DFS: Don't Believe the Hype - Week 4 Edition
Every week of the NFL season, players come out of nowhere to put up crazy numbers. The next week, the prices in daily fantasy go up while production goes down.
We're going to take a look at three players who found success but are not advisable to pursue this week. Last week, Travis Benjamin of the Browns would have been atop the list because his inconsistent usage makes him largely boom or bust. Benjamin did remain useful, however.
If you are going to roster the following names, make sure it's in GPPs only.
Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons
Freeman will never be the value play from Week 3 again - at least, not until his price returns to Earth. Freeman was almost superhuman against the Cowboys, registering three touchdowns and nearly 200 all-purpose yards.
Sadly, DFS pricing has immediately reflected this and he's no longer the bargain he was last week. It'd be foolish to expect him to repeat that performance. And it'd be foolish to pay for him to even come close.
Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers
Which Keenan Allen will show up Sunday against the Browns? If it's the one who played on Sunday, he'll earn his status as a top-ten wide receiver. If it's the one who graced the field in Week 2, he will alienate himself to those thinking they'd found a sure thing.
That's the problem with Allen. He's priced like a sure thing, but it's a better bet to pay up and get Julio Jones. The Browns don't offer the toughest matchup - Amari Cooper ripped through its secondary last week - but they aren't slouches, either. Cooper is the only WR to mount more than 100 yards receiving against the Browns this year.
Allen costs more than Cooper. Granted, he does have Philip Rivers throwing him the ball, but Cooper and Derek Carr are finding a nice groove. When Allen does well, he is incredible. His inconsistency will drive DFS players mad.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Chiefs
First off, a big congratulations to Maclin and QB Alex Smith for hooking up on a TD on Monday. He's the first Chiefs wide receiver to catch a touchdown since 2013. Don't expect it to become a trend.
Recency bias, and failing to recognize garbage time stats, will lead to a lot of people betting on Maclin's success continuing. As long as Smith is behind center, Maclin should not be counted on.