This article is part of our FantasyAces Football series.
Daily fantasy football is back in full swing, and FantasyAces is ready to continue the momentum from a huge first few weeks. Not sure how to play at Fantasy Aces? We're here to help. Each week, RotoWire will offer advice on which cheap value players to target to give you that extra edge. These players are considered tournament plays unless otherwise noted, as all are listed as salary cap saving value plays.
QUARTERBACK
Ryan Fitzpatrick, $6,000 vs. OAK
Fitzpatrick continues to be a top value each week so far this season, and Week 8 is no exception. He faces a Raiders secondary that has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Oakland has allowed at least two touchdown passes in every game but one this season and that was against the Broncos, who have one of the worst passing offenses in the NFL to this point. Considering the consistency of the Raiders, and the consistency of Fitzpatrick (17.45 fantasy points or more in each of his last five games), it's a perfect match for a value play on FantasyAces.
Brian Hoyer, $5,700 vs. TEN
Hoyer is one of the cheapest quarterbacks on FantasyAces but has been one of the better values each week as a starter. He has started the last three games and has at least 23 fantasy points in each. Hoyer has 11 touchdowns to just three interceptions this season but has only played in just over four full games. The Texans face the Titans in Week 8, which gives him a good matchup to boost his value even more. This season, the Titans have allowed at least one touchdown pass in each game and have given up two touchdown passes or more in all but two games. Both of those were blowouts. At just $5,700, you'll be hard pressed to find a better value at quarterback.
RUNNING BACK
Ronnie Hillman, $4,650 vs. GB
Hillman has taken the reigns as the main back in Denver, as he has received first-team reps in practice. Considering he had 20 carries in the Broncos last game to C.J. Anderson's 13, it seems the changing of the guard has already begun. At just $4,650, Hillman has an interesting price that makes him a value play. The Broncos face the Packers in Week 8. The Pack have been inconsistent against running backs this season. In two games against the Rams and Bears, they allowed over 300 yards to Matt Forte and Todd Gurley. Considering the Broncos run their offense in a similar fashion with Peyton Manning's struggles, expect to see Hillman get a plethora of touches.
Jonathan Stewart, $4,650 vs. IND
Stewart's early season struggles seem long ago after two excellent games in a row, both against top-tier rush defenses. In Week 6 Stewart ran for 78 yards and two touchdowns against the Seahawks, who are second in the NFL against the run. In Week 7, Stewart ran for 125 yards against the Eagles, who rank fourth in the NFL against the run. Considering Stewart faces a Colts defense that has allowed the sixth most fantasy points to opposing running backs, this makes for a perfect time to slot Stewart into your lineups as a value option on FantasyAces.
WIDE RECEIVER
Martavis Bryant, $4,800 vs. CIN
Bryant will see a huge boost in value with Ben Roethlisberger returning from injury in Week 8, and at just $4,800, he provides elite upside. So far in his career, Bryant has scored 11 touchdowns in 12 games. He has averaged 21 yards per catch and has three touchdowns of 80 yards or more. Bryant is a big play waiting to happen, and with Roethlisberger back it could happen at any time. The Steelers face Cincinnati in Week 8. The Bengals have allowed 200 yards and/or a touchdown to opposing receivers in each of the last five games.
Stefon Diggs, $4,550 vs. CHI
Diggs has been a star through three games and is trending upward heading into Week 8 against the Bears. In each of his three games, Diggs caught at least six passes, saw at least nine targets and had at least 87 yards in each. He's the No.1 target for the Vikings passing game and has shown excellent ability after the catch, which made him an NFL prospect in college. Diggs and the Vikings face Chicago in Week 8. The Bears have allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. In addition, they are the least efficient team in the NFL in defending wide receivers, allowing 74 catches for 11 touchdowns on just 106 targets.
TIGHT END
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, $4,000 vs. ATL
If "ASJ" returns this week--and it's likely that he will--he makes for a value play at tight end in a good matchup. The Falcons have allowed the eighth most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season and have allowed at least seven fantasy points in each game. Seferian-Jenkins had seven catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns in just over one game before getting hurt in Week 2.
DEFENSE
Rams, $2,650 vs. SF
The Rams defense has been relentless in rushing the passer, which makes them a top play each and every week. So far this season, St. Louis has 23 sacks, five interceptions and two touchdowns in only six games. They have scored nine fantasy points or more in all but one game, and have tremendous upside with two games in double-digit points including a 25-point outburst in Week 7. The Rams face San Francisco in Week 8. The 49ers have struggled along the offensive line. Colin Kaepernick has been sacked 25 times--an average of more than three times per game. With the Rams' matchup against a poor offensive line, get them into your lineups on FantasyAces.
Don't forget to keep an eye on the NFL inactive list. With the injury report changing all the time, a lot could happen before Sunday.
