Thomason: Sleepers & Daily Fantasy Value Plays For Week 9
By Jack Thomason--
(CBS) Let's check out the Week 9 sleepers and daily fantasy value plays.
Quarterback
Colin Kaepernick, 49ers (vs. Saints) — If you're looking for an inexpensive quarterback with a solid floor and high ceiling at a low price, Kaepernick is your guy. The Saints rank 28th in pass DVOA, which gives Kaepernick a little better opportunity than usual to score points through the air. They also rank 28th against the run in DVOA, which bodes well for his ability to break the pocket and score points with his legs. Kaepernick is averaging 75 yards per game on the ground, and the 49ers' implied team total is 24.5 points. That's much higher than normal. (FanDuel: $7200; DraftKings: $5600)
Josh McCown, Browns (vs. Cowboys) — In his first start since Week 2, McCown threw for 341 yards and two scores. He also had three turnovers, but he put up more than enough points to make him a great value at his salary, and I expect more of the same this week against Dallas. The Cowboys rank 17th in DVOA, and they're also likely to be without starters Barry Church (broken arm) and Mo Claiborne (groin) in the secondary. McCown is well worth a play this week with six teams on bye again. (FD: $7100; DK: $5400)
Running back
Tim Hightower, Saints (at 49ers) — Mark Ingram fumbled again, and it cost him his job for the game against the Seahawks last week. In came Hightower, who ripped off 102 yards on 26 carries against a Seattle defense that ranks in the top five for run DVOA. We aren't sure who's going to get the majority touches this week, but the matchup is so good and the price is right that it's worth taking the chance on Hightower even if he sees 50 percent of the load. The 49ers have been gashed for a league-worst 185.1 yards per game on the ground and have allowed six straight 100-yard rushers. (FD: $6100; DK: $4000)
Charcandrick West, Chiefs (vs. Jaguars) — The Jaguars are 27thin run DVOA, and the Chiefs may be without star running back Spencer Ware. Plus, news of Jamaal Charles going on injured reserve just broke. Kansas City may have no one else to rely on at this point. Did I mention Alex Smith is up in the air too? Although the Chiefs dispute it, he has a concussion and is questionable for Sunday's game. West is going to have a lot of opportunity on a run-first team against porous defense that was just rocked by the Tennessee running game. I'll take a stab at West for his price, especially with his dual ability and the possibility Ware won't play either. It's also a positive script for West that the Chiefs are nine-point home favorites. (FD: $5600; DK: $4400)
Receiver
Donte Moncrief, Colts (at Packers) — We saw Moncrief back in action last week, and he picked up where he left off -- in the end zone. He racked up four receptions on 41 yards and hit pay dirt in his first game back. Andrew Luck likes looking his way in scoring position, and nothing should change against a porous and virtually invisible Packers' secondary this week. Moncrief led Colts receivers in targets (9) and snaps (87 percent) in his first week back from injury. Take advantage his price now, because it will be on the rise starting next week. (FD: $6100; DK: $5800)
Michael Thomas, Saints (at 49ers) — Thomas has all the makings of a fantasy star, as he's been a top-15 receiver in PPR formats, yet his price continues to be lower than it should be. In the high-powered Saints offense, he's second on the team in targets (55) and tied for team lead in red-zone targets (five). In the past three weeks, he has caught 24 of 27 targets for 217 yards. Thomas gets a lowly 49ers defense that's worse against the run but still 20th against the pass in DVOA. Thomas makes a perfect WR3 this week. (FD: $5800; DK: $5500)
Tight end
Kyle Rudolph, Vikings (vs. Lions) — When I first looked at the slate, I couldn't believe I was seeing Rudolph at his price point, especially his FanDuel price. He's been a legitimate TE1 this year and a favorite for Sam Bradford. He's also getting the best match up there is against the pathetic Lions defense that couldn't stop me if I were paying tight end (kidding). Detroit has allowed eight touchdowns in eight games to tight ends this season and ranks 27th in DVOA. Rudolph is the lock of the week in my mind. (FD: $5000; DK: $4000)
Austin Hooper, Falcons (at Buccaneers) — The Buccaneers are good against the tight end position (fifth in DVOA), but with as red-hot as the Falcons offense has been, I'll take my chances at minimum pricing. Hooper is an athletic tight end, and we've seen him makes some great plays this season. He's an upgrade from Jacob Tamme as a receiving weapon, and he caught all five of his targets for 41 yards last week. The Falcons are playing in the second highest over/under of the week (51.5) and have an implied team total of 27.5 points as road favorites. (FD: $4500; DK: $2500)
Just missed: Sam Bradford, Ryan Tannehill, Matt Asiata, Antone Smith, Stefon Diggs, Kenny Britt, Eric Ebron and Cameron Brate.
Jack Thomason is 670 The Score's fantasy football expert and co-host of "Chicago's Fantasy Football Today," which can be heard every Sunday during football season from 8-9 a.m. CT on WSCR-670 and 670thescore.com/listen. Follow him on Twitter @jthomason77 and feel free to ask fantasy questions.
