X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


LINEUP RESOURCES

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

XFL DFS Value Plays: Week 2 Bargain Bin for DraftKings Including Brandon Silvers, Jahcour Pearson, Sal Cannella, More

Welcome to the Week 2 edition of RotoBaller's XFL DFS Bargain Bin, where the goal is to touch on some potentially mispriced players in DraftKings' Week 2 XFL contests. Each week during the XFL 2023 season and postseason, I’ll give you my thoughts on where there may be some value spots to exploit for DraftKings' wide array of tournaments and cash games. After you're done here, be sure to also read all our other weekly XFL fantasy football articles.

The XFL's opening weekend didn't disappoint, as three of the first four games were decided by four points or less and the play around the league was of solid quality overall. Offenses should continue to make strides each week as they catch up to the defenses, which should lead to increasingly fruitful performances for DFS purposes.

DraftKings' XFL DFS rosters largely mirror that of NFL contests, with a notable exception – there is no TE-specific spot, but rather two WR/TE spots and two additional Flex spots that can be filled with a running back, wide receiver, or tight end.

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association including Baseball Writer of the Year, Football Writers of the Year, Golf Writer of the Year and many more! Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!

 

XFL DFS Bargain Bin Intro

Before we go XFL DFS Bargain Bin hunting, a few particulars about format and content.

The nature of the beast with value plays is at least a modest amount (and sometimes substantially more) of risk. Therefore, the Bargain Bin may prove to be a bit more of a rollercoaster ride on some slates than your typical “tout” article! Naturally, that doesn’t mean there isn’t an upside to be had. All of these selections are therefore suitable for GPPs and can also often serve as solid cash game plays, while often helping you accommodate multiple higher-priced studs into your lineup.

This article is by no means intended to serve as an exhaustive list of all value options for the week. Rather, it’s meant to take a deeper dive into those I feel offer some of the best combinations of savings and upside.

The goal is to recommend truly affordable players, as opposed to, say, a player priced just $300-$400 away from the highest-priced option at his position. I don’t have set-in-stone price limits in mind for each site, but I do consider legitimate affordability a very important criterion.

 

XFL Quarterback DFS Value Plays              

Brandon Silvers, HOU vs. ARL | $8,600

Silvers looked proficient for the most part running coordinator A.J. Smith's aggressive offense against the Guardians in Week 1, accruing 16.9 DK points across 42 pass attempts. The spring league vet displayed plenty of chemistry with the capable trio of former NFL wideout Deontay Burnett, as well as LSU alum Jontre Kirklin and Washington State product Travell Harris.

Silvers does seemingly have a tough task against a Renegades defense that picked off the Vipers' Luis Perez twice and sacked him three times in Week 1. However, there's little doubt he'll have plenty of opportunities to put the ball in the air given Smith's aggressive approach, and Arlington did demonstrate some vulnerability against the pass in the opener while allowing Perez to complete 11 of his first 12 attempts.

ALSO CONSIDER: Jack Coan, SA at ORL | $8,200

XFL Running Back DFS Value Plays   

Kalen Ballage, SA at ORL | $7,100

Ballage saw an encouragingly hefty workload in Week 1 against the Battlehawks, logging a whopping 24 carries and four targets through the air as well. The bruising back generated a respectable 12.7 DK points in the process, and he now gets a crack at a Guardians team the Brahmas could potentially overwhelm by the second half, which would give Ballage a chance at a robust touch total once again.

Orlando allowed the Roughnecks running back duo of Max Borghi and Dejoun Lee to net 67 rushing yards and a touchdown (Borghi) on 14 carries in Week 1. What's more, Borghi also recorded four receptions along the way, which brightens Ballage's prospects further considering his own impressive pass-catching chops.

De'Veon Smith, ARL at HOU | $5,700

Smith logged 15 carries out of the gate in Arlington's opener Saturday against the Vipers, and while he only parlayed them into 42 yards, it was still encouraging to see he was the clear-cut lead back. Smith also posted a 2-15 line on three targets, helping lead to an acceptable 8.7 DK points. The one-time Tampa Bay Vipers bruiser back in XFL 2.0 should be in line for a run as lead back against the Roughnecks after outpacing backfield mate Keith Ford by six carries.

The Roughnecks had the luxury of building a big early lead against the Guardians in the opener and therefore didn't have to worry much about the running game after a certain point. However, Orlando lead back Jah-Maine Martin did enjoy some success while recording 41 yards on nine carries, while backup Kelvin Taylor chipped in 28 yards on just five rushes. Therefore, Smith could find the running room a bit less at a premium versus Houston, especially with Wade Phillips' unit typically focused first and foremost on getting after the quarterback.

ALSO CONSIDER: Brenden Knox, SEA vs. STL | $6,400

 

XFL Wide Receiver DFS Value Plays      

Jahcour Pearson, SEA vs. STL | $7,300

Pearson was exceedingly busy right out of the gate for the Sea Dragons in Week 1, recording a massive 14 targets and parlaying them into a 12-95 line that yielded 21.5 DK points. The Western Kentucky and Ole Miss product proved to be similarly productive and involved in college while compiling over 1,500 all-purpose yards, and he could well play a pivotal role again in June Jones' pass-happy offense Thursday night.

The Battlehawks gave up 16 receptions to wideouts in Week 1, and that was against an inexperienced quarterback in Jack Coan and a much more run-centric game plan than they'll face Thursday night. Pearson was frequently targeted in the shorter, high-percentage areas of the field in the opener, and that could certainly lead to another strong return in Week 2.

Travell Harris, HOU vs. ARL | $5,900

Harris is another accomplished college wideout that had a solid Week 1 and plays in a pass-heavy offense, which makes him appealing at his current salary. The Washington State alum was able to post a 5-48 line on 11 targets against the Guardians in Week 1, and although he has plenty of competition for looks in the likes of Burnett and Kirklin, Harris' versatility could still result in a fruitful role.

The Renegades' pass defense was more effective against the Vipers' Perez as the game went on Saturday, but the Roughnecks don't shape up as the type of team that will back down offensively. Additionally, Arlington's run defense was an absolute brick wall versus Las Vegas, which could lead to Houston going even more pass-heavy than they already would be.

Austin Proehl, STL at SEA | $4,400

Proehl looked the part in the Week 1 comeback against the Brahmas, making a clutch sideline catch on the 4th-and-15 onside kick alternative play that began what would turn out to be St. Louis' game-winning march, and then hauling in the game-winning touchdown as well.

The North Carolina product finished with a solid 4-49-1 line that netted 17.9 DK points, and given the trust he undoubtedly earned from A.J. McCarron, he should be in for another solid role Thursday night against a Sea Dragons defense that will be facing a more polished quarterback than they did while going up against the Defenders' Jordan Ta'amu in the opener.

ALSO CONSIDER: Cody Latimer, ORL vs. SA | $3,700

 

XFL Flex DFS Value Plays  

Sal Cannella, TE - ARL at HOU | $6,500

Cannella looked like he hadn't missed a beat since his standout season in the USFL last spring when he racked up 14 DK points on the strength of a 7-70 line in Week 1 against the Vipers. The Auburn alum led the Renegades across the board in receptions, receiving yards, and targets for the night, and that was while working with a quarterback previously unfamiliar to him in Drew Plitt.

The Roughnecks allowed four catches on five targets to Guardians tight ends Logan Carter and Ryan Becker in Week 1, and although those receptions only totaled 12 yards, Cannella has the downfield prowess to make much better use of his opportunities. Additionally, Houston's blitz-happy ways could indeed lead to Plitt having to get the ball out especially quickly, a circumstance in which Cannella could often serve as a safety valve.

Hakeem Butler, WR - STL at SEA | $5,400

Butler wasted no time beginning to build his case for an eventual return to the NFL in Week 1, coming down with a clutch 18-yard scoring grab in traffic to help ignite the Battlehawks' miracle comeback versus the Brahmas. The 6-foot-5 target and one-time fourth-round pick of the Cardinals could have an even bigger role Thursday night after getting one game with McCarron under his belt.

The Sea Dragons did play excellent pass defense against the Defenders' Ta'amu in Week 1 while forcing him well under a 50.0 percent completion rate, but McCarron, who has 17 games of NFL experience on his resume, could certainly enjoy more success. Then, Butler's size makes him a very difficult player to defend and quite the asset in the red zone, affording him plenty of upside at a very modest salary.

ALSO CONSIDER: Ryquell Armstead, RB - DC at LV | $4,600; Cinque Sweeting, WR - LV vs. DC | $4,500



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!




Win Big With RotoBaller

Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:

More Weekly DFS Analysis




LINEUP RESOURCES

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

ROTOBALLER PLAYER NEWS

Marc-Andre Fleury3 hours ago

Takes Loss Against Flyers
Matthew Boldy3 hours ago

Scores Twice Against Flyers
Bryce Young4 hours ago

Impresses At Pro Day
Eddy Piñeiro4 hours ago

Panthers Re-Sign Eddy Pineiro To Two-Year Deal
Tony Jones Jr.4 hours ago

Signs One-Year Deal With Broncos
Alex Cobb4 hours ago

Might Not Be Ready For Opening Day
Franz Wagner5 hours ago

Won't Return On Thursday
Bradley Beal5 hours ago

Won't Suit Up On Friday
Tyrese Haliburton5 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Friday
Eric Gordon5 hours ago

Gets Starting Nod On Thursday
Kelly Oubre6 hours ago

Jr. Won't Return On Thursday
Deandre Ayton6 hours ago

To Miss Next Two Games
Terry Rozier6 hours ago

Doubtful To Return On Thursday
Mychal Givens6 hours ago

Resumes Throwing
Josh Winckowski6 hours ago

To Begin Season In Bullpen
Drey Jameson6 hours ago

Roughed Up On Thursday
Michael Soroka6 hours ago

Optioned To Minors
Drew Rucinski6 hours ago

Resumes Throwing
Daniel Lynch6 hours ago

Removed Early On Thursday
Rhys Hoskins7 hours ago

Tears ACL
Spencer Steer7 hours ago

Expected To Be Reds Opening Day 3B
Will Brennan7 hours ago

Standing Out This Spring
Brice Turang7 hours ago

Impressing This Spring
Jared Shuster7 hours ago

Having Torrid Spring
Logan O'Hoppe7 hours ago

Could Make Angels Opening Day Roster
Mitchell Robinson8 hours ago

To Play On Thursday
Jalen Brunson8 hours ago

Officially Out For Thursday
LeBron James8 hours ago

Begins On-Court Activity
Jalen Brunson8 hours ago

Uncertain For Thursday
Jalen Duren8 hours ago

Removed From Injury Report
Esteban Quiroz9 hours ago

Phillies Acquire Esteban Quiroz From Cubs
Kyle Tucker9 hours ago

Expects To Be Ready For Opening Day
Will Levis9 hours ago

Meeting With Panthers Thursday
Ryan Succop9 hours ago

Buccaneers Release Ryan Succop
Ezekiel Elliott9 hours ago

Narrows His List Down To Three Teams
Hunter Brown10 hours ago

Still Not Throwing
Brandon Nimmo10 hours ago

Triples In Minor-League Game
Jared Spurgeon10 hours ago

Returns From Illness Thursday
Anthony Duclair10 hours ago

Available Again Thursday
Jason Heyward10 hours ago

Officially On Opening Day Roster
Ville Husso10 hours ago

Out With A Lower-Body Injury
Jimmy Nelson10 hours ago

To Open Year On Injured List
Tom Murphy10 hours ago

Back In Lineup
Darcy Kuemper10 hours ago

Back In Capitals Crease Thursday
Jarred Kelenic10 hours ago

Back In Lineup
John Carlson10 hours ago

Set To Return Thursday
Josh Anderson10 hours ago

Out On Thursday
Oliver Ekman-Larsson11 hours ago

Not Expected To Return This Season
Lukas Dostal11 hours ago

In Goal Thursday For Anaheim
Logan Thompson11 hours ago

Starting Thursday Against Flames
Joel Hofer12 hours ago

Guards Cage Against Detroit
Scottie Barnes12 hours ago

Could Be Out Again Friday
Jeremy Swayman12 hours ago

Confirmed Starting Goalie Thursday
Precious Achiuwa12 hours ago

Regarded As Questionable For Friday
Jake Allen12 hours ago

Between The Pipes Against Boston
Gary Trent12 hours ago

Jr. Questionable For Friday
Tommy Sweeney12 hours ago

Giants Signing Tommy Sweeney
Marc-Andre Fleury12 hours ago

Protects Crease Thursday
Norman Powell12 hours ago

Misses A Ninth Consecutive Game
Zay Flowers12 hours ago

To Meet With Saints, Giants
Bryce Young12 hours ago

Meets With Raiders
Mark Williams12 hours ago

Remains Out On Thursday
DeAndre Hopkins12 hours ago

Bills Headline Trade Market For DeAndre Hopkins
Ty Johnson13 hours ago

Jets Bring Back Ty Johnson
Mitchell Robinson13 hours ago

Questionable For Thursday
KJ Hamler13 hours ago

To Miss 4-6 Months With Torn Pec
Jamison Crowder13 hours ago

Giants Agree To Terms With Jamison Crowder
Mecole Hardman14 hours ago

Ahead Of Schedule
San Francisco 49ers14 hours ago

49ers Sign Austin Bryant To One-Year Deal
Maycee Barber14 hours ago

Can Continue Her Flyweight Ascent
Andrea Lee14 hours ago

In Need Of Victory To Keep Momentum Going
Detroit Lions14 hours ago

Jalen Reeves-Maybin Returns To Lions
Damien Harris14 hours ago

James Cook, Damien Harris To Share Backfield
MMA14 hours ago

Manel Kape On The Hunt For Fourth Straight Victory Saturday
Tony Pollard14 hours ago

Signs Franchise Tag
Alex Perez14 hours ago

Seeking First Victory Since 2020
Cincinnati Bengals14 hours ago

Bengals Have Had Trade Talks Centered Around Jonah Williams
Albert Duraev15 hours ago

Can Rebound With A Victory
C.J. Ham15 hours ago

Vikings Give C.J. Ham A Two-Year Extension
Chidi Njokuani15 hours ago

Hopes To Get Back In Win Column
Odell Beckham Jr.15 hours ago

Jets Interest In Odell Beckham Jr. "Very Real"
Nikola Jokic16 hours ago

Leads Nuggets To 14-Point Win
Pascal Siakam16 hours ago

Leads All Scorers In Losing Effort
Jaren Jackson16 hours ago

Jr. Scores Season-High 37 Points In Win
J.T. Compher17 hours ago

Grabs Two Points Against Pittsburgh
Sidney Crosby17 hours ago

Makes History By Reaching 30 Goals
Jeff Carter17 hours ago

Pots Two Goals In Victory Over Colorado
Nick Schmaltz17 hours ago

Posts Two Assists Wednesday
Clayton Keller18 hours ago

Stays Hot With Two Goals
Leon Draisaitl18 hours ago

Hands Out Four Assists
Taylor Montgomery2 days ago

A Hard Fade In Austin
Sam Burns2 days ago

Hard To Trust At WGC Dell Match Play
Max Homa2 days ago

A Strong Contender In Austin
Tom Hoge3 days ago

A Bracket-Buster In Match Play
Hideki Matsuyama3 days ago

Doesn't Perform In Match Play
Kamaru Usman3 days ago

Unsuccessful In Bid To Recapture Title
Leon Edwards3 days ago

Defends Crown At UFC 286
Viktor Hovland3 days ago

Has Struggled In Match Play
Rafael Fiziev3 days ago

Has Strong Showing But Takes Loss
Justin Gaethje3 days ago

Puts On Another Highlight-Reel Performance
Tyrrell Hatton3 days ago

The Favorite In His Group
Bryan Barberena3 days ago

Suffers Second Straight Submission Loss
Gunnar Nelson3 days ago

Scores Impressive Finish At UFC 286
Will Zalatoris3 days ago

Needs Birdies At WGC Match Play
Jordan Spieth3 days ago

Can Advance At WGC Match Play
Matt Fitzpatrick3 days ago

May Struggle At WGC Match Play
Chris Kirk3 days ago

Draws A Bit Unlucky At WGC Match Play
Patrick Cantlay3 days ago

Has Good Chance At WGC Match Play
Brian Harman3 days ago

Has Putter's Chance To Contend At WGC
Tommy Fleetwood3 days ago

Has Challenge At WGC Match Play
Casey O'Neill4 days ago

Takes First Defeat Against Former Champion
Jennifer Maia4 days ago

Earns Decision Win Over Undefeated Opponent
Roman Dolidze4 days ago

Suffers Setback With Decision Loss
Marvin Vettori4 days ago

Picks Up Decision Win
Kyle Busch4 days ago

Finishes In Top 10 At Atlanta
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Finishes Strong In Atlanta
Erik Jones4 days ago

Gets His First Top-10 Finish Of The Season
Ryan Blaney4 days ago

Bounces Back From Speeding Penalty
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Has A Strong Showing
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Hangs in For Fifth Place At Atlanta
Corey Lajoie4 days ago

Corey LaJoie Uses Course To Advantage On Sunday
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Ends Up With Another Top Five Result
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Brad Keselowski Noses Christopher Bell Out For Second
Joey Logano4 days ago

Goes From Pole To Win Sunday
Todd Gilliland5 days ago

Starts 23rd
Ryan Preece5 days ago

Starts 24th At The AmBetter Health 400
AJ Allmendinger5 days ago

Eyes Another Strong Finish
NASCAR5 days ago

Ricky Stenhouse Eyes Back-To-Back Superspeedway Wins
Tyler Reddick5 days ago

May Be Overlooked
Erik Jones5 days ago

Is A Value Play At Atlanta
Denny Hamlin5 days ago

Seeks Better Results
Noah Gragson5 days ago

Might Surprise At Atlanta Motor Speedway
Austin Dillon5 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Atlanta
Ty Dillon5 days ago

Hoping To Keep Car Running At Atlanta
NASCAR5 days ago

J.J. Yeley Starts 34th Sunday At Ambetter Health 400
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF