This article is part of our Four-Down Duel series.
Here's a look at some recommended plays on FanDuel for Week 9:
Quarterback
Peyton Manning, DEN, $9100 – This is a case where the cost on Manning, albeit it high, still provides value considering the level at which he has played lately. He has thrown for 300-plus yards in five straight games and three touchdowns in four straight. There may not be a safer bet in all of fantasy right now, so getting him as just the fourth-highest priced QB should be considered a value. While the Bengals are giving up the third fewest fantasy points per game to QBs in the past five weeks, they did not face a QB of Manning's caliber during that stretch. Overlook the matchup here, as Manning is matchup-proof.
Running Back
Arian Foster, HOU, $9300 – Another pricey pick here, but he is well worth the price, especially considering the dropoff at the position. With Foster you are getting fantasy's top RB, and it's not really close. Chris Liss, in his East Coast Offense column for this week, pointed out that the difference in standard fantasy PPG between the top RB (Foster) and the second-best RB (Ray Rice) -- difference of nearly four PPG -- is more than Rice and the No. 14 RB (Frank Gore). That difference is smaller in FanDuel's 0.5-PPR scoring format, but Foster still easily ranks as the top per-game RB. What's more, he gets a dream matchup against a Bills defense that has given up the most rushing yards per game (176.9) and rushing touchdowns (13) in the league.
Doug Martin, TB, $7200 – Start the hot hand here. After putting up 214 total yards and two touchdowns against a tough Vikings run defense last week, there is no reason to think the rookie can't keep it going against the Raiders this week. Sure, the loss of Carl Nicks on the offensive line is tough, but Martin's high usage, both as a runner and a pass catcher, more than makes up for this loss. And while the Raiders did a good job of stopping the Chiefs run game last week, this had more to do with the incompetent coaching staff, who gave Jamaal Charles just five carries, than anything else. This is certainly a beatable matchup, especially considering the Raiders have given up an average of 6.5 catches to RBs in their past five games.
Wide Receiver
Brandon Marshall, CHI, $7000 – What's not to like? Marshall is the fifth most targeted WR (80) in the league and his 14 targets last week were 10 more than the next-closest Bears' WR (Earl Bennett's four). Plus, he has a juicy matchup against the Titans' 27th ranked pass defense. There may not be a better start at WR this week in 0.5-PPR leagues.
Denarius Moore, OAK, $6200 – This is one of my favorite value picks this week. Moore has scored a touchdown in four of the past five games and is going up against the Buccaneers' 28th ranked pass defense this week. I would rather have Moore this week than Antonio Brown, Jeremy Maclin, and Hakeem Nicks, who are all players going for the same or higher price.
Titus Young, DET, $5400 – It's surprising to see Young this cheap, considering his performance the past two weeks and current role on the Lions. Since Nate Burleson (leg) went down for the year two weeks ago, Young has filled in nicely as the No. 2 wideout, catching 15 balls for 181 yards and two touchdowns during that span. With Calvin Johnson (knee) continuing to demand extra defenders, Young could be in for a breakout second half of the season, which looks to have already begun. Don't expect two touchdowns Sunday against the Jaguars, but expecting close to 100 receiving yards and a score is fairly realistic for the second year wideout in Week 9.
Tight End
Jason Witten, DAL, $5800 – With Rob Gronkowski on a bye, Witten becomes one of the top fantasy options at TE this week. In a 0.5-PPR league, a strong case could be made for Witten over Jimmy Graham, who returned from a sprained ankle last week. Consider the fact that Graham is $1200 more expensive than Witten and it becomes a no-brainer who is the better value. After catching 17 balls (on 22 targets!) last week against the Giants, it's shocking that guys like Heath Miller and Owen Daniels are going for more in this format. While the Falcons are solid against TEs this year, you have to go with the most highly targeted TE in the league (70) at this price.
Rotowire/FanDuel $500 NFL Week 9 Contest
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In week 9 we are running a private contest just for Rotowire readers. The contest has $500 up for grabs and costs just $1 to enter.
Title - Rotowire.com $500 NFL Contest
Date - Sunday, November 4th
Buyin - $1
Prizepool - $500
1. Simply CLICK HERE to sign up for an account at FanDuel.
2. Deposit on FanDuel and get up to $30 in free bonus.
3. Pick you team within the $60k salary cap. Consisting of QB, 2xRB, 3xWR, TE, K and D.
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Good Luck!
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