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DraftKings Quarterback Picks
We're going to take a look at the quarterback position first and break down the top plays, values and then create an optimal lineup which will be focused around the best play. The "best play" may not necessarily be the top-ranked player, but could easily be a value play which opens up the rest of the lineup to get a few stars in.
Let's dive in first with the quarterback rankings for Week 9, and surprisingly, Patrick Mahomes didn't take the top spot.
Top-10 Highest Projected Quarterbacks on DraftKings
– Cam Newton ($6,600) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
– Patrick Mahomes ($7,100) at Cleveland Browns
– Jared Goff ($6,000) at New Orleans Saints
– Kirk Cousins ($6,200) vs. Detroit Lions
– Drew Brees ($6,100) vs. Los Angeles Rams
– Ryan Fitzpatrick ($5,500) at Carolina Panthers
– Baker Mayfield ($5,600) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
– Deshaun Watson ($6,300) at Denver Broncos
– Matthew Stafford ($5,600) at Minnesota Vikings
– Matt Ryan ($5,700) vs. Atlanta Falcons
DraftKings Quarterback Value Plays
*Note: All value plays at quarterback cost roughly $6,000 or less.
While there are quite a few names above that stand out, I'll circle probably 2-3 and spread them around various tournaments. One of the first that has to jump out is Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers virtually had no option but to bring back FitzMagic after another horrific performance from Jameis Winston in Week 8. Fitzpatrick nearly led an impressive comeback last week and is likely to be playing from behind most of this game. At $5,500 and playing catch up, I'll happily take Fitzpatrick.
Baker Mayfield is an option I love this week against the Chiefs. Not only has Kansas City allowed 2,591 passing yards and 13 touchdowns through the air, but they've also given up three rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks. Mayfield is at home and it's the Browns' first game without Hue Jackson. The fanbase is going to be on another level and I think Mayfield could wind up having the best game of his young career.
While I'm fine with both Matthew Stafford and Matt Ryan due to their prices, I need to mention two players who are painfully disrespected on this slate. The first is Alex Smith ($5,000) facing the Atlanta Falcons at home. While Smith hasn't lit up the scoreboard for fantasy football players this season, he's been efficient and consistent. While he's landed around 12.5 DraftKings points the last two weeks, he went for 15.7 or more in four of the five weeks prior.
All of that is fine, but the simple fact is, the Falcons are terrible against opposing quarterbacks. In ESPN's breakdown, Atlanta has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to the position. They've allowed 17 passing touchdowns and two rushing scores on the season, so don't be surprised if Smith finds the end zone once or twice.
The other name to mention is Case Keenum, who's even less expensive at $4,900. The Broncos quarterback isn't going to reel off 30 fantasy points, but with former backup Chad Kelly released after his arrest, fans have no one to chant for to replace Keenum. Plus, they face the Houston Texans who should have little problem putting up points so Keenum may have to air it out early and often.
Top DraftKings Optimal Lineup Around Favorite QB Play
– QB: Cam Newton ($6,600)
– RB: Christian McCaffrey ($7,800)
– RB: Mark Ingram ($5,000)
– WR: Michael Thomas ($7,600)
– WR: Robert Woods ($7,000)
– WR: Courtland Sutton ($3,900)
– TE: Travis Kelce ($6,600)
– FLEX: TJ Jones ($3,000)
– DST: Baltimore Ravens ($2,500)
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DraftKings Week 9 Fantasy: Best NFL Picks & Top Lineups