Contrarian means opposing or rejecting popular opinion; going against the current practice. Being a contrarian in fantasy football is difficult because you’re taking a risk, but it can be a winning strategy. Contrarian is where the big money is made within DFS, especially in large tournaments because you’ll submit more unique lineups than your competitors.
Mix one or two of these players within a lineup to maximize individuality.
Do not create your entire lineup based on the contrarian picks below.
The key for charts:
Player = recommended contrarian play
Opponent = Home or away and the opponent
FD Roster % = This week's FanDuel roster percentages
FD Salary = FanDuel salary to roster the player
DK Roster % = This week's DraftKings roster percentages
DK Salary = DraftKings salary to roster the player
Minnesota is third in the NFL in points scored this season and Green Bay’s defense has been inflated due to playing the Colts and Titans offenses the past two games. Sam Darnold is leading the NFL in TD passes and TD percentage. He has a huge opportunity against a division opponent and I don’t see the Vikings taking the foot off the gas. The Packers CB Jaire Alexander is questionable after not practicing on Friday, while Jordan Addison was a full practice participant and will boost the offense.
It’s surprising to see Jayden Daniels’ roster percentage being low considering he’s coming off a great game last week. He accounted for 293 total yards and three TDs. Daniels will face a Cardinals defense allowing the third-highest opponent QB passer rating and the highest completion percentage. Austin Ekeler will not play, which could create more running opportunities for Daniels.
Andy Dalton was a huge contrarian play in this article last week. It’s a revenge game for Dalton as he gets to play against Cincinnati. The Bengals' defense barely pressured Washington last week, allowed 38 points, and opposing QBs are averaging a 102 QB passer rating. Cincinnati has a rest disadvantage after playing on Monday Night Football in week three. Carolina will be without Adam Thielen and Damien Lewis, but Cincinnati could be without both starting DTs. Dalton is cheap, low-rostered, faces a bad defense, and has a lot of revenge this week.
The Rams defense is 31st in points allowed, 31st in opponent passer rating, T-31st in QB hits, 32nd in yards per completion, 32nd in yards per attempt, 29th in blitz percentage. The Los Angeles defense has to try to stop Caleb Williams, who is coming off a 363 passing yards and two TD performance. Keenan Allen should return to the lineup after missing two games and help boost the passing game.
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