High-Cost Option: Seattle Seahawks $3,800
In their last three games against Carolina, the Seahawks defense has given up 9, 7, and 12 points. Those three games were all played at Carolina. This year, the Seattle defense gets to finally host Cam Newton and crew.
This week's most expensive defense was given a $200 discount from last week after they were able to sack Andy Dalton four times, force an interception, and recover a fumble for a touchdown despite giving up a season-high 419 total yards. However, in their two games at home this season, they've given up 402 yards combined. The Seahawks are in the middle of the pack in total takeaways, but are tied for first with Kansas City for the most sacks. Against Carolina's shaky offensive line on the road, the Seattle front-seven should be able to hit home several times this weekend with Cliff Avril leading the team in hurries.
Mid-Cost Option: Carolina Panthers $3,000
The Seahawks and the Panthers? Why not? This game should be a defensive showdown against two of the league's best units in a low-scoring affair. The Panthers defense has yielded 13, 12, and 16 points to the Seahawks in their last three matchups, with each game being decided by less than a touchdown.
The Panthers will get a healthy Luke Kuechly back this week, which should only aid a defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest points per game this year and the fifth-most takeaways. Carolina has struggled rushing the passer so far this season, but the Seattle offensive line has been a major downgrade in 2015, and they should be able to find Russell Wilson a few times, as he ties for the lead league in sacks allowed. The Carolina rushing defense is one of the best in the league (sixth-best) and should be quite the chess match between these teams this weekend.
Low-Cost Option: Cincinnati Bengals $3,000
There aren't many good matchups this week in the low-cost options, and I can't really endorse going under the $3,000 mark unless you're really willing to gamble. The Bengals are facing a Buffalo Bills offense that's likely without Tyrod Taylor, Sammy Watkins, and LeSean McCoy this week. While it's not a very great matchup on paper, the Bills will be without three of their biggest playmakers making this an enticing, if not somewhat risky, play this week.
The Bengals have been on a tear the last two weeks picking up nine sacks with a pair of turnovers. A big part of why Cincinnati has been able to start this season 5-0 is due to a defense that has yet to allow more than 21 points to opposing offenses. Despite E.J. Manuel's effectiveness this preseason, we've seen that he's an inaccurate, turnover prone quarterback over the course of the regular season, and should struggle in a spot start here against a defense that's been putting on continuous pressure as of late.
GPP Wildcard: Philadelphia Eagles $2,900
This pick hinges on Odell Beckham Jr.'s status for this week (hamstring), as the Eagles have been eaten alive by top wide receivers so far this season, but if ODB is unable to lace up Monday Night, Philadelphia could make for an interesting GPP play.
Philadelphia's pass rush has yet to gain its 2014 form (eighth-worst in hurries this year), but they trail only Denver in takeaways on the season with 13 through their first five games. The Eagles likely won't be a popular play due to matchup and Monday game schedule, but could be a dangerous GPP tournament play if the Giants decide to make Beckham rest this week.