In this article, we will be taking a look at a relatively new slate that was introduced about half-way through the MLB season this year. Unlike traditional FanDuel NFL lineups, you only have to roster five players (QB, RB, RB, WR, WR) in the FanDuel Mini format. One other slight difference is that all tight ends also appear as wide receivers, so you do have the option of using a tight end if you choose to do so. The total salary cap ($60,000) is the exact same as a traditional NFL FanDuel lineup, but they do scale the salaries up a little bit to accommodate for the smaller roster size. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite options for the FanDuel Mini slate in Week 9.
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Quarterback
Dak Prescott (DAL): $12,000 vs. KC
Dak Prescott had a disappointing game last week against the Redskins. However, I think he will bounce back against the Chiefs in Week 9. This game currently has the highest projected total on the board at 52.5. This should be a back and forth game all day long. Also, Ezekiel Elliott will finally have to serve his six-game suspension which will likely result in even more passing attempts from Dak.
Running Back
Mark Ingram (NO): $12,000 vs. TB
Despite fumbling twice, Mark Ingram had another solid fantasy day scoring a touchdown for the third consecutive week. Since the Saints Week 5 bye, Ingram is averaging nearly 27 touches per game. This is another game where we want to have some exposure since the projected total is currently sitting at 52 points.
Leonard Fournette (JAC): $12,500 vs. CIN
Despite being less than 100% with an ankle injury, Leonard Fournette was still able to have a huge game before the Jaguars Week 8 bye with a touchdown and a total of 138 yards on 21 carries and two receptions. There is no reason to believe the rookie running back will slow down since the Jaguars are committed to a run-heavy offense to complement their strong defensive unit.
Wide Receiver
Dez Bryant (DAL): $12,000 vs. KC
Considering that Dak struggled last week, it makes sense that Dez Bryant did not have a good game either. As I mentioned previously, Dak should have a much better game this week against the Chiefs and in turn, Bryant should do well too. The Chiefs have really struggled against opposing wide receivers this season, allowing the most FanDuel points per game. Marcus Peters of the Chiefs rarely shadows one wide receiver, playing 92% of his snaps on the left side of the field. The Cowboys have done a good job of moving Dez around, so he very well could see much more of Kenneth Acker who is not a good cornerback.
Michael Thomas (NO): $11,500 vs. TB
Michael Thomas has not scored a touchdown since Week 4 against the Dolphins, but he has done well in two out of his three last games. The one game where he did disappoint was against the Lions in Week 6 when he drew shadow coverage from Darius Slay. The Buccaneers do not have a cornerback who will shadow Thomas for most of the game, so he should dominate against a secondary who has allowed the third-most FanDuel points against opposing wide receivers.
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Kaz is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Kaz, follow him @DraftStars_Kaz. You can find more of Kaz’s work at DraftStars.net.