In the weekly Ballin' on a Budget DFS column, I'll provide you with a list of players with an attractive price tag and even more attractive potential. These are players I project to return tremendous value in your DFS lineups without breaking the bank on their salaries. By saving money with these players, you can spend up elsewhere in your lineup on some of the more marquee players that will undoubtedly put up big point totals. Think of this as a way to find the "Store Brand" alternatives that can be just as good as the expensive "Name Brand" products.
* All salaries are based on DraftKings
Week 2 Specials:
WR - Scotty Miller (CAR @ TB) - $4,100
The Carolina defense struggles defending the pass (and the run for that matter). Miller
has been a trusted target for Brady all offseason and they showed a budding connection
in Week 1 - Miller finished with 5 catches on 6 targets for 73 yards. If Chris Godwin
(concussion) can't go, I expect Miller to get a lot of work.
WR - Parris Campbell (MIN @ IND) - $4,500
Campbell saw 9 targets from Philip Rivers in Week 1. He has the trust of his quarterback
and should continue to play a big role in this offense. The Colts take on the visiting
Minnesota Vikings who just allowed 364 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns to
Rodgers and the Packers offense in Week 1. At this price tag and target volume in what
should be a shoot out game, Parris Campbell is hard to pass up in Week 2 DFS lineups.
RB - Antonio Gibson (WAS @ ARI) - $4,300
Game script should favor the rookie RB when the Football Team takes on the Cardinals in
Week 2. I expect Arizona to have a lead for the majority of the contest, which should
force Coach Ron Rivera's hand in giving the rookie more touches as the pass-catching
specialist out of the backfield. Mostert had a great fantasy day vs. Arizona last week in a
losing effort, and I predict the same for Gibson in Week 2 - a breakout looms!
RB - Mark Ingram / J.K. Dobbins (BAL @ HOU) - $5,400 / $5,100
In the season opener, Houston gave up 166 yards on the ground to the Chiefs. This
week, Houston will host the excellent rushing attack of Baltimore. That is why I am loving
Mark Ingram and rookie J.K. Dobbins this week at their salaries of $5,400 and $5,100,
respectively. Because their price tag is so close, it's your choice on which you feel more
comfortable playing, as I think carries will be split rather evenly. Dobbins was used at the
goal line in Week 1 and scored two touchdowns, so he may be the higher upside play at a
cheaper cost. I'd start him and use that $300 savings elsewhere.
TE - Logan Thomas (WAS @ ARI) - $3,600
He is the pass catching tight end for a team that lacks offensive weapons in the passing
game outside of Terry McLaurin. His cheap salary, his chemistry with QB Dwayne
Haskins, a negative game script that should have Washington in catch-up mode, and his
Week 1 snap percentage (74%) all lead me to believe that Logan Thomas is a great option
at tight end for people who want to save some cash for some big name running backs
and wide receivers.
TE - Jonnu Smith (JAX @ TEN) - $4,200
For Jonnu Smith, its all about his skillset and his opportunity. Both are great in the Titans
passing attack, especially now that A.J. Brown will be out for Week 2 (and possibly
beyond) with an injury. Smith should see a lot of targets in this one.
QB - Philip Rivers (MIN @ IND) - $5,900
*See Parris Campbell above. I expect the Vikings to score. I expect the Colts to score.
Rivers will be chucking the ball around all game long against a very beatable secondary.
Aaron Rodgers-type numbers from Week 1 are not out of the realm of possibility here. At
$5,900, I'll take that all day.