Another jam-packed Sunday slate is upon us in the NFL. With playoff races beginning to take shape, the intensity should only go up from here on out. That’s true in fantasy football as well – putting together a winning lineup has never been more difficult.
Which players are flying under the radar this weekend? Here are three value plays to consider in all DFS contests before Week 10’s ten-game featured slate.
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WR Darius Slayton, New York Giants at CHI ($4,300)
The vibes are miserable in New York at the moment. Still, the 2-7 Giants have some reason for optimism thanks to quarterback Jaxson Dart ($5,700). Even during last week’s loss vs. San Francisco, the rookie managed to put up 24 points. Big Blue, at the very least, is more dependable on offense compared to years past. That’s raised the fantasy floor for some of the team’s top pass catchers, including Darius Slayton. The seventh-year pro snagged five catches on seven targets for 62 yards against the 49ers.
Over Slayton’s previous three outings, he’s garnered at least five targets. Other than Wan’Dale Robinson ($5,300), no other Giants receivers should eat into his workload. It’s not as if New York is facing an elite secondary this weekend, either. The Bears are allowing 237.6 passing yards per game, the NFL’s third-worst mark. In addition, Chicago has surrendered the third most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Even if he doesn’t find the end zone, Slayton is poised for another productive outing in Week 10.
WR Christian Kirk, Houston Texas vs. JAX ($4,100)
C.J. Stroud (concussion) won’t take the field this weekend. That leaves Davis Mills ($4,500) under center in a pivotal matchup for the 3-5 Texans. It’s never ideal to have a backup taking snaps, especially in a must-win divisional game. Still, Mills will have several quality weapons to choose from. Most of the attention will go towards Nico Collins ($6,700), but don’t sleep on Christian Kirk. The former Jaguars wideout has been quiet for most of the season, partially due to injuries. However, he’s an experienced player, which could come in handy on Sunday.
Following a three-week hiatus, Kirk showed some promising signs last weekend. Against a tenacious Broncos defense, the 28-year-old only tallied 26 receiving yards on three catches. However, he commanded a season-high eight targets. That bodes well going into a much more manageable matchup with Jacksonville. The Jags have given up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers so far. Mills is unlikely to air it out very often, instead opting for short/intermediate passes. Don’t be shocked if Kirk delivers his best performance of the season against a familiar foe.
TE Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. TB ($3,900)
Mike Evans (collarbone) and Chris Godwin (ankle) are both out of commission for the Buccaneers. Outside of Emeka Egbuka ($7,000), Tampa Bay is starved for pass catchers. One name that could fill the void is tight end Cade Otton. The 26-year-old has operated as a part-time player throughout most of his NFL career. However, he’s been on a tear recently. Otton has recorded at least four catches and five targets in each of his last four outings. That’s come against several high-end defenses as well, including the 49ers and Seahawks.
Otton’s competition in the passing game is clearly limited. It also helps that he’s taking on the Patriots, who struggle defending the middle of the field. New England has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. In what could be a shootout, the Bucs and Baker Mayfield ($6,200) might be forced to throw the ball. That raises the floor for Otton, who usually serves as the fourth or fifth option on offense. As the eighth-most expensive tight end available, Otton offers a terrific buy-low opportunity.
