Geoff Lambert looks at XFL DFS value plays for Week 1.
This piece is part of our article program that features quality content from experts exclusively at FantasyPros. For more insight from Geoff, head over to GoingFor2.com.
Last week was rough with two guys, Cameron Artis-Payne and Christine Michael, really letting me down. Thankfully, Phillip Walker and the Defenders bailed me out and got me back to even. Now that we know little more about how things are going to go, Week 2 should be a lot better. Let’s get to my picks…
Get a sign-up bonus up to $1,000 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Quarterbacks
Landry Jones (DAL) $9,500 @ LA
Jones (knee) is expected to return after missing opening weekend and he should immediately make a difference in this offense. The LA Wildcats gave up four TDs to Phillip Walker last week and their defensive coordinator was fired after the game. Advantage, Jones.
Jordan Ta’amu (STL) $8,900 @ HOU
Ta’mau’s value is tied to his legs as he is the league’s third-leading rusher after one week with 77 yards. Playing a Roughnecks team that put up 37 points last week could force the Wildcats to pass more with Ta’amu, which should result in more fantasy points.
Running Backs
Matt Jones (STL) $5,900 @ HOU
Jones missed some practice time earlier in the week, but it’s starting to look like he will be fine for Week 2’s matchup with the Roughnecks. Jones was the only running back in Week 1 to get over 20 carries and should see a similar workload as long as they don’t get down early to a potent Houston offense.
Nick Holley (HOU) $4,800 vs. STL
Listed as a running back on DraftKings, Holley is, in fact, a wide receiver in this offense. He had four catches on five targets in Week 1 and should see similar usage this week. It’s also worth noting that Holley played quarterback in his college days, which could lend itself to a trick play.
Lance Dunbar (DAL) $4,600 @ LA
With Dunbar’s heavy workload last week, it’s hard to believe he is only $4,600, priced less than teammate Cameron Artis-Payne — who had 19 total yards — and Christine Micheal who had eight touches for minus-one yard.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Nelson Spruce (LA) $10,400 vs. DAL
Spruce led all receivers in targets in Week 1 with 15 and was the only receiver to have double-digit receptions (11). He was also one of only two receivers to go over 100 yards, and, despite not scoring a touchdown, was the second-highest fantasy scorer at the receiver position. Yes, he is expensive, but there is enough value on this slate to afford him.
Flynn Nagel (DAL) $5,200 @ LA
Nagel’s six receptions were tied for the team lead and his 43 yards led the team. This week he will get an upgrade at quarterback as Landry Jones returns, and could improve on those numbers against an LA that gave up four receiving touchdowns in Week 1.
Jalen Tolliver (TB) $3,900 @ SEA
Tolliver’s eight targets rank him sixth in the XFL, unfortunately, he was only able to catch three of those targets for 47 yards in Week 1. Eight targets for a player costing you only $3,900 is a steal.
Defense
DC Defenders $4,400 vs. NY
The Guardians offense should have been able to put up more points against the Tampa Bay’s defense, but because they couldn’t, it has me really liking the Defenders again this week.
Seattle Dragons $3,000 vs. TB
The Dragons defense actually played decent against what I think of as a stacked Defenders roster, and now they get a team that did not score a single touchdown, threw two interceptions and fumbled the ball three times (lost one) in Week 1.