Quarterback

Jared Goff, LA Rams, $6,300

Quarterback isn’t usually a position that generates unique lineups but it is shaping up to be especially chalky this week. Our projections have over 44% of fantasy players rostering the top three passers. Goff is coming in at below 5% owned and gets a great matchup against Tampa, who most recently gave up 336 yards and two scores to rookie Daniel Jones.

The Rams are tied for the second-highest total on the slate at 29.25. People are going to chase the Kansas City game which makes this the ideal game to invest heavily. 

Goff also has a number of options to run him back with from Cooper Kupp to Brandin Cooks.

Running Back

Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Charger, $4,100

Austin Ekeler is standing out as a top-owned (and top-scoring) play but there may be an even better play in his own backfield. 

Justin Jackson has seen his snaps increase every week so far, peaking at 35% of LA’s snaps last week. He also saw four targets, season-high as well. 

Last week, it was Tony Pollard, not Ezekiel Elliot, who smashed. Pollard was getting most of the team’s work out of the backfield late in the game because Miami can’t contest real NFL teams. 

Pollard carried the ball 13 times and caught an additional three passes. He racked up 128 yards and found the end zone once. Jackson is a great way to leverage the high-ownership Ekeler will see. 

Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions, $5,400

Johnson began to dominate the Lions’ backfield work last week with 20 carries and a reception. All other Detroit backs combined for five carries. Detroit drafted Johnson in the second to be their workhorse back and his numbers are clearly trending in that direction. 

Now he gets to apply that volume in the game with the highest total of the week: 54.5 points. 

Kansas City has allowed the fifth-most yards to running backs while opposing teams have rushed on them fewer than half of all other teams. 

If Detroit commits to running the football, they should have no problem doing so very efficiently. With a total this high, Johnson is also liable to find the end zone multiple times. He’s the best tournament-play at the running back position.

Wide Receiver

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons, $7,800

Julio Jones is in the same price range as Keenan Allen but is not getting nearly the same consideration as the Chargers’ stud receiver. Allen is projected to be the most popular play on the slate. 

However, Julio’s range of outcomes is similar to Allen’s but doesn’t require you to play the chalkiest player on the slate. If Julio hits and Allen doesn’t it’s time to open a new bank account.

Jones is still as dominant as ever. If it weren’t for Allen he would be the No. 1 fantasy receiver. He’s currently 5th in air yards (373) and 8th in targets (30). 

This play immediately becomes the best on the slate if Calvin Ridley can’t suit up. He has been limited in practice all week with a hip injury. 

Tight End

T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions, $3,300

Hockenson is the ultimate process-play this week. The top-three tight ends are projected to be owned by more than half of DFS players this week but none of them are playing against the Chiefs. Hockenson is also getting more than enough volume to take advantage of the Chiefs. He’s seventh among tight ends with 170 air yards. 

Hockenson is the most obvious play at tight end and isn’t going to be treated as such this week.

Defense

LA Rams, $3,500

The Rams face Tampa Bay at home with a number of positive indicators in their favor:

• At home
• 49.5-point total
• 9-point favorites
• Jameis Winston is the opposing quarterback

Winston has thrown three interceptions this season and has also fumbled twice. He’s been a turnover machine his entire career and there’s no change in site. As a 9-point dog, he’ll be throwing a lot and that will only lead to more turnovers.