Daily Fantasy Football 2023 Week 9: Best Plays And Bargains On FanDuel and DraftKings
The best way to cash on weekly fantasy football sites is to load up on as many stars with good matchups as possible. Here, you'll find the best plays and top bargains at each position on FanDuel and DraftKings. And remember, scoring is IMPORTANT. Here are Fanduel’s and DraftKings’ scoring systems.
For each position I’ll provide the best big name, the best mid range value, and the best low-price bargain. At the end, I’ll also list a big name to avoid at each position.
Quarterback
Best Big Name
Dak Prescott, Cowboys ($8,200/$6,500): Prescott erupted last week and opened up a can on the Rams, just in time to build confidence for a massive divisional tilt vs. the Eagles. We have seen Dak and the Cowboys fold in these situations plenty of times, but the Eagles’ defense isn’t quite as complete as it was last season and is pretty susceptible to passing production. Prescott’s 2023 has been uneven, but if Philly puts up points, Dak will be throwing to keep up and amassing stats to help our lineups.
Mid Range Value
Derek Carr, Saints ($7,100/$5,700): Carr’s been quietly productive the last three weeks, eclipsing 300 yards in each game, and throwing more than 50 times twice. While that volume still hasn’t translated to elite numbers, they’ve been solid, and he has himself a very plus matchup vs. Chicago in Week 9. He’s a useful, if unexciting option.
Thrift Store
Mac Jones, Patriots ($6,600/$4,900): Jones has thrown for two touchdown passes in each of the last two games -- ::ducks flying tomatoes:: -- and while nobody wants to hear that or say anything positive about him and this dreadful offense, it’s just a fact. If you are looking to go super cheap at QB, his matchup vs. a bottom three defense (Washington) by Pass DVOA makes sense.
Running Back
Best Big Name
Jonathan Taylor, Colts ($8,000/$6,400): Taylor’s snaps have risen in each game since he returned from injury and got his new contract, and it’s just in time for the worst run defense in football. Taylor’s gone over 75 rushing yards in back-to-back games, topping 100 total yards vs. a tough Cleveland D two weeks ago, so he will be an absolute smash play against the Panthers in Week 9. We just have to hope he doesn’t get vultured by Zack Moss near the goal line.
Mid Range Value
Tony Pollard, Cowboys ($6,600/$6,800): Pollard is a strange choice here, because the Eagles are the No. 1 run defense in the NFL, and Pollard hasn’t even gotten to 55 rushing yards in his last four games. So why recommend him? First, he’s a threat as a pass-catcher, and with Philly’s pass rushers, Pollard could be a heavily-targeted safety valve. Second, he’s an elite talent, and it’s rare players with Pollard’s ceiling slip into this price range. Sometimes, screw the matchup, and get the player at an unusually low cost.
Thrift Store
Darrell Henderson, Rams ($6,100/$5,100): Henderson was here last week, and he stunk. It was acknowledged that the Rams had a tough matchup, and there was a TD opportunity that the Rams punched in…only it was Royce Freeman. Henderson was still the first man up, and he had an essentially equal snap count to Freeman. With Matthew Stafford possibly out, and at best compromised, the running game will be important for the Rams in a winnable matchup vs. a Packers run D that’s pretty soft. RB2 numbers are definitely here for the taking.
Wide Receivers
Best Big Name
Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals ($9,000/$8,300): Chase has gone for 100+ yards in three of his last five games, and Joe Burrow looks back to full strength. That means Chase is a full go in any matchup, but especially this week against a Bills team that might seem intimidating at first, but one that is down top corner Tre’Davious White and is ranked 29th in DVOA vs. No. 1 receivers per FTN Fantasy. Fire him up.
Mid Range Value
Garrett Wilson, Jets ($7,400/$6,500): Wilson should be canonized for his continued efforts dealing with Zach Wilson at QB. Not only has he not strangled his inconsistent QB, he’s gone for 90+ yards in two straight games, both wins. Finding the end zone has been challenging for everyone on the Jets, but a plus matchup in prime time vs. the Chargers bumbling pass defense should afford another high yardage game, and potentially another trip to the end zone.
Thrift Store
Demario Douglas, Patriots ($5,400/$4,000): Douglas can complete the cheapest of stacks if you have a super high risk tolerance. There’s nothing guaranteed here, as Douglas is a small rookie receiver who has thus far topped out at five receptions and 54 yards, with those marks coming in separate games. But Mac Jones has shown some improvement of late, and Kendrick Bourne’s out for the season, leaving a vacuum for Douglas to step into as the primary target. Maybe he can’t step into that role, but he offers the one thing that Juju Smith-Schuster, Devante Parker, and their TEs do not – explosive play potential. I’m willing to try him out vs. Washington.
Tight End
Best Big Name
Mark Andrews, Ravens ($7,500/$6,800): Andrews has been as steady as they come, and not just boring, non-zero steady. He’s gone over 60 yards in four of his last five games, caught at least four passes in every game he’s played this season, and scored three touchdowns in his last two tilts. The matchup vs. Seattle isn’t cake, but it isn’t overly tough either, and he’s a good amount cheaper than Travis Kelce.
Mid Range Value
Dalton Kincaid, Bills ($5,200/$3,700): Kincaid is beginning to look like the consistent force we hoped he’d be when the Bills invested a first round pick in him. With Dawson Knox out of the picture, Kincaid has been at 65+ yards in two straight games and he found the end zone Thursday night vs. the Bucs. Against Cincinnati, he has a very pliable defense to go up against, so the yardage will be there. If he can get in the end zone he’ll be a top 5 TE easily.
Thrift Store
Jake Ferguson, Cowboys ($5,100/$4,000): Ferguson had a nice matchup last week and found the end zone. I’ve given up on him as a big yardage guy – he’s only gotten past 50 yards once this year – but he definitely can score touchdowns against plus matchups, and Philly has the worst DVOA in the league vs. the position.
Quarterback to Avoid: Justin Herbert, Chargers ($8,100/$7,900)
Running Back to Avoid: Austin Ekeler, Chargers ($8,800/$8,400)
Wide Receiver to Avoid: Terry McLaurin, Commanders ($7,200/$5,600)
Tight End to Avoid: Trey McBride, Cardinals ($5,300/$3,700)