Over/Under: 53.5
Bengals Implied Team Total: 28.75
Buccaneers Implied Team Total: 24.75
As is usually the case in this column, the third game may get overlooked as it doesn't scream shootout but still projects to be one based on team strengths. That makes it one to actively target. Similar to the Rams' offense, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense almost ensures a shootout every week. The Cincinnati Bengals' defense, meanwhile, has had its struggles as well. I'm envisioning a tight, back-and-forth affair that should be fun to watch not to mention have a stake in for fantasy purposes.
Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
FanDuel Price: $7,800
We know Andy Dalton doesn't usually come to play under the primetime lights, and he has an issue with common opponents. Dalton hasn't faced the Bucs since 2014, so they definitely qualify as an uncommon opponent. Regardless, there's no better matchup for passing games. The Bucs are allowing the most FanDuel points per game to quarterbacks and the second-most to receivers. Dalton's ownership will be lower than expected after flopping on everyone's TV Sunday night. Bet on a bounce=back here.
Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
FanDuel Price: $6,800
Back to the well with Tyler Boyd. Similar to Dalton, the bet here is on Boyd going significantly under-owned after a let-down performance in a seemingly ripe spot. It's important to note that Kansas City -- last week's opponent -- has actually been middle-of-the-pack against receivers, while, as noted above, the Bucs have been an absolute sieve. John Ross re-tweaked his groin and has already been ruled out. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are particularly vulnerable in the slot, where rookie CB M.J. Stewart has now given up six touchdowns over his last five games. Boyd has seen at least seven targets in five of seven games this year.
Others to Consider
With as many points as Vegas is projecting, it's reasonable to stack Dalton and Boyd with A.J. Green ($8,800). Green is tied for the most expensive receiver price on the slate and he's had some funky home-road splits in his career, but there is no better matchup for him to go nuclear.
Amazingly, Tampa Bay has also allowed the most fantasy points per game to tight ends. C.J. Uzomah ($5,400) is a full-time player in this offense, but as the fourth option in the passing game, he's not an ideal cash game option.
The contrarian GPP play is to use Joe Mixon ($7,800) while everyone loads up on the passing game. Mixon himself is coming off a down game in a good spot and may go overlooked as a result. Tampa Bay is a classic pass-funnel defense, grading out poorly in pass defense but clamping down on the run. But they just lost difference-making linebacker Kwon Alexander for the season (knee). Mixon's touch floor with the Bengals entering as four-point favorites.
Not faring much better than the Bucs' putrid defense, the Bengals have been similarly gashed by running backs, tight ends and quarterbacks. My favorite play on the Bucs' side is O.J. Howard ($5,800), who is getting better and more comfortable with Jameis Winston every week. Howard just set a career high with nine targets, while the Bengals have allowed the third-most FanDuel points per game to tight ends.
Winston ($7,800) should be a popular play coming off a career day on the ground, with 55 rushing yards and a touchdown. Jameis is a GPP and cash-game option every week given his elite weapons arsenal, rushing usage and porous defense, but I prefer Dalton as the lower-owned home pivot.
Chris Godwin ($6,300), Adam Humphries ($4,800) and DeSean Jackson ($6,400) are in a three-way timeshare, so none are cash options. If you're looking to swing for the fences, Jameis just overthrew Jackson on a deep route last week, and they're bound to connect at some point. Mike Evans ($7,800) will also probably go overlooked in his price range. A touchdown from Jameis is imminent, but it would be nice to see him get a stronger target share at that price.
The cheap GPP play on the Buccaneers' side is Ronald Jones ($5,200). Peyton Barber ($5,800) didn't practice Wednesday with an ankle injury and Jones has started to finally see more work recently. Jones will need the game to stay close, but the Bengals have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
Eli Weiner is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Eli Weiner also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username Eweiner2. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.