THE WEEK 9 CHEAT SHEET: QB values | WR values
Overall there aren’t a lot of high priced running backs this week on DraftKings. Only 11 players are above the average player budget this week. It should be noted six teams (Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Tennessee) are on bye in Week 9.
Here are my best values, worst values, players who are worth their high price, and Hail Mary plays for DraftKings this week at the RB position. Create your own team and compete for cash prizes this weekend!
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Best values
Ronnie Hillman ($5,600) – Ronnie Hillman has filled in nicely following Montee Ball’s injury. In his last three games he’s totaled over 100 yards in each performance, with an average of 119. He also found the endzone twice (he was vultured a few times in Week 8).
He’ll get a favorable matchup this week against New England. The Patriots are allowing the fifth most points to opposing backs this season. Hillman’s a great talent in a great matchup and doesn’t cost too much.
Lamar Miller ($5,600) – Over his last three games Miller is averaging 91 total yards and has scored two touchdowns. These numbers are more than serviceable when it comes to fantasy.
This week he draws a good matchup against the San Diego Chargers. In each of their last three games the Chargers have allowed over 110 rushing yards to backs. San Diego’s defense is dealing with injuries, hence the poor rush defense stats. Look for Miller to take advantage this week.
Mark Ingram ($5,500) – Khiry Robinson is officially listed as questionable on a short week while Pierre Thomas is officially listed as out. Even if Robinson is active, I like Ingram this week in a great matchup against Carolina.
Last week Ingram got the start with both Robinson and Thomas out and he ran for 172 yards and a touchdown. Look for another big performance from him this week.
MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: Week 9 RB rankings | Over/Under-rated | Fantasy podcast
Worst values
DeMarco Murray ($9,000) – Something has to give this week. Murray’s matchup in Week 9 is against the Arizona Cardinals. No team has had their backs rush for 100 yards against Arizona this season. Murray, as you should well know, has eight straight 100-yard games. So which streak will last after this week?
Also, as I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of cheap options at the running back position this week. Murray is one of the few players at a high price. In a tough matchup I’d rather save my money.
Arian Foster ($9,900) – There’s no denying Foster’s incredible season. He has four straight games with over 100 yards rushing and has scored eight times during that stretch. He’s obviously on a hot streak. But his incredible play caused his price to balloon $1,500 since last week. This is a case of Foster just being too pricey.
Pricey, but worth it
Marshawn Lynch ($6,100) – Lynch was a bit of a bummer last week in a nice matchup. He ran for just 62 yards and caught one pass for two yards against Carolina. He also failed to score a touchdown in his third consecutive game.
I think he’ll turn things around this week against the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing backs this season. They were tough against Cleveland last week in a rare outing, but overall they have struggled. Backs have been able to score a TD in all but one game this year. Look for Lynch to get his production back up.
Ahmad Bradshaw ($5,800) – Nothing is better than getting sweet revenge. Bradshaw faces his old team (N.Y. Giants) this week and will want to show them what they’re missing. The Giants will likely struggle to stop him as they have allowed the fourth-most points to opposing backs this year.
It’s almost a guarantee Bradshaw will score in this game. He’s found the endzone in all but two games this season and the Giants have allowed a touchdown to a back in all but one game.
Hail Mary plays
Andre Williams ($3,500) – Williams has struggled lately with just 59 and 51 yards in his last two games, respectively. But he’s the main back in New York with Rashad Jennings sidelined. Earlier this week head coach Tom Coughlin said Jennings was “not ready to go” as he recovers from his knee injury. If he’s unable to play, Williams will be a cheap starter.
Travaris Cadet ($3,500) – Cadet’s in the same situation as Ingram (mentioned above). Cadet gets a boost in playing time with two other Saints backs injured. He’s more of a receiving back and can rack up receptions quickly for New Orleans.
Alfred Morris ($3,900) – It seems odd calling Morris a Hail Mary play, but his price tag is incredibly cheap. He’ll get a great matchup against the Vikings this week and could be a great value.
FULL WEEK 9 RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF
