Welcome to the Exclamation Point!, an analysis of stand-out cash and GPP options for consideration on Yahoo Daily Fantasy Sports. Yahoo presents a variety of options to suit the fancy of any DFS player out there, and we are looking to arm you with the information needed to build winning lineups no matter what type of player you are. There is a ton of value out there for this week, so let’s get right to it!
QUARTERBACK
TOM BRADY - $40 (CASH)
Week 5 is here, and that means we finally get to see Tom Brady back on the field. With the hype that Brady is receiving this week, one would think he is projected to throw for 12 touchdowns and 850 yards in this matchup against the Browns. While those numbers are quite unrealistic, the hype is certainly justified in this matchup. The Patriots have the highest team total of the week facing a bottom-dwelling Browns defense. The Browns have allowed at least two touchdown passes to every quarterback they have faced this season, and the Patriots ranked 4th in the league with 40.4 pass attempts per game in 2015 when Tom Brady was playing. Brady has historically loved to get his tight ends involved, and the Browns just so happen to have allowed more receptions (32) to the tight end position than any other team this season. With the matchup in addition to the narrative of the vengeful return of Brady in play, expect for ownership levels to be through the roof, making Tom Brady a cash game play worth the exposure this week.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER - $36 (CASH / GPP)
Ben Roethlisberger had quite the outing last week as he put up 5 touchdowns and 300 yards against a decent Chiefs defense. With another home game coming up, Roethlisberger will look to yet again put up big numbers against the pass-funnel defense of the Jets. The Jets are allowing the 2nd lowest yards per rushing attempt at 3.1 this season, while their secondary is allowing league highs of 9.7 passing yards per attempt and a 71.4% completion rate. These numbers don’t have a great chance at improving for the Jets as it is looking like Darrelle Revis will be a game-time decision (did not practice Thursday). The last time Roethlisberger threw for more than five or more touchdowns (2014), he followed it up the following week with another 5+ touchdown game—both also back to back home games. Ownership should be depressed due to Tom Brady’s return, so do not hesitate to play Big Ben in all formats--especially if the Jets are without Revis in their secondary.
ELI MANNING - $34 (CASH / GPP)
Speaking of pass-funnel defenses, Eli Manning finds himself in what on paper is the absolute best matchup to support a pass-heavy approach. The Packers defense has allowed a suffocating 1.8 yards per attempt this season, while their secondary is allowing a league 2nd 8.9 passing yards per attempt along with a league-4th 307 passing yards per game. While the quality of running backs that Green Bay has faces has certainly been low, the Giants have nowhere near an elite option to bring to the table in the rushing department. With the Packers best cornerback in Sam Shields ruled out due to a concussion, a bad secondary just became that much worse. The Giants are 7.5 point underdogs on the road on Sunday Night Football—combine that with this defensive matchup, and Eli Manning should have plenty of volume to warrant heavy consideration in cash and GPP’s. He will be a very under-owned pivot from the top priced guys.
JAMEIS WINSTON - $32 (GPP)
Jameis Winston will not be a popular play this week, period. He has been one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks of the season, having alternated weeks with 3+ touchdown games or 2+ interception games. Winston’s 1:1 touchdown to interception ratio is not at all impressive, but consider the matchups in which he has struggled---Denver and Arizona, both top-5 defensive units. In the weeks where Winston had positive matchups, he was a great option with solid fantasy numbers. This week, Winston draws a Carolina defense that was historically shredded last week by Atlanta. The Panthers defense has now allowed at least three offensive touchdowns in three games this season—matching their total for the entire 2015 season. This secondary is not what it used to be, yet the public perception is that Carolina still has an elite defense. This stigma combined with the inconsistent play of Jameis Winston should keep his ownership levels way down this week. Here we have a quarterback that leads the league in pass attempts per game (44.3) facing a weak secondary in a game he is likely to be playing catch up. With Winston’s ownership likely to be below five-percent, he looks to be a very attractive, yet contrarian, option to load up on in GPP formats.
RUNNING BACK
JORDAN HOWARD - $21 (CASH)
Jordan Howard performed very well last week in his first opportunity as lead back, rushing 23 times for 111 yards along with three receptions for another 21 yards. Howard was on the field for a whopping 91% of the Bears’ offensive snaps last week, with 45.6% of all touches going to Howard. The injury bug continues to plague the Bears with wide receiver Kevin White now placed on IR, so they will be expected to lean heavily on Howard yet again this week. The Colts defense is allowing the 4th most points to fantasy running backs this season, and have been particularly weak in defending against pass-catching backs as they have allowed an average of over six receptions per game to running backs. While Howard’s price shot up this week, he remains a high-floor option due to expected usage, primarily playable in cash game formats.
JERICK MCKINNON - $22 (CASH / GPP)
Jerick McKinnon has been afforded solid volume since the injury of Adrian Peterson, finishing Week 4 with 18 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. Touchdowns are definitely a concern with Matt Asiata receiving goal line work, but McKinnon has the ability to break a big run and should have plenty of volume to put up points in this good matchup. While Jordan Howard appears to be the safer option at this price point in cash games, McKinnon is a guy worth pivoting to for some exposure in what should be a high-carry outing for him.
DEANDRE WASHINGTON - $10 (CASH / GPP)
As with every week in daily fantasy, you have to keep an eye on the injury situations that can often uncover huge value options. This week, DeAndre Washington is one of those guys. With Latavius Murray doubtful to play this week against the Chargers, Washington is expected to get the starting nod against a Chargers defense allowing the 3rd most fantasy points per game to the running back position this season. While Jalen Richard will definitely be involved and did get five more offensive snaps than Washington last week, it is worth noting that Washington touched the ball on 80% of his snaps, out-touching Richard 8-to-3. The Raiders have the 4th highest expected team total in the only game to reach a 50-point Vegas over/under this week. As home favorites, the Raiders very well could get up to a lead early and try to ice this game on the ground. With Washington in line for the start at minimum salary, he sits atop the H-value list on our Footballguys Yahoo Interactive Value Chart and should be in consideration for all formats as a strong punt at the position.
DEVONTA FREEMAN - $21(GPP)
This matchup between Denver and Atlanta is certainly one of interest this week. The Falcons offense has been historically great over the first four weeks of the season, while the Denver defense is the absolute best defensive unit in the league this season. Devonta Freeman played very well over his past three outings, staying heavily involved in the Falcons offense both on the ground and through the air. The big story this week is the status of backup Tevin Coleman, as his sickle cell condition may limit or even eliminate Coleman from the game this week. If this is indeed the case, Freeman will be leaned on very heavily here against a Denver run defense that has been surprisingly vulnerable this season. The Broncos are allowing 113.8 rushing yards per game this season (22nd in the NFL) and have allowed over 18 fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past three weeks, good for the 13th most in the league across that time span. Many will see Denver’s defense and immediately fade the Falcons, but looking deeper here, this could be a huge game for Freeman given the situation he is likely to be in here. Freeman will be a solid target for GPP’s this week should Coleman indeed be reported as limited or inactive for this game.
WIDE RECEIVER
A.J. GREEN - $36 (CASH / GPP)
A.J. Green has been a target-monster this season, ranking 4th in the NFL with 44 targets through the first four weeks. With Tyler Eifert’s return stymied by another setback, Green will continue to be the only reliable option for the Bengals passing attack. Green has been targeted on 35% or more of the Bengals pass attempts in three games already this season—a feat that no other receiver has accomplished this season. The Bengals also lead the league in red zone touchdown efficiency as they have found the end zone nearly 31% of the time. While the Dallas defense has been stingy against receivers this season, Green has the kind of talent that makes you overlook most matchups, including this one. He should have huge volume and significant touchdown upside, and with a few well-placed punts on your roster, you should have room to pay up for both Green and another elite receiver this week.
ODELL BECKHAM JR - $36 (CASH / GPP)
Odell Beckham Jrhas had a relatively quiet start to the season in terms of fantasy numbers (albeit, he is far from quiet off the field) having failed to find the end zone through four games. Yet, Beckham has still managed to lead the Giants in targets each week this season despite some tough defensive matchups and very tough play calls against him. Beckham has a premium matchup this week against a poor Packers secondary (see above re: Eli Manning) that now looks to be without their leading cornerback Sam Shields. So far this season, 27% of completions against the Packers have been for 20+ yards as they rank next to last in passing yards per attempt allowed. The Packers have allowed the highest scoring fantasy receiver of the week in each of their last 2 outings, and that trend has a great chance at continuing this week with Beckham as prime candidate to finally explode. Look to Beckham in all formats with this price point, as next week he could be priced right up there at the top with Antonio Brown.
AMARI COOPER - $27 (GPP)
Amari Cooper has definitely underperformed expectation this season as he has been grossly overlooked in the red zone thus far. However, despite Cooper’s lack of touchdowns, his overall usage has still been very positive as he has been on the field for more snaps than any other receiver in addition to still seeing 9+ targets in three of four games this season. The big plus to Cooper’s upside this week comes from the news that Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett will no longer be on the field. The ownership will favor Michael Crabtree as he has indeed out-produced Cooper this season, but Cooper is still the WR1 on this team and will remain heavily involved in the offense. Cooper is a prime target for “touchdown progression”. With Verrett out, Cooper becomes playable in cash games, but is still a slight risk. While some exposure in Cash games is not out of the question, Cooper stacks up to be a better fit in GPP lineups.
DONTRELLE INMAN - $11 (CASH / GPP)
The Chargers will face off in one of the best matchups of the week for a pass-heavy offense. The Raiders have allowed more fantasy points to the wide receiver position than any other team this season, supported by their dead last ranking in passing yards allowed through the first four games. The Chargers receiving core has been tough to predict this season as a different face has led them in targets each and every week with touchdowns thrown to all three primary wide-outs and two different tight ends. None of this really matters in the matchup this week though, as all boats should rise against the Raiders defense. Dontrelle Inman led the Chargers with a 11 targets last week—a season-high among Chargers receivers. Inman has also seen more snaps than any other Chargers receiver in every game played this season, with a season-high 68 of 70 snaps played last week. With a similar matchup this week where Inman should be able to exploit the Raiders secondary, look for him to easily hit value at this near-minimum price tag as yet another option that allows you to pay up for elite talent.
SAMMIE COATES - $13 (GPP)
While Antonio Brown will be the preeminent cash game play in this offense, Sammie Coates Jr has a strong case to find his way onto your GPP rosters this week. Not only is his price near bottom of the barrel, but Coates offers some significant upside due to his big play ability. Coates is averaging 21.7 yards per reception this season, good for 4th highest among qualified receivers. He also has a league-leading four receptions of 40 or more yards this season, yet still has not found the end zone. It is only a matter of time before Coates can break off one of those long balls for a touchdown, and this could be a great opportunity for him with Darrelle Revis potentially sidelined and Roethlisberger playing very well lately. Coates is of course a boom-or-bust play, with most of the money being on Antonio Brown here-- so restrict usage to GPP lineups only.
TIGHT END
HUNTER HENRY - $13 (CASH / GPP)
It is back to the well again this week with Hunter Henry at tight end. With Antonio Gates limited in practice this week, there is a chance he will miss yet another week. If Gates does indeed sit, Henry will remain another tremendous value option at tight end. Henry hauled in four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown last week with a touchdown, but could have had even more fantasy production had he not missed two other opportunities in the end zone. While his matchup is not as solid as last week, it is still a positive one with the Raiders defense allowing more passing yards per game than any other team this season. If you can’t afford to pay for a top guy like Greg Olsen, Henry will be another cheap option worth a roster spot in all formats this week.
ZACH ERTZ - $20 (CASH / GPP)
If you have not noticed by now, the Lions have done an absolutely atrocious job defending tight ends this season, allowing at least one touchdown to the position each week and the 4th most fantasy points overall (All TE vs DET). This will be the first game back for Zach Ertz after missing two games from a rib injury, and he should be in a great spot to contribute immediately in this matchup. Carson Wentz has been playing very well and continued to use the tight end position while Ertz was out. While lack of touchdown potential is certainly a concern with Ertz, this matchup gives him one of the best opportunities he will have this season. First game back from injury does leave some doubt in mind, but this matchup is too positive to pass up. His price is slightly higher on Yahoo than other sites, which should keep ownership levels at a manageable level, making Ertz a solid play in all formats.
MARTELLUS BENNETT - $15 (GPP)
Martellus Bennett has been the epitome of boom or bust option this season, with two games of five receptions and 100 yards, but the other two games with three or fewer receptions and less than 14 yards. This matchup however presents some serious upside for New England tight ends, as the Browns have allowed the league’s most receptions (32) and 2nd most fantasy points to the position this season. Tom Brady is known for his involvement of the tight ends, and while Rob Gronkowski is still nursing a hamstring injury (primarily used as a blocker last week), Bennett may be the guy who gets the majority of open looks. Bennet’s price is very affordable, and most ownership should still be on Gronkowski this week, making Bennett an attractive option to roster in GPP formats.
DEFENSE
MINNESOTA VIKINGS - $19 (CASH / GPP)
The Vikings defense has been nothing short of stellar this season. Their defense ranks 2nd in terms of points allowed (12.5 points per game), leads the league in takeaways with 11 (5 fumbles, 6 interceptions), and ranks 2nd in sacks with 15 for a league-leading 116 yards lost. The Texans have turned the ball over eight times this season (T-7th most), with six of those turnovers having been interceptions thrown by Brock Osweiler. The Texans offense has definitely struggled this season, having been shut out once already and forced to rely on a special teams touchdown to get past a sub-par Titans team last week. With the Texans sporting the lowest team total of the week and the Vikings having home-field advantage here, you can roster the Vikings defense with confidence in all formats.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS - $14 (GPP)
While the Steelers no longer enter a casual conversation about elite defenses, they have some significant upside this week coming into a matchup with a Jets team that has turned the ball over more than any other team this season. Ryan Fitzpatrick is really struggling, having thrown a whopping nine interceptions compared to only one touchdown in his last two outings. The Steelers are at home favorites with the Jets team total sitting right around 20 points. While the Jets should put up some points, it is the turnover upside that you are after in this matchup. The Steelers price is affordable enough to make them an attractive high-upside play that should have relatively mediocre ownership levels in most tournaments this week.
