Daily Fantasy Football October 16: DFS Stock Up, Stock Down

Daily fantasy football just keeps rolling along at DraftKings, with Week 6 of the NFL season kicking off on Thursday night. For owners who haven't quite finalized their picks for this weekend, there are countless players to pick apart for just nine roster spots on DraftKings.

DFS owners typically keep track of injuries, matchups and players' point production on a weekly basis. Guess what—so do we! For those who haven't been able to monitor the stock of specific players, here's a look at some of the hottest and heinous starts for Week 5.

Stock Up

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals ($5,700)

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If you read my stock up, stock down piece last week, you might have noticed Andy Dalton was in the stock down section. Facing a stingy Seattle Seahawks defense, I told owners the Dalton implosion was coming in Week 5.

Boy, was I wrong.

Even against a defense that had allowed 10 points in the previous two games, Dalton torched the Seahawks in the second half for 31.04 fantasy points on DraftKings. Thanks to a healthy A.J. Green along with the breakout of Tyler Eifert, this offense is for real.

Expect similar results against a Buffalo Bills defense that ranks 25th against opposing quarterbacks on DraftKings. Yeah, it appears #DaytimeDalton is a real thing, and it's here to stay on Sunday afternoons.

Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs ($4,000)

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He's not just a waiver-wire target for traditional fantasy owners. With Jamaal Charles out for the season with a torn ACL, Charcandrick West has real value in DFS thanks to his updated role in the Kansas City Chiefs lineup.

West's fantasy outlook is as difficult to predict as his name is to pronounce. But going against a Minnesota Vikings defense that is susceptible to big games from running backs—see Carlos Hyde in Week 1—West should outperform his value for DFS owners with the cojones to start him.

Marquess Wilson, WR, Chicago Bears ($4,000)

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Here's yet another option for your slot position or even a WR3 spot on DraftKings at the $4,000 price point. Marquess Wilson has been solid over the last two weeks with a combined 12 receptions, 165 yards and a touchdown.

"He's growing up, and he kind of has to grow up,” quarterback Jay Cutler said, via Adam Jahns of ChicagoFootball.com. “He doesn't have a choice. I'm kind of hard on him during the week. Saturday we kind of love on him a little bit to get him ready for Sunday."

Since Cutler's return, it's clear that Wilson is a huge part of the Chicago Bears offense. If Alshon Jeffery returns, Wilson's role will likely take a hit. But after proving himself for Chicago over the last two games, fantasy owners can expect decent output from the third-year receiver.

Stock Down

Jeremy Hill, RB, Cincinnati Bengals ($5,700)

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Oh, Jeremy Hill. We had such high expectations for you this season. But even after a breakout game from the former LSU star in Week 4, it's hard to start Hill with confidence after his showing last Sunday.

While he's scored five touchdowns this season, they all came in two games. Apart from those TDs, Hill would have barely broken six fantasy points just once all season, with 63 yards rushing his season high. Up against a stout Bills rush defense, expect another off week for Hill on Sunday.

Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Carolina Panthers ($3,400)

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Ted Ginn Jr. was a sneaky-good pickup for Week 4 with two touchdowns as Cam Newton's No. 1 target against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he heads into Week 6 after the bye with a much tougher matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

I'm well aware of what Dalton did to the Seahawks last week, but Cam Newton doesn't exactly have the talent the Bengals have. Without Kelvin Benjamin, Ginn will be swarmed by the Legion of Boom. Newton will be forced to open up the field with his legs, but don't look for him to connect with Ginn on a regular basis. Even at $3,400, Ginn isn't a wise option at a WR3 or flex spot.

Jimmy Graham, TE, Seattle Seahawks ($5,400)

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From the department of "What have you done for me lately?" Jimmy Graham's response has been "nothing" over the last two weeks. A combined seven receptions for 59 yards and no touchdowns is extremely underwhelming for a former No. 1 overall tight end in fantasy.

Maybe the trade just wasn't worth it for the Seahawks. And if they aren't going to allow him to use his talents, don't expect Graham to round back into form.

Will he eventually break out? Sure, there's no reason to think he won't find his way in this offense. But against a Panthers defense that ranks No. 1 in points allowed to tight ends? Yeah, not so much.

Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more NFL DraftKings advice.

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