Week 18 DFS Contrarian

Photo: USA Today Sports

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.

Mix 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

The Cardinals' pass defense ranks dead last in the NFL. Arizona has more incentive to lose to improve their draft pick than to win and watch the pick move down a few more positions. Meanwhile, Seattle needs to win and get some help to make the playoffs. Geno Smith threw two TD passes on only 24 pass attempts in the first matchup against Arizona. However, the Cardinals have played better offensively since Kyler Murray has returned, which should create a higher-scoring game and more opportunities for Smith to throw.

The Rams will be resting defensive starters Aaron Donald and Ernest Jones for week 18 with a playoff spot locked up. They're also resting several key offensive starters as well, which should limit the Rams' time of possession on offense. The Rams defense is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs. Sam Darnold gets the start at QB, and he has lots of incentive to play well with his upcoming free agency. Darnold gets to play a soft defense at home in an advantageous offense.

Derek Carr has thrown multiple TD passes in four consecutive games. This week, Carr and the Saints are fighting to make the playoffs with a win and some help in other games. The Falcons are also fighting for a chance to make the playoffs, which should make this an intense atmosphere. Atlanta is allowing the 11th most fantasy points to opposing QBs, and Justin Fields had one of his better games of the season last week against them. Earlier in the season, Carr threw for over 300 yards against Atlanta but didn't contribute to any TDs. This time, he'll be playing at home against Atlanta, and he's been playing well.

If Green Bay wins, they're in the playoffs. If they lose, they need help to make the playoffs. Jordan Love and the Packers have a lot to play for on Sunday. Love has thrown for 16 TDs in the last eight games. Meanwhile, the Chicago defense has only allowed one offense to score more than 20 points in the last seven games. Chicago has allowed the least rushing yards in the NFL, so Green Bay will need to pass if they win. PFF's best CB in the NFL, Chicago's Jaylon Johnson, hasn't practiced this week due to a shoulder injury. His absence would greatly help the Packers' passing attack. Green Bay could also see the return of Christian Watson and Luke Musgrave, as they've practiced in a limited capacity this week. Check the inactive list prior to the game for both teams to see if this is an enhanced DFS play.