This article will focus on the best value play at each position using DraftKings’ pricing for the Sunday 1 p.m. slate. We will provide one cheap option at every position based on matchups and game theory from top to bottom. Now that we’ve done the housekeeping, let’s get into Week 9.
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Quarterback: Mac Jones, New England Patriots ($4,900)
Jones has a great matchup at home against the Commanders’ 32nd-ranked defense against the QB. Jones will have to get it done this week without his top WR Kendrick Bourne, who is out for the season with an ACL injury, but he is still a great value play this week. In Bourne’s absence, Jones can be stack with rookie WR Demario Douglas and veteran TE Hunter Henry.
Related: NFL QB Rankings 2023: See where Mac Jones and the other 31 starting QBs rank
Running Back: Darrell Henderson Jr., Los Angeles Rams ($5,100)
Henderson has a decent matchup against the Packers’ 23rd-ranked defense vs. the RB position. Matthew Stafford hasn’t practiced this week due to an injury and is looking unlikely to play, so the Rams will likely lean on Henderson this week on the road.
Wide Receiver: Demario Douglas, New England Patriots ($4,000)
As mentioned above with Jones, Douglas is expected to be the Patriots’ WR1 with Kendrick Bourne out for the season. The rookie out of Liberty has a great matchup this week against the Commanders. Consider Douglas if you need a value play at WR this week.
Related: Week 9 fantasy football start and sit, including Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert
Tight End: Daniel Bellinger, New York Giants ($2,500)
Bellinger is starting for TE Darren Waller (out with a hamstring issue). QB Daniel Jones is expected to be back in the lineup as well, and he has shown a connection with Bellinger before. Consider Bellinger a value play only, but he could pay off while allowing you to fit some big names in the rest of your lineup.
Defense: New York Giants’ DEF ($2,300)
The Giants’ defense has averaged almost 11 fantasy points per game over the last four games, and they are a great play this week on the road against the Raiders, who are starting rookie QB Aidan O’Connell. In O’Connell’s first start, he turned the ball over three times (two interceptions and two fumbles), and the Raiders had just 264 total yards. Anything close to that again this week will mean a big week from the Giants’ defense at a bargain price.
Related: 2023 NFL defense rankings: Best and worst NFL defenses in Week 9