Ben Roethlisberger is a Value at $8,300
As the eighth-most expensive quarterback in FanDuel leagues this week, Big Ben is a near necessity as a value option. He's going up against a Jaguars defense that is yielding an average of 344.3 passing yards and 2.8 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks on the season. That ranks them dead last in the NFL in both categories. Why spend $200 more on someone like Matt Ryan, who will be playing behind a make-shift offensive line against the New York Giants? This really is a no-brainer.
Avoid the Most-Expensive Quarterback Options
At $10,000, Andrew Luck just doesn't seem to be of much value this week. Sure, he has tallied eight touchdown passes in the last two games, but those performances came against two teams that are among the worst in the league against fantasy quarterbacks. Baltimore has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to this position, so the matchup just isn't there.
At $9,800, Peyton Manning doesn't represent much value either. He will likely put up more points than Big Ben in Week 5, but will it be enough to overcome the $1,500 price difference between Manning and Roethlisberger? I am not too sure about that.
Marshawn Lynch isn't in Play
Lynch is the most-expensive fantasy running back in FanDuel leagues, but he's lining up against a Redskins defensive front that is allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Overall, Washington is giving up just 76.8 yards per outing and has forced two fumbles. It makes no sense to spend $9,100 on Lynch when someone like Rashad Jennings is available at $7,200.
Buy Rashad Jennings
This obviously brings me to my next point. Jennings and the Giants are taking on a Falcons team that ranks dead last in the NFL against fantasy running backs and is allowing an average of over 200 total yards and two touchdowns per outing to players at this position. Pick Jennings up as your RB1 option (seventh-most expensive), and be happy about it.
Top Receivers are in Play
Antonio Brown may in fact be the most-expensive receiver this week, but that shouldn't scare you off. As with Roethlisberger, the matchup here is just too good to pass up on. The Jaguars are yielding an average of 213 yards to receivers on the season. They're secondary is also giving up a 108.3 rating when targeted against receivers. You can do that math here.
Despite a shoulder injury that limited him to three receptions last week, Dez Bryant has scored a touchdown in three consecutive games and continues to make a strong fantasy impact. Consistent is the word that best describes this physically imposing receiver, which will be a nice play against a less-than-stellar Texans' secondary. Don't worry about Bryant's injury, he'll still make you happy come Sunday.
No Reason to Buy Calvin Johnson
Johnson was limited to two receptions last week against a horrendous New York Jets secondary. He's been a non participant in practice this week. And to be honest, the matchup isn't necessarily too good against a Bills defense that is giving up just 156 receiving yards per game to receivers on the season.