I am still irked about my cash games in Week 2, so writing this intro sucks. Things were going so great and I had Kittle and Pettis to go. They started strong with a few catches and thought they would be good to go, masking my egregious error.
But Todd Gurley scored 3 touchdowns, Emmanuel Sanders got it going late and I was sunk….
So what was the egregious error? See for yourself…
No, it’s not any of these plays specifically.
It’s not following the process, not sticking to the script, however you want to phrase it.
If you follow this weekly write up, you probably recognize that Dante Pettis and Rashard Higgins were not among my plays in last week’s Cash Game Index.
That was the error. It’s not the fact that I just couldn’t decide between Gurley and Alvin Kamara (though that would’ve bailed me out certainly), but it’s that I could’ve stuck with the players from my recommendations last week and that’s it.
But news came down crazily late in the week. Josh Gordon was been released, then traded and that opened up Higgins and Antonio Callaway, who both ended up being awesome plays at minimum price each. But if I had stuck to the script, I couldn’t have played Kamara in the end. Dropping to CMC would’ve allowed me to have Quincy Enunwa and Kenny Golladay in my lineup at receiver, which was a very strong value tier.
But my dumbass didn’t get there. I wanted to jam in and didn’t want to miss out on Kamara.
Doh.
That move would’ve smashed cash this week, easily.
So take that all in as you draft lineups this week. As Joel Embiid says,
WEEK 3 CASH GAME PLAYS
QUARTERBACKS
Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs – $7,000
Analysis: From $6K to $7K, PM3 has posterized opposing defenses in his first two starts. Now he gets the home opener against a 49ers’ team that runs tons of plays and has some firepower itself. This game is going to be the most popular to target, so it makes sense against to go to Mahomes, who has 10 TDs, zero interceptions and has a higher floor with his rushing ability.
Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints – $6,400
Analysis: Lots of cheap QBs this week and from $6K and above, you really can’t seem to go wrong in my opinion. Brees is one of those guys that is super cheap. You can talk about Brees’ home/road splits, but those usually matter when Brees is on the road outdoors. Not the case this week as he draws Atlanta in a dome where Atlanta is down two of its best defensive players. Cameron Meredith is on track to get some snaps and Kamara should slice this defense up catching passes out of the backfield. Brees might be my favorite QB that will be underowned this week.
Jimmy Garoppolo – San Francisco 49ers – $6,500
Analysis: On the road in a game with the highest O/U on the board. He should get Marquise Goodwin back and don’t believe for one second that George Kittle isn’t a squeaky wheel this week after performing a big belly flop last week. Arrowhead is a tough place to play and I see the 49ers playing from behind, throwing a ton.
Cam Newton – Carolina Panthers – $6,000
Analysis: Here’s a stat for you – 332 yards allowed per game. That’s Cincy’s average passing yards allowed through 2 games this season. Those games were against Indy and Baltimore. Cam Newton has plenty of capable targets, plus a high-floor, high-upside potential using his legs and scoring short yardage TDs. I think this game is sneaky good for a low-owned shootout.
DeShaun Watson – Houston Texans – $6,100
Analysis: LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL….Home opener against the Giants after a rebound week and Watson is only $6,100? COME ON MAN! How far we have come for Watson to “fall off the map” as an elite QB just because he’s started only two games following an ACL tear. Mahomes is the shiny new toy, but Watson is still an elite QB for fantasy purposes. Lock button in tournaments for sure.
RUNNING BACKS
Todd Gurley – Los Angeles Rams – $9,200
Analysis: The Rams didn’t have to try very hard against Arizona last week, so after Gurley scored his 3rd TD, he was removed due to an “injury.” Well, he ain’t hurt and they didn’t need him in the second half. Now the Rams get a very tough opponent in the Chargers, who have stifled opposing rushing attacks so far. But come on, one of those games was the Bills. And they haven’t faced an offense like this or Todd Gurley. San Diego is without Joey Bosa and two of their corners could make it tough on these receivers to get open. The Rams don’t throw to the tight end but the middle of the field should be wide open for Gurley to snag 9-10 catches on 13-15 targets.
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers – $7,800
Analysis: Hasn’t reached the endzone yet, but put up 30 fantasy points a week ago strictly because he had 14 catches on 15 targets. It’s only a matter of time before Run CMC finds the end zone with this type of usage out of the backfield. With no Greg Olsen, the targets, receptions and usage go up in this offense. If CMC gets 20-22 touches a game, he’s going to smash when he finds the end zone. This week could be that week. The floor is there for cash, too, despite the increase in price.
Ezekiel Elliott – Dallas Cowboys – $7,700
Analysis: I didn’t believe it, but this team really is trying to throw to Zeke out of the backfield more often. He has 10 targets through 2 games, 8 catches total and nearly 20 carries in each of the first two games. The Cowboys are on the road as sneaky underdogs against Seattle. The price is what is enticing. The Dallas defense is good and Seattle’s offensive line is awful. Did you watch Monday Night Football? Yes, this will be Seattle’s home opener, but Zeke should continue to spoon feed himself this week.
Saquon Barkley – New York Giants – $7,600
Analysis: We are seeing a ton of RB catches out of the backfield to start the season and Saquon Barkley is one of those backs. He’s one of the only bright spots in this offense so far. With their own O-Line woes, Eli is having to get rid of the ball quickly. Who stands to benefit from such a move? Barkley. The Giants are likely going to be playing from behind, so in catch up mode, who stands to benefit? Barkley. James White had a field day against the Texans in Week 1 and Barkley is the best back Houston has seen so far. Get him now while he’s cheap.
Jordan Howard – Chicago Bears – $6,500
Analysis: Todd Gurley punched in 3 TDs in Week 2, Chris Thompson and Adrian Peterson mashed this team in Week 1. Now it’s Jordan Howard’s turn. If Tarik Cohen sits this week, I love this play even more as Howard has been seeing extra usage catching passes out of the backfield as well. He struggled a bit against Seattle, but Arizona has allowed 136 yards rushing per game and a couple of TD catches from RBs this season. The only negative here is that Chicago is playing on a semi-short week.
Tevin Coleman – Atlanta Falcons – $6,400
Analysis: I guess Devonta Freeman could play, and if he does, this pick does not need to be counted or graded (Matt and Brad, you hearing me?). But that’s not expected. Coleman is the lead dog with Freeman out and if it weren’t for TWO Matt Ryan TD vultures from inside the 10-yard-line, my cash line and Coleman’s price this week would’ve been much different. The Falcons and Saints are in the second-highest projected game this week, so Coleman should see plenty of work.
Giovani Bernard – Cincinnati Bengals – $5,900
Analysis: Joe Mixon is out, which means Gio once again will be afforded the opportunity to shoulder much of the load out of the backfield. I will be interested to see if the Bengals actually give him 15-20 carries or if it will be more like a lot of the other running backs on this week’s list with the receptions out of the backfield being high. Zeke and Coleman had good success against the Panthers, despite a stout run defense. Gio is scatty and shifty, but also burly. He needs about 12 points to make value. He could get halfway there with receptions alone.
Corey Clement – Philadelphia Eagles – $4,300
Analysis: Here will be the biggest swing this week. Corey Clement saw 5 catches and 6 carries out of the backfield last week when Jay Ajayi went down with a back injury. Ajayi did return and scored a touchdown, but his availability is looking in doubt this week. Coaches are mum on Ajayi, but if he sits, Clement is chalk city in cash.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Michael Thomas – New Orleans Saints – $8,900
Analysis: If you pay down at RB this week, you can fit two stud WRs in your lineups in cash with one of the QBs listed above. I haven’t played Michael Thomas in cash, or much at all, but I am on board this week against the Falcons. He’s got 30 targets in two weeks and the Saints’ have a concentrated share of the offense, which is great for cash games. Thomas is the most expensive receiver, but rightfully so. Against the Falcons in 4 games, here’s what Thomas has done – 4-66-0, 10-117-1, 10-156-1 and 7-71-1. There’s a very good chance Thomas matches the ceiling rather than failing the floor.
DeAndre Hopkins – Houston Texans – $8,300
Analysis: Hopkins is interesting. He’s a target hog, but draws a tough matchup in Janoris Jenkins. But Jenkins has a tough assignment covering the Nuk, who can explode at any moment. This is indoors, on field turf and the Texans’ home opener. There’s safety in numbers with Hopkins as he has 22 targets and 14 catches in the first two games of the season, one of which was against New England, a team that schemed to take him away from the end zone, limiting the damage. Hopkins is Watson’s favorite target and he’s going to see his share.
Nelson Agholor – Philadelphia Eagles – $6,100
Analysis: Carson Wentz returns! Which could eff everything up that we’ve seen with tendencies thus far. Nick Foles clearly loved Agholor, and while Wentz did too last year, it’s still a change. The good news is that there is no Alshon Jeffery (at least, there shouldn’t be), so without him and probably Ajayi, Agholor and Zach Ertz will be leaned on against a porous Indianapolis pass defense that has allowed 249 yards passing per game this season.
Will Fuller – Houston Texans – $5,900
Analysis: Fuller doesn’t seem like a cash game play, but hear me out. Hopkins has the matchup with Jenkins, and while he will likely get his, the end zone may not be as easy for Nuk. But it will be there for Fuller, who saw 8 catches on 9 targets in his first game (Week 2). I love Fuller this week against the Giants and their injury-laden secondary. Fuller is questionable, but his participation in Week 3 is not in doubt. He’s also had quite the rapport with Watson, albeit in 5 games – 8-113-1, 5-125-2, 2-62-1, 4-35-2 and 2-57-2. That’s what? 8 TDs…
Devin Funchess – Carolina Panthers – $5,000
Analysis; Funchess might be a staple of my cash games this week. I don’t know that I can fade him at this price against a Bengals defense that has yielded the most passing yards to opposing offenses this season. At 332 passing yards allowed per game, Funchess’ usage and touchdown equity should be high, especially with Greg Olsen out of the mix. Cam, Funchess, CMC stacks are very interesting this week, for cash or tournaments.
Randall Cobb – Green Bay Packers – $5,200
Analysis: Davante Adams made Xavier Rhodes look silly, but he gets another tough draw against Josh Norman this week, at least part of the time anyway. Cobb might be the one that benefits the most due to that matchup in a game that could be an interesting shootout candidate. Rodgers trusts Cobb, who has 13 catches on 16 targets through 2 games. It’s safe to say at least that Cobb is looking like his old self and certainly is a staple of Rodgers’ eye once again.
TIGHT ENDS
Zach Ertz – Philadelphia Eagles – $6,800
Analysis: See Agholor, Nelson. One thing to note, Ertz has 16 catches on 23 targets and no touchdowns. He’s due to get into the endzone with that kind of usage and Wentz back in the fold.
Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs – $6,700
Analysis: Hate, hate, hate Kelce went off last week. He had been so bad against Pittsburgh for years. So here we get an elevated price and feels like we are chasing points. With that said, this offense runs through Hill and Kelce, who has 8 catches on 16 targets. I just hope we see more Ertz-like consistency from Kelce instead of duds and ceiling games.
George Kittle – San Francisco 49ers – $4,500
Analysis: I’ll be honest, this MF-er is likely to be my TE in cash. I’ve already decided. After blowing me up last week (though it was my fault, not his), I have to go back to the Kettle, I mean Kittle. The Chiefs were eaten up by Pittsburgh TEs last week and will still be without Eric Berry, their coverage stud against TEs. With Goodwin’s health in question, Pierre Garcon’s mediocrity and Dante Pettis’ likely rookie inconsistencies, Kittle looks to be primed for another solid outing….on paper. The good news also should favor Kittle because he won’t be chalk. It’s like a thing, when he’s chalky, he fizzles, when the ownership lowers, he Kittles.
Ricky Seals-Jones – Arizona Cardinals – $2,900
Analysis: We saw Seahawks tight ends carve up the Bears on Monday night, even if some of it was in garbage time. RSJ and the Cardinals could be without Larry Fitzgerald this week and who knows if Bradford or Josh Rosen or both will play. RSJ is a punt option with likely low ceiling, but a higher floor due to his price. I like RSJ more if Rosen plays over Bradford, who couldn’t throw a ball into the dirt right now.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Minnesota Vikings (vs. Buffalo Bills) – $4,300
Analysis: I will ask this question every week – is X team playing the Buffalo Bills? If the answer is yes, you play them. So, are the Minnesota Vikings playing the Buffalo Bills? Yes. OK, play them, don’t overthink it. Minny is at home, too by the way, where they are stingier than a virgin before her wedding night.
Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Tennessee Titans) – $4,000
Analysis: Is Blaine Gabbert the starting quarterback? Likely. Are the Jaguars playing Blaine Gabbert, the likely starting QB for their opponent? Yes. Ok, you play the Jaguars.
Chicago Bears (at Arizona Cardinals) – $3,500
Analysis: The Cardinals might fit into the questions asked above after this week. Khalil Mack and the Bears have been on another level defensively this season. They could make things very tough for the Cardinals this week, despite being on the road. We will see how the shorter week affects them, but I still think the Cardinals are so bad that the Bears won’t have much trouble keep Arizona out of the end zone, something they haven’t seen much this season.
Houston Texans (vs. New York Giants) – $2,800
Analysis: Much like George Kittle, the Houston Texans defense is one of those buy-low teams. The Cowboys made life hell for Eli Manning and the Giants’ offensive line. Jadaveon Clowney returns for Houston, who is playing their home opener this week. I think at a really great price in a game where they are the home favorite, Houston makes a lot of sense for a cheap cash game play…again.
Dallas Cowboys (at Seattle Seahawks) – $2,200
Analysis: The true punt play is the Dallas defense, who travels to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. I’ve mentioned already how bad Seattle’s offensive line has been this season. The Cowboys will put lots of pressure on Wilson again this week with DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory on the edge. Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith will make things difficult as well. This game has a low total and Dallas is one of those teams that plays so much better on the road under head coach Jason Garrett.
