Winning in daily fantasy isn’t always about outsmarting everyone else through contrarian picks. Yes, you want to differentiate your lineup to increase your odds at winning in tournaments, but you can’t ignore the studs that are worth their high price tags.
Here are top players to consider actually playing during Week 6:
DREW BREES, QB, New Orleans ($7,200 DraftKings/$8,600 FanDuel)
Since 2008, Brees averages 364 yards, 3.2 touchdowns and 25.5 fantasy points when he comes off a by. Those numbers jump to 382, 3.6 and 27.6 when it’s a home or dome game. This wek, the Saints are at home (in a dome) after a bye. The Lions have been better on defense this year, but even so, they are still only mediocre. With or without Willie Snead, the Lions will have lots of trouble slowing down Brees. It’s rare to see 3X-plus value staring you in the face, but the post-bye numbers from Brees show evidence of that.
C.J. ANDERSON, RB, Denver ($6,600/$7,000)
The Giants are in disarray. Not only have they lost their entire receiving corps, their run defense was left in 2016. The Giants were a feared defense in the second half last season, but now they are giving up the 10th most fantasy points to running backs. On top of that, the Giants could easily get shut out facing this Broncos defense with Roger Lewis as their top receiver. With the Broncos likely easily in control during the second half, they’ll be playing ball control and grinding out the clock. That means Anderson is in line for a heavy workload, and Melvin Gordon put up 163 yards and two touchdowns in a close game against the Giants last week.
JARVIS LANDRY, WR, Miami ($6,600/$6,500)
While Landry’s season isn’t overly impressive, he does have 43 targets in four games. Landry would have more than 31 receptions if not for Jay Cutler, but that’s still a nice total for point-per-reception or half-point PPR scoring - and the matchup makes it even more promising. Brian Poole mans the slot and has been one of the worst cover cornerbacks in the league. With DeVante Parker banged up even if he plays, Landry is guaranteed to see double-digit targets yet again. With this matchup, Landry can finally get his first 100-plus yard game of the season and maybe even a score.
EVAN ENGRAM, TE, New York Giants ($3,800/$5,300)
Back to those Giants, Eli Manning needs to throw to someone. While the Broncos defense isn’t a unit you want to face when lacking weapons, they’re actually allowing the seventh most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Before last week’s zero, Engram had at least four receptions and 44 yards in each game with 30 targets. Jason Witten had 13 targets for 10 receptions, 97 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 against this defense. The Giants can only hope and pray that Engram can come close to those numbers, as he might just be their top weapon left. All of that said, if you can afford Rob Gronkowski and/or Travis Kelce and he’s playing, please pay up for those studs.
BRONCOS DEFENSE ($4,000/$5,400)
While Engram is a strong play, the Broncos defense is even better. As mentioned already, the Giants have fallen apart and are without Odell Beckham, Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard. Lewis, Tavarres King and Travis Rudolph are their top three receivers. How many of you knew those names before this week? Additionally, the offense line is still one of the worst in the league, particularly in run blocking. That’s a big problem as the Broncos are the most dominant team against the run. With no run game to keep the defense honest, Eli Manning can easily become overly aggressive and turn the ball over multiple times. Sacks, turnovers and potential DST touchdowns make the Broncos defense a lock.
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This column was provided to The Associated Press by the Fantasy Sports Network, https://FNTSY.com
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