Overview:
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.
Do mix in one or two of these players within a lineup to maximize individuality.
Do not create your entire lineup based on the contrarian picks below.
Does playing contrarian in DFS really work? YES! Two weeks ago, I made over $6,000 using two contrarian plays in my lineup.
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
The eighth-best PFF passer this season, Geno Smith has continued to show the 2022 season wasn’t a mirage. In Seattle’s last game, they didn’t need to do much to beat a bad Giants team. The previous two games had Geno dealing with an average of 312 passing yards per game to his talented trio of WRs. In what could be a high-scoring game, Smith has an enticing price and roster percentage.
You’ll hear an echo later in this section because Atlanta passed for 329 yards last week against the Texans. It was shocking and they might’ve laid a blueprint for how to beat Houston. Derek Carr is a much better QB and his shoulder appears to be getting more healthy as well. The Saints skill position group is at least on par with Atlanta’s but they win in different ways. If New Orleans can capitalize on this new recipe to beat Houston, then Carr’s going to be a great value in DFS.
Despite Tank Dell likely missing this game, C.J. Stroud is too good of a talent to ignore in DFS and I’m shocked at his low roster percentage. He has a better PFF passing grade than Justin Herbert. Stroud has passed for 242 or more yards in every game this season and hasn’t thrown a single interception. He’s thrown a touchdown pass in four straight weeks and he’s dialed into this offense. The Saints have a formidable pass defense, but Stroud has already produced well against good defenses this season.
Is Demond Ridder for real? Don’t worry, it felt weird typing it too. But Ridder threw for 329 yards last week, so we have to acknowledge the ability to produce. If you didn’t watch Chicago dismantle Washington through the air last week, then you may not fully appreciate this gamble of a contrarian pick. Washington played so poorly that they benched their first-round pick CB during the game. The Commanders seem to be in some turmoil and the Falcons passing game was on fire last week. If you’re looking to save money in DFS this week and you’re the ultimate gambler, then Ridder might be for you.