Based on the number of games we projected to be on the lower-scoring side of the equation, we expected to trim our list further by the time we were preparing this particular article. That didn’t happen. Even some of the lower-scoring matchups have top targets and, while the list is probably more concise than in recent weeks, it’s simply because the players we liked are in excellent positions for their respective price tags — not because of the size of the slate.
Based on our expected Week 6 DFS game flow analysis and Week 6 Games to Target published 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 6 Plays:
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes – Quarterback is often a position where we find ourselves looking for salary savings, but not this week. In a week where the main slate is minimized, and the number of high-scoring games feels limited, we are looking to take the less volatile points where we can. We have spent a lot of time discussing the Washington defense, and it’s clear that we have lost all faith in them. In case you need further details, this “vaunted” Washington defense ranks 28th in the league in passing yards allowed per game. With that in mind, and considering the fact that the Chiefs are borderline desperate for a win, Mahomes is hard not to love. When you consider the fact that the Chiefs are without Clyde Edwards-Helaire, it is hard to envision a world in which Mahomes doesn’t feast this week.
Derek Carr – There are multiple avenues for Derek Carr to be one of the higher-scoring quarterbacks of the weekend, but the biggest hurdle is the defense against which he will play. The Denver Broncos have lived up to their preseason reputation in the first few weeks of the season, but many of their numbers could be attributed to their ridiculously easy schedule at the beginning. Still, the statistics have helped keep the price of opposing quarterbacks down where applicable, and Carr enters play with a fantastic risk-reward setup. Beyond the matchup, the obvious reason for targeting Carr is the narrative around him and the Las Vegas Raiders. There has been nothing but negativity for the team over the past week or so, and stepping on the field to prove that the team can win without its former head coach will lead to a more focused gameplan. The departure of Jon Gruden might also lead to the team relying less on the running game, which further opens the door for Carr.
Jared Goff – On the extreme opposite end of the scale from the aforementioned Mahomes is Jared Goff. His price is so low that the Cincinnati Bengals’ backup quarterback is more expensive than Goff on DraftKings. It’s insulting, but it’s also based on the matchup. The Bengals have an excellent defense that has not allowed more than 25 points in any game this year. It’s unlikely that the Detroit Lions are the ones to break through that ceiling, but Goff should still stand to benefit. He has absolutely feasted in the fourth quarters of games compared to the first three largely because his team is always trailing. That’s probably the case again on Sunday — and, if it isn’t it likely means Goff found success early.