While we frequently call for the use of a ‘stars-and-scrubs’ approach to building a fantasy lineup, there has arguably been no week quite like Week 7. In fact, it might be more accurate to refer to these lineups as ‘scrubs-and-stars,’ where the lower-priced options rule the day and the more expensive and, apparently more trustworthy – there is no such thing as ‘trust’ in fantasy sports – players would fill in the gaps. The irony is that, usually a set of lesser expensive players would lead to roster flexibility. Not this week. At least, not for the main slate.
Based on our expected Week 7 DFS game flow analysis performed earlier, we can carry our thoughts into actual lineup positions. The long list of players that fit the requirements set forth by the projected flow of the game was cut dramatically by the requirements set forth by salaries.
Below are Sporfolio’s DFS Week 7 Plays:
Quarterback
Brett Hundley – Brett Hundley is quite clearly a huge step down from Aaron Rodgers, and will be expected by many people to be the main reason that this Packers team will struggle throughout the remainder of the season. While it is impossible to say what his season outlook is, his setup for this week is near perfect from a fantasy perspective. The first valuable point about Hundley is his price which is always nice to be able to find a guy you like while also saving plenty of salary. The reasons to like Hundley go way beyond just that; Hundley is in his third season with this organization, and while he may have very little game experience, learning under Aaron Rodgers for three years is a huge benefit for any young quarterback. His time with the team also means that he should have no problems running the offense because he should know it very well by now. This is very different from most new quarterbacks that are thrust into action, as he should be in great command of the plays. He is also being given a gift matchup against the Saints which has an explosive offense of their own, and a poor defense that can be taken advantage of. Add to these facts Hundley’s running ability – he rushed for 1,747 yards and 30 touchdowns in three years at UCLA – and his talented receiving core, and it seems like Hundley should be a lock to reach, and likely exceed, the value of his salary.
Jared Goff – It is easy to forget, but Jared Goff was the first overall pick in the NFL Draft just last year. His poor – at best – rookie campaign stripped him of all value, and left the football-watching world laughing at the Rams’ decision to select Goff. Everything has changed in 2017. Not only is Goff performing well statistically – seven touchdowns, three interceptions, and 1,484 passing yards – but his team is winning games. The now-4-2 Rams travel east to England to take on the Cardinals, and Goff has a surprisingly great matchup against a defense allowing the eighth-most passing yards and fifth-most passing touchdowns in the league. The secret element behind picking Goff rests in the nature of Sunday’s game. The Rams absolutely blew the doors off of the Colts on Opening Day, and were essentially running up the score to make a statement to the league. While the Cardinals are better than the Colts – and can create some resistance – the Rams will likely try to make the same statement, again. Only on an International level.