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
Cooper Kupp’s first game back helped Matthew Stafford throw four TD passes and 279 passing yards against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Stafford has shown high-end QB play with Kupp since he joined the Rams, who play Seattle, allowing the 12th most fantasy points to opposing QBs. Seattle’s defense has allowed four of the last five teams to throw for at least 245 yards. Puka Nacua and Jordan Whittington are questionable, so please monitor their status on Sunday. If they both play, then it further strengthens Stafford as a contrarian play.
The Baltimore Ravens defense has allowed three of their last four opponents to pass for at least 321 yards and opponents have averaged 30 PPG in those four games. Bo Nix had the best performance of his career last week with four total TDs and 284 passing yards. Nix also faces a vulnerable Ravens defense, which has a few defenders on the injury report as well.
Caleb Williams and the Bears offense disappointed last week, which is why he’s available as a contrarian play against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals' defense ranks 30th overall, 28th against the pass, 29th in pressure percentage, 31st in points per drive, and 32nd in third-down percentage. Williams threw multiple TD passes in three of his previous four games before last week and this could be a get-right game for the offense. Rushing is a cheat code in fantasy football for QBs and Williams is averaging 46 rushing yards per game over his last three games.
Jared Goff has thrown multiple TD passes in five straight games and named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for October. He’ll face an improved Packers defense this season, which ranks tenth in overall defense and seventh against the pass. However, two Green Bay starters in the secondary, Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams, haven’t practiced this week.
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