Week 17 DFS Contrarian

Photo: Matthew Hinton, USA Today Sports

Contrarian means opposing or rejecting popular opinion, going against the current practice. Being a contrarian in fantasy football is difficult because it's not chalk as the DFS kids would call it today. Risk is involved, but it could be a league-winning selection. 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.

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

CONTRARIAN QUARTERBACKS

Jacoby Brissett has filled in admirably the last two weeks for Sam Howell. He’s thrown for a combined 224 yards and three TDs with zero turnovers. Brissett has thrown nine TDs against only one INT when including 2023 and his last four starts of the 2022 season. The 49ers' defense is one of the best in the NFL, but Brissett performed well against a better pass defense from the Jets last week. Also, keep in mind that Brissett is playing for his chance to be a starter in the NFL and he has good weapons in Washington to aid him. Brissett should have more time in the pocket with 49er star DL Arik Armstead not playing this week. Be sure to monitor the injury report because Brissett is questionable with hamstring tightness.

The Rams are fighting for the last playoff spot, which makes every game count. Matt Stafford is leading that charge by throwing for multiple TDs in five consecutive games and 14 TDs total. The Rams are trusting Stafford by allowing him to pass a minimum of 31 times in each of the last six games. Besides the hot streak of TD passes, Stafford has rewarded the Rams by not turning the ball over in the last four games. They’ll play an average Giants pass defense, but they could be without starting CB Deonte Banks, who is questionable.

It feels odd to trust Derek Carr this season but hear me out. The Saints have a high motivation to finish strong by being within one game of the division lead and one game of the last wild card spot. Carr has played well the last three weeks by passing for eight TD passes against two INTs. Last week may have been his best game of the season with a 106.1 QB passer rating, three TD passes, and 319 passing yards. His division-leading opponent, Tampa Bay, is one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. A bonus for Carr is Tampa Bay will be without starting CB Carlton Davis and best pass rusher Shaq Barrett. Alvin Kamara is questionable with an illness, which could prompt even more passing for the Saints.

Last week, Bryce Young had his best game as a pro by throwing for 312 yards, two TD passes, and a 110 QB passer rating. He faces a softer pass defense this week in Jacksonville, which allows the sixth-most fantasy points to QBs. With jobs on the line in Carolina, the Panthers have something to play for and have been playing better recently.