Fantasy football season is in full swing, with another weekend of NFL action on tap. Bye weeks and injuries abound across the league, however. That’s made it difficult for most managers to feel 100% confident while setting their lineups.
To gain an edge over your opponents this week, it might mean thinking outside of the box. Finding a diamond in the rough can be the difference between winning or losing your matchup. Which under the radar names are worth a closer look on Sunday?
Here are three value plays to consider in all DFS contests before Week 6’s ten-game featured slate.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.75M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st]
RB Raheem Mostert, Las Vegas Raiders vs. TEN ($4,200)
Finding a low-cost, high-upside play is always difficult at running back. That means targeting backup rushers poised for an increased role. In that regard, few players fit the bill better than Raheem Mostert. The veteran has only suited up twice for the Raiders, accumulating 84 rushing yards on 11 carries. Still, he does have a track record of fantasy production, dating back to stints in San Francisco and Miami. Surprisingly, the 33-year-old logged a hefty 47% snap share for Las Vegas last week.
Sunday’s matchup might call for a run-first approach from the Silver and Black. Tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is out, leaving the Raiders without their best pass catcher. In addition, the visiting Titans are one of the NFL’s worst teams. That’s especially true on the ground, where Tennessee has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to running backs. If Mostert handles anything close to double-digit touches, there’s a decent chance he provides value.
TE Jake Tonges, San Francisco 49ers at TB ($3,700)
George Kittle’s return from a hamstring injury has been delayed for one more week. That makes this the last chance to jump on the Jake Tonges train. San Francisco’s backup tight end was never much more than a pass-blocker prior to 2025. However, the banged-up 49ers have utilized him as a receiver in recent weeks. During San Francisco’s previous five contests, the 26-year-old has caught 19 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns. In a TE-starved fantasy football landscape, those numbers are more than solid.
Brock Purdy (toe) has been ruled out, leaving Mac Jones ($5,600) as the likely starter at quarterback. That’s good news for Tonges, who has formed a connection with the former first-round pick. It helps that this weekend’s matchup in Tampa Bay could become a shootout. The Buccaneers struggle to guard tight ends, allowing the 12th-most fantasy points to the position. As the third-cheapest starting TE available, Tonges is the perfect pick for those looking to spend more elsewhere.
WR Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys at CAR ($3,600)
CeeDee Lamb remains questionable to play after suffering an ankle injury in Week 3. That leaves the Cowboys with George Pickens ($6,800) and not much else at wide receiver. Still, quarterback Dak Prescott ($6,500) has shown he can thrive with almost anyone on the outside. Look no further than last week’s 37-point performance vs. the Jets. During that game, unheralded wideout Ryan Flournoy notched a team-leading six receptions for 114 yards.
Can fantasy managers expect a repeat performance on Sunday? Reaching the century-mark is wishful thinking, but Flournoy should stay busy if Lamb remains out. Granted, Carolina has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. However, those numbers are somewhat inflated due to game script. The Panthers have gotten blown out in three of their five games this season; there was no reason for teams to throw the ball. Dallas, while talented, is too short-handed to expect a dominant win (or blowout loss). At just $3,600, Flournoy is worth taking a flier on this weekend.
