Welcome to this Yahoo DFS feature article, Exclamation Point!---providing you with insights into some of our top plays in both cash and tournament formats for Yahoo Daily Fantasy. In case you are new to Yahoo DFS, their scoring system is the same as FanDuel. The salaries on Yahoo are definitely unique compared to other DFS sites---so as an easy rule of thumb, keep in mind that your scoring target for cash games should be around 70% of salary, while the target for GPP’s should be 100% of salary. So for example, with A.J. Green priced at $30, you want him to score at least 21 points in cash games and 30 points in tournaments to give you a very good chance at cashing.
Last week, there was a ton of tournament overlay for the taking. Their featured tournament this week is the NFL $250K Baller, with $25k going to first place and only $10 to enter. Keep an eye on this one in case there are overlay opportunities yet again this week (overlaid by 20+% last week).
Another thing to keep an eye out for this week will most certainly be the weather. Half of the games on Sunday have at least a threat of rain, so definitely keep a pulse on this going into Sunday morning. As always, we will send you all of the game-time updates Sunday morning, so keep an eye on your email.
Quarterback
Cam Newton - $36 (Cash / GPP)
Unlike last week where most chalk was on the low-end quarterbacks, this is a week where paying up at this position should yield dividends as there are some excellent options. One of the best on the board has to be Cam Newton. With his multi-dimensional playing style that puts up points in all stat columns, Newton is always a threat for big scores with a high floor beneath him. Even against the elite Broncos defense last week, Newton managed to post very respectable numbers and find the end zone twice (one PaTD, one RuTD). This week, the Panthers have the highest implied team total coming off a loss in their home opener against a 49ers team that pitched a shutout on Monday night. However, bear in mind that the Rams offense was one of the worst in the league last year (made a case for it this year also), and now the 49ers are travelling across country on a short week playing a well-rested Panthers team. We see the 49’ers solid performance in Week 1 only as a good thing for Cam, as that may slightly depress his ownership levels. Cam is our #1 projected quarterback and best overall value on the Footballguys Yahoo Interactive Value Chart, making him an excellent option to pay up for in all formats.
Eli Manning - $36 (Cash)
Eli Manning will be another very popular option this week due to what should be the absolute best matchup of the week on paper for an opposing quarterback. The New Orlean Saints passing defense is historically bad, and now they will be running without their former #1 cornerback in Delvin Breaux. This game has the highest Vegas total of the week at 53.5; mix in a couple of suspect defenses and high powered passing attacks, and this game has a recipe for the shootout that all DFS players will want a stake in. Eli Manning will be one of the most popular plays of the week for this reason, and having exposure to him in your cash games is certainly a fine option. However, at this $36 price point, we would almost always recommend choosing Cam Newton as your primary target due to his ability to put up points on the ground, something that Eli Manning simply will not do for you.
Carson Palmer - $30 (GPP)
Carson Palmer had a very mediocre start to his season last week as he finished middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points at his position. He did not look great throwing the deep ball and committed a careless fumble that luckily didn’t result in a turnover. However, to his credit, he was facing a very stout New England Secondary ranked #3 overall coming into this season by Pro Football Focus. This week, Palmer will have a much-improved matchup against a bottom-tier Buccaneers secondary that allowed 334 passing yards to Atlanta last week. Palmer has a ton of weapons around him in this pass-heavy offensive scheme, including his favorite target in Larry Fitzgerald. Palmer should be primed for a bounce back week in this matchup, but he is not a safe play by any means. Look to his high ceiling and likely low ownership to make him a target in GPP formats.
Wide Receiver
Antonio Brown - $36 (Cash)
Unless we see something particularly good or bad in Antonio Brown, it is safe to assume that he is a solid cash game play week in and week out. He is actually a “value” this week coming in at $1 cheaper than Beckham. Be sure to get your exposure--he is the top wide receiver of the week.
Odell Beckham Jr- $37 (Cash)
Odell Beckham Jr has the what looks to be one of the best matchups on paper of any other wide receiver this week. Beckham will face an already atrocious Saints defense (allowed 486 total yards last week) that has now lost #1 cornerback Delvin Breaux. The Saints may actually roll out rookie cornerback Ken Crawley as a replacement, which is a matchup that Beckham should thrive in. In addition to the cornerback matchup, the Giants offense in general is expected to put up plenty of points with this 53.5 point over/under.
However, there are a number of concerns to be aware of with playing Beckham this week.. First, his ownership should be through the roof, as the casual DFS player will see the saints matchup and automatically plug in Beckham. His salary of $37 tops all position players this week, making it essential that Beckham score a touchdown to hit his cash game value target (25.5 pts) and multiple touchdowns to pay off in tournaments (37+ pts). Given that Eli Manning has shown his willingness to spread the ball around last week (5 players had between 3-4 receptions each with no touchdowns to Beckham), there is certainly a risk that Beckham has a good but not great game. Finally, the weather on the East coast may pose a significant risk to scoring overall in this game, as there is a threat of rain that must be closely monitored prior to kickoff
Arguments aside, bear in mind this stat---Odell Beckham Jrhas not went back to back weeks without a touchdown since weeks 10-11 in 2014 (i.e. his entire career). Even with his salary, Beckham should have a very high floor and ownership this week, making him an acceptable cash game play. However, advice here is to limit your exposure (even fade him in GPP), and differentiate with Antonio Brown if paying up at the position.
A.J. Green - $30 (Cash / GPP)
A.J. Green decided to go off last week as he finished with the 2nd most fantasy points at his position and 1st overall in receptions with 12. This week, Green faces a Steelers defense that still allowed 329 passing yards to Kirk Cousins last week when Cousins played poorly overall (QB rating of only 72.7). Green has historically had his way with the Steelers secondary, averaging over 14 targets and nearly 130 yards per game in their last 5 meetings. With Andy Dalton clearly favoring him and Tyler Eifert still sidelined, Green is expected to have another top-tier performance at a middle / top tier salary, making him a clear high-ceiling value play for both your cash and tournament lineups.
Tyrell Williams - $10 (Cash / GPP)
Tyrell Williams is one of the top prospects for an increased workload in the Chargers offense with Keenan Allen now sidelined. Williams had 2 catches for 71 yards last week, including a deep ball for 28 yards. While his exact role in the offense still in question with others such as Travis Benjamin, Danny Woodhead, and Antonio Gates in the mix for volume, this minimum price warrants immediate consideration as Williams doesn’t need much to hit his cash game value target of only 7 fantasy points. Williams sits atop the Footballguys Yahoo Interactive Value Chart at wide receiver and is projected to get 11 fantasy points---more than enough to warrant him as a punt play in GPP or Cash formats this week.
Amari Cooper - $26 (Cash / GPP)
Amari Cooper is looking at yet another positive matchup this week after feasting on the Saints in Week 1 to the tune of 137 yards (4th most in Week 1). Some may be off Cooper this week due to the probable matchup against Desmond Trufant, but this would only be a good thing for his upside in tournaments as ownership levels may be slightly decreased. One popular strategy will be pivoting to Michael Crabtree, but the discount of only $5 on Yahoo is particularly unappealing given the talent differential and clear favoritism of Cooper in this offense. Expect the Raiders to move Cooper around and create coverage mis-matches for him to take advantage of. David Carr should look to feed his WR1 near the end zone here, making Cooper a prime target to achieve value and a solid play below the elite pricing tier for both cash and GPP formats.
Jordan Matthews - $23 (Cash / GPP)
Going into Week 1, it is doubtful that many people would have pegged Jordan Matthews as a guy who could receive the 2nd most targets ahead of names like A.J Green (13), Antonio Brown (11), Odell Beckham (8), and DeAndre Hopkins (8). With rookie Carson Wentz at the helm, it was clear that there is an obvious connection between the two. The Bears secondary allowed Will Fuller to blow the top off for over 100 yards and a touchdown, including allowing Fuller to almost score on an 83-yard bomb if not for a very costly drop. Matthews certainly has the ability to make the big plays, and with the volume he is getting, he should have plenty of opportunities to do so. While the Eagles offense had about as good of a matchup as they could get against Cleveland last week, the Bears secondary is not much better. Look for Matthews to get plenty of volume to hit and potentially exceed his value salary. Exposure in tournaments would be preferred over cash games due solely to the uncertainty of a rookie quarterback feeding him.
Running Back
C.J. Anderson - $30 (Cash)
C.J. Anderson looks to continue his feature-back role this week against a Colts rushing defense that looked atrocious against a mediocre Lions rushing attack last week, allowing 116 yards and 2 touchdowns on only 24 carries total. The Colts allowed the 25th most rushing yards per game last season and a rushing touchdown in all but 2 games. The Broncos’ run-first mentality combined with Anderson playing 83% of offensive snaps last week should set Anderson up for another heavy workload this week in this very juicy matchup. Add in the bonus of Trevor Semien’s willingness to feed Anderson the dumps / screens, and C.J. Anderson should have one of the highest floors of any player this week. Expect Anderson to be a very highly owned back at this very fair price, making him an excellent cash game play.
DeAngelo Williams - $28 (Cash)
DeAngelo Williams was an absolute workhorse last week, finishing with the most fantasy points at his position. Williams ranked 1st in targets (9), 2nd in rushing attempts (26), and 1st in rushing yards (143) among running backs last week as the Steelers relied heavily on him. The Steelers enter what looks to be a much more difficult test this week against a top-10 Bengals rushing defense. However, this game still has a high point total with the Steelers favored at home, making for what should be a favorable game script for the ground game. The Steelers will continue to feed Williams at a high rate both on the ground and through the air, and with his price remaining lower than it should be, Williams will be a very popular play yet again this week. Saddle him up in all formats, particularly your cash games as his ownership will be very high and he is safe to achieve target value.
Ezekiel Elliott - $25 (GPP)
Speaking of Deangelo Williams, did you see him against the Redskins defense last week? Washington was absolutely thrashed, allowing nearly 5 yards per carry and 2 rushing touchdowns. The Redskins now have the rookie Ezekiel Elliott stepping up to the plate against them. Their defense ranked 26th against the run last season, so that Week 1 performance looks to be a true reflection of what we can expect from that unit. While Elliott did not have a great debut last week, the Dallas game plan was and will continue to be feeding their rushing attack behind that elite offensive line. While Elliott was only on the field for around 60% of snaps, he still rushed 20 times and found the end zone. Look for a similar workload this week as the Cowboys try to get him going in a good matchup, however the sluggish performance in what should have been a favorable matchup last week still leaves some question marks with the rookie. For that reason, Elliott should be relied upon primarily in GPP formats.
LeGarrette Blount - $15 (GPP)
It is a common reaction to cringe when thinking about running backs in the New England Patriots offense, as we have seen some strange things from Bill Belichick over the years. While anything is possible still, it was very encouraging to see LeGarrette Blount handle 71% of all rushing attempts by the Patriots last week, a feat he only accomplished 3 times last season. With the Patriots favored by nearly a touchdown at home against 2015’s worst rushing defense in Miami, game script suggests a heavy workload on the ground, especially as they continue without Tom Brady. Blount should have a high ceiling with touchdown upside in this great matchup, but variance of usage with James White still in the mix combined with a below average point total in this game make him a risky play. The low salary and high ceiling puts Blount on the radar as an excellent tournament play, but limit your exposure in cash formats as there are safer options at the position.
Tight End
Virgil Green - $11 (Cash / GPP)
Virgil Green is priced way down this week due in part to the lackluster performance of Trevor Semien last week. Green was targeted 5 times for 4 receptions and 28 yards, so certainly not heavy workload. In any normal week, including this one, Green’s upside is dependent on getting in the end zone. He actually had a wide open look last week, but could not convert due to a great play by the Panthers defensive end. The Colts injury-riddled defense is a far cry from Carolina, allowing 332 passing yards last week and ranking 26th overall in total defense last season. At this price, all Green needs is one touchdown to immediately hit value. Due to his bargain price, he is a very viable punt play in both cash and GPP formats.
Antonio Gates - $19 (GPP)
With the season-ending injury to Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates will be one of the safest pass-catching options for the Chargers for the remainder of this year. Gates has performed consistently for years, and actually scored more fantasy points in a single game than any other tight end against Jacksonville last year with 4 receptions for 53 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Jaguars have a solid secondary that held Aaron Rogers to under 200 yards last week, so Gates’ ownership should be slightly depressed by this. San Diego should have to pass to keep up with the Jaguars offense, so expect Gates to get a minimum of 8 targets here. He projects out as a great value, and with the multi-touchdown upside plus relatively low ownership possible (industry is relatively quiet about him this week), Gates should be looked at hard in GPP formats.
Defense
New England Patriots - $14 (Cash)
This game situation sets up very nicely for the New England Patriots defense for a number of reasons. First, the over under on this game is currently sitting at 41.5, the 2nd lowest of the week. on the week. This game will be the home opener for New England after an unexpected Week 1 victory and almost equally unexpected Week 17 loss against Miami, so energy levels (and noise) will be extremely high. The Dolphins are a clear bottom-half defense and had one of the worst offensive lines in football last year. They also made no case for improvement last week allowing their quarterback to go down 5 times and only 64 total team rushing yards. New England has a top-5 secondary that forced 2 interceptions and a defensive line that had 5 sacks in their last meaningful meeting with Miami (not counting Week 17 when many starters were benched). Look for New England to jump out to an early lead and dominate time of possession, making the this defense a top value play in cash games at only $14.
Baltimore Ravens - $13 (Cash / GPP)
Plugging in whatever defense that is facing the Browns may become one of the easiest strategies out there this year, as we saw last week with Philadelphia paying off relatively easily. The loss of Robert Griffin III III actually makes opposing defenses relatively less valuable as Josh McCown should take better care of the ball , but nonetheless, any defense against the Browns should have a very high floor this year as the Browns have one of the most inept offenses and defenses in the game. The Ravens project out as our top value defense on the week and this game has one of the lowest point totals in Vegas, so until the salaries catch on to the fact that Cleveland has a bad team, keep the train moving and roster the Ravens in all formats.
