It’s that time of the week again where we look at which players are the best option for your NFL fantasy football betting team, prior to the Thursday night football game. Speaking of Thursday night football, you really should be looking towards Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer. Palmer is one of the most expensive quarterbacks in the league (seventh most expensive), but this week he plays a Vikings defense that is missing loads of key starters, so could be a good option. As for cheaper options, then look at Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick when he faces a Titans defense that has been leaking points. Fitzpatrick has scored 29 and 25 points in his last two weeks, and his low salary cap hit could be good this week. Brian Hoyer of the Texans is only slightly cheaper than Fitzpatrick, but he faces a Patriots defense that also gives up a lot of points to opposing quarterbacks, so pick and choose between these two.
Shaun Draughn of the 49ers is your best sleeper option this week when he faces a Cleveland defense that gives up the fifth most points to opposing running backs. Draughn is an extremely cheap option for a starting running back with a lot of potential upside. Further down the list, Eddie Lacy is actually an extremely cheap player now, with 22 players more expensive than him. Lacy has been a bust this year as far as his potential is concerned, but in recent weeks he has shown a bit of his former self and, like Draughn, has a huge potential upside when he faces a weak Cowboys team. The Patriots are a horrendous team to try and figure out at the running back position, but if week 13 is anything to go by, then James White is taking most of the snaps as the receiving running back. White has two games in the last three weeks scoring over 15 points, and is a pretty deep sleeper for your team.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are quietly putting together a strong season, and this week that should continue. This is beneficial at wide receiver as Mike Evans should be able to put together a strong week against the poor New Orleans secondary. Evans started the year poorly, but has shown stronger performances the last few weeks, and ranking 11th in salary cap hit is a good shot for a player with huge upside. Further down, look at Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins when he faces the Eagles. The Eagles are dead last against opposing wide receivers, so this just makes sense and his mid-range price tag is good value. Martavis Bryant (Steelers) has strong value for his low-level price tag when he takes on the Bengals. Although his teammate Antonio Brown is near enough unstoppable, Bryant sees his fair share of looks and has had some strong outings this year.
Look towards breakout player Tyler Eifert this week at tight end, as long as he manages to play. Eifert did not play last week but looks set to play this week and takes on a Steelers defense that is poor against opposing tight ends. Eifert is the fourth most expensive tight end, but compared to other positions he is still cheap for a player that has had games over 20 points this year. Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas is riding a three game touchdown scoring streak, and that could continue against a poor Colts defense. Combine that with a Jaguars offense that is on fire and you have a pretty good matchup.
Whichever way you decide to go this week with your players, good luck!