Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is primed for a bounceback in Week 9. (Getty)
Week 9 has kicked off in a big way … for Bengals studs Andy Dalton and Tyler Eifert, at least.
Dalton, Cincinnati’s resurgent quarterback, hooked up with tight end Eifert three times for touchdowns in Thursday night’s thrashing of the Browns. If you had them in your DraftKings lineup, I don’t need to tell you you’re off to a stellar start.
But for this post, we’re going to focus on some of the best picks and lineups for the games on Sunday and Monday.
I’m feeling good heading into Week 9 since I fortunately used Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. together in a couple lineups last weekend. Made some money despite Doug Martin’s attempt to sabotage it all. Nice try, Muscle Hamster. Back to the wheel with you.
So the two lineups below are ones I’m leaning toward using. Of course, things could always change at 12:54 p.m. Eastern on Sunday.
I’ve put together a balanced lineup, which I really like on paper. Then one with a few boom or bust players mixed with some consistent-as-they-come stars. Those boom or bust types are the ones who can make you big money if they work out. Though they are certainly risky. But sometimes you gotta go all in and pull the trigger.
Don’t forget to bookmark our fantasy football rankings 2015 page to keep up-to-date on the latest projections and rankings so you know you who to start and who to sit each week.
Bye weeks: Cardinals, Lions, Chiefs, Ravens, Seahawks and Texans
Here are some of the Draftkings lineups I am leaning toward using in Week 9:
Balanced Lineup
QB Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers ($6,600), vs. Raiders (27th vs. opposing QBs) — I like Big Ben and I cannot lie. He was a little off in his return to the lineup (1 TD, 3 INTs), I can’t deny. But we know that won’t be the norm. That price, that opponent and a ton of throws (definite possibility for a 3-point bonus for 300+ yards)
RB Chris Ivory, Jets ($5,900), vs. Jaguars (28th vs. opposing RBs) — Everyone is down on Ivory after two-straight stinkers, but this juicy Jags jaunt should be what he needs to get back on track.
RB Danny Woodhead, Chargers ($4,800), vs. Bears (9th vs. opposing RBs) — Woodhead might not get more than a handful of carries (unless Melvin Gordon gets another case of fumblitis), but he’ll do some damage in the passing game, especially now Keenan Allen is done.
WR Julio Jones, Falcons ($9,300), at 49ers (27th vs. opposing WRs) — I saved salary in other spots so I was able to splurge on Jones, who has a chop-licking matchup vs. a struggling Niners secondary.
WR Demaryius Thomas, Broncos ($7,500), at Colts (24th vs. opposing WRs) — Thomas isn’t getting in the endzone, but he is the 4th-most targeted receiver in the NFL. Another big game is likely in the cards vs. a beatable Colts D.
WR Michael Crabtree, Raiders ($4,900), at Steelers (22nd vs. opposing WRs) — The Raiders passing game is no joke and Crabtree has seen 20 targets over the past 2 games. Nobody should be complaining about that price tag, either.
TE Heath Miller, Steelers ($2,700), vs. Raiders (31st vs. opposing TEs) — When Ben Roethlisberger has played the entire game, Miller averages 17.1 points in DraftKings. When Big Ben isn’t on the field, well, my calculator laughed. Also, the Raiders have gotten a reputation for being atrocious covering opposing tight ends.
FLEX Rishard Matthews (WR), Dolphins, ($4,500), at Bills (25th vs. opposing WRs) — Matthews always flies under the radar despite leading his team in receiving yards and receiving TDs. And now he’s an inexpensive play vs. a rather soft pass defense.
DST Atlanta Falcons ($3,400), at 49ers (31st vs. opposing DSTs) — Blaine Gabbert is going to lead the 49ers offensive “attack” now that Colin Kaepernick has been benched. Not too sure this will help San Fran. The Falcons might be the obvious pick here, but they’re also a wise one. Don’t overthink it.
Sleepers & Studs Lineup
QB Derek Carr, Raiders ($5,500), vs. Raiders (15th vs. opposing QBs) — Carr has 7 TD passes over the past 2 games and the Steelers, while playing better in the secondary, are vulnerable. And despite that price, Carr probably won’t be widely used. I’m on the Carr bandwagon riding shotgun.
RB Jeremy Langford, Bears ($4,000), at Chargers (32nd vs. opposing RBs) — Sleeper No. 1 is Langford, who will be playing for the injured Matt Forte (knee). The Chargers are the most generous DraftKings defense when it comes to fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs.
RB Antonio Andrews, Titans ($3,800), at Saints (26th vs. opposing RBs) — Interim Titans coach Mike Mularkey stated Andrews will be a workhorse. We’ll see. But the price and matchup are equally attractive. If you hit on a longshot in DraftKings, it can really pay off.
WR Odell Beckham Jr., Giants ($8,800), at Buccaneers (29th vs. opposing WRs) — One of the most productive receivers in DraftKings and has a mouthwatering matchup.
WR Julian Edelman, Patriots ($8,200), vs. Redskins (20th vs. opposing WRs) — See above.
WR Antonio Brown, Steelers ($8,100), vs. Raiders (21st vs. opposing WRs) — See above. Then above one more.
TE Benjamin Watson, Saints ($4,000), vs. Titans (19th vs. opposing TEs) — One of the hottest tight ends in the league has Drew Brees’ complete confidence. Sign me up.
FLEX Antonio Gates (TE), Chargers ($4,700), vs. Bears (2nd vs. opposing TEs) — The Bears are very good at containing opposing tight ends. But when Philip Rivers throws the ball 50 times, that does not matter. Besides, Gates is matchup-proof.
DST Philadelphia Eagles ($2,700), at Cowboys (25th vs. opposing DSTs) — Something tells me Matt Cassel isn’t going to have the Cowboys’ offense racing up and down the field. Over the past 3 games, the Eagles DST has 8 sacks, 6 interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries.
