DFS NFL: Deal or No Deal - Back on the Radar
Whether it's due to injury or suspension, or both, in some cases, there exist players who fall off the DFS map after missing multiple weeks. Here's a look at some relevant options who have returned to the field after lengthy layoffs.
WR Martavis Bryant, Steelers (at Chiefs)
In his ten-game rookie season in 2014-15, Bryant represented a major deep threat, putting together a line of 26-549-8 and making opposing defenses pay for devoting too much attention to Antonio Brown and Le'veon Bell.
A suspension for failed drug tests derailed the first four games of his sophomore season, and a knee injury kept him out of Week 5, in which he would have been eligible to return. Despite the struggles of Steelers receivers - namely Brown - in the absence of QB Ben Roethlisberger, Bryant exploded out of the gate in his season debut, catching two TDs on six catches for 137 yards in a Week 6 win over Arizona.
With Michael Vick ruled out for the Week 7 matchup at Kansas City, Pittsburgh's QB will be either Roethlisberger, if he can return from the injury that has cost him three starts, or Landry Jones, who replaced Vick against Arizona and threw the two touchdowns to Bryant.
The weak Kansas City pass defense has afforded huge statlines to receivers all season, with Minnesota's unheralded Stefon Diggs the latest to take advantage, with seven catches for 129 yards. Bryant is likely too risky for cash games, but in GPP formats, he's shown he's capable of monster production at a mid-range price, no matter who is throwing him the ball.
Verdict: DEAL
TE Julius Thomas, Jaguars (vs. Bills in London)
It seemed unthinkable at the time of his signing with Jacksonville, but going from Peyton Manning to Blake Bortles may have actually improved Thomas' fantasy prospects.
Granted, we've only seen one real game from the ex-Bronco this season, as a hand injury cost him the first four weeks, and he was eased into his Week 5 return, playing only passing downs and hauling in two catches for 20 yards.
Still, Jacksonville's Week 6 loss to Houston offered some optimism regarding Thomas' role; he was targeted a team-high 13 times, catching seven passes for 78 yards and a TD. While the presence of Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns could negate some of Thomas' appeal, the Jaguars are throwing an average of 40 times per game, so its top three targets all have the opportunity to put up impressive numbers each week.
Thomas isn't priced at his Denver levels, but he's also not cheap enough to be a bargain, either. The Bills haven't given up much to tight ends in recent weeks, either, so while Thomas may put together a decent statline, options with higher ceilings exist elsewhere, assuming your DFS game includes the full Sunday slate and not just the early morning kickoff.
Verdict: NO DEAL (Thomas is fairly priced)
TE Antonio Gates, Chargers (vs. Raiders)
Gates has been a force since returning from a four-game PED suspension to open the season, with a line of 18-187-2 in his two appearances. Now in his 13th season, it's fair to question whether or not he can keep this pace up, especially given that in his two previous seasons, he averaged 4.5 receptions per game.
A reason for optimism: QB Philip Rivers is on pace to break the NFL's record for passing yards in a season, and is currently hoisting up a league-leading 42.2 pass attempts per game. San Diego's frequent short and intermediate passes make up for its struggles to run the ball, and as a result, possession receivers like Keenan Allen, Gates and passing-down back Danny Woodhead have been peppered with targets.
Oakland has also been absolutely ravaged by tight ends this season, Owen Daniels' Week 5 goose egg not withstanding. In the first four weeks, Tyler Eifert, Crockett Gillmore, Gary Barnidge and Martellus Bennett combined for 31 catches, 380 yards and six TDs.
Combine Gates' strong start, San Diego's need to throw so often, and Oakland's inability to defend tight ends, and the stars seem to be aligned for the veteran. While among the highest-priced tight ends this week, Gates is still much cheaper compared to the gold standard at the position, Rob Gronkowski.
Verdict: DEAL