide Receivers
Cash Game Option:
Denver Broncos Courtland Sutton ($7,700) – The Broncos traded Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans which has opened up the door for the rookie wide receiver to take more of a role in the offense. Sutton hasn’t received more than four targets in each of the last three games for the Broncos, but that should change in Week 9 against the Texans. Sutton is extremely cheap and with the build in Week 9 leaning towards paying up for the high priced running backs, the rookie wide out is a prime cash game play. Sutton will be extremely chalky so the argument could be made to fade him in tournaments. Even though he is more expensive, I think a nice pivot is to teammate Emmanuel Sanders who is already having a monster season and should only get more targets with the departure of Thomas.
Tournament Option:
Minnesota Vikings Stefon Diggs ($12,700) – It’s apparent this week will be paying up for running backs or some of the higher priced wide receivers in the games that have a high over/under. This could lead Diggs and possibly the other offensive weapons on the Vikings lower owned than they should be. The Vikings take on a Lions defense that ranks 31st in total defensive DVOA and 30th in pass defensive DVOA. Russell Wilson threw for three touchdowns in Week 8 against this defense and quarterback Kirk Cousins could produce similar stats. I like the Vikings offense a lot in Week 9 and the obvious play is Adam Theilen, but Diggs could also have a monster performance. It should be noted that Diggs is listed as questionable due to an injury to his ribs, but the expectation is he will play. This is a situation to monitor leading up to kickoff which is why he is a tournament option only. I’m not concerned about his match-up against Lions defensive back Darius Slay as Slay has struggled in his last three games.
****Sunday Morning Update***** ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Diggs will most likely not play. An easy pivot off of Diggs will be Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Sutton will be chalky, but it has been Sanders that has been more productive and his target share should rise without Thomas. Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is another player in the same price range that has a difficult match-up, but could have a big game. I also think Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph gets a major boost with no Diggs and can be cash game playable.