Ostrowski: Best Daily Fantasy Plays For Week 8
By Joe Ostrowski--
(CBS) Earlier this week, Illinois state representative Michael Zalewski proposed the "Fantasy Contests Act." Laurence Holmes interviewed Zalewski about his bill and the future of daily fantasy sports in this state. You can listen to that interview here, filed under Oct. 28.
Now, let's take a look at the week's top plays in daily fantasy:
QB in cash games: Bengals' Andy Dalton at Steelers
Dalton has more fantasy points than Aaron Rodgers. His 2.7 touchdowns per game is better than Tom Brady's 2.6 average. Dalton's home/road splits include a 118.9 quarterback rating outside of Cincinnati in three games. The Red Rifle is still underpriced as a second-tier quarterback.
Another option: Chargers' Philip Rivers at Ravens
QB in tournaments: Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger vs. Bengals
As it has become clear that Roethlisberger will start Sunday, Pittsburgh went from underdogs to favorites. In the two games that Roethlisberger started and finished this year, he averaged 360 yards per game. Many are staying away in his first week back, as Big Ben was less than three percent owned in Thursday contests.
Another option: Saints' Drew Brees vs. Giants
RB in cash games: Ravens' Justin Forsett vs. Chargers
It's a repeat of last week. Todd Gurley is once again the top option, but that's the easy call. Like Matt Forte last year, Forsett is heavily involved in Marc Trestman's offense. He's had 22.7 touches per game over the last four weeks and has the second-highest offensive snaps percentage (74.6) in the NFL. Baltimore's projected team total of 27 points is the second-highest of the week.
Another option: Rams' Todd Gurley vs. 49ers
RB in tournaments: Vikings' Adrian Peterson at Bears
Peterson has averaged 130.6 total yards and 1.2 touchdowns per game in 12 career contests against the Bears. The Bears have the fourth-worst run defense in the league, according to Football Outsiders. Peterson had an ownership level of below one percent after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He participated on Friday and is good to go.
Another option: Bears' Matt Forte vs. Vikings
WR in cash games: Steelers' Antonio Brown vs. Bengals
Since 2013, Brown has been targeted 10.9 times per game in Roethlisberger starts. This year, Brown has more than 100 yards in all four games Mike Vick didn't start. Brown's at a reduced price that should take a big jump next week.
Another option: Falcons' Julio Jones vs. Buccaneers
WR in tournaments: Cardinals' Michael Floyd at Browns
Arizona might decide to rest John Brown's hamstring with its bye week coming up. With Brown on the field, Floyd has reached the end zone in each of the last two games. Floyd is the 65th-priced receiver on FanDuel and was five percent owned in Thursday tournaments.
Another option: Broncos' Demaryius Thomas vs. Packers
TE in cash games: Bengals' Tyler Eifert at Steelers
Once again, I'm all over the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh game. The Steelers have allowed six touchdowns to tight ends, second-most in the league. Eifert has six touchdowns, only trailing Rob Gronkowski at the position. The Bengals have gone to Eifert when facing opponents that struggle to defend tight ends. He had 12 targets against Oakland and Seattle.
Another option: Panthers' Greg Olsen vs. Colts
TE in tournaments: Cowboys' Jason Witten vs. Seahawks
Matt Cassel targeted Witten more than any other Cowboys player in his first start with the team. Seattle has a top-five defense but routinely gets crushed by tight ends. The Seahawks have allowed the most yards (549) and second-most fantasy points (12.1 per game) to the position.
Another option: Giants' Larry Donnell at Saints
Joe Ostrowski is an executive producer at 670 The Score and co-hosts "Chicago's Fantasy Football Today" on Sundays from 8-9 a.m. CT. He also discusses fantasy football on The Laurence Holmes Show on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. CT on WSCR-670 and670thescore.com/listen. Follow him on Twitter @JoeO670 and feel free to ask fantasy questions.