The A List at DFS Academy | NFL DFS Week 10

Three-running back builds were popular in Week 9, and the trend will continue in NFL DFS for Week 10. The reality is that running the ball is back in style, and NFL defenses are still in the process of adjusting. Running games have become a mix of innovation and tried and true toughness.

Once again, we are in a position to target solid running backs against weak defenses. Last week, there was plenty of value to be found. But this week, with some notable games in prime time slots, I’m going to be looking for ways to play the elite running backs.

Now, let’s get into our Week 10 NFL DFS Cash picks.

Cash is in session.

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NFL DFS Week 10

Teacher’s Pet

Bijan Robinson (DraftKings: $7,700 / FanDuel: $8,800)

When the Falcons last played the Saints, they dominated on defense, causing two defensive touchdowns and then taking on multiple field goals. But the Saints’ defense was in much better shape at the time. Since then, the Saints have fallen off the wagon and now boast the worst stats against running backs since Week 6. At the same time, the Falcons have started rolling in the run game, becoming one of the most efficient run games in the league. Enter Bijan Robinson. Robinson continues to demonstrate why he was worth a top-ten overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Importantly, he has two consecutive games with seven catches, demonstrating a strong role in the passing game that will boost him in DFS lineups.

Honor Roll

Josh Downs (DraftKings: $6,200 / FanDuel: $7,100)

Look, I know the Indianapolis Colts did not look good last Sunday night. But that doesn’t take away from what Josh Downs has been doing this season. He finished Sunday’s game with another nine-target game, solidifying his role as a Cash game staple, particularly when Joe Flacco is under center. While the Buffalo Bills aren’t exactly an ideal matchup, Downs’ role is consistent and reliable. We know he is going to get the targets, and until he is more expensive, I will continue to play him.

Breece Hall (DraftKings: $7,600 / FanDuel: $8,200)

Breece Hall has flown under the radar this year, seemingly underperforming throughout the season. Much of that has been due to the lack of touchdowns this year, but Hall has continued to be a reliable part of this offense, regularly recording at least 15 to 20 touches. Now, he faces off against an Arizona Cardinals defense that can be had on the ground. They have allowed at least 150 rushing yards in five of their nine games so far. Plus, Hall continues to maintain a pass-game role, only adding to his ceiling. 

DeAndre Hopkins (DraftKings: $5,300 / FanDuel: $6,000)

The Kansas City Chiefs made one thing clear on Monday night. They are going to rely on DeAndre Hopkins to be a ball-winner. Set aside his two touchdowns, Hopkins ended Monday night with a whopping nine targets. Any player with that volume should be priced above $6,000, but fortunately, this game happened after the DFS sites set their prices for the week. We are definitely getting a discount on Hopkins this week, especially with JuJu Smith-Schuster confirmed out for another week. 

Check the Chalkboard

Saquon Barkley (DraftKings: $8,300 / FanDuel: $9,600)

This week, we get a fledgling Dallas Cowboys defense against one of the best running backs in the league. What could go wrong? Saquon Barkley has continued to maintain ridiculous volume when the Eagles have played from ahead. Well, the Eagles are likely to be leading this week against a Cooper Rush-led Cowboys offense. Plus, the Cowboys have continued to struggle against running backs, allowing just over 30 points per game to the position since Week 6. Now, you might be asking how we are going to afford all these running backs. Keep reading.

Participation Grade

Mac Jones (DraftKings: $4,400 / FanDuel: $6,000)

We have officially hit the point of the season where we are getting backup quarterback discounts. Last week, Gardner Minshew was surprisingly priced below $5,000 despite being the starter. This week, we have Dak Prescott officially out, and Trevor Lawrence is trending toward being out. With that, Mac Jones is the likely starter for Jacksonville this week but is priced like a touchdown-dependent tight end. At this salary, Jones is likely to be the most rostered player on the slate and only needs 13 points to beat his salary. Playing him enables you to play three high-end players, so he is definitely worth the punt this week. 

Back of the Classroom Studs

Hunter Henry (DraftKings: $3,900 / FanDuel: $5,300)

Contrary to his price, Hunter Henry has carved out a solid role in New England with Drake Maye under center. Over the past three games, he is averaging nearly eight targets per game, which is absolutely wild for a player priced below $4,000 on DraftKings. There’s no tight end cheaper than Henry who has the potential for the amount of volume he is likely to get. Plus, similar to Mac Jones, he makes it much easier to pay up at running back and still get some quality receivers. 

Parker Washington (DraftKings: $3,900 / FanDuel: $5,400)

To pay up for the running backs like I want to this week, we need to punt at receiver. As I am writing this, we do not have confirmation regarding whether Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas will play. If either of them sits, Parking Washington is again a smash play. If either of them plays, I recommend pivoting to someone like Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who has four consecutive games with four or more targets. Greg Dortch is another interesting dart throw, as is Calvin Austin. 

Tennessee Titans (DraftKings: $2,700 / FanDuel: $3,400)

More often than not, your defense doesn’t matter in DFS Cash lineups. Take last week, for example. The New York Giants laid a nice goose egg, yet I still was profitable in Cash. With that in mind, I’m looking for a cheap defense again so I can pay up for the running backs. The Tennessee Titans’ defense has made life tough on teams that aren’t the Buffalo Bills or the Detroit Lions, who are the only two teams that scored more than 25 points against the Titans. Even when Tennessee gave up 51 points to Detroit, they managed to avoid scoring negative fantasy points. This game is likely to be a low-scoring affair, which provides a safe floor for the Titan’s defense.

Check out the NFL Week 10 episode of DFS Academy now!

Report Card

DraftKings

Scoring System

• A: Scored over three times their price
• B: Scored over two times their price
• C: Matched their price
• F: Scored lower than their price

Player	Price	Points	Grade
Cooper Kupp	$7,700	24.40	A
Bo Nix	$5,900	18.72	A
Chuba Hubbard	$6,500	21.20	A
Chase Brown	$5,900	29.70	A
Saquon Barkley	$8,200	36.90	A
Grant Calcaterra	$3,400	8.00	B
Jakobi Meyers	$5,300	21.50	A
Cedric Tillman	$4,300	19.50	A
New York Giants	$2,300	0.00	F
Overall	$49,500	179.92	A
Season Long	$444,400	1,089.72	B

FanDuel

Scoring System

• A: Scored over two times their price
• B: Scored over one and a half times their price
• C: Matched their price
• F: Scored lower than their price

Player	Price	Points	Grade
Cooper Kupp	$8,200	18.90	A
Bo Nix	$7,200	18.22	A
Chuba Hubbard	$6,900	20.20	A
Chase Brown	$6,300	27.20	A
Saquon Barkley	$9,400	34.40	A
Grant Calcaterra	$5,200	5.50	C
Jakobi Meyers	$6,300	17.50	A
Cedric Tillman	$6,100	16.50	A
New York Giants	$3,200	0.00	F
Overall	$58,800	158.42	A
Season Long	$524,400	963.22	B

 

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