Fantasy Exclusive

RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 9

By MIKE BARNER

Contributing Writer

Fri Nov 6 9:06am ET

Only two teams are on a bye for Week 9, leaving us with plenty of DFS options to sift through. We also have some potentially exciting games on the slate, including the Patriots hosting the Packers. Let’s dig into the matchups and highlight some players to target at each position, as well as a few to potentially avoid.

Quarterbacks

Brock Purdy, SF vs. LV ($6,800): Even with the 49ers missing so many players because of injuries, Purdy has remained a steady source of production. He has thrown at least two touchdowns in five of his seven games and is sporting a 69.2% completion rate. Coming out of their bye week, he will face a Raiders team that is tied for the most passing touchdowns allowed (18) in the league. Even with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) likely out, Purdy enters this matchup with a high floor.

Malik Willis, MIA vs. DET ($5,100): The Lions are right there with the Raiders, having also allowed 18 passing touchdowns. Normally, you would want to deploy Willis in DFS because of his rushing upside. That works in his favor for this matchup because the Lions are tied for the eighth-most rushing yards per carry allowed to quarterbacks. Combine that with increased passing upside against a defense that has been picked apart through the air, and Willis could be well worth the risk at his cheap salary.

Player to Avoid

Caleb Williams, CHI vs. TB ($6,300): The Bears scored 34 points in a win over the Seahawks on Monday. Williams wasn't overly productive in the victory, throwing for 247 yards and one touchdown. He has just four touchdowns over three games since returning from injury and could struggle to add to that total in this matchup against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has generated more interceptions (12) than it has allowed touchdown passes (10) and is giving up just 18.9 points per game. Considering his salary doesn't come at much of a discount, it might be best to avoid Williams this week.

Running Backs

Javonte Williams, DAL at IND ($7,300): Williams managed just 56 rushing yards in a disappointing loss to the Cardinals last week. It wasn't because of a lack of opportunities, as he carried the ball 24 times. Prior to that performance, he had scored at least one touchdown in five straight games. During that span, he received at least 19 carries three times. The Colts are trading away some of their best players, and Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten took advantage last week, recording 159 total yards and two touchdowns against them. If Williams approaches 20 carries again, he could surpass 100 yards while also getting opportunities to reach the end zone.

Jonah Coleman, DEN at CAR ($5,300): In the first game without RJ Harvey (knee), who is now on IR, Coleman received five targets against the Chiefs last week. He made an immediate impact in that role, catching four passes for 63 yards. He also carried the ball 11 times for 41 yards and a touchdown. The most encouraging sign moving forward is that he logged 40 offensive snaps compared to just 13 for J.K. Dobbins. His expanded role makes him a great option against the Panthers, who allow the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs.

Player to Avoid

Josh Jacobs, GB at NE ($6,800): Jacobs has managed just 75 rushing yards on 32 carries since returning to the Packers. However, he salvaged his stat lines with three touchdowns over those two games. He also added 11 receptions for 68 yards. The Patriots have been stingy against running backs, allowing just five touchdowns to the position and only 4.01 yards per carry. If Jacobs can't find the end zone again, it might be difficult for him to justify his salary.

Wide Receivers

Malik Nabers, NYG at PHI ($7,300): Nabers got off to a slow start this season while working his way back from a torn ACL. He has since shaken off the rust, recording at least 111 receiving yards in four straight games. He also scored two touchdowns during that span and was targeted a whopping 51 times. The Eagles have allowed the third-most receptions to wide receivers in the league and have also surrendered 10 touchdowns to the position. They will have their hands full with Nabers.

Malik Washington, MIA vs. DET ($4,700): Washington received six targets against the Patriots last week, recording five receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown. It was his sixth game with at least five targets, giving him a 25.1% target share on the team. He has also accounted for 28.5% of Miami's air yards. With the Lions' struggles defending the pass, Washington could provide solid value.

Player to Avoid

Tetairoa McMillan, CAR vs. DEN ($6,900): While McMillan was targeted 11 times against the Packers last week, he didn't exactly shine, finishing with six receptions for 58 yards. He scored twice against the Lions in Week 4 but hasn't found the end zone in any of his other six games. The Broncos have allowed just four touchdowns to wide receivers while surrendering the second-fewest yards per target to the position. Nabers carries a similar salary and has a much better matchup, making McMillan someone to avoid.

Tight Ends

George Kittle, SF vs. LV ($6,000): Although several wide receivers have been in and out of the lineup for the 49ers, Kittle has remained a steady presence at tight end. He already has five touchdowns and leads the team with 46 targets. The Raiders have allowed the second-most receptions to tight ends, making a stack with Kittle and Purdy an appealing strategy.

Greg Dulcich, MIA vs. DET ($3,100): Dulcich ranks second behind Washington in targets among Dolphins players. Since the team's Week 6 bye, he has recorded nine receptions for 129 yards over the last two games. The Lions have struggled mightily against tight ends, allowing the most receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns to the position. For those looking to take a chance on a tight end with a cheap salary, Dulcich might be the top option.

Player to Avoid

Dalton Kincaid, BUF at MIN ($5,400): The Vikings lost to the Lions last week but still managed to limit them to just 19 points. They have one of the best defenses in the league, allowing only 13.3 points per game. They have surrendered just 22 receptions to tight ends all season and have yet to allow a touchdown to the position. If you're looking for a tight end in this salary range, it would be wise to spend a little more of your budget and roll with Kittle over Kincaid.

Player Notes

Colston Loveland Nov 6 10:40pm ET

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland is again a strong fantasy option for a home matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. The former Michigan Wolverine has really rounded into form over his previous three outings, compiling a 20/199/2 line while leading the team in receptions and targets (28). Loveland's upside will always be somewhat capped by Chicago's propensity to score points in a hurry and the dearth of talent around him. Still, he's utilized superbly in the scheme, able to use his athleticism on quick flat routes around the line of scrimmage. He also does well on some deeper breaking patterns over the middle and outside the numbers. Tampa Bay's defense has been an undesirable matchup in most respects, but they're actually susceptible to fantasy tight ends as a bottom-half unit. Even if the offense struggles, Loveland should still command a considerable share of targets. He's again a top option for the Sunday night matchup and, officially, RotoBaller's PPR TE4 for Week 9.