Open Book: Bargain buy Golden Tate will have FanDuel players dancing
Straight cash homie! In his never-ending quest to pay off his kids' college education early, Brad Evans unveils his FanDuel picks for the upcoming week and explains his reasoning behind them. Make that money, #TeamHuevos.
FAKE BUDGET: $60,000
Eli Manning, NYG, QB (FanDuel Price: $7,200) – Back in business, Eli has completed 70.1 percent of his passes and posted an 8:1 TD:INT split over the past three weeks. He's benefited from clean pockets, thrown crisp balls downfield and spread the love. In what should be a high-scoring affair Sunday night in Philly, he's a near lock for multiple scores and a handsome yardage total. Because of their exhaustive pace and porous DB play, the Eagles have allowed the most fantasy points to QBs, yielding 291.6 passing yards and 2.6 passing touchdowns per game. At $7,200 smackaroos, he's a brand name at a generic price.
Matt Forte, Chi, RB ($9,000) – He's incredibly expensive, but FanDuelers need to shell out the bucks for the Bear. In a PPR friendly format, you'll get what you pay for. Touchdowns have been scarce, but he's averaged 123.6 total yards per game this season, forcing numerous missed tackles. Expect him to tally fiery numbers in Hot-lanta. No defense has been more generous to rushers than the Falcons. On the year, they've surrendered 193.2 total yards per game and nine touchdowns to RBs. Given Jay Cutler's ability to stretch the field and the Bears' terrific offensive line, Forte should jet through countless wide holes. Another 120-plus yards, many of those coming through the air, are on tap.
Branden Oliver, SD, RB ($6,200) – This week's most highly sought after waiver pickup is also a very employable daily game option. At his rock-bottom price and given his wonderfuly friendly matchup (at Oak), it's hard not to get giddy about his Week 6 potential. Shot out of a cannon against the usually unforgiving Jets, the upstart totaled 182 yards and two scores on 23 touches last Sunday. Impressively, he forced six missed tackles and generated 62.3 percent of his yards after contact. Short, compact and powerful, he continues his fantasy ascencion against a Raiders D that's given up 4.56 yards per carry and the fourth-most fantasy points to RBs. Newly signed veteran Ronnie Brown may wrest a handful of touches, but another century-mark effort is upcoming.
Julio Jones, Atl, WR ($9,000) –Thanks to the sensational bargains at QB and RB this week, savvy investors will be able to afford the luxury of playing Julio. He's worth every penny. The Bears secondary, hampered by injuries and underachievement, will have its hands full trying to contain the league's best deep-ball weapon. Rookie Kyle Fuller has been magnificent, but if Jones lines up opposite Tim Jennings, a long TD reception is a foregone conclusion. The embattled corner has yielded a 106.8 QB rating and 14.7 yards per catch this season. Jones has recorded at least six catches and 80 yards in every game this year. This Sunday, he easily extends that streak. In a contest with plenty of shootout appeal (53.5 over/under in Vegas), Jones cages the Bears en route to a 7-100-1 day.
Victor Cruz, NYG, WR ($6,800) – Eli has dabbled in socialism during his hot streak, targeting Larry Donnell, Odell Beckham and Rueben Randle often. As a result, Cruz has tallied erratic numbers. After consecutive 100-yard games in Weeks 3 and 4 he nearly vanished last Sunday hauling in three passes for just 22 yards. But because of this week's high-volume potential and Philly's dreadful pass defense, he's a dependable daily-game option. On roughly 8-10 targets, he's a shoo-in for at least five receptions and 80 yards.
Golden Tate, Det, WR ($6,400) – Possibly without the services of Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford is sure to zero in on No. 15. With Megatron banged up the past two weeks, the ex-'Hawk soared, catching 15 balls for 250 yards and a touchdown. His versatility, ferocity after the catch and strong hands should wreck havoc against a sketchy Minnesota D. Xavier Rhodes has performed admirably, but Captain Munnerlyn, who's conceded a 149.2 QB rating and 81.3 catch rate, is susceptible. Anticipate another 100-yard game from arguably the most underappreciated WR in virtual pigskin.
Owen Daniels, Bal, TE ($5,300) – Squashing thoughts of a TEBC in Baltimore, Daniels has elevated his game since Dennis Pitta was derailed by a hip injury. Last week, he played on 58-of-60 snaps, catching five passes for 70 yards. Going toe-to-toe with a Tampa D that's given up the third-most receiving yards to tight ends, he's a recommended purchase at his very affordable price. Roughly 4-6 receptions with 60-plus yards are likely.
Caleb Sturgis, Mia, K ($5,100) – The 10th-best kicker so far, he should receive plenty of chip shot opportunities against a Green Bay D that struggles bottling the run. Thanks to Lamar Miller and Knowshon Moreno, Sturgis boots his way to a profitable day.
Denver Broncos D/ST ($5,000) – They face Geno Smith. Enough said.
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