FanDuel Stacks: Week Three

Zach Bahner

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Last week, we had some great hits and a few misses in our stacking piece. I suggested fading Matt Ryan and Julio Jones due to the inflated price and lack of pass catchers at the tight end and running back positions. I didn’t predict a complete bust (their combined 38.42 points reflect they weren’t), but they were a touchdown connection away from really making value. Both the Cam Newton/Greg Olsen and Andy Dalton/Tyler Eifert stacks were less than four points from tripling their value, which was more due to efficient quarterback play than the tight ends. Neither could connect for a touchdown, making other tight ends paired with these quarterbacks better plays.

The big disappointment of the week was my Drew Brees and Brandin Cooks stack. The two combined for only 21.4 points in a game which went against what the oddsmakers and nearly everyone else expected. Tampa Bay largely held the New Orleans passing game in check.

Highest Upside

Tom Brady, QB NE
Rob Gronkowski, TE NE

It’s not going to get much more obvious than this. There will be high ownership of both of these players in tournaments, but it’s pretty much impossible to completely fade Tom Brady ($8,700) and Rob Gronkowski ($8,400). These two have been on fire once again this season and the Patriots are 13.5 point favorites over Jacksonville. The $17,100 combined price tag is hefty, but it still leaves plenty of room for some value plays.

There is some temptation to use Julian Edelman ($7,700) instead of or in addition to Gronkowski, but I’m shying away from him in most lineups. While $7,700 isn’t terribly expensive, it is the eighth highest price for receivers this week. I’m not confident enough Edelman can meet the high expectation in a game that could be out of hand early on. I would feel better about spending the cap room on DeAndre Hopkins ($7,800) or Brandon Marshall ($7,400).

Honorable Mention: Aaron Rodgers ($9,100), Randall Cobb ($8,200) and James Jones ($5,700)

Best Value

Ryan Mallett, QB HOU
DeAndre Hopkins, WR HOU

[inlinead]More of a plus matchup than anything, I think Ryan Mallett ($6,300) and DeAndre Hopkins ($7,800) could combine for a ton of points. Even with the Buccaneers performing exceptionally well as a defense against the Saints in week 2, I don’t think they have an answer for Hopkins. Mallett is cheap enough that he doesn’t even have to have a good real football game to meet value. There is the risk Brian Hoyer ($6,300) is given back the starting job, but don’t be dissuaded from just swapping him for Mallett in the stack. I think the players’ outlooks are comparable this week, and their prices reflect their interchangeability.

Hopkins was mentioned previously as being a good option to add to the New England stack, but I am high on him overall in week three, including in cash games. He has a fairly high floor with a very high ceiling. He’s the type of high reward player who could win tournaments this week.

Honorable Mention: Marshawn Lynch ($8,700), Seahawks Defense ($5,300)

Stack of the Weak

Nick Foles, QB STL
Jared Cook, TE STL

If you’re looking for something sexy, you won’t find it here. However, I don’t think you’ll find a stack with more potential in surpassing its value by miles than Nick Foles ($6,500) and Jared Cook ($5,400). Pittsburgh hasn’t been good against tight ends this season, and they have given up a ton of fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Yes, you can attribute some of those points to the drubbing Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski gave them in week one, but it still doesn’t diminish the huge value here.

Foles is priced lower than 27 other quarterbacks. I can’t envision a likely scenario where he doesn’t make it into the top 15 in points this week while trying to keep up with the productive Steelers offense. If Cooks can manage six catches for 60 yards and a touchdown, his value is met. Their tiny $11,900 combined price allows for studs at other positions which you just can’t fit into other stacks. There is just so much potential here. I’ll be rolling out this stack in a lot of tournaments this week.

Honorable Mention: Lance Dunbar ($4,900) and Cowboys Defense ($4,300)

Note: This is a contrarian play. With both Tony Romo and Dez Bryant sitting out, quarterback Brandon Weeden will likely be looking to check down a lot this week. This could lead to a high stat line for running back Lance Dunbar. I don’t exactly expect the Cowboys defense to be able to completely stop the Falcons offense, but enough crowd noise in Dallas could lead to some sacks and turnovers. This could be a nice pairing with one of the other listed stacks in an effort to fit more studs into your lineup.

Fool’s Gold

Sam Bradford, QB PHI
Jordan Matthews, WR PHI

I haven’t seen this as a widespread stacking option this week, but I could see it as a quietly popular contrarian play due to the Eagles’ offensive struggles so far. Sam Bradford ($7,200) and Jordan Matthews ($7,100) are both priced low enough to allow for two or three higher priced studs, so the temptation of putting them in your lineup is there. I would caution against it, though.

The Jets have a formidable defense, especially in the front seven. The Eagles offensive line has been a disaster thus far and will lead to Bradford being under duress early and often in this game. At this point, I am fading everyone on the Eagles offense. They represent too much risk for the prospective reward. There are better, lower priced stacks which have greater potential without near the possibility of flat lining.

Honorable Mention: Peyton Manning ($8,200), Demaryius Thomas ($8,400)

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