This is a week when postseason positioning will become clearer, both in the NFL and in fantasy. The loser of the Jets (3-5) vs. the Dolphins (4-4) will be in major trouble, as will the loser between the Lions (3-4) and Vikings (4-3-1), and the Titans (3-4) and Cowboys (3-4). Meanwhile, the Falcons (3-4) and Buccaneers (3-4) face must-win contests on the road against two strong 5-2 squads, while the Packers (3-3-1) are clinging to relevance on the road against the 6-2 Patriots. And the Seahawks (4-3) and Ravens (4-4) are at home in brutally important games against arguably better teams.
This all sets the stage for a fascinating weekend of football. Hopefully my DFS 50/50 Lineup of the Week will be just as fascinating, and not in the "Fascinating how bad this lineup is" sort of way.
QB Cam Newton ($8,600) -- Facing a bottom-barrel pass defense and, on balance, a top-5 fantasy QB. I like his odds.
RB Alvin Kamara ($8,000) -- Arguably the most entertaining Week 9 contest, where 10+ guys could have terrific fantasy outputs. Kamara is a fantasy-safe featured performer.
RB Adrian Peterson ($7,500) -- With Chris Thompson out and Kapri Bibbs potentially limited, AP could get 25+ touches against a beatable Atlanta D. Owning a deeply sub-par passing game, Washington will continue to turn to Peterson as their offensive centerpiece.
WR Adam Thielen ($8,900) -- A must-start, aided by the fact Stefon Diggs is hurting.
WR DeVante Parker ($5,800) -- Was last week a fluke? No. With Kenny Stills expected to remain out, Parker is a cheap receiver serving as his team's #1 target.
WR D.J. Moore ($5,300) -- See above. Carolina should put up 30+ in this one, and Moore is a very affordable boom-bust option.
TE David Njoku ($5,200) -- Ignore last weekend's bagel. Njoku is an absolute bargain in what game where Cleveland will be playing from behind.
RB Nick Chubb ($6,600) -- A bit risky given the Chiefs' clear advantage. But I don't think the Browns will give up on Chubb even if they find themselves down 20. He's a franchise-caliber back.
DST Vikings ($4,100) -- The Lions are in trouble, and Minnesota will step up to capitalize.
Good luck today.
This all sets the stage for a fascinating weekend of football. Hopefully my DFS 50/50 Lineup of the Week will be just as fascinating, and not in the "Fascinating how bad this lineup is" sort of way.
QB Cam Newton ($8,600) -- Facing a bottom-barrel pass defense and, on balance, a top-5 fantasy QB. I like his odds.
RB Alvin Kamara ($8,000) -- Arguably the most entertaining Week 9 contest, where 10+ guys could have terrific fantasy outputs. Kamara is a fantasy-safe featured performer.
RB Adrian Peterson ($7,500) -- With Chris Thompson out and Kapri Bibbs potentially limited, AP could get 25+ touches against a beatable Atlanta D. Owning a deeply sub-par passing game, Washington will continue to turn to Peterson as their offensive centerpiece.
WR Adam Thielen ($8,900) -- A must-start, aided by the fact Stefon Diggs is hurting.
WR DeVante Parker ($5,800) -- Was last week a fluke? No. With Kenny Stills expected to remain out, Parker is a cheap receiver serving as his team's #1 target.
WR D.J. Moore ($5,300) -- See above. Carolina should put up 30+ in this one, and Moore is a very affordable boom-bust option.
TE David Njoku ($5,200) -- Ignore last weekend's bagel. Njoku is an absolute bargain in what game where Cleveland will be playing from behind.
RB Nick Chubb ($6,600) -- A bit risky given the Chiefs' clear advantage. But I don't think the Browns will give up on Chubb even if they find themselves down 20. He's a franchise-caliber back.
DST Vikings ($4,100) -- The Lions are in trouble, and Minnesota will step up to capitalize.
Good luck today.