NFL DFS Value Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel - Week 9 DFS Cash Games

Brian Entrekin analyzes optimal DFS cash game value plays for Week 9 of the NFL season. These players are worth considering on FanDuel and DraftKings daily fantasy sports cash games.

We have made it to Week 9 of the NFL season, and for now, all 11 games on the main slate are still on track to play this week. We have many COVID cases to monitor around the league, but for now, it appears all games will be good to go; it just depends on how the rosters look. Right now, there are six games with totals over 50, and there are a couple of games that really stand out as smash spots.

When looking at the Week 9 slate, there is a lot of value; if you have any questions, do not hesitate to chat it up with me on Twitter @bdentrek. When looking at the quarterback position, there are some strong options up top, even in the midpack with the likes of Justin Herbert. If looking to save, though, it is clear cut with Carr or Lock against two very sub-par defenses. There are a lot of injuries to monitor at the running back position this week. One example would be the  Dolphins may have some serious value with Patrick Laird if Matt Breida sits. The wide receiver and tight end position are nice pay up spots if needed, but there are a few nice values at the WR position and a few more that may open up with the Broncos based on some injury news there as well.

This article will take a look at some of the value plays for each week of the NFL. However, when you look at value plays for GPP, you are swinging for the fences somewhat. Here I will be focusing on cash games and the necessity for slightly more safety as you are just looking to finish in the top half or so of the competition. Therefore, we are looking for cheaper players who should see a decent workload, pass attempts, targets, or carriers. Let's take a look at the cash value plays for Week 9 of the 2020 NFL season.

Week 9 Quarterback Cash Game Value Plays

Derek Carr, LV at LAC | DK: $5,700, FD: $7,000

Carr rolls into his Week 9 matchup versus the Chargers as one of the slate's better values. Before last week's windy mess in Cleveland, Carr had at least 30 pass attempts in every game this season while throwing for 280+ yards in four of those games. In four of his last five games before last week's windy mess, Carr has scored 20+ fantasy points in four of five games. He has been surprisingly steady this season and now faces a Chargers Defense that ranks 29 on the season versus the pass and over the last four weeks ranks 31 versus the pass. The Chargers are allowing nearly 280 passing yards and nearly three passing touchdowns over the last four games to opposing quarterbacks. With an implied team total close to 26, Carr should be in line to chuck it around a lot on Sunday and find his way to another 20+ point outing.

Drew Lock, DEN at ATL | DK: $5,200, FD: $7,200

Lock is coming off back to back weeks with two 40+ pass attempts and now gets a juicy matchup versus the Falcons. A Falcons Defense that is 31 on the season versus the pass allowing nearly three passing touchdowns and over 320 passing yards per game. They have been slightly better in recent weeks but still allowing two passing touchdowns per game. Lock will be throwing a lot to Noah Fant and a trio of young wide receivers that should be able to slice and dice the Falcons. Lock is not as "safe" as Carr but is a very nice piece this week versus a Falcons defense that has been giving away fantasy points to quarterbacks like Oprah gives away cars.

If Matt Stafford does not play Sunday, then Chase Daniels is a great cash punt.

Week 9 Running Back Cash Game Value Plays

David Johnson, HOU at JAX | DK: $5,600, FD: $6,800

It is becoming a weekly trend where I discuss DJ as a cash game value. He has another great matchup this week in a game where the Texans are seven-point road favorites, and they have an implied team total of 29 points. DJ has not jumped off the page like other backs, but he brings a solid floor to a cash game lineup. He has racked up 18 or more touches in four straight games and has put up double-digit fantasy points six of seven games this season. He will also be going up against a Jags defense that ranked 29 in the last four games versus running backs. They allow over 120 rushing yards, six receptions, and over 30 fantasy points per game to running backs over the four games. DJ will bring the cash game volume we look for with a strong upside this week.

Wayne Gallman Jr, NYG at WAS | DK: $4,500 FD: $5,500

This is only a play if Devonta Freeman is out on Sunday. Over the last two weeks, we have seen what Gallman can do with a decent workload, and it has been very cash game worthy. He has had 13 or more touches in each of the last two weeks, leading to double-digit fantasy production. Two weeks ago, he even had five catches on five targets, which obviously boosts things up on DK. He will be going up against a stingy WAS defense, but overall I am not concerned as both teams should move the ball on Sunday. It is not a play for the faint of heart, and there may be other value that pops up with injury news, but for now, Gallman brings a strong floor on Sunday. (Freeman has been ruled out for Sunday.)

Week 9 Wide Receiver Cash Game Value Plays

Terry McLaurin, WAS vs NYG | DK: $6,500, FD: $7,200

Just another week where McLaurin is mispriced. He has had seven or more targets in every game this season and has scored double-digit fantasy points in all but one game this season. Even with a tough matchup this weekend, people should not be concerned as McLaurin has basically been matchup proof. The Washington Football Team does not have many options in the passing game, so he gets forced the ball early and often. When starting a cash lineup, you should try and get Keenan Allen and McLaurin in all your lineups, if possible.

Sterling Shepard, NYG at WAS | DK: $4,800, FD: $5,500

Shepard returned from injury in Week 7 and has been the volume receiver we grew to love. He has been targeted at least eight times in each game and hauled in at least six catches on his way to strong double-digit fantasy point performances. He will face off with Ronald Darby, who had been good this season, but volume alone should allow Shepard to feast. Throw on top of the volume an outstanding price point, and you have strong cash gameplay.

Darnell Mooney, CHI at TEN | DK: $3,900, FD: $5,500

If you are looking for a great price point and tons of volume, look no further than Mooney. Mooney has been targeted five or more times over the last six games and has three or more catches in three straight weeks. He will be facing a Titans Defense that ranks 32 over the four games, allowing nearly two receiving touchdowns per game over that stretch. Mooney continues to gain favor with Foles, and in a game that could go back and forth, Mooney should get targeted quite a bit for a player at his price point.

Week 9 Tight End Cash Game Value Plays

Logan Thomas, WAS vs NYG | DK: $3,700, FD: $5,000

The volume has been around all season for Thomas, but the production has begun to show up the last couple of weeks with Kyle Allen under center. He has been targeted at least four times in every game this season, but he has three or more catches in the last two weeks. He also has 40 or more yards and has found the end zone in each of the last two games. Allen loves his tight ends, especially in the red zone, and has shown big-time with Thomas. Over the last four games, the Giants Defense allows over double-digit points to opposing tight ends, and Thomas should be just another one to add to the list this weekend.

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