DFS Strategy Week 7: Best Bargains At Each Position on Draft Kings

The best way to cash on weekly fantasy football sites is to load up on as many stars with good matchups as possible. Due to budget restraints, however, fantasy players must sacrifice other positions to nab the stars they want.

Here, you'll find the top bargains at each position on Draft Kings that will let you splurge elsewhere. And remember, scoring is IMPORTANT. Here is Draft Kings’ scoring system.

The bargains are listed in the order I like them.

Quarterbacks

Joe Flacco, Ravens ($5,400): For all Flacco’s pass attempts, the touchdowns haven’t quite been there. He hasn’t thrown for more than two TDs since Week 1; that’s why he’s among my favorite plays of the week. Even with a cake matchup vs. the Saints, many are going to be turned off by how boring the prospect of playing Flacco is. I don’t know about you, but QBs who throw it 40+ times in four out of six weeks turn me on. If Flacco can get to 50 attempts – which he’s done twice already in just six games – 300 yards is a lock, and he will likely notch at least two touchdowns.

Eli Manning, Giants ($5,200): Put down the pitchforks! I know Eli Manning has been getting shredded all season, and that he’s lost a step, and that his offensive line is a random collection of Ramen noodles. I’m aware. But you simply CAN’T ignore it when a starting QB is less than $5,500 and is facing the Falcons. Atlanta’s defense is just decimated by injury, and they can’t stop anyone. Say what you want about Manning, but he has arguably the best skill position players in the NFL at his disposal. Atlanta will not get pressure like the Eagles did, and if you give Eli time, he can still deliver.

Sam Darnold, Jets ($4,900): Darnold hasn’t done much damage in terms of yardage this year, as the Jets are wisely playing it safe most weeks and letting their running game dictate the pace. The Vikings’ explosive offense may not allow the Jets to stick to their game plan though, and the situation might be perfect for Darnold the gunslinger to emerge. If Minnesota jumps out to an early lead, it will force the Jets to throw early and often. If that’s the case, Darnold will be attacking the NFL’s 25th-best pass defense per FootballOutsiders.com. The Jets’ wide receivers are underrated, and they will also be at home for this matchup.

Running Backs

Carlos Hyde, Browns ($4,700): Hyde has been quiet for the last two weeks, but just because he’s been kept out of the end zone, it doesn’t mean he’s not getting work. The game got away from the Browns last week, leading to his meager 14 carries, but that’s still decent work and it is by far his lowest usage of 2018. This week Hyde gets to run wild on the Buccaneers, who have been the league’s worst defense through six weeks, and rank 21st vs. the run. Hyde is going to get back in the end zone this week, and if Baker Mayfield’s ankle is really bothering him, they’ll lean even more heavily on the ground game.

Tevin Coleman, Falcons ($5,100): Coleman is the man with Devonta Freeman on IR, and that is welcome news for those interested in using him in DFS. Coleman hasn’t been the stud most were hoping for with Freeman out, as Ito Smith has been vulturing scores and touches. The Giants represent a get-right matchup though, and we shouldn’t forget about Coleman’s big play potential in the passing game, which has been dormant for 2018.

Frank Gore, Dolphins ($3,800): Yes, I know this is a PPR format. Gore has proven he has gas in the tank though, earning double-digit carries for three weeks in a row, and rewarding Miami for their faith with 101 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. This week, Gore gets a much softer matchup against the Lions (27th vs. the run), and if he continues to see his current workload he can definitely fall into another touchdown.

Wide Receivers

Corey Davis, Titans ($5,100): The Titans’ offense has fallen off a cliff, hitting rock bottom with last week’s brutal shutout at the hands of the Ravens. This week is a great chance for them to bounce back, as the Chargers’ pass defense has been mediocre at best without star pass rusher Joey Bosa and CB Jason Verrett. Davis is a physical monster who thrived with targets. If the Titans can protect Mariota, Davis will be heavily targeted against a defense that ranks 25th against No. 1 receivers. Davis is clearly the Titans’ No. 1, so you can feel confident with him delivering a WR1 performance.

Michael Crabtree, Ravens ($5,100): I’ll happily jump back in the flames with Crabtree, after he delivered the goods in a similarly favorable matchup against Tennessee. I suggest stacking Crabtree with Flacco, as they will have a field day against New Orleans’ soft secondary. My guess is that the Saints will try, possibly futilely, to protect themselves over the top from John Brown. That means Crabtree might see tons of one-on-one, and space to run underneath routes and roam the middle of the field. He’s seen 8+ targets in five straight games, so with a matchup this good you need to figure out how to get him in there.

Sterling Shepard, Giants ($5,400): Obviously, with the Falcons on the slate, Odell Beckham Jr. is a guy you want. But he costs a ton, and if you prefer to spend big on RBs, then why not roll with Sterling Shepard, who has seen seven or more targets in all but one game this year and is catching the ball 72 percent of the time. Atlanta is poor against all types of receivers, so just fire up any talented Giants pass catcher you can.

Tight Ends

C.J. Uzomah, Bengals ($3,400): Uzomah stands alone as the Bengals tight end, which is a position Andy Dalton makes frequent use of when he’s running hot. Kansas City ranks 27th vs. tight ends, and their high powered offense forces shootouts. Matchup-wise, this is a beautiful situation, and it helps that Uzomah is a competent player. At this price, the upside far outpaces the risk.

David Njoku, Browns ($4,200): I’ve had some bad times with Njoku dating back to last year, but Baker Mayfield seems to recognize what he has in this giant. Njoku has been thrown to 23 times in the last two games, and he scored last week. He’s starting to produce consistently, and he is currently the Browns’ best option in the red zone with Antonio Callaway proving he’s just not an NFL-caliber receiver yet in terms of mastery of the position. Oh, and Njoku is matched up with the Bucs, the worst defense in the league. You’re good here.

Chris Herndon, Jets ($2,600): Herndon is my long shot here. At this price, even if he throws up a doughnut you will be able to afford two top 5 RBs or WRs, so you’ll have a chance to make up for it. Herndon is an athletic player, built more like a large wide receiver than a tight end. He was given an opportunity last week, and turned a measly two targets into 56 yards and a score. With Quincy Enunwa out, and Terrelle Pryor banged up, Herndon could see opportunities over the middle and down the field, and the Vikings actually struggle against tight ends. Manage expectations, but there is upside here and that’s rare when you’re dipping below $3,000.