This article is part of our FantasyDraft NFL series.
Each week, RotoWire will provide picks and values for FantasyDraft lineups. Users have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of one quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, one tight end, two flex spots and one defense. The scoring is standard point-per-reception.
FantasyDraft is running four headline contests this weekend, with each contest currently full with overlay:
• NFL $250K Run & Gun, $25 entry fee
• NFL $100K Shotgun, $12 entry fee
• NFL $50K Wishbone, $5 entry fee
• NFL $10K Wildcat, $2 entry fee
FantasyDraft is also offering more than $60,000 in guaranteed cash game contests, so be sure to check the lobby. To roster some top-tier players in these tournaments, you will need some lower-priced sleeper options. Here are our fantasy football value picks for Week 2 on FantasyDraft.
Quarterback
Philip Rivers, $13,200 at Bengals
Rivers has been one of the top fantasy quarterbacks for years, and he remains as one of the better options every week in a good matchup. How is he showing up on a value piece? He is the 17th-ranked quarterback on FantasyDraft. In Week 1, Rivers finished with 25 fantasy points as QB5 and last season he scored 15 or more fantasy points in nine of 16 games. Rivers is one of the more consistent quarterbacks in DFS, and gets a good matchup in the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. The Bengals allowed two touchdown passes last week to a team that was quarterbacked by Matt McGloin to finish out the game, and have a secondary that has underperformed. With targets like Keenan Allen, Stevie Johnson and Ladarius Green, Rivers makes for a great value play in Week 2.
Jay Cutler, $11,800 vs. Cardinals
Cutler continues to be one of the lower-owned quarterbacks each week, which makes him a target in tournaments. Some mistake is "real" quarterback value for his fantasy value, which causes him to go undervalued each week in DFS. Last season, Cutler scored 16 or more fantasy points in 11 of 15 games. This is a remarkably consistent number, and he notched 15 fantasy points in Week 1 this season. At his price, a return of 16 fantasy points is good value, and he can be expected to reach or exceed that in Week 2 against the Cardinals, who allowed 355 yards through the air in Week 1.
Running Back
Ameer Abdullah, $8,800 at Vikings
Abdullah may be the most talked about rookie in the NFL so far in this young season, and for good reason. He is drawing Darren Sproles comparisons as a receiver and has shown elite agility in the open field. In FantasyDraft's full PPR scoring system, Abdullah is in play each week as a receiver. Last week, he saw 11 touches for 94 yards and a touchdown, including four catchers for 44 yards. Rumors are he will continue to get more touches as he gets acclimated to the offense, which makes him a value play at just $8,800. Abdullah and the Lions face the Vikings in Week 2, who allowed Carlos Hyde to run wild for 182 total yards and two touchdowns en route to 35 fantasy points. Abdullah won't see near the volume Hyde did, but he has the upside at a cheap price.
Chris Johnson, $10,200 at Bears
It's Week 2 and a starting running back will miss a game already. These circumstances arise often in the NFL, so be sure to take advantage. Johnson is likely to carry the load for the Cardinals in Week 2 against the Bears, so he has value simply on volume. The Bears allowed 15 fantasy points to running backs in Week 1, including a touchdown run. Considering that Bruce Arians likes to use one running back, expect Johnson to see 15 or more touches, which makes him a valuable running back option this week.
Wide Receiver
Pierre Garcon, $10,500 vs. Rams
Garcon becomes the No. 1 wide receiver for the Redskins with DeSean Jackson out, which likely means increased targets. Garcon led the team with 74 receiving yards last week as he caught six passes on eight targets. Garcon is at his best on curl routes and on screens, which plays well to his matchup. He will likely be guarded by Janoris Jenkins, who has a reputation for being one of the league's most aggressive cornerbacks. He will try to pick off every attempt he can get close to, so if he whiffs on a curl or bites on a double move, Garcon could see a long touchdown. At just $10,500, he can be used in most contests as a safe play as well, considering his targets and the number of times the Redskins are expected to pass.
Tight End
Eric Ebron, $6,400 at Vikings
Ebron did not have a good rookie season, but he has made significant strides in the preseason and in Week 1 as he improves. He caught a touchdown against the Chargers in a Week 1 loss, and also saw five targets. Considering his price, he makes for a value play against a Vikings defense that allowed seven catches for 92 yards to tight ends in Week 1 in limited pass attempts. Expect the Lions to use Ebron in the middle of the field, as Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate will open things up playing on the outside.
Defense
San Francisco 49ers, $5,200 at Steelers
The 49ers are the third-cheapest defense on FantasyDraft, as they have a very tough matchup against a Steelers offense that has been one of the best in the NFL. This makes the Niners risky but rewarding because they aren't likely to be widely owned. In Week 1, San Francisco completely shut down the Vikings' offense and was able to register five sacks and an interception en route to 14 fantasy points. Ben Roethlisberger seems to hold the ball longer than any quarterback in the NFL, which causes him to get sacked often. Use this to your advantage as the 49ers have some excellent pass rushers and could get a few sacks on Big Ben.
