Top DFS Value Picks for Week 9

Looking to build a solid DFS lineup for Week 9 without breaking the bank? That’s where value comes in.

Here are four players by position who have the strongest value given their matchups and recent performances. Each of these players has a really good chance to outperform their salary, giving your roster a boost where it counts.

Ready to win some DFS this weekend?

Geno Smith — Seattle Seahawks — QB

• Salary: $5,800
• Matchup: vs. Los Angeles Rams (15th in DvP)
• Projected Fantasy Points: 19.0

Geno Smith hasn’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard, but at $5,800, he still offers excellent value for Week 9. 

Coming off a game against the Bills where he threw for 212 yards but failed to even find the end zone, we think Smith will be eager to get back on track. 

Seattle’s offense struggled last week, running just a measly 51 plays, which was their lowest total of the season. However, the Rams’ defense is a more forgiving matchup, especially considering they allow an average of 24.9 points per game. This is where Geno will take them to the house and rack up the FP.

The Rams have been vulnerable to the passing game. They’ve allowed 213 passing yards per game. 

Smith’s performance may hinge on the efficiency of Seattle’s offense, but if they can get more plays on the field, there’s a good chance he can deliver a strong fantasy outing and maybe even find the end zone 2 to 3 times.

With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett healthy and active, Smith has the weapons to take advantage of a Rams secondary that has struggled to keep offenses in check. 

If you’re looking for a low-cost QB option with a decent ceiling, Geno Smith is a great play this week. You’ll save on cap space and still bring in a lot of FP.

Tony Pollard — Tennessee Titans — RB

• Salary: $6,800
• Matchup: vs. New England Patriots (31st in DvP)
• Projected Fantasy Points: 18.7

Tony Pollard continues to be a solid option for DFS lineups. This is especially true in Week 9 as the Titans take on the Pats.

Despite Tennessee’s offensive (ahem, and defensive) struggles this season, Pollard has been a reliable producer. He consistently puts up big yardage and stays active in both the running and passing game. We all love dual-threat players on our DFS lineups.

Coming off a season-high 117 scrimmage yards against the Lions that absolutely destroyed the Titans, Pollard has proven he can get it done even when his team faces one of the toughest opponents.

This week’s matchup against the Patriots is a great opportunity for Pollard. 

New England’s defense has been somewhat shaky against the run as they’ve allowed the fourth-most rushing yards and the second-most rushing touchdowns to opposing RBs.

This weakness should play right into Pollard’s strengths, making him a strong RB2 option with RB1 upside. With Will Levis or Mason Rudolph likely starting at QB, Pollard should see a fairly heavy workload as Tennessee looks to control the game on the ground. 

If you’re looking for decent value in the running back spot, Pollard’s volume and favorable matchup make him an easy choice.

Chris Olave — New Orleans Saints — WR

• Salary: $6,100
• Matchup: vs. Carolina Panthers (22nd in DvP)
• Projected DK Fantasy Points: 15.7

Chris Olave heads into Week 9 with a great opportunity against the Panthers, who rank 22nd in defending WRs.

After clearing the concussion protocol, Olave was back in action in Week 8, posting 8 receptions for 107 yards despite having to work with backup QBs.

With Derek Carr expected to return under center this week, Olave should be in line for a big day as the Saints’ WR1.

Olave’s speed and route-running make him a nightmare for defenses. To take that a step further, Carolina’s secondary has been inconsistent, to say the least.

Their defensive issues are amplified by a struggling offense that keeps them on the field longer than they’d like and ultimately wears them down. Olave has already shown his ability to post WR1-type numbers, and with Carr back, he should have ample opportunities to capitalize on the Panthers’ defensive lapses. 

His $6,100 salary is pretty reasonable for a receiver with his talent and projected usage, making Olave a value pick with WR1 potential for Week 9.

Brock Bowers — Las Vegas Raiders — TE

• Salary: $6,000
• Matchup: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (25th in DvP)
• Projected Fantasy Points: 15.8

Brock Bowers had a quieter game in Week 8 but he still caught all 5 of his targets for 58 yards. Despite that, he still offers great value in Week 9 against the Bengals. 

With Gardner Minshew back under center, Bowers should still remain one of the Raiders’ primary downfield threats. 

His consistent involvement in the passing game, even in games where targets are limited, keeps his floor steady, and the matchup against Cincinnati could unlock his ceiling and that’s what we see happening.

The Bengals rank in the bottom 8 in receptions, yards, and touchdowns allowed to tight ends. This presents a juicy opportunity for Bowers. 

He showed his potential earlier in the season with multiple double-digit target games, and this week, he’s set up to take advantage of a defense that struggles to contain pass-catching tight ends. 

At $6,000, Bowers is an affordable option with the upside for a breakout game to get FP like a WR. If Minshew can find him downfield, expect Bowers to post one of his better fantasy scores of the season.

Load Up Your DFS Lineup with Value Picks

These Week 9 value plays can help DFS managers maximize their lineup potential without overspending which is what we’re all after. 

Tony Pollard, Brock Bowers, Geno Smith, and Chris Olave each have decent matchups and the skillsets to deliver solid returns on their low salaries. 

By adding these value picks to your DFS roster, you’re setting yourself up for a successful Week 9.