In a week where we see Christian McCaffrey priced up to $10,000 and Dalvin Cook at $9,500 on DraftKings, we definitely need to find some sub-$5,000 DFS value plays to fill out a competitive roster. Fortunately, there are opportunities to get solid players at cheap salaries at most positions. Here’s a look.
Royce Freeman, Broncos RB, $4,900
Denver’s backfield should continue to be a platoon between Freeman and Phillip Lindsay, but both could see more receptions with Emmanuel Sanders traded to the 49ers. So far, through seven games, Freeman has averaged double-digit carries and more than three catches per game, adding up to a per-game tally of 11.5 DFS points on DraftKings. The Broncos face the Cleveland defense this week — one of the worst in the league against opposing running backs — making both Freeman and Lindsay ($5,300 DK salary) great DFS value plays.
Mark Walton, Dolphins RB, $4,500
With Kenyan Drake shipped out to Arizona, Walton takes over the No. 1 role. Admittedly, that is for the Dolphins (perhaps you’ve heard how bad they stink), but this week Miami faces a Jets team that is only a notch above them, and which is weak against opposing running backs. Walton got just 11 carries and three catches last week against Pittsburgh, but in what’s expected to be a close game against New York, he should see more volume in Week 9.
Sammy Watkins, Chiefs WR, $4,900
After his monster Week 1, Watkins has experienced mostly mediocre outings, including missing two games with an injured hamstring. Last week against the Packers, he caught five passes on eight targets for 45 yards, which could be a sign of big things to come. Quarterback Pat Mahomes may be back from his own injury this week, which could definitely make Watkins one of the great DFS value plays.
Danny Amendola, Lions WR, $4,700
After a slow start to the season – quite the opposite of Watkins – Amendola has been heavily targeted by quarterback Matthew Stafford, with 19 targets in the past two games that resulted in 16 catches, but no touchdowns. Although Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, Jr. have stolen the show the past two weeks, Amendola may be worth a roster spot this week against a Raiders defense that is the league’s worst against opposing wide receivers.
Zach Ertz, Eagles TE $4,700
Week 9 provides an excellent buy-low opportunity with Ertz, who has seen fellow Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert catch TD passes in the past two games. Philadelphia also faces Chicago this week, which has a good defense, but is actually one of the weakest in the league against opposing tight ends. Most DFS players will be off Ertz this week. The combination of that, and his season-low salary, make him a nice pivot play this Sunday.