Week 2 of the fantasy football season is upon us, which means another week with a fresh start for daily fantasy football players.
Daily fantasy football uses a salary cap system for picking teams for its most popular games, and that means looking for the best values will help you win every week. Saving in some areas, while spending big in other areas will lead to the best team which scores the most points.
This week, we’ll be taking a look at players and citing their values on DraftKings,DraftStreet, and FanDuel. If you’re curious about rules, scoring systems, and other available games, be sure to check them out.
So who are the best players to play this week? Which have the best prices for their potential scoring performances? Which players are overpriced, and worth avoiding completely? Check out my picks, and leave yours in the comment section below.
Best Values:
Chad Henne, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars ($5,000 on DraftKings)
This is one of those instances where you can take advantage of the daily fantasy sports system. Henne is priced near the bottom of every daily game because he wasn’t even supposed to be the starter at this time last week. But he’s ascended to the starting job, and they’re unable to change the prices after the Week 2 games have opened for play.
Is Chad Henne a “good” quarterback? No, absolutely not. But he’s good enough to score points against the Oakland Raiders, and he’s as cheap as it gets at his position. So if he has a better-than-average game, and you spend your remaining stack of cash loading up on the other positions, you’ll be in great shape to post a winning score for the week.
Ryan Matthews, RB, San Diego Chargers ($4,100 on DraftKings) and Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers ($3,000 on DraftKings)
The Chargers had a surprisingly good game against a talented Houston defense during Week 1, and they’ll get an easier task when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. That means the bargain prices on Matthews and Floyd should make them a consideration for all of your DraftKings teams.
Matthews might not be a workhorse running back, but he showed that when he’s healthy, he can make some plays and earn some points. And while Eddie Royal may have been the star in Week 1, Floyd received a similar amount of targets and will continue to be a featured, starting receiver in the San Diego offense. And I just can’t trust Eddie Royal.
Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles ($3,100 on DraftKings)
The Chargers did a very poor job containing the Houston Texans’ tight ends during Week 1, and they will likely do the same in Week 2 against the Eagles. Celek is the most proven of the bunch, as Zach Ertz hasn’t shown reliable hands, and James Casey hasn’t shown up on the field very often this season.
Worth the Price:
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers ($18,451 on DraftStreet)
Aaron Rodgers is almost always a good play, but he’s especially good going against the Washington Redskins. And if you’re going to spend big on a quarterback on DraftStreet, save the almost $2,000 and skip on Peyton Manning in favor of Rodgers.
Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($14,260 on DraftStreet)
Martin will have a fullback for Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints, and he might have All-Pro guard Carl Nicks back as well. These two factors combine for a nice opportunity for a bounce-back week for the Muscle Hamster.
The Saints defense allowed a big play to Steven Jackson during Week 1, but the Falcons were otherwise quick to abandon the run game. The Bucs won’t give up on the run as quickly, because it’s clear they’re not the same team without Martin heavily involved.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Chicago Bears ($14,338 on DraftStreet)
Marshall is still Jay Cutler’s favorite target, and his Bears are facing the Minnesota Vikings during Week 2. Among the high-priced wide receivers, there’s no better choice than Marshall, who should catch the ball over and over against the Vikings’ lackluster defense.
Must Avoid:
Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks ($8,100 on FanDuel)
Say goodbye to an eyebrow, Russell.
Wilson is playing the 49ers this week, which is a brutal matchup. And he’s still priced as a top-notch quarterback thanks to his excellent play last season into this year.
Keep Wilson on the bench this week, and feel free to use him once his price drops after a disappointing performance against the Niners.
Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans ($8,300 on FanDuel)
The Titans are playing the Texans this week, yet Johnson is still priced like he’s playing the Colts or Raiders. Chris Johnson is a big play away from proving me wrong, but don’t expect CJ2K to show up on Sunday. We’re more likely to see CJ2YPC.
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Devner Broncos ($8,600 on FanDuel)
Demaryius Thomas had an excellent debut for the 2013 season thanks to a long catch and run against the Baltimore Ravens. That, combined with the seven touchdowns Peyton Manning threw during Week 1, has greatly elevated the prices of every Broncos’ offensive player. That means he’s just not worth his price anymore, and you should look elsewhere at the wide receiver position. Save a few bucks and grab Jordy Nelson instead.