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Brandon Murchison analyzes optimal DFS value plays for tournaments for Week 8 of the NFL season. These GPP value plays are worth considering on FanDuel and DraftKings daily fantasy sports games.
Week 7 in DFS proved to be the week of the quarterback plays. And we're not just talking top names either. Sure, Aaron Rodgers exploded for a HUGE day (429 yards and 6 total TDs), but it was the players behind him that helped owners cash in. Matthew Stafford, Jacoby Brissett, and Ryan Fitzpatrick all provided Top 10 scoring days at very affordable prices to build lineups. The running back position (outside of Chase Edmonds' big week) seemed to have a down week in scoring with many players not meeting expectations. But it was the receiving position that also paid off with several under the radar plays last week. Marvin Jones led the way with a big day (93 yards and 4 TDs) while Zach Pascal and Alex Erickson were top-10 scorers who were the ultimate lottery tickets for those lucky enough to roster them.
Heading into Week 8, it's a guessing game as to which direction we should go as we fill out our DFS lineups. Week after week we continue to see studs underperform, while the lesser-known players rise up the scoring leaderboards. So where does that leave you as you prepare for the week? With some top fantasy names on bye with the Ravens and Cowboys, there will be opportunities to dive deeper down the board for the under the radar plays to pay off. Sure, there will be some chalk plays with Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, and Julio Jones. But our normal go-to plays in Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley will be tested with their tough matchups. Learning how to study the matchups and find the right plays is what pays off for the owners that cash consistently.
So what are some of the under the radar plays that can help you cash in this weekend? That is what we look to identify in the Week 8 Sneaky Plays for DFS.
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Week 8 Quarterback Value Play for GPPs
Ryan Tannehill vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($6,900 FanDuel, $5,100 DraftKings)
Getting the nod to start in Week 7, Tannehill provided a spark to a dormant Titans passing attack. Throwing for 312 yards and two scores made him an under the radar play a week ago. He should remain in that category for Week 8 as he faces a Buccaneers Defense that currently ranks sixth in points allowed to opposing QBs (21.4 FPPG). The Buccaneers have surrendered multiple passing scores in each of the past four games and that trend should continue here. Look for Tannehill to utilize his weapons on the outside (Corey Davis and A.J. Brown) with some success. He may not hit the 300-yard mark again this week, but two scores from a very cheap and low-owned option is a good starting point as you build your lineup.
Week 8 Running Back Value Plays for GPPs
Duke Johnson vs. Oakland Raiders ($5,300 FanDuel, $3,800 DraftKings)
Johnson continues to be an underutilized piece in the Texans offense. He is among the league leaders in some of the top statistical categories at the position (yards after contact, yards per touch, and yards per carry). Yet a majority of the workload still flows through Carlos Hyde. Look for that to change in Week 8 as the Texans face a Raiders Defense currently allowing 18.2 FPPG to running backs. The Raiders have been successful in keeping opposing runners in check over the last three games. But where they have been taken advantage of is by pass-catching running backs, where they have allowed at least seven catches over that span. This is an area where the Texans must use Johnson this week, especially with the absence of Will Fuller. Johnson may not tear it up as a runner, but give me five catches for 60 yards and a score as a low-priced flex option and I am happy.
Ronald Jones @ Tennessee Titans ($5,600 FanDuel, $4,300 DraftKings)
Call this my longshot of the week, but I have a gut feeling Ronald Jones surprises many in the fantasy community in Week 8. Yes, the Titans have been rather stingy against opposing runners (22nd in the league at 17.4 FPPG). Yes, Jones continues to split work in the backfield with Peyton Barber. But with Jameis Winston continuing to self-implode during games, the Buccaneers must try to find some balance on offense to succeed. The Titans have allowed the third-most points to opposing backs through the air, giving Jones a glimmer of hope this week. The hope is that coming out of the bye week, the team is more willing to see what they have in Jones and feature him more in this game. He'll likely split the rushes with Barber, but he could find his value as a pass-catcher in this matchup. He'll be essentially free in DFS this week and a player that no one will be using in their lineups. If he hits, at his price point, he will be a lottery ticket for owners in Week 8.
Week 8 Wide Receiver Value Plays for GPPs
D.K. Metcalf @ Atlanta Falcons ($6,600 FanDuel, $5,000 DraftKings)
Coming off a career-high nine targets a week ago, Metcalf's stock is beginning to rise. Although he has yet to exceed more than four catches in a game this season, he is a player I would target in DFS in Week 8. He will be facing a Falcons Defense that is among the league's worst in points allowed to receivers (fifth at 28.0 FPPG). Metcalf currently leads the Seahawks in air yards (575) and the Falcons are susceptible to giving up the big play (28 passing plays of 20-plus yards, third-most in the league). All this lines up well for a big day from Metcalf. He likely lands a big play for a score and should finish the day with over 100 yards. Plug him in as your WR3 in DFS and reap the rewards.
Jamison Crowder @ Jacksonville Jaguars ($5,800 FanDuel, $4,800 DraftKings)
On paper, the matchup in Week 8 for Crowder may not seem like the best. He will be lined up exclusively during the game against D.J. Hayden, who has played extremely well. But coming off of a poor showing on Monday night against the Patriots, this Jets offense will be looking to get going early in this game. Just a week ago, Tyler Boyd saw 14 targets in this same matchup. Even though he was limited, the opportunities were there. I don't expect we see a target barrage for Crowder in this game, but the makings of a solid floor could be there. At such a low price in DFS, Crowder could pay off well as your WR3 with a five-catch game for 85 yards and a score.
Week 8 Tight End Value Play for GPPs
T.J. Hockenson vs. New York Giants ($5,300 FanDuel, $3,500 DraftKings)
Hockenson hasn't been very exciting as of late, mostly just a steady performer with 10 catches over his last three games. In Week 8 the matchup doesn't get any easier with a matchup against a Giants Defense that is currently one of the league's best in points allowed to the position (5.0 FPPG). They have not allowed a touchdown since Week 1 and have rarely surrendered more than two catches in a game. With much of the focus being on the outside with Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, I can see Matthew Stafford attacking this defense through the middle of the field. If you can get five catches and a score from Hockenson in this game, consider it a victory in DFS. He will be a low-owned option that many owners will not think to roster. Plug him in as your tight end while you load up your roster elsewhere.
