A revolution is coming.
We’ve often discussed here at In-Between Media, that change is a constant in life. It’s always going to happen. And we always need to brace for it.
No matter what happens in-between the time this column is written and the time you’re reading it, or what happens in the hours and days after you read it, know that things are about to shift one way or another.
And while a “revolution” sounds scary, remember the world revolves every day. And that we are only present today because of multiple historic revolutions.
Whether it’s your top player in your lineup going out, or a waiver-wire pickup you struck gold on, we continue to adapt and the Earth never fails to revolve.
Week 9 Water Tower DFS Picks
RB: Dalvin Cook (Detroit at Minnesota) — $8,200
This is the most obvious pick in the history of daily fantasy sports (DFS). Normally I wouldn’t write about obvious plays like this, but this has the look of a ridiculous stat line.
Dalvin Cook went off last week against Green Bay in a way we haven’t seen often. And though the Packers have a bad run defense, the Lions’ is worse. Detroit’s run defense has allowed nearly 30 DFS points per game to running backs, the worst in the NFL. If Minnesota feeds Cook anywhere near the 30 carries he got last week, Cook could carry you into the money all by himself. – Elliot Hicks
WR: Keenan Allen (Las Vegas at Los Angeles Chargers) — $7,000
This is not a call based on an enticing matchup or a value at the position. Drafting Keenan Allen in DFS this week is simply about what he is – an outstanding real-life and fantasy wide receiver.
In his six games with Justin Herbert under center, Allen has three WR1 performances and one WR2 performance. Home against a middle-of-the-road Las Vegas defense, he should come through with another worthy performance of his $7,000 price tag. – Seth Woolcock
WR: DeAndre Hopkins (Miami at Arizona) — $8,200
DeAndre Hopkins has been stellar for DFS lineups all season. He is averaging 22.3 points per game so far in 2020 and should be in line for another outstanding week against a defense that has been good against the run, but below average against the pass.
And With Kenyan Drake out, look for Hopkins to have lineup-anchor value for your DFS contests. He should be Kyler Murray‘s go-to target yet again in Week 9, is worth the high price and worth building a roster around. This is a smash play. – Nate Polvogt
QB: Deshaun Watson (Houston at Jacksonville) — $7,100
Coming off a bye week, his receivers all still on the team and playing the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense this weekend are all reasons to get excited about drafting Deshaun Watson in Week 9.
After a slow start to the season, the former Clemson Tiger posted three straight QB1 performances, including a 32 point performance in Week 6. I think the ship keeps sailing for the Texans here in Jacksonville on Sunday. And I’m paying the $7,100 to take the ride. – Woolcock
Week 9 Typewriter DFS Picks
RB: J.K. Dobbins (Baltimore at Indianapolis) — $4,900
Is it finally happening? Is J.K. Dobbins assuming the RB1 role in Baltimore for the long haul? After his performance last week in the absence of Mark Ingram, it appears as though the answer is yes.
While Gus Edwards still seems to be the goal-line back of choice for John Harbaugh, Dobbins can be a clear workhorse in Baltimore. In Week 8, he trucked along for 113 yards on 15 carries against a stout Pittsburgh defense. This week Baltimore marches into Indianapolis needing to establish the run game early and you can expect Dobbins to replicate his performance from last week. Dobbins is a steal at just $4,900. – Polvogt
TE: Darren Waller (Las Vegas at Los Angeles Chargers) — $5,800
With Zach Ertz already on IR, and now George Kittle making his way there, having a sure-fire tight end locked in lineups has become one of the biggest advantages in both DFS and season-long leagues.
Dareen Waller, who is averaging 8.7 targets and 6.4 targets per game, has become the clear second-best tight end in fantasy. And this week his matchup, the Los Angeles Chargers, allow an average of 9.6 fantasy points to opposing tight ends (sixth-most in the league). – Woolcock
QB: Cam Newton (New England @ New York Jets) — $5,900
Cam Newton hasn’t had much go his way since returning from the COVID-19 list, and New England is not in a good place right now. The last time the Patriots started this bad was before Tom Brady becoming the starter there.
But Bill Belichick is too good of a coach and Newton is too talented of a player for it to stay this way. The Patriots have a great rebound opportunity Monday night against the Jets, far and away the NFL’s worst team. If Newton is going to be what New England needs to succeed, he’s going to do it this week, and his price is low enough that he’s worth the pickup. – Hicks
QB: Drew Lock (Denver at Atlanta) — $5,200
I know I know. Drew Lock hasn’t been great this year in fantasy football – or real life for that matter. We’ve seen flashes of what he was supposed to be, like the second half last week against the Los Angeles Chargers.
This week Denver comes into Atlanta to face a 2-6 team with arguably the league’s worst defense. Atlanta is ranked 23rd against the pass, setting up what could be a huge week for Lock. With Phillip Lindsay now questionable with another foot injury this week, Denver will lean a bit more on the passing game. And with Lock becoming more comfortable in Pat Shurmur’s offense, and the faster-paced tempo we saw in the second half last week, the stars have aligned for a big day in the air for Denver. Lock is a lock in my DFS lineups this week. – Polvogt
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