Roster construction varies when considering cash game lineups and tournament lineups, but one thing that is essential is value plays. Fantasy gamers need the cheap pieces that break the slate and put them in the money. Last week this article identified Duke Johnson, who rewarded the bold few by scoring 25.1 fantasy points on FanDuel. His $5200 salary on FanDuel allowed DFS players jam in the bell-cow backs. Let’s find out who the advanced metrics points to this week.
Marcus Mariota, QB: $6700
While $6700 doesn’t stand out as a bargain, Marcus Mariota is the ideal value QB play for Week 10. There are 19 QBs that carry a higher price tag and few have the rushing floor that Mariota brings. He is top-5 in rushing yards per game, red zone rushes per game, and rushing touchdowns. Mariota is also an underrated passer betrayed by his supporting cast, who are averaging 1.9 drops per game. His 3.7 Accuracy Rating on PlayerProfiler is best among QBs. Mariota’s offensive line is getting healthier and the Titans will need to score to keep up with the Patriots offense. His $6700 price tag offers plenty of lineup flexibility for cash games.
Dion Lewis, RB: $5800
Dion Lewis has officially taken over as the lead back in Tennessee. He topped a 70 percent opportunity share for the first time of the season, racking up 19 carries and four receptions for 122 total yards and a touchdown. Lewis has scored over 20 PPR fantasy points in each of the last two games and is primed to continue his that pace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-t7_NB9gw8
By definition, Lewis is a bell-cow back that is priced $3000-less than the “big name” guys. The Patriots have been weak against running backs in the passing game, giving up nearly 6 receptions per game. Lewis is set up to smash his cheap price tag.
Elijah McGuire, RB: $4900
Trenton Cannon took an immediate backseat to Elijah McGuire in Week 9. McGuire’s first game action saw him command 10 touches to Cannon’s one. He also showed more burst than fellow back Isaiah Crowell. McGuire could easily take over as the lead back starting this week. He has an all-purpose back skillset with his 30.4 (60th-percentile) BMI and 15.4% (93rd-percentile) college target share.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR: $5400
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is what happens when a size-speed freak is paired with an elite QB. Valdes-Scantling has posted double-digit PPR fantasy points in four straight games and his role will only grow bigger. Geronimo Allison was placed on IR and Randall Cobb has been out-snapped by MVS in back-to-back games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwmdyWokAts
His role as the Packers’ WR2 has been solidified and he will face off against Dolphins CB Bobby McCain in Week 10, who runs a 4.51 40-yard dash. Will Fuller torched McCain in Week 8 in his only test against real speed. Valdes-Scantling’s speed and elevated target share will give McCain nightmares.
Chris Conley, WR: $4500
With Sammy Watkins getting an MRI on his foot, Chris Conley steps into his spot at the fantasy point fountain that is the Chiefs offense. Conley was already the primary slot receiver for the Chiefs, but will now see a bump in target volume.
Chris Conley Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Conley is a 97th-percentile SPARQ-x athlete, supported by a 4.35 (98th-percentile) 40-yard dash and 146.0 (100th-percentile) Burst Score. His freakish athleticism will be on full display against Cardinals cornerback Jamar Taylor, who ranks No. 150 in the PlayerProfiler’s Cornerback Rankings. At the “stone-min” price, he is an intriguing tournament play.
Austin Hooper, TE: $5800
The Browns placed linebacker Christian Kirksey on IR earlier this week. He routinely matched up with TEs and RBs that split out wide. Austin Hooper will be the main beneficiary of this move, as he operates out of the slot on about 20 percent of his snaps. The Browns were already incredibly generous to TEs, giving up the 9th-most fantasy points on FanDuel to the position. Hooper and the Falcons will take advantage of this personnel change.
