As always, if you want to pay high salaries for some players, you’ve got to find some DFS value plays to fit your lineup under the $50,000 salary cap on DraftKings. Like last week, I’m going to focus on players who are priced under $5,000, specifically on DK. We’ve got a few decent options here so that we can pay up for the Lamar Jacksons and Saquon Barkleys of the world.
Carlos Hyde, RB Texans, $4,600
Hyde has hauled the pigskin a lot recently, with 47 carries in his last two games as Houston has made him a workhorse back. Although the Colts rank in the top third of the NFL in rushing defense, Hyde is worth a look this Sunday by virtue of volume alone.
DK Metcalf, Seahawks WR, $4,800
Greater things were expected from the rookie Metcalf coming into the season than he has delivered so far, but his stock looks to be on the rise after tight end Will Dissly suffered a torn Achilles tendon. That could yield more red-zone targets for Metcalf. Last week against the Browns, Metcalf caught four of five targets for 69 yards, and he looks to become more involved in the passing game this week against the Ravens.
Chris Conley, Jaguars WR, $3,500
Although the Jags’ passing game hasn’t looked spectacular recently, Conley may be hard to pass up at his price, and with the injuries the team’s receiving corps has suffered. Dede Westbrook didn’t practice Thursday due to a shoulder injury, throwing his availability against the Bengals on Sunday into question. Marqise Lee is still week-to-week with an ankle injury. The injury situation is worth monitoring Sunday morning, and Conley may be worth a look as one of the best DFS value plays this Sunday (as is the team’s top receiver, DJ Chark, Jr., at his $6,000 salary).
Darren Waller, Raiders TE, $4,700
Although he caught just four passes last week against the Bears, Waller is still one of the most prolific tight ends in the league, with 37 catches for 359 yards. Because he hasn’t caught a touchdown pass, his salary is lower than it should be, making him solid value this week against the Packers.
TJ Hockenson, Lions TE, $3,600
After a stellar breakout Week 1 game for the rookie against the Cardinals, Hockenson caught five passes in his next four games. But his stock could be on the rise after four receptions on six targets against the Packers last week. Now he faces the Dolphins. Perhaps you’ve heard they stink?
