Week 8 folks and the strategy here is to go risky on some cheaper picks to free up the cash for a safer one to get ahead. Stay informed for maximum fantasy gain with the Nat Coombs podcast and daily fantasy cheat sheet. Now, here are my picks:
Stack
Jacoby Brissett (£7,500,FPPG) and T.Y. Hilton (£7,600, FPPG) — DEN @ IND
Jacoby Brissett is quietly – if that’s possible in the NFL – putting together a really solid season, throwing 14 touchdowns and registering a quarterback rating of 101. The Colts will host a talented Denver defence on Sunday brimming with confidence following their 30-21 victory over the Texans last week.
Not many quarterbacks have an obvious favourite receiver, it makes the whole process of surprising a defence much harder, but T.Y. Hilton is Brissett’s man. The wideout could be set to have a breakout week against the Broncos, with his ability and speed suggestive of his high-ceiling.
These two provide great value and could take your team a long way.
GOING BIG: THE TOP PLAYER
Christian McCaffrey (£9,600, 27.3 FPPG) — CAR @ SF
McCaffrey has looked a standout MVP candidate so far this season and will look set to continue in that vein. With Kyle Allen likely to again start under centre, McCaffrey is well worth his hefty price tag.
The key here is not to miss out. McCaffrey will cost a lot, but he is a dual-threat fantasy stud who can take your final point score to new heights. There are plenty of cheap players to take a punt on this week that can offset enough to secure his services. Nothing in the NFL is guaranteed, but he’s a much safer bet than most.
BARGAIN PICK
Zach Pascal (£5,700, 12.39 FPPG) — DEN @ IND
As I said, it could be a big week for the Colts. Brissett is a solid quarterback, and one of those receivers could fill their boots on Sunday. Hilton is unquestionably the favourite target of the two, but Pascal – who caught two touchdowns last week against the Texans – could also take the spoils and send your team soaring to the small tune of £5,700.
AVOID
Odell Beckham Jr. (£7,400, 10.73 FPPG) — CLE @ NE
Beckham Jr. is always a dangerous player to avoid. The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is one of the few players in the league that can put together a truly monster fantasy week, but he is very boom or bust – with the latter very much the story of his time in Cleveland so far.
The Browns’ offence has fallen short of so many preseason expectations, with Mayfield throwing a league-high 11 interceptions. This week they face New England, boasting one of the best secondaries in recent years. The Dolphins and Steelers have changed quarterbacks more often this season than the Patriots have conceded passing touchdowns. This is unlikely to be Beckham’s week.
Defence
Carolina Panthers (£3,500, 12 FPPG) — CAR @ SF
The Panthers pose great value in what will be a tight game. The 49ers may have traded for Emmanuel Sanders this week, but the quality of the playmaking Carolina defence could bring in a big haul of points, having recorded a league-high 27 sacks, as well as nine interceptions.
Fantasising about NFL? Well, just do it over here: