This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
Quarterbacks
Among the players with the highest salary, Aaron Rodgers ($8,400) stands out facing a defense ranked 26th against the pass. However, it's a fluid situation, as Green Bay is expected to have up to 25 mph winds, which would negatively impact both passing attacks. However, this could make him a contrarian play if owners shy away from the game altogether. Looking at the next tier down, Derek Carr ($7,300) is an attractive option. He's had extra time to prepare this game and has been spectacular throwing the deep ball. Nelson Agholor ($5,000) has turned into Carr's favorite target, Darren Waller ($6,800) is a matchup nightmare, and Henry Ruggs ($5,700) is able to stretch the field with his speed. The Browns have a poor secondary, leading them to allow the 25th most fantasy points to the position. Finally, the long shot play to consider this week is Tua Tagovailoa ($6,800). It's not the greatest matchup for him but he's also coming off the bye and has plenty of time to work with the first string. Cam Newton had a phenomenal game in his first professional start and we've seen Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert outperform any expectations for them. Tagovailoa has a reliable set of receivers in DeVante Parker ($6,100) and Preston Williams ($5,200), and Mike Gesicki ($5,500) should operate as the safety valve when Tua gets pressured.
Running Backs
Dalvin Cook ($9,200) has scored a touchdown in every game this season and should be fresh after taking a few weeks off. The Packers have given up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs, and Cook could get even more carries if the weather plays a factor. Kareem Hunt ($8,200) makes even more sense given he's cheaper and facing the Raiders at home, a team allowing the 30th most fantasy points to the position. Hunt should be a lock for 20-plus touches and has scored touchdowns in five of his last six games. If Aaron Jones ($8,500) sits out again, Jamaal Williams ($7,000) will be an attractive option once again. Sans Jones, Williams had 23 touches last week and finished the day with 19.4 fantasy points. If the "more AJ Dillon" narrative didn't gain steam last week, it shouldn't be a factor this week either. Another player with an iffy status this week is Joe Mixon ($7,400). Similarly to the Green Bay situation, Giovani Bernard ($5,900) would be a popular play given his success last week (18.1 fantasy points) if there's no Mixon Sunday.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams ($9,100) is an enigma when you look at his scoring this season. He has scored 5.1, 9.1, 34.6 and 38.1 fantasy points in his four games. This is an ideal matchup for Adams, too, as the Vikings are allowing the 30th most fantasy points to wide receivers. In cash games it's fine to use Adams, but when doing a big GPP, it's wise to have lineups fading Adams given he'll likely be a popular play again. Tyler Boyd ($6,400) is a very attractive option given his value and that it's a home matchup with the Titans. Tennessee has surrendered the 29th most fantasy points to their opponents wide receivers this season. A nice stack idea that isn't expensive is to use Boyd, Joe Burrow ($7,600) and Tee Higgins ($6,000). My favorite economical option this week is the 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk ($5,900). Aiyuk gets the Seahawks and is coming off a 7-6-115 game and should be more of a focus with Deebo Samuel out with a hamstring injury. Finally, I want to mention the other Higgins — Rashard Higgins ($5,500). Odell Beckham is out, Jarvis Landry isn't 100 percent, and this should lead to six to eight targets for Higgins. Las Vegas has allowed the 23rd most fantasy points to the other team's wide receivers.
Tight Ends
Being a favorite in a game that the Chiefs are favored by 20ish points, it's probably good to have some piece of their offense. With the injuries there should be enough money this week to find values at other positions and pay up for Travis Kelce ($7,800). Kelce is coming off a season-low 4.6 fantasy points, and a player of his caliber shouldn't have two bad games in a row. Harrison Bryant ($5,000) will take on a bigger role for the second week in a row with both Odell Beckham and Austin Hooper likely to be out again. Bryant won the John Mackey award (the nation's top tight end) at Florida Atlantic last year, showing his pedigree. Vegas is in the middle of the pack as far as defending tight ends as evidenced by ranking 14th against the position.
Defense
As 20ish point favorites, it's not a bad idea to use the Chiefs ($5,000). If the game flow goes as planned, the Jets should be throwing a lot, which could lead to sacks, turnovers and maybe like last week, a Pick-6. If you think Tua Tagovailoa is going to struggle in his first start, the Rams ($4,900) would be a logical choice. While they're facing the Saints, the Chicago Bears ($3,800) have a solid defense. Drew Brees doesn't play as well on the road as he does at home either. Averaging seven fantasy points per game, the Bears defense is priced lower than several teams with a lower average.
