Contrarian means opposing or rejecting popular opinion, going against the current practice. Being a contrarian in fantasy football is difficult because it's not chalk as the DFS kids would call it today. Risk is involved, but it could be a league-winning selection. Contrarian is where the big money is made within DFS, especially in large tournaments, because you'll submit more unique lineups than your competitors.
Do mix in one or two of these players within a lineup to maximize individuality.
Do not create your entire lineup based on the contrarian picks below.
Key for charts:
- Player = recommended contrarian play
- Opponent = Home or away and the opponent
- FD Roster % = This week's FanDuel roster percentages
- FD Salary = FanDuel salary to roster the player
- DK Roster % = This week's DraftKings roster percentages
- DK Salary = DraftKings salary to roster the player
CONTRARIAN QUARTERBACKS
Missing a month of football allowed people to forget how well Justin Fields was playing. In Fields' last two full games, he averaged 350 total yards and four touchdowns. He also produced 46 rushing yards in three of his last four games. Fields was producing elite fantasy numbers and will face a Lions defense, allowing 8th most fantasy points to QBs this season. Last year, Fields averaged 140 rushing yards per game against Detroit. This will be the first game Chicago will have their starting OL this season, which will provide better pass protection.
This is a revenge game for Geno Smith against the Rams, who held Smith to his worst game of the season. However, Smith is coming off a 369 passing-yard performance last week and has thrown multiple TDs in three of the last four games. One caution of this play is Tyler Lockett hasn't practiced this week due to a hamstring, and it's something to monitor this weekend.
Contrary to the paragraph above, Matt Stafford hopes for a game similar to his week one bout against Seattle. Stafford threw for a season-high 334 passing yards. The TDs haven't been plentiful for Stafford, but he's facing a defense allowing the 6th most fantasy points to QBs this season. The concern about Stafford's thumb is understandable, but he's turned in a full week of practice. Puka Nacua also practiced in full, which also helps Stafford's prospects.
Baker Mayfield has thrown multiple TD passes in three straight games, averaging 260 passing yards. He's performed as an above-average starting QB this season and may have rejuvenated his career. The 49ers are fresh off embarrassing the Jaguars, but Tampa Bay's offense has played much better than Jacksonville's this season. Will you shy away from using Mayfield this week because of the 49ers defense? Or will you lean into the low roster percentage, low salary, and how well Mayfield has played the last three weeks?
CONTRARIAN RUNNING BACKS
The injury to Deshaun Watson could prompt the Browns to pass more this week to take the pressure off of rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Jerome Ford produced his second game of over 100 rushing yards last week against one of the best run defenses in the NFL. He's averaged 22 touches in the last two games and has been more involved in the passing game than Kareem Hunt. Ford has been the 11th most efficient RB in rushing yards per carry-over expectation, and Hunt has been the 8th least efficient. Hopefully, the Browns will give Ford some of the goal-line work they've given Hunt as a reward for being the better RB.
Antonio Gibson hasn't practiced this week and is not likely to play. Brian Robinson consolidating the touches from this backfield will make him a value this week when they play the Giants' poor run defense. The Giants are 30th in the NFL, allowing 4.7 yards per carry. Washington has leaned more on the pass than the run. But this game should be a blowout, and Robinson could be the beneficiary.
Raheem Mostert leads the NFL in rushing TDs and 9th in rushing yards despite being only 23rd in rushing attempts. Mostert has played terrific this year and leads the NFL in rushing yards per carry-over expectation by a wide margin. De'Von Achane could return this week, which has helped reduce Mostert's roster percentage. Even in a split backfield, Miami plays the Raiders, who have allowed the 7th most fantasy points to RBs and tied for 4th most yards per carry this season.
Not many anticipated Devin Singletary earning 30 rushing attempts last week with Dameon Pierce out with an injury. Singletary rewarded the Texans coaches with an efficient five yards per carry. Pierce is out again this game, and Singletary faces a similarly weak run defense in the Cardinals. Singletary is also underpriced this week, so he's in this article despite being on the higher end of contrarian.
Zach Charbonnet has seen 51% or more snap share in three straight games. Ken Walker III had more touches, but it's a good sign for Charbonnet to earn the snaps. Charbonnet has 60 total yards in two of his last three games, and the Rams are a middling run defense. If you like to play a cheap option at RB to get more stars into your lineups, then Charbonnet might be your play this week.
CONTRARIAN WIDE RECEIVERS
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