DraftKings NFL Early Slate October 21 Bargain Plays

If you are looking to save some money on your early DraftKings slate, here are some bargain picks at each position.

The early DraftKings slate for October 21 features seven games. With a game in London and four teams on bye, the player pool is more shallow than usual. There are still some star players available, though. However, if you want to go the opposite route, there are plenty of bargain plays that will provide a lot of fantasy value.

The seven games during the 1 PM timeframe are CLE/TB, CAR/PHI, MIN/NYJ, DET/MIA, NE/CHI, BUF/IND and HOU/JAX. Some games could be exciting while others could see some sloppy play. Regardless, both situations could result in a lot of fantasy points.

Kirk Cousins has the highest salary for quarterbacks at $6,400. Christian McCaffrey at $7,700, Adam Thielen at $8,600 and Zach Ertz at $7,100. Based on their recent performances, those players are worth those prices, as long as they can continue their hot streak. But do you want to spend close to 15 percent of your budget on one player? I know I don’t.

I will list one quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end that will put up enough fantasy points and save you some money when building your lineup.

Quarterback

Baker Mayfield, @TB, $5,800

Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs defense has allowed a league-high 34.6 points per game, 355.8 passing yards per game and 41.9 first down percentage.

Mayfield has had a couple of multi-interception games recently but with more experience comes better decisions. He should have a better game in Week 7 against this secondary.

The Browns made a switch at running back, launching Nick Chubb into the starting role while Duke Johnson getting more playing time on passing downs. At the price he’s at, Mayfield is a good contrarian play.

Honorable Mention: Sam Darnold, $4,900; Brock Osweiler, $4,700

Running Back

Kerryon Johnson, @MIA, $4,500

Johnson has been getting consistent work in the Detroit Lions backfield. While he has just one 100-yard game, he averages 5.9 yards per carry over the last four weeks.

LeGarrette Blount is still a factor at the goal line but is getting some carries between the 20s. He averages 2.49 yards per attempt. Johnson is the main running back for the Lions.

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Miami has allowed 166.8 scrimmage yards per game to opposing running backs, with eight total touchdowns in six games. Johnson should be able to run all over the Dolphins defense and even score a touchdown.

Honorable Mention: Duke Johnson, $4,000; Kenyan Drake, $4,900; Nick Chubb, $3,600

Wide Receiver

Taylor Gabriel, vs NE, $4,700

With DraftKings using PPR scoring, even a team’s No. 3 wide receiver has some fantasy value.

Gabriel broke out in Week 4 and continued his performance in Week 6 with back-to-back 100-yard games. He scored two touchdowns in Week 4 as well.

Mitch Trubisky is stepping up in his second year in the league and is targeting the speedy wide receiver more. Gabriel has 34 targets this season.

The New England defense is allowing 268.7 passing yards and 15 touchdowns per game. If given time by his offensive line, Trubisky should be able to find Gabriel downfield for a couple of big plays.

Honorable Mention: Robby Anderson, $4,500; Antonio Callaway, $4,300; Phillip Dorsett, $3,700

Tight End

O.J. Howard, vs CLE, $3,600

The tight end position has been a cesspool, to say the least, this season. There are just a few teams with a true, impactful tight end. Most of the league’s offensives aren’t even using a tight end in the passing game.

The Bucs offense seems to be able to support two tight ends in Howard and Cameron Brate. The former was dealing with a knee injury but was able to catch all four targets including a touchdown last week.

The Browns pass rush is great so Jameis Winston will likely have to dump down more than usual, giving Howard more opportunities to score fantasy points.

Honorable Mention: Brate, $3,600; Chris Herndon, $2,600

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The players listed will be able to put up fantasy points in their respective matchups. With their cheaper price, they will make good contrarian plays against those DraftKings players using the expensive star players.