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Saturday’s six-game slate of Madden sims on DraftKings is set. There will be an all-day classic slate available starting at noon ET, and we break down some studs and value plays at each position below. You can enter your lineups here.
Quarterback
Stud
Matt Ryan, Falcons ($7,200) vs. Titans
Ryan has thrown for more yards (5,225) and touchdowns (46) than any other quarterback in the slate. He has Julio Jones at his disposal against a Tennessee defense that has recorded four interceptions in 21 sims. The Titans don’t have one star defensive back, so it’s hard to see them keeping up with Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Austin Hooper.
Value
Dwayne Haskins, Washington ($5,400) vs. Texans
Haskins will probably be one of the more popular cheap plays at quarterback, and it’s not hard to see why. Despite having few offensive weapons, he’s eclipsed 20 DKFP eight times in 21 games. He’s been able to achieve these numbers with no rushing game and one of the least impressive receiving corps in Madden. Haskins can get you more than 30 DKFP against the Texans’ poor secondary while giving you flexibility to pay up elsewhere.
Running back
Stud
Dalvin Cook, Vikings ($6,500) vs. Lions
Minnesota could very well pick Detroit apart through the air, but it also has a very productive running back to turn to after it builds a lead. Cook has scored more touchdowns (16) than any other running back in the slate and has eclipsed 20 DKFP in three of his last four games. The Lions don’t have a defensive lineman or linebacker with an overall rating of 90 or higher.
Value
Nyheim Hines, Colts ($3,200) vs. Chargers
Hines has cracked 10 fantasy points seven times as an RB2 that’s barely above the lowest possible price on DraftKings. He often returns a ton of value at this price. While his ceiling isn’t high, he has a higher floor than some of the starting running backs available.
Wide receiver
Stud
DeAndre Hopkins, Texans ($7,600) vs. Washington
Washington doesn’t have a cornerback with an overall rating at or above 80. Hopkins is a top three receiver and has caught the most touchdowns (17) among wide receivers. He’s expensive, but has a good chance to be worth paying up for given his matchup.
Value
Mike Williams, Chargers ($4,400) vs. Colts
Los Angeles is loaded at wide receiver, as Williams has more receiving yards (1,366) and touchdowns (15) than Keenan Allen. He leads all players in DKFP per game (18.2) is easily the best value play the slate.
Tight End
Stud
Eric Ebron, Colts ($4,800) vs. Chargers
Ebron might not score as much as you want him to, but his 104 receptions are proof that he’s targeted quite a bit. The Chargers’ defensive backs could stifle T.Y. Hilton, but Ebron has a chance to flourish underneath and continue to be one of the more productive tight ends.
Value
O.J. Howard, Buccaneers ($4,000) vs. Ravens
Despite having Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out wide, Howard has hauled in 10 touchdown passes. No other tight end in the slate can match that mark and only Ebron average more DKFP per game. There’s not a ton of price differential between the stud and value play here, but Howard can certainly give you some bang for your buck.
Defense/Special Teams
Stud
Chargers ($3,200) vs. Colts
Los Angeles has stars on the defensive line and in the secondary while Indianapolis lacks depth. Jacoby Brissett and other Colts players could put up some solid stats in garbage time, but the Chargers have the personnel to force turnovers.
Value
Vikings ($2,700) vs. Lions
Minnesota has studs up front and has recovered a ridiculous 20 fumbles. The Vikings also have solid talent in their secondary to combat Detroit’s wideouts. This price for the highest scoring defense in the slate isn’t bad.