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.
Does playing contrarian in DFS really work? YES! I've won good money in DFS in two out of four weeks using a contrarian play or two per lineup.
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
Last week was the first time Sam Howell didn't throw a touchdown in a game since week 3, and it also broke his two-week streak of multiple touchdown pass games. While Washington has lost three of their last four games, Howell has produced 249 or more passing yards in those losses and has multiple rushing attempts in every game this season but one. Washington plays Philadelphia for the second time this season after losing in overtime in week 4. Howell produced 330 total yards, one touchdown, and no turnovers in that contest. While Washington may not be winning games, Howell continues to produce positive fantasy numbers.
The shoulder injury appears to no longer be ailing Derek Carr. His production severely dipped for a few weeks, but he's coming off back-to-back 300-yard passing games. Alvin Kamara has certainly given Carr comfort in the passing game, as he's averaging nearly nine receptions per game. Carr will play a middle-of-the-road Colts pass defense, but their starting CB, JuJu Brents, hasn't practiced yet this week. Without Brents, this is a plus matchup for Carr.
Just as most of the football community wrote off Desmond Ridder, he bounced back to throw for 250 or more yards in each of the last three games. Ridder has also been more of a runner, averaging four carries in each of those three games, while he only had three total carries in the two games prior. This week, Ridder will play a Titans defense allowing the fourth-highest QB passer rating, lowest interception percentage, and fourth-highest yards per attempt in the NFL. The Titans just traded away Safety Kevin Byard, who was their best player in the secondary, and nickel cornerback Roger McCreary didn't practice due to a hamstring injury.
The Green Bay Packers have lost three games in a row, and Jordan Love has thrown six interceptions in those games. However, he's thrown for 10 touchdowns, rushed for two more, and has 21 or more rushing yards in four of his last five games. Love will play a Vikings defense that's allowed the fifth-highest QB passer rating, ninth-most yards per attempt, and second-highest completion percentage. If Green Bay can handle Minnesota's blitz packages, then Love has an opportunity to make some big plays.
CONTRARIAN RUNNING BACKS
Chuba Hubbard's first start of the NFL season was productive with 90 total yards, a touchdown, and very efficient. Hubbard is 13th in the NFL in rushing yards per carry-over expectation at 0.53, while Miles Sanders is the fifth-worst at -0.72. Sanders has been a full participant this week, returning from a shoulder injury, but it's to be determined if he gets the majority of the touches. The Texans' defense is in the bottom third of the NFL in fantasy points allowed to running backs this season.
Raheem Mostert didn't practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday due to an ankle injury. Jeff Wilson would be an instant play in lineups if Mostert misses the game this week. However, Wilson should be considered either way as they'll work him more into the game plan, as Miami has been the best rushing team in the NFL this season. New England has one of the best run defenses in the NFL, but I wouldn't count on anyone shutting down this Miami rushing attack.
Dameon Pierce has been disappointing in his second year in the NFL. He's -0.61 rushing yards per carry under expected and only played on 33% of the snaps in Houston's last game. Meanwhile, Devin Singletary led the backfield with 54% snap share and had 13 touches in the same game. This week, they'll face a Carolina defense giving up the second most fantasy points to running backs and second-worst rushing defense by expected points allowed. If Singletary continues his trajectory toward touches and snaps in this backfield, he will have big dividends this week.
Kenneth Walker hasn't practiced this week due to a calf injury, which could allow for Zach Charbonnet's first NFL start. Charbonnet is very talented in his own right, which is why Seattle selected him in the second round of the NFL Draft. It could be tough sledding for Charbonnet facing a Cleveland defense tied for eighth in the NFL in yards per carry and fourth-best in expected points contributed to run defense. However, Charbonnet would be a cheap option to fill out your lineup if Walker is out.
Javonte Williams appears to be getting more recovered from his knee injury as the season progresses as he's averaged over 5 yards per carry in the last two games. Last week, Williams received 18 touches and a 2% snap share in a backfield that was a committee in prior weeks. Denver will face a stingy Kansas City defense this week, but they should lean on Williams early and often to stay within striking distance. Also, Nick Bolton won't play on Sunday; he's the Chiefs best-run defender.
CONTRARIAN WIDE RECEIVERS
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