The Steelers could lean on Ben Roethlisberger more than usual this weekend
Figuring out the balance between studs, values and dart throws is imperative when playing daily fantasy football. This balance is even trickier when there are only eight teams to choose from. We’ll try to point out the studs and value plays this week on DraftKings.
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QUARTERBACK
Stud Play
Ben Roethlisberger – PIT – $7,200
Roethlisberger is the most expensive QB on the board this week, but he is also the most likely to return your investment. His stats on the road have certainly been far worse than his home stats. However, the Steelers could potentially be without RB DeAngelo Williams. This would put even more emphasis on the passing game, and it would make Big Ben an even more attractive target.
Value Play
Kirk Cousins – WAS – $5,900
Cousins has 23 total touchdowns in his last 8+ games (he did not play a full game Week 17). He plays at home, where he has been money all year long. Green Bay is a good defense, but not anything that should scare you away. Somehow, Cousins is still only the fifth-most expensive QB play this week.
RUNNING BACK
Stud Play
Adrian Peterson – MIN – $7,300
Peterson has the most difficult matchup and is the most expensive RB. Typically, that sends players the other way in a daily format. The fact is, RB is so thin with the teams that are playing, Peterson could still wind up returning value. This is the only high-end play you can feel even a little comfortable about this week.
Value Play
Eddie Lacy – GB – $4,500
Lacy was nothing short of one of the worst players owners could’ve picked in the first round this season. Having said that, the Green Bay passing game is struggling mightily right now. Even with Aaron Rodgers, the best chance for Green Bay is to try to ground and pound Washington and keep the ball away from Kirk Cousins.
WIDE RECEIVER
Stud Play
Antonio Brown – PIT – $9,600
Brown is simply the best and most consistent WR left playing. He is the safest bet on the board until the Steelers are eliminated, averaging 26.1 points for DraftKings. He will be a building block of a high percentage of lineups this week.
Value Play
Tyler Lockett – SEA – $4,400
Lockett has been a bit quiet the past two weeks, driving his price down. Prior to Week 17, Lockett drew seven targets for four straight games, scoring three touchdowns over that span. With QB Russell Wilson playing at such a high level, Lockett is a very attractive gamble at his price tag.
TIGHT END
Stud Play
Jordan Reed – WAS – $6,300
One could make an argument that Reed is the No. 1 tight end in football, even over Rob Gronkowski. There is zero argument in a week where Gronk is on a bye. Reed has averaged nine targets a game over his last three full contests, hitting paydirt five times. He is worth every penny versus Green Bay.
Value Play
Heath Miller – PIT – $3,300
In two regular season games versus the Bengals, Miller has 20 receptions for 171 yards. Even without a TD, Miller has been a stud in PPR scoring formats. Best yet, he is only the sixth-most expensive TE out of the eight projected starters. If you decline to pony up for Reed, Miller is the way to go.
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Adam Strangis is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Adam, check out his archive.
