Week 6 FanDuel Picks

Quarterback

Cash Game Option

Kyler Murray, Cardinals ($7,700) vs. Atlanta

Target. QBs. Against. Atlanta.

The Falcons have allowed an average line of 263-2.4, plus a 71% completion rate on 8.5 YPA. And that’s to a schedule that includes: Minnesota, Philadelphia, New York (Jets), Indianapolis, Tennessee and Houston.

Murray hasn’t posted big passing totals, but there’s a decent chance he gets go-to target Christian Kirk back from an ankle injury. The rookie has also compiled 189 rushing yards over his past 3 outings, dwarfing his output from Weeks 1-2 (17 yards).

David Johnson’s questionable status (back) could further push pass volume Murray’s way. Backup Chase Edmonds is capable as a receiver.

Tournament Target

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs ($9,200) vs. Houston

Mahomes is banged up with an ankle injury. And he has been a bit quiet over the last 2 weeks with only 1 TD and a 56.7% completion rate.

But I throw out a noisy TD rate over the small sample and look ahead to a potential shootout with Houston. The Chiefs are banged up on D — notably missing DL Chris Jones — and have already allowed 393 YPG. So they’ll likely need to chuck it vs. an explosive Houston offense.

Even if Tyreek Hill is back, I like stacking Mahomes with Travis Kelce in a week where TE is especially thin.

Fanshare Ownership Projection: 9.7%

Also consider: Lamar Jackson

Running Back

Cash Game Options

Le’Veon Bell, Jets ($6,800) vs. Dallas

Aaron Jones exposed the Dallas run D with 19-107-4 last week. They’ll certainly tighten up after the loss, but Bell’s price is simply too cheap for his workload — 20+ touches in each game.

Horrible efficiency to this point can be explained by Sam Darnold’s absence. With the former 1st rounder back, look for immediate improvement.

Chase Edmonds, Cardinals ($5,200) vs. Atlanta

Edmonds will be the super chalk if David Johnson is out. But go along for the ride if Johnson indeed sits.

The Cardinals have just DJ Foster behind Edmonds, who brings a nice blend of rushing and receiving ability. Atlanta, of course, has floundered on defense, allowing the 2nd most points per game league-wide (30.4).

Malcolm Brown, Rams ($4,800) vs. San Francisco

It’s really a price play here, as the 49ers have played like a strong run D so far. They’re 5th in Football Outsiders rush DVOA metric while allowing 3.81 YPC.

But volume is the big driver in fantasy. And with Todd Gurley doubtful due to a thigh injury, Brown could push for 15-18 touches. On a loaded offense, that’s enough to bite — especially on a slate that doesn’t have Christian McCaffrey.

Tournament Target

Carlos Hyde, Texans ($6,000) at Kansas City

Hyde deserves credit — he’s outplayed expectations thus far with the Texans. Pro Football Focus has him a respectable 14th among RBs in rushing grade. He’s handled 20 and 21 carries in 2 of the past 4 weeks. And on the year, he’s handled 5 carries inside the 2 yard-line compared to 0 for Duke Johnson.

The Chiefs supply an excellent matchup for enemy RBs. The matchup gets even more favorable this week with the Chiefs missing key DL Chris Jones. As long as Sunday’s matchup stays relatively close, Hyde will have a shot at hitting tournament value.

FanShare Ownership Projection: 5.0%

Also consider: Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette, Kenyan Drake

Wide Receiver

Cash Game Options

DeAndre Hopkins, Texans ($8,400) at Kansas City

Hopkins has largely underwhelmed since a massive Week 1 (8-111-2). But there are still reasons for optimism:

-He’s not listed on the injury report with any ailment.

-He ranks 9th league-wide in air yards.

-Deshaun Watson is playing excellent ball.

-Sunday sets up as a breakout spot against the Chiefs.

As a bonus, Hopkins should see plenty of CB Bashaud Breeland, who grades out as Pro Football Focus’ 12th worst CB.

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals ($5,600) vs. Atlanta

Fitz sits #1 in our $/point rankings. Playing a full compliment of snaps, he draws a sweet matchup against an Atlanta pass D that’s allowed a league-high 10 WR scores.

Tournament Target

Stefon Diggs, Vikings ($5,800) vs. Philadelphia

Diggs is certainly a thin play. He’s topped 50 yards just once all year and clearly isn’t thrilled with his current standing in Minnesota.

But here’s the thing: Diggs remains ultra-talented. He’s still playing healthy snaps, and he’s priced at a tempting level. The floor is low here, but Philly’s beat up secondary provides plenty of appeal. Up against a stout run D, the Vikings might actually be forced to throw a bit more.

FanShare Ownership Projection: 8.3%

Also consider: Julio Jones, Odell Beckham, Tyreek Hill, Robert Woods, Tyler Lockett, Terry McLaurin, Robby Anderson

Tight End

Cash Game and Tournament Option

Travis Kelce, Chiefs ($7,500) vs. Houston

I’m going all-in on Kelce, who enters the weekend leading all TEs in air yards (439). He’s also tied for the league-lead among TEs in end zone targets (4). Surprisingly, he hasn’t scored on any of them.

Look for a rebound against a Houston secondary that Pro Football Focus ranks 22nd in coverage. They’re actually the top defense in fantasy points allowed to TEs, but that’s driven by a favorable schedule: New Orleans, Jacksonville, Los Angeles (Chargers), Carolina, Atlanta. Only 1 TE (Austin Hooper) has seen more than 4 targets against the Texans.

Coming off a down game with a couple of drops, expect a big Kelce bounce-back.

FanShare Ownership Projection: 15.2%

Also consider: Austin Hooper

Defense

Cash Game Option

Denver ($4,500) vs. Tennessee

Tournament Targets

Washington ($4,000) at Miami