This article is part of our FantasyAces Football series.
Daily fantasy football is back in full swing, and FantasyAces is ready to continue the momentum from a huge first half of the season. Not sure how to play at Fantasy Aces? We're here to help. Each week, RotoWire will offer advice on which cheap value players to target to give you that extra edge. These players are considered tournament plays unless otherwise noted, as all are listed as salary cap saving value plays.
QUARTERBACK
Alex Smith, $5,800 vs. OAK
Smith rarely gets enough love as a DFS option, mostly because of the nature of the Chiefs' passing game. Quietly, Smith has been one of the more consistent options in the NFL in terms of production. In each of the last nine games, Smith had 15.15 fantasy points or more. He had 17 or more in seven of the last nine, making his ceiling attractive as well. At just $5,800, you will be hard-pressed to find another quarterback that returns close to three times his salary on a consistent basis. Smith faces the Raiders in Week 13, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Sam Bradford, $5,000 vs. NE
If Bradford (shoulder) returns to the field in Week 13, he makes for an excellent play given his price. Given the Eagles' recent struggles, he will be very low owned. This makes him a good contrarian play in tournaments as well. Bradford has at least three times his salary in five of the last seven games. While the Patriots are expected to crush the Eagles, garbage time still counts. Expect Bradford to throw a lot in order for the Eagles to move the ball against the Patriots, and he's worth a flier at just $5,000.
RUNNING BACK
David Johnson, $4,000 vs. STL
Johnson is likely to start at running back because Chris Johnson (leg) is injured. In addition, Andre Ellington (turf toe) is also nursing an injury and could miss Sunday's game. Johnson will likely be the feature back, making him a top target in DFS contests on FantasyAces. Johnson has scored seven touchdowns from scrimmage this season in limited work, and has averaged four yards per carry and nearly 13 yards per reception. The Rams have a very good defense against the run, having allowed just two rushing touchdowns since Week 4 began, but with Johnson's price and expected volume he is a solid play.
Alfred Blue, $4,250 vs. BUF
Blue has gone under the radar in the last few weeks with other values at running back. He has posted two straight productive games of 14.6 and 16.7 fantasy points, respectively. One of those games came against the strong defensive front of the New York Jets. Blue has 41 touches in the last two games, and has a quietly good matchup against the Bills, who have an injury-depleted defensive front. In Week 12, the Bills allowed Spencer Ware to rush for over 100 yards and a touchdown. With Blue's expected volume and low price, he'is worth a look on FantasyAces.
WIDE RECEIVER
Kamar Aiken, $4,650 vs. MIA
Since Steve Smith (Achilles) was lost for the season, Aiken has been the top receiving option for the Ravens' passing game. In the last four games, Aiken has 38 targets and has caught at least five passes in each game. He had 40 fantasy points in the last three games, and faced each team's top cornerback. In Week 13, Aiken faces the Dolphins' secondary, which has allowed over 400 yards and six touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in the last two games. Miami has also given up 17 passing touchdowns this season, which is third most in the NFL.
Doug Baldwin, $4,750 vs. MIN
It is rare that a Seattle wide receiver is relevant in DFS, but that is just the case with Baldwin. In the last three games, he has caught 19 passes for 379 yards and four touchdowns. Baldwin had at least six targets in four straight games and will see a boost in targets with Jimmy Graham (knee) out for the season. He faces a Vikings team that has allowed at least 11 catches and 117 yards to wide receivers in five straight games. Minnesota has allowed 10 passing touchdowns so far this season, including four in the last three games.
TIGHT END
Kyle Rudolph, $4,250 vs. SEA
Rudolph's role in the Vikings' offense has massively increased of late, and his production has grown with it. In the last two games, Rudolph had 19 targets and caught 13 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown. He gets an excellent matchup against the Seahawks, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. In 11 games this season, Seattle has allowed a touchdown in six of them and at least five catches in eight of them. With Rudolph's recent increase in targets and a good matchup on the horizon, he's a solid option at tight end on FantasyAces.
DEFENSE
New England Patriots, $2,950 vs. PHI
Because the highest and lowest priced defenses on FantasyAces are not that far apart money-wise, it's worth taking a look at any option as a value. The Patriots will face the turnover-prone Eagles offense in Week 13, making them an excellent play. The Pats have recorded at least one turnover in six straight games and have registered at least two sacks in all but one game. If Mark Sanchez starts, the Patriots' will be a top tier option, as Sanchez has turned the ball over at least once a game this season.
Don't forget to keep an eye on the NFL inactive list. With the injury report changing all the time, a lot could happen before Sunday.
