Daily Fantasy Football September 7: DFS Stock Up, Stock Down
Lineups are being set for the first week of daily fantasy football, but a handful of developments must alter how you consider assembling a DraftKings lineup.
Trades, roster decisions and injuries have impacted the outlook for some teams, while specific matchups—whether good or bad—will test NFL players. Those factors will certainly influence the outcome of Week 1 in the virtual realm, too.
Injuries to Jordy Nelson, Kelvin Benjamin and Arian Foster have grabbed the headlines—and rightfully so—but the absences of tertiary options have quietly boosted the potential scoring of a few starters.
Though replacing a high-profile player with a low-budget option carries a risk, it might be the smarter, more efficient decision. And that's the kind of move that helps you finish in the green.
Stock Up: Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans ($4,300)
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There's no denying that Bishop Sankey's rookie campaign didn't go as planned, but that should't eliminate the Tennessee Titans running back from your mind.
Per Jim Wyatt of the team's official site, the Titans placed rookie David Cobb on short-term injured reserve, which leaves Dexter McCluster and Antonio Andrews as Sankey's backups.
Yes, the Titans traded for Terrance West, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, but with a mere seven days to learn the system, West will likely make a limited impact—if he even plays at all.
Sankey is the clear-cut No. 1 option for now, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Tennessee's Week 1 opponent—allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs last season, per FF Toolbox. Even if you don't want to rely on Sankey moving forward, his current situation is worth a look.
Stock Down: LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills ($7,200)
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LeSean McCoy is a popular target in season-long leagues because of the sheer volume of touches he's expected to garner throughout 2015.
But run, run, run away from Shady during Week 1 of DFS.
ESPN's Josina Anderson reported McCoy said he hopes to be available for the opener, but the Buffalo Bills are concerned about a variety of potential issues: McCoy might not be in "football shape." The team could limit his carries. He's not yet practicing at full speed.
If you're spending $7,000 on a player, he might as well be 100 percent ready for the game. As of this moment, though, all recent updates suggest McCoy won't be.
Stock Up: Eric Decker, New York Jets ($6,000)
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Believe it or not, the New York Jets receivers will be decent fantasy options throughout the season. The injury to tight end Jace Amaro made the wideouts—especially Eric Decker—even more appealing under-the-radar plays.
According to Pro Football Focus data and subsequent B/R research, now-Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw to Houston Texans tight ends on just 9.3 percent of his 312 attempts last season. With Amaro out of the picture, that number likely won't increase.
On the other hand, Fitzpatrick targeted receivers—namely DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson—65.4 percent of the time. And while Brandon Marshall is dealing with Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden in Week 1, Decker can shine on the opposite side.
Decker isn't a glamorous choice, but he should be a productive one.
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Stock Down: Breshad Perriman, Baltimore Ravens ($5,000)
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Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh says there's a chance that wide receiver Breshad Perriman will play in the regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos, per Garrett Downing of the team's official site.
Ready or not, don't you come.
Keep hiding from Perriman, because Denver boasts an outstanding pair of cornerbacks in Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib. The Broncos surrendered the fifth-fewest points to receivers last season, according to FF Toolbox.
Plus, if Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak's run-focused scheme is as effective as hoped, Peyton Manning and Co. will consistently bleed the clock. Baltimore's attack will therefore have fewer opportunities, and that doesn't bode well for Perriman's already thin prospects.
Stock Up: Miami Dolphins D/ST ($3,000)
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The Washington football team named Kirk Cousins the starter over Robert Griffin III, and the Miami Dolphins defense surely cannot wait for Week 1.
Cousins is purely a pocket passer, so Miami won't need to even occasionally deal with the read-option or a designed quarterback run.
Additionally, the pass-rushing trio of Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon figures to disrupt the backfield all game long. Last season, Washington allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL. This year, the offensive line might be even worse.
It would be shocking if the Dolphins exited this matchup without a few sacks and a couple of turnovers.
Stock Down: Victor Cruz, New York Giants ($5,100)
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New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz's 2014 campaign ended due to a terrible knee injury. However, if the 28-year-old is healthy, he could be one of the best stories of the NFL season.
But Cruz is not healthy right now—yet it's not the knee. According to James Kratch of NJ Advance Media, Cruz's status remains unclear for the opening week of the season due to a calf injury.
The Giants would be smart to ease Cruz back into their lineup, and you should do the same. Consider players like Kendall Wright (Titans, $5,100) or Davante Adams (Green Bay Packers, $4,400) instead, since both players are poised to receive a considerable number of targets.
Later on in 2015, Cruz should be a valuable, inexpensive play. But as tempting as it may seem, don't waste any time booking a Cruz in Week 1.
DraftKings is giving away over $10 million in Week 1 of the NFL season. Use this knowledge to help you win some of that cash. The biggest first-place prize ever at $2 million will be awarded. Play now for FREE at DraftKings.com.
Follow Bleacher Report CFB and DFS writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.
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