This is the prime fantasy football week for daily leagues. Players have two games under their belt, so we have a solid idea of what they’ll be in terms of fantasy production this year, and it’s a week before bye weeks begin. Despite the big injuries from last week, there’s plenty of value to be had to put together a solid lineup under FanDuel’s $60,000 salary cap.
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Quarterback: Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts - $9,500
Through two weeks, the Jacksonville Jaguars have allowed more total fantasy points than any other team, according to our advanced metrics (paid subscription required). That’s very good news for Luck, how has the upside to be the top fantasy quarterback this week with Peyton Manning in a tough matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Luck has yet to turn the ball over, and he has five touchdowns despite the Colts starting 0-2.
Running Back: Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks - $8,900
With questions surrounding Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles (though for very different reasons) Lynch might be the most reliable top back now. Lynch has scored the fifth most points among running backs through two weeks, and the Denver Broncos’ front seven isn’t going to scare me away from paying for Lynch.
Running Back: Darren Sproles, Philadelphia Eagles - $6,000
Quick, who’s the top-scoring running back this year? DeMarco Murray? Nope. Giovani Bernard? Still no. It’s Sproles. He’s been getting done on the ground and in the passing game. With the logjam at RB2 in fantasy, Sproles at least has the upside to break off a huge touchdown at any time and he’s facing Washington’s defense, which has only faced Chad Henne and Ryan Fitzpatrick so far this season. At least Sproles could break a 60-yard touchdown, compared to someone like Toby Gerhart who will struggle to get 60 total yards. (Plus, who doesn't love a highlight reel set to Super Mario music?)
Wide Receiver: Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears - $8,200
Marshall single-handedly (literally, he had a one-handed catch in the end zone) brought Chicago back into the game against San Francisco. He is dominant in the red zone and as long as he’s healthy, he’s more than worth the WR1 money, especially against a below-average Jets secondary.
Wide Receiver: Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers - $6,500
For this season, Benjamin isn’t going to be a six-catch, 80-yard guy. But he can certainly be a guy who makes a ridiculous touchdown catch to boost any WR2’s fantasy day. He is clearly a raw athlete, but dropped two passes last week, according to Pro Football Focus (paid subscription required). Still, after spending good money on Luck, Lynch and Marshall, Benjamin has some of the best upside at wide receiver for this price.
Wide Receiver: Andrew Hawkins, Cleveland Browns - $5,300
Most FanDuel leagues award a half point for receptions, making Hawkins even more valuable. Through two weeks, Hawkins is the fifth-most targeted player in the league, per our advanced metrics, and has caught 64 percent of those passes. His opponent on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens, have allowed the 10th most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Hawkins is an easy candidate for six yards and at least 70 yards against Baltimore.
Tight End: Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles - $5,800
Ertz has the 10th most fantasy points among tight ends, but is only the 12th most expensive tight end in FanDuel. Nick Foles has been using Ertz as his safety net, picking up the fifth most yards among tight ends. and he has one touchdown, but his fellow tight ends ahead of him have multiple scores. Like Sproles, Ertz should have a big game against Washington’s defense.
Kicker: Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears - $4,600
As always, it’s just a kicker, but Gould is at least reliable and Chicago should score a decent amount of points against the Jets.
Defense: Miami Dolphins - $5,000
Cameron Wake was held sackless against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. That won’t happen again. In Week 1, Miami was the 10th best fantasy defense, and they will break the top 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Alex Smith can take care of the ball, but Knile Davis (who will presumably start in place of Jamaal Charles) has a serious fumbling problem, and the offensive line is ranked as the third worst in the league, per PFF.