Week 9 NFL DFS Picks: FanDuel Core Lineup Strategy

After a successful set of NFL DFS picks last weekend, we look to keep the momentum going into Week 9. This article will outline the Week 8 NFL DFS picks for core players at each position to hammer into your FanDuel lineups.

Week 9 NFL DFS Picks for FanDuel

Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson ($8,300)

Lamar Jackson gets a date with the Minnesota Vikings and with that, he lands in my article once again. Expect a fast-paced matchup, as both teams rank in the top eight in plays run per game. The lofty 50.0 point game total hints at a high-scoring game that DFS players should prioritize this week. Playing against the Vikings’ poor cornerbacks, look to stack Jackson alongside Marquise Brown or rookie Rashod Bateman.

Jordan Love ($6,000)

For those of you that are feeling risky this week, I present to you the minimum salaried QB Jordan Love. Playing against the Chiefs, he gets the perfect matchup to show out in his first career NFL start. Love will throw the ball a ton to keep up with Mahomes and gets Davante Adams back to assist him. While he could easily crash and burn, the upside and the salary relief are just too appealing in my eyes. Stack Love with what should be a lesser owned Adams for a go big or go home tournament lineup.

Other NFL DFS Options: Josh Allen ($9,000), Jalen Hurts ($7,800), Justin Herbert ($7,600)

Running Backs

Austin Ekeler ($9,000)

Austin Ekeler has not disappointed fantasy owners this season, averaging 19.5 FanDuel points per game. In a matchup against an Eagles team that ranks 22nd at defending the run, Ekeler should have a field day. The Chargers vs. Eagles game ties the slate high total with 50.0 points and will be heavily stacked in DFS. In addition to his favorable matchup, Ekeler’s receiving upside will shoot his ownership above 20% in both tournaments and cash contests.

Nick Chubb ($7,600)

After failing to produce against a tough Steelers front seven, Nick Chubb draws a matchup against the Bengals this weekend. One positive to take from the last game is D’Ernest Johnson’s minimal role in the Browns offense. Despite scoring a touchdown, Johnson only logged five touches in Kareem Hunt’s absence. This should point to a massive workload for Chubb while Hunt is on injured reserve. As his salary fell from $8,000 last week, Chubb is a high upside tournament play on a run-heavy Browns team.

Myles Gaskin ($6,100)

Myles Gaskin was neutralized by the Bills defense last weekend, rushing for just 36 yards on 12 carries. This week, he’ll have an easier time against the second-last ranked Texans run defense. Gaskin will likely have game script on his side, as the Dolphins enter as -5.5 point favorites. Malcolm Brown is out for the second straight week, meaning Gaskin will continue to operate as the lead back. Priced at just $6,100 this weekend, he and Devontae Booker are among my favorite value running backs in Week 9.

Other NFL DFS Options: Alvin Kamara ($9,400), Aaron Jones ($8,500), Ezekiel Elliott ($8,200), Devontae Booker ($6,300)

Wide Receivers

Tyreek Hill ($8,500)

Despite Patrick Mahomes’ struggles, Tyreek Hill is still as fantasy-relevant as ever this season. Hill is now tied with Cooper Kupp for an NFL leading 90 targets after a whopping 18 targets last game. With Davante Adams playing without his teammate Aaron Rodgers, Hill is easily the highest projected receiver this week. As someone who could pop off for 200+ yards and multiple touchdowns any given night, Hill is always worth consideration in your lineups.

Justin Jefferson ($7,600)

Justin Jefferson is coming off of his worst game of the season against Dallas after catching just two balls for 21 yards. This week, he gets to play against a Baltimore Ravens team that allows the most passing yards per game. For people looking for exposure to this game, both Jefferson and Thielen are excellent options. While many players will be stacking Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, Jefferson is a great bring-back player.

CeeDee Lamb ($7,500)

CeeDee Lamb has surpassed Amari Cooper as the top wideout on this Dallas offense, leading the team in target share. This week, he has a matchup against struggling corner Ronald Darby who has been a weak spot in an otherwise strong Broncos defense. Coming off of two straight 100-yard receiving games, Lamb will look to keep the streak alive.

Kadarius Toney ($5,700)

If you haven’t had a chance to watch rookie wideout Kadarius Toney play yet, you’re missing out. This Giants offense has been decimated by injuries with Barkley, and Shepard out for Week 9, and Golladay listed as questionable. This sets the table for another Toney breakout game as he should lead the team in targets for the week. At just $5,700 the rookie is the cheapest he’s been since his 189-yard game in Week 5. Slide Toney into your FanDuel lineups this weekend as he has a chance to absolutely light up the Raiders.

Other NFL DFS Options: Marquise Brown ($7,700), Stefon Diggs ($7,600), Courtland Sutton ($6,700), Devonta Smith ($5,800), Jakobi Meyers ($5,500)

Tight Ends

Darren Waller ($6,800)

As Travis Kelce has continued to struggle, we look to the next best option in Raiders tight end Darren Waller. He holds a 24% target share in this pass-heavy offense, which should climb higher following the Henry Ruggs III incident. Waller gets a matchup against the New York Giants and their middle-of-the-pack defense. He is still affordable at $6,800 and should begin to see the target volume he got from Carr last season.

George Kittle ($6,000)

George Kittle is set to return from injured reserve after a three-game absence due to an ankle injury. If he is on the field, he brings high receiving upside and is worth a mention in DFS. While he could be limited in his return, he is one of the best tight ends in the game and it is a rare case seeing him at $6,000. He will warrant low ownership on the slate and could be in play for tournaments.

Other NFL DFS Options: Kyle Pitts ($6,600), Dallas Goedert ($6,200), Jared Cook ($5,200)