FanDuel Daily Fantasy Football Afternoon-Slate Helper: Week 9

The Week 9 afternoon NFL DFS slate on FanDuel has four matchups, which kick off between 4:05 and 4:25 p.m. EST. Three games have a total that hits at least 47.0, while the Cleveland Browns-Denver Broncos clash sits at just 39.0.

Our NFL DFS Matchup Heat Map will be referenced for all implied totals and spreads throughout this article, so be sure to check it out.

Let’s check out the best plays at various prices on this short slate.

High-Priced Studs

Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns ($8,100)

Even after two early Nick Chubb fumbles, the Browns still fed Chubb 20 carries throughout the loss against the New England Patriots. Because of their commitment to him, Chubb now has at least 17 touches and double-digit fantasy points in every game this season. The Broncos are a defense that plays far better against the pass than against the run, as they rank 22nd in Adjusted Defensive Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) per play.

This should lead to another Chubb-centric game plan like we saw against the Pats. Plus, more scoring opportunities should present themselves. The Broncos have already ruled out Joe Flacco, meaning Brandon Allen will be getting the first NFL action of his career. Using the Cleveland D/ST and bringing it back with Chubb will likely be a sound strategy.

Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers ($7,700)

The Green Bay Packers have freed Aaron Jones! Just not how we all expected. He still has just one game with 20-plus carries, but his talents as a pass-catcher have been realized after he racked up 159 yards and two scores through the air in Week 8. He also sustained a shoulder injury in the contest, which will be something to monitor heading into the game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

If he's able to play, he'll be in one of the best matchups of the season. The Chargers rank 29th in Adjusted Defensive NEP per play, so the Pack should roll over them. With 25 red zone touches to his name already, Jones has a shot at another multi-touchdown game.

Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($8,200)

Last week it was Mike Evans with the mismatch on the perimeter. This week, Chris Godwin should absolutely crush Jamar Taylor in the slot, as Taylor is PFF's 101st-ranked cornerback. This game has the highest implied total on the slate at 52.5, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming in as 4.5-point underdogs. That indicates there should be plenty of passing from Jameis Winston, so look for Godwin to hit his ceiling in this one.

Kenny Golladay, WR, Detroit Lions ($7,600)

After logging just two targets in Week 7, "Babytron" returned to his usual volume, seeing eight looks. He cashed in on the soft matchup, catching six for 123 yards and two touchdowns against an exploitable New York Giants secondary.

Golladay faces a similarly exploitable secondary this week, as the Oakland Raiders rank 29th in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play. The Detroit Lions weren't able to establish the run without Kerryon Johnson last week and they also check in as underdogs in this matchup. Expect more pass attempts from Matthew Stafford, which should lead to more targets for Golladay.

Mid-Priced Upside Plays

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks ($6,700)

Not many players can receive nine red zone looks from Russell Wilson and come up empty handed, but that's the boat that D.K. Metcalf was in prior to Week 8. Positive regression hit, and he was able to catch two short scores on his two red zone targets against the Atlanta Falcons last week.

This week he draws a Bucs defense that ranks 22nd against the pass and allows the third-most fantasy points to receivers. Both of these offenses should be able to throw on each other, so a shootout through the air could make a game stack very profitable here.

Darren Waller, TE, Oakland Raiders ($6,800)

Quick! Guess which offense ranks first in Adjusted Passing NEP per play.

You were wrong, it's actually the Derek Carr-led Oakland Raiders. They aren't the flashiest offense, as Carr's distance per attempt ranks third-to-last among qualified quarterbacks, per PlayerProfiler. But he is efficient in all phases, as he ranks seventh or better in pressured, red zone, and play-action completion percentage.

Logically, we should play the best target in that offense. Darren Waller leads all tight ends in target share, and his newfound nose for the end zone makes him a "lock button" play this week.

Bargain Bin Prospects

Jamaal Williams, RB, Green Bay Packers ($5,400)

The Packers seem to have one of the best backfield duos in fantasy. Jamaal Williams and Jones have combined for 16 total touchdowns and both are averaging double-digit fantasy points per game. Jones' shoulder issue could lead to more touches for Williams, especially if they get a big lead on this underperforming Chargers unit. Don't trust him in cash lineups if Jones suits up, but he's an exciting tournament flier.

Tanner Hudson, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($4,000)

With O.J. Howard already ruled out and Cameron Brate dealing with a rib issue, preseason superstar Tanner Hudson could step into a featured role. The Seahawks have allowed the fifth-most receptions and the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, so Hudson could have a chance at bringing his preseason talents to the real world if Brate is out.

Jonathan Taylor Smith is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice Jonathan Taylor Smith also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username Jtsmittyyy. 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.