Carson Wentz stinks. Against easily the league’s worst defense, Wentz posted a stat line of 123 yards, two touchdowns, and four turnovers.
That’s not just a bad day. That’s a pathetic performance. If I had opted for a competent starting quarterback, I likely would’ve cashed.
So as we dig into my Week 9 lineup, I promise to never include Wentz in a lineup for the rest of the season. Thanks for nothing.
Create Optimal FanDuel lineups using our DFS Lineup Optimizer tool 
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson (HOU) $8,300
After starting the season with three brutal matchups, Watson is starting to find a groove. He’s posted at least 24 FanDuel points in each of his last three games. Now, Watson will go up against a brutal Jacksonville secondary that’s given up 17 passing touchdowns and 6.9 net yards per attempt.
Running Backs
Dalvin Cook (MIN) $9,300
Cook’s Week 8 performance against Green Bay should speak for itself. It’ll be hard to top 47.6 FanDuel points. But Cook has a great shot to get in the end zone multiple times against a Detroit Lions defense that’s yielded 11 rushing touchdowns. Detroit also struggles to cover running backs in the passing game and have allowed the second-most FanDuel points per game to opposing tailbacks.
James Robinson (JAX) $7,300
Robinson has been one of the most pleasant surprises in fantasy this season. This week, the Jaguars will be starting Jake Luton at quarterback, which means Robinson could see a ton of touches. But we’re not just going with Robinson for volume. He’s going up against a Texans defense that’s among the worst against the run and is allowing 5.2 yards per attempt. Quantity and quality should result in a strong outing from Robinson.
Wide Receivers
Stefon Diggs (BUF) $7,600
Josh Allen will have an opportunity to get out of his slump against the terrible Seahawks defense. Diggs has been a steady producer despite Allen’s struggles. He’s caught at least six balls and scored at least 7.8 FanDuel points as during Allen’s fall to earth. The hope with this choice is that Diggs returns to his explosive ways against the generous Seahawks secondary.
Marvin Jones (DET) $6,100
With Kenny Golladay out with a hip injury, Jones becomes the No. 1 wideout in Detroit. He’s a value at this price against that’s surrendering 39.1 FanDuel points per game to opposing receivers. Jones caught eight passes on 14 targets for 78 yards and a touchdown in Weeks 1 and 2 when Golladay was out. He’s a good bet to get in the end zone against Minnesota, who’s allowed the most touchdowns to wide receivers in the league.
Darnell Mooney (CHI) $5,500
I’m taking a stab on Mooney, who is emerging as Chicago’s No. 2 receiver behind Allen Robinson. Now, that might not mean much given Nick Foles is his quarterback. But the rookie out of Tulane has garnered at least five targets in each of Chicago’s last six games. He’s a big play threat who could exploit a mediocre Tennessee defense that’s given up the ninth-most passing yards this season.
Tight End
Darren Fells (HOU) $5,200
Am I a huge Darren Fells fan? No. Am I willing to stack him with Watson against a Jaguars defense that’s given up seven touchdowns to tight ends this season? You bet! What’s even more impressive is that Jacksonville has only given up 30 receptions to tight ends this season. Fells has found the end zone in his last two games, and faces a defense that’s allowed tight ends to score on 23% of their receptions.
FLEX
JaMycal Hasty (SF) $5,800
Hasty led San Francisco in rushes last week and should once again on Thursday night. Nick Mullens is in for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo, and San Fran will be without pass-catchers George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. Jerick McKinnon may be the passing downs back, but Hasty should get plenty of opportunities as the 49ers put extra emphasis on their running game. It’s worth mentioning that the 49ers rushed for 285 yards in their last meeting with the Packers in the NFC Championship game. And Dalvin Cook’s performance against the Packers last week should be fresh in our minds. Hasty isn’t Cook, but he has breakout potential in this matchup.
Defense/Special Teams
New England Patriots $4,900
Bill Belichick had Sam Darnold seeing ghosts on Monday Night Football last year. I expect Belichick to have Darnold spooked once again in primetime. While New England’s offense is a mess, Belichick’s defense still ranks 11th in points allowed and ninth in total defense. The Patriots will stymie the lousy Jets offense and have Adam Gase flabbergasted in what should be an ugly game.
Create Optimal FanDuel lineups using our DFS Lineup Optimizer tool
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Beyond our daily fantasy football content, be sure to check out our Daily Fantasy Football Tools. From our Value Plays – which allows you to identify players who are projected to outperform their salaries – to our DFS Cheat Sheets – that helps you get a quick read on the day’s players – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
Matt Barbato is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Matt, check out his archive and follow him @RealMattBarbato.
