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 are here to help. Each week, RotoWire will offer advice on which cheap value players to target and give you that extra edge.
QUARTERBACK
Blake Bortles, $5,700 vs. IND
Bortles' price makes him an attractive option in a divisional matchup in Week 4, but his consistency this season makes him an option seemingly in every matchup. So far this season Bortles has averaged 18.3 fantasy points per game, notching 18.8 and 24.35 in his last two games, respectively. With the Jaguars trailing in each game, the game script allows for Bortles to throw a lot in the second half and rack up fantasy points. He faces the Colts, who have one of the better cover corners in the NFL in Vontae Davis, but the other cornerbacks are working through injuries. If Bortles can stay away from Davis, he will be in line for yet another good fantasy performance in a game where the Jaguars likely will be trailing.
Ryan Mallett, $5,300 vs. ATL
Like Bortles, Mallett's price is very attractive because of the cap space it frees up. Since being named starter, Mallett had 13.3 fantasy points against the Bucs and 20.8 fantasy points against an excellent Panthers defense. This week, he faces the Falcons who have been good defensively through the first three weeks, allowing just three touchdown passes. But like Bortles, Mallett is likely to throw the ball a lot as the Texans are touchdown underdogs. Garbage time still counts, so expect Mallett to be the beneficiary of game script in Week 4.
Other Options:Derek Carr vs. CHI, Andy Dalton vs. KC
RUNNING BACK
Jonathan Stewart, $4,550 vs. TB
Stewart has disappointed so far this season, registering just 170 yards and no touchdowns on the ground. He has faced the Panthers, Texans, and Colts to this point, which has not been an easy road. Luckily in Week 4, he faces the Buccaneers who have been the exact opposite of a run-stuffing team. Tampa has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, including four rushing touchdowns and a league-worst 411 yards on the ground. The matchup does not get any better for the Panthers' back, and his price is low considering the situation.
Lance Dunbar, $4,350 vs. NO
Dunbar has been a PPR star this season, catching 21 passes in three games. He will not see many carries, as he has just 13 yards on the ground, but his value is in the passing game. In Week 3 with Brandon Weeden under center, he caught 10 passes for 100 yards en route to 15.5 fantasy points on FantasyAces. The Cowboys are likely to do the same again, keeping Weeden in his comfort zone against the Saints this week. The Saints have allowed 146 yards on 12 catches to opposing backs this season. Dunbar's upside is limited but he has a very high floor, which is rare for such a cheap running back.
Other Options:T.J. Yeldon vs. IND, Karlos Williams vs. NYG
WIDE RECEIVER
Travis Benjamin, $4,350 vs. SD
The word on Benjamin has been that regression has to come, right? After Week 1, some thought the touchdowns were an anomaly until he scored in Week 2. Then he scored in Week 3 with Josh McCown under center. Benjamin's price is still low, and he is worth taking a flier on against a Chargers team that allowed two touchdown receptions to Bengals wide receivers in Week 2. The Chargers' secondary has been good, but after facing a struggling Matt Stafford and Teddy Bridgewater in the other two weeks, the Chargers' numbers against wide receivers are misleading. Expect Benjamin to lead the Browns in targets again this week, giving him ample opportunity to accrue fantasy points. He is a top WR3 candidate in GPPs.
Ted Ginn, $4,250 vs. TB
Ginn has been a product of volume, simply because the Panthers do not have much else to target in the passing game. He has at least six targets in each game, totaling 188 yards and a touchdown this season. He has faced the Panthers, Texans and Saints in three games, all three of which rank in the top third in terms of limiting opposing wide receiver fantasy points. In Week 4, Ginn faces the Bucs, who are on the opposite end of the ranks, allowing 545 yards and four touchdowns to opposing wide receivers this season. Expect Ginn to be the main target for Cam Newton at wide receiver, making him a top value play at just $4,250.
Other Options:Vincent Jackson vs. CAR, John Brown vs. STL
TIGHT END
Jason Witten, $4,700 vs. NO
Witten has just continued to do it. He doesn't look fast, he doesn't look shifty, he is banged up, you name it and it has been said. Witten just continues to produce at tight end for the Cowboys, regardless of the quarterback situation. In Week 3, Witten caught six passes for 65 yards against the Falcons. In Week 2, he saw seven catches for 65 yards, and we all know about Week 1 where he scored two touchdowns against the Giants. Witten has 25 targets in three games and will see even more as long as Weeden is the quarterback. The Cowboys face the Saints in Week 4, who have given up the second-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Expect Witten to be heavily involved in the passing game again, and he makes for a solid option. There is no Rob Gronkowski this week so Witten will be more highly owned, but is worth playing at his price and given his matchup.
Other Options:Martellus Bennett vs. OAK
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.
