This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
This week I think there's a bunch of great "buy-low" candidates especially if you're looking for tournament plays. There are also some great value plays that aren't "buy-lows" based on matchups and roles that I'll take a look at.
FanDuel is also running a nice bonus this week on its Sunday Million ($5 entry contest) with $100,000 divided up among the owners who roster the lowest-priced player who scores a touchdown this week (hint, look at tight ends).
QUARTERBACKS
While it's been a flushing week for the Eagles, look for Jalen Hurts ($7,900) to have a big game at home against the Chiefs. While everyone is pointing their fingers at Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City defense has been pretty bad through the first three games. They now have to go on the road in what should be a high-scoring affair, and Hurts should benefit from an uptempo game. Here's the guy I'll likely use in my cash lineups.
It's not etched in stone quite yet, but it appears the Bears are trending toward starting Justin Fields ($6,400) again this week. I'm guessing he's going to be a wildly unpopular pick after Myles Garrett abused him last week in Cleveland. Fields was a trendy pick for DFS last week but has a much better setup this week in the Windy City. The Bears should formulate a better game plan for him than the one last week, and Fields' salary cap hit is minimal, allowing plenty of space to spend up at the other positions.
RUNNING BACKS
I think it's safe to say Saquon Barkley ($6,900) is all the way back, or at least his touches are. The Saints defense has been very stingy to opposing running backs thus far but they've also faced the Jets, Patriots and a Green Bay team that didn't see a running back get more than five carries. Barkley is affordable here and has a nice ceiling.
The chalk pick of the week for me is the Saints' Alvin Kamara ($8,000). He's facing an exploitable Giants defense that just lost Blake Martinez to a season-ending injury and is better against the pass than the run. Kamara is still a huge part of this offense and will have an over/under of more than 100 yards from scrimmage on the FanDuel sports book when it comes out. Kamara makes a lot more sense given the cost differential between him and Derrick Henry ($10,200).
WIDE RECEIVERS
My favorite contrarian pick of the week at any position is the Rams' Robert Woods ($6,200). He is due for a big week, but looking at facts, there are a few reasons to like him Sunday. The Cardinals defense hasn't been good against the pass, and there should be a lot of attention given to Cooper Kupp given his hot start. Woods is averaging more than six targets per game and has gotten a red zone target in every game, so it's not like he's completely disappeared from the offense. I have no problem using him in cash games or tournaments.
The next contrarian play I'd consider for GPPs is the Bears' Allen Robinson ($6,400). He's another player who is due for a big game, and the numbers show evidence of that. Robinson has 21 targets through three games, and Justin Fields should be under less pressure in this game at home against the Lions. Detroit has been awful against the pass this season, and it's the perfect spot for Fields and Allen to connect. Hopefully Matt Nagy went back to the drawing board this week and figured out how to roll Fields out or move the pocket for him, allowing Robinson to get open downfield.
Looking at the chalk plays, Davante Adams ($8,100) is about as consistent as you'll get at the position. He has 34 targets through three games, and the Steelers could be without T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on defense. Adams is virtually a lock for double-digit fantasy points and has as much upside as anyone at the position.
I realize I've written a lot about this position, but I also think it's warranted given the many circumstances. Odell Beckham ($6,600) is facing a bad pass defense in the Vikings and should be a focal point of the offense. Work him into a lineup or two if you're doing multiple entries for a big tournament.
TIGHT ENDS
Not only is Travis Kelce ($8,200) killing it thus far, he's probably undervalued given the landscape of the position. Use him in any format and feel safe considering the Eagles have not been good at defending the position (see Dalton Schultz's game log from Monday night).
Logan Thomas ($5,800) might be flying a little under the fantasy radar considering he's been a bit consistent to start the season. He's scored 10.5, seven and 10.2 fantasy points to start the season, and has a great matchup against the Falcons Sunday. Fourteen targets through three games is a solid number for the position, and Thomas has been a big red zone target (one per game).
DEFENSES
The Buffalo Bills ($5,000) have a juicy home matchup against the Texans and are 15.5 point favorites in this matchup. That suggests that the Bills will be ahead and thus in an advantageous position when on defense. Look for sacks and turnovers in this one.
If you're looking for more economical spot at the position, consider using the New York Jets ($3,000). Ryan Tannehill has not been good this season (4:3 TD:INT ratio) and he could be without both A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. I'd go with the Jets over anyone within a $500 range if you need to save some salary cap here.
