Week 2 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. Your gut may not be agreeing with the decision, but it's necessary because a wide range of outcomes is possible during a single football game. The comparison for being contrarian this year in a startup draft would be drafting Jameson Williams or Jonathan Taylor. 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 be submitting 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 weeks Fanduel roster percentages
• FD Salary = Fanduel salary to roster the player
• DK Roster % = This weeks Draftkings roster percentages
• DK Salary = Draftkings salary to roster the player

Nothing worked for the Chicago Bears offense in Week 1, and it felt like a preseason game. Despite having only one designed run, Justin Fields was PFF's 3rd best rusher among all positions. QB rushing ability is king for FF scoring, and Fields has the highest rushing potential for any QB in the NFL. It's difficult to imagine the passing game being worse than in Week 2. Chicago will be taking more chances down the field, which will create high-scoring opportunities. Tampa Bay allowed Kirk Cousins to throw for 344 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. The Bucs could be without starting CB Carlton Davis and explosive pass rusher Calijah Kancey, as they haven't practiced this week.

I became a believer again. I had doubts about Head coach Sean McVay and Matt Stafford because of last year and the injuries, but shame on me. I believe in them again because they were in their bag with dialing up great plays, and Stafford was fantastic with his execution. Stafford averaged 8.8 yards per attempt for 334 passing yards, which puts him back at his 2021 form. It's possible Puka Nacua could miss the game due to an injury, but I still have confidence in the Rams passing game despite playing a great 49ers defense. Somehow, Stafford is cheaper in DFS and has a low roster percentage, which creates an even better opportunity.

One of the most disappointing teams from Week 1 was Seattle. Geno Smith had an average performance, but the entire team looked out of sync. I expect Seattle and this talented passing game to bounce back in Week 2 against Detroit, which has a vulnerable defense with many new starters still trying to gain rapport with each other.

The Chicago Bears have the worst pass rush in the NFL, which revealed its ugly head on Sunday with an NFL low pressure rate. Chicago is going to be without starting nickelback Kyler Gordon and potentially his backup as well. Giving Baker Mayfield a long time to throw to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin with a beat-up secondary sounds like a good situation.

I thought more people would become Brock Purdy believers after Sunday's performance, but his roster percentage indicates some doubt. Purdy has thrown double-digit touchdown passes in seven consecutive regular season games. He leads one of the most talented skill position groups against one of the least talented and youngest defenses in the NFL this week. Purdy is in line for another productive game in Week 2.