Tracking dramatic shifts in pricing trends from FanDuel DFS gives us a glimpse of players on the rise or fading away. These extreme shifts means the market is moving in ways that naturally create more room for error in the price point. It’s our job to find out if there’s an edge to be had and exploit it or if it is indeed fair value. Below are some of the players that have moved the most from last week in pricing and my take on them as a possible play or fade this week.
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Quarterbacks
Cam Newton (NE) vs SF $7,600 (-$400)
Newton has had a rushing touchdown in every game he’s started this except this one. This gives him a nice point floor but his passing prowess has suffered lately. They’ve had some bad luck with COVID cases limiting practice, but another week under their belt should help some. The 49ers just shut down Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp however and Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry aren’t exactly improvements. If he succeeds as a DFS play, it’ll likely once again be through his legs.
Matt Ryan (ATL) vs DET $7,400 (+$400)
Last week, I had Matt Ryan in this spot as a buy low on the dip from recent play. He performed far above expectation as the second-highest main slate quarterback against the Vikings. The return of Julio makes a massive difference, and he gets another intriguing matchup against the Lions. I believe he can once again pay off at price.
Running Backs
Phillip Lindsay (DEN) vs KC $6,000 (+$900)
Melvin Gordon is likely to be suspended for his recent DUI from the NFL, although it won’t be from the Broncos because he apparently “handled himself well” according to the team. Breaking the law and endangering lives aside for Gordon, Lindsay is set to be the workhorse back going forward for at least two games it seems. The Chiefs are a top-five run-funnel defense, and the Broncos are struggling in the passing game. 20-plus touches could very well be in the cards for a consecutive week.
D’Andre Swift (DET) vs DEN $6,100 (+$700)
Swift was clearly Detroit’s best back on Sunday as he torched the Jaguars for 100-plus yards and two scores. Detroit was leading all game in an extremely run-favorable script. They come in early as underdogs to Falcons who just shut down the Vikings running game sans Dalvin Cook. A repeat performance is not likely as Peterson and Johnson will still see touches.
Wide Receivers
JuJu Smith-Schuster (PIT) at TEN $6,500 (-$600)
Smith-Schuster is a blip in the box scores at this point. Some have theorized that he keeps playing through nagging injuries which are holding him back. Whatever the cause, it is impossible to trust him as a play anytime soon. He needs to prove he can put up numbers before inserting into your lineups.
Chase Claypool (PIT) at TEN $6,400 (+$900)
Two Steelers wide receivers are both the highest and lowest movers of the week which is quite the anomaly. Claypool continues to impress and has now become more reliable than Smith-Schuster with even higher upside. He’s the target to trust in Pittsburgh right now.
Tight Ends
David Njoku (CLE) $4,500 at CIN (-$500)
Njoku has publicly requested a trade as he continues to play second fiddle to new toy Austin Hooper. He will be forgettable for any lineups barring a new team or an injury to Hooper. While he has shown sparks of talent at times, there just isn’t room left for him in this offense.
Thanks for reading and stay golden! If you like what you learned, follow me @DavidZach16 for more interesting stats and tidbits throughout the year.
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David Zach is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from David, check out his archive and follow him @DavidZach16.
