Another Sunday, another set of crucial decisions in fantasy football. Week 9 has a dangerous mix of injuries and byes – there’s disaster potential for managers that aren’t careful. However, chaos also breeds opportunity. A diamond in the rough can tilt a matchup against any opponent. Which
Figuring out which low-cost options to target is easier said than done. Here are three value plays to consider in all DFS contests before Week 8’s ten-game featured slate.
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RB Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals vs. CHI ($4,400)
Despite losing to the Jets last weekend, Cincinnati’s offense wasn’t to blame. The Bengals put up 38 points, relying heavily on their run game. RB1 Chase Brown ($5,900) was terrific, but he wasn’t alone. Backup Samaje Perine also made an impact in this one. The ninth-year pro churned out 94 yards on nine carries in addition to a touchdown grab. On the day, he recorded 17.0 fantasy points.
It’s not as if Perine has been terrific this season. Over eight games, he’s gained 223 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. However, take those statistics with a grain of salt. Cincy has played much of this year with uncertainty at quarterback. Fortunately, midseason pickup Joe Flacco ($5,600) has brought stability to the position. If the Bengals find themselves playing from behind vs. Chicago, Perine could command plenty of work in the passing game. In addition, Chicago has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.
WR Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers at NYG ($4,300)
Brock Purdy (toe) is out once again; that means another week of Mac Jones ($5,000) under center. The former Patriots quarterback has done an admirable job for the 5-3 49ers. Now, he’ll hope to earn another victory on Sunday, against the struggling Giants. Jones has clear chemistry with his former New England teammate Kendrick Bourne ($5,000). However, there’s room for multiple players to thrive in this offense. San Francisco is tied for third in football with 37.4 pass attempts per game.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has dealt with injuries for most of the season. When healthy, he can be a difference-maker. The 28-year-old has earned seven targets in each of his previous two appearances. That hasn’t led to much production (76 yards), but it’s promising. New York’s secondary is the sixth-friendliest for opposing wide receivers. Unlike in years past, the Giants wield a respectable offense. That means San Francisco should have incentive to throw the ball downfield. At $4,300, Jennings only needs a handful of catches to deliver a solid return on investment.
WR Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars at LV ($3,700)
Travis Hunter (knee) is headed to the injured reserve, with the remainder of his season now in jeopardy. In the rookie’s absence, several Jaguars wide receivers should see additional opportunity. That includes Parker Washington. The third-year pro has been involved in the team’s offense, including two different games with 10+ targets. Now, only Brian Thomas Jr. ($6,200) ranks above him on Jacksonville’s depth chart.
This coaching staff clearly values Washington, regardless of Hunter’s injury. During Week 7’s blowout loss vs. the Rams, he saw the most snaps of any Jags wideout. Now, the team will get a chance to bounce back against a subpar Raiders defense. Las Vegas has surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Given Jacksonville’s injuries, there’s a decent chance this game remains competitive. Expect a nice outing from Washington in an extremely favorable matchup.
