Values and Leverage Week 14 (FanDuel)

NDL daily fantasy expert Andrew Diaz explores FanDuel value plays for the NFL Week 14 slate.

In this article, we will spotlight the best buy low players for each week and identify some of the strongest contrarian plays to create leverage, build more unique lineups, and pivot away from the field. Buy low players are usually victims of circumstance whether it be from difficult matchups, game script, or injuries. As a result, their price will plummet. We will want to take advantage of this discount and utilize their low cost to afford the safer, higher priced players. As for the leverage we seek, it will not come from high volatility players. On the contrary, these will be players with high ceilings and stable offensive roles; They just may not be as obvious a play as some of their chalkier counterparts. With that established, let’s take a look at Week 14 on FanDuel.

Quarterbacks:

Cam Newton ($7,400)- Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound… its Super Cam! Seriously though, Newton draws a favorable matchup against the division rival Falcons who allow the fourth most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks. The Carolina QB has rushed for a touchdown in each of his first two games and with Christian McCaffrey done for the season the offense has been placed squarely on Newton’s shoulders. Atlanta’s defensive line ranks dead last in QB pressure percentage (hurries + knockdowns + sacks) which is a complicated way of saying they won’t be inhibiting Cam in any way.

Wide Receivers:

DJ Moore ($6,800)- It makes so much sense pairing Moore and Newton, especially with Atlanta not being able to collapse the pocket. Speaking of those lowly Falcons, they are giving up an eye-popping 15 TDs to wide receivers this season. In two games since Cam has returned, DJ Moore has totaled 153 yards and a TD on a whopping 17 targets and is clearly the focal point of this offense with no McCaffrey. Moore ranks seventh among all receivers in air yards and should have no problem getting behind Atlanta’s secondary.

Running Back:

Jeff Wilson Jr. ($4,900)- This recommendation comes with a load of uncertainty. Starting RB, Eli Mitchel, is currently questionable with a concussion and if he were unable to be cleared in time, Jeff Wilson would be the next man up. San Francisco has shown a propensity to commit to the run, keeping the ball on the ground for 48.3 percent of their offensive snaps. At sub 5K, Wilson will be massive chalk but good chalk, nonetheless.  

UPDATE: Eli Mitchell has been ruled out for Week 14. Wilson becomes a volume-based fantasy necessity.

Tight Ends:

Austin Hooper ($5,000)- With the top plays on the higher end of the salary cap, there are not many choices outside of Kelce, Kittle, and Andrews. However, with David Njoku on the COVID list, Austin Hooper is projected to be Cleveland’s every down tight end and gets a fantastic matchup against the Ravens, who allow the fourth most FanDuel points to the position. The Browns are desperate for playmakers not named Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt and have not found any consistency with their receiving corps. Hooper could see double digit targets as the Browns attempt to stave off their division rivals.