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 few weeks. 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. Each of these players are considered tournament plays unless otherwise noted, as all are listed as salary cap saving value plays.
QUARTERBACK
Blake Bortles, $5,800 vs. HOU
Philip Rivers, Ryan Tannehill, Marcus Mariota, Russell Wilson, Sam Bradford, Andrew Luck, Joe Flacco. These are just a few of a bunch of quarterbacks who have averaged less fantasy points per game this season than Bortles. Bortles has 18.8 fantasy points or more in each of the last four games, and he has thrown nine touchdown passes to just two interceptions in that stretch. In Week 6, he faces the Houston Texans, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. In ideal matchup, expect Bortles to keep his hot streak going, based on the volume he's expected to throw yet again (33 or more attempts in each game so far). With his AC joint injury, fewer will add him to their rosters, as well.
Teddy Bridgewater, $5,550 vs. KC
Bridgewater is strictly a low owned GPP who should only be played in Week 6, simply because of the lack of attempts in the Vikings offense thus far. He's had more than 32 attempts just once this season and that was in a game in which the Vikings had to throw to catch up to the Broncos. Bridgewater has his best matchup by far against the Chiefs on Sunday, as the Chiefs have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Kansas City has allowed 13 passing touchdowns and nearly 1,500 yards, which makes Bridgewater an excellent tournament play.
RUNNING BACK
DeMarco Murray, $4,700 vs. NYG
Murray's price has dropped a ton since the beginning of the season, and rightfully so. But the Eagles offense seems to have improved of late, and Murray is being used much more in the passing game. This gives him opportunities for PPR points, which is how running backs have succeeded against the Giants. New York has allowed 35 catches for 321 yards to opposing running backs so far this season, which is only 46 more yards than they have allowed on the ground. With the Eagles using their backs as pass-catchers, this is a perfect matchup for Murray.
LeGarrette Blount, $4,450 vs. IND
Is Week 6 finally a Blount game? It could be, but Dion Lewis is still the focal point in the Patriots backfield. Blount is a tournament option because of the history of how the Patriots have attacked the Colts. Last season in two games against Indianapolis, the Patriots' rushing attack won the games for them. In the first game, Jonas Gray carried the ball 37 times for 201 yards and four touchdowns. In the second game, Blount ran for 148 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. Of course, the Patriots' offensive line is different this season, but if there ever was a game in which Blount might see the majority of touches, this is it. Blount also makes for a tournament play each week because of the Patriots game flow, as they tend to give him carries in the second half with a lead.
WIDE RECEIVER
Jerricho Cotchery, $3,700 vs. SEA
In Week 6 Cotchery is likely to return from an ankle injury that has kept him out since Week 2. If he is able to play, he would instantly become one of the most heavily targeted players on the Panthers. Before his injury, Cotchery was targeted seven times and caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. On Sunday, he faces the Seattle Seahawks, who boast one of the better secondaries in the NFL. But Cotchery's value lies in the slot, where he'll likely be for most of the snaps. The Seahawks' slot cornerback is Tye Smith, with Marcus Burley and Cary Williams occasionally covering inside. These three players are less than excellent corners, so expect Cotchery to see a few targets, as Cam Newton will be hesitant to throw to Richard Sherman's side. Seattle allowed two touchdowns out of the slot to Tyler Eifert last week, which is exactly where Cotchery lines up. At just $3,700, he makes for a sneaky play on FantasyAces.
Steve Smith, $4,600 vs. SF
Smith is another receiver likely to return from injury this week. He's recovering from a back injury, but is expected to return against the Niners. Before getting hurt, Smith was well on his way to another excellent season, seeing 47 targets for 29 catches, 373 yards and two touchdowns in just over three games of work. Smith gets a Niners secondary that has allowed almost 1,100 yards to opposing wide receivers so far this season, fourth most in the NFL.
TIGHT END
Derek Carrier, $3,000 vs. NYJ
With Jordan Reed (concussion/leg) expected to miss Sunday's matchup against the Jets, Carrier will get the start once again. He's priced at minimum salary on FantasyAces, which makes him a viable target in tournaments given the cap that can be saved. You're not sacrificing much production despite his price, because of the tight ends' role in the Washington offense. Jordan Reed had 34 targets in four games, and Carrier caught a touchdown against the Falcons in Week 5. The Jets have a very good defense, as they have limited opponents to 14 points or less in three of four games this season. But with the role of the tight end in the Redskins' offense and Carrier's price, he is worth a flier in tournaments.
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.
