Week 17 generally tends to be the toughest week in fantasy circles, mainly because playoff spots have been secured and some coach's make the decision to rest their starters. This is where you can capitalize in your DFS contests and pluck the deep plays in the final week. Let's dive into this week's value plays.
Justin Herbert, QB - Los Angeles Chargers (DK: $7,100 / FD: $7,600)
I love this spot for Herbert going on the road at Arrowhead Stadium. Normally, this is a
difficult place to play (when the crowd can be a factor), but Covid-19 has its own rules. Historically, Andy Reid has a habit of resting key personnel on both sides of the football when his team has already clinched a division title or playoff spot -- in this case, the Chiefs have already locked down the top seed in the AFC. Herbert should get the "B" squad on Sunday and despite being without Hunter Henry and Keenan Allen for this game, I still think he rolls. And, there will be a little bit of history on the line as Herber needs 341 passing yards to break Andrew Luck's rookie record -- can he do it?
J.K. Dobbins, RB - Baltimore Ravens (DK: $6,700 / FD: $6,400)
I can't believe the value in DFS contests (primarily Fanduel) on Dobbins this week. Sure, he only had 11 carries last week, but he turned that into 77 yards and a score. Let's not lose sight of the fact that Gus Edwards popped up on the injury report Friday with a back injury and Mark Ingram has battled an illness all week. Dobbins seems in line for a huge role on Sunday against a Cincinnati Bengals squad giving up 19.6 FP/G to the position (10th-most). You can feel confident in building your roster around the Ravens' rookie this week and take some of that extra cash to bulk up another position.
Malcolm Brown, RB - Los Angeles Rams (DK: $4,300 / FD: $5,600)
This could be a dream spot for Brown owners in their DFS lineups this week as he looks on track for a three-down role. Cam Akers practiced in a limited capacity on Friday, but his chances of playing through a high-ankle sprain are scarce and Darrell Henderson was already placed on injured reserve dealing with the same injury. Sean McVay was pretty tongue and cheek all week about who would start in the Rams backfield, but after missing last week's game, I can't see Akers suiting up and if he does, it will be in a limited capacity. Brown has been extremely efficient this year, especially at home, where he's averaged 4.6 YPC on 47 carries. The Arizona Cardinals are giving up 19.5 FP/G to the position (11th-most) and with Cooper Kupp already ruled out for this game, paired with John Wolford starting in place of Jared Goff, Brown should see plenty of work.
Ty Johnson, RB - New York Jets (DK: $4,300 / FD: $5,000)
What in the world is going on with the New England Patriots? The drop off from Tom Brady to Cam Newton was expected, but this defense is lifeless right now. Over the past three games, the Pats have given up an average off 188.7 rushing yards per game. This is a great spot for Johnson on Sunday as Frank Gore and La'Mical Perine will be sidelined for this game, which gives him ample opportunity to shine. The Pats are giving up 19.1 FP/G to RB's (T-11th-most) and the last time Johnson was the lead back, he racked up 117 total yards and added a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Brandin Cooks, WR - Houston Texans (DK: $6,900 / FD: $7,300)
I've been writing about Cooks as a value play for a couple of weeks now and he delivered in a big way last week, posting seven catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. The Tennessee Titans might be a playoff team, but their defense is a shadow of itself compared to last season. The Titans are giving up 27.4 FP/G to WR's (4th-most) and I'm expecting this game to be a shootout with the O/U currently sitting at 56. Look for Deshaun Watson to call Cooks' number quite a bit in this contest as this game should be a sprint from start to finish.
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