Week 8 DFS Contrarian

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

C.J. Stroud had one of the worst games of his career last week passing for only 86 yards. Stroud was consistently pressured and completed less than half of his pass attempts. This week Stroud will face a less pressuring defensive front and they have the seventh-worst pass defense in the NFL. Stroud has thrown multiple TDs in every game of his career against the Colts.

Baker Mayfield’s ownership is down because he will be without Chris Godwin for the rest of the season and Mike Evans won’t play this week. Was Mayfield only producing because of them or has he turned a corner in his career? Mayfield is leading the NFL in TD passes, second in passing yards, third in completion percentage, and sixth in passer rating. Furthermore, Mayfield has been on a heater lately. He’s averaging three TD passes and 306 passing yards per game over his last four games. Atlanta is 21st against the pass and Mayfield threw three TDs against them a few weeks ago.

Tennessee ruled out L'Jarius Sneed and traded away Ernest Jones IV earlier this week, both players were some of their best pass defenders. The Titans’ run defense has been a top-five unit this season, while the pass defense ranks 20th. Jared Goff has thrown multiple TDs in four straight games and 280 or more passing yards in each of his last three games. Goff having a big game against a vulnerable secondary is a good bet to make on a contrarian lineup.

Patrick Mahomes II hasn’t thrown a TD since week four and hasn’t thrown multiple TDs in a game since week three. He’s only thrown for 300 or more passing yards in one game this season and he’s tied for the NFL lead in interceptions. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes II is the best QB in the NFL over the last few seasons. This low production isn’t likely to continue, which is what makes him an intriguing contrarian option. The Chiefs recently traded for Deandre Hopkins, who will play on Sunday and should help the passing game. The Raiders are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs and Maxx Crosby may not be full strength due to an ankle injury. Mahomes will bounce back soon and the Raiders defense is vulnerable.