DFS: 4 Elite Players to Avoid in Week 7
Peyton Manning has survived long enough to reach the bye week. His days as an elite quarterback, however, are done - and daily fantasy pricing should reflect this upon his return in Week 8. If not, his name could very easily appear atop this list again.
Until then, a different slate of top names are here for you to fade in DFS.
QB Matt Ryan, Falcons (at Titans)
The yards were nice - 295. So was the touchdown to interception ratio - 2-0. The ugly element of Ryan's game against the Saints was how easily he coughed up the ball. Ryan fumbled three times. He only lost it once, but that can't happen.
He finished outside the top ten in fantasy points among quarterbacks, and the Saints are typically good eating when it comes to the passing game. If Ryan can't perform against New Orleans, he may not fare much better against the Titans.
Tennessee was dismantled by the Dolphins, but that was mostly at the hands and feet of Lamar Miller - not Ryan Tannehill. There are plenty of other choices this week.
RB Dion Lewis, Patriots (vs. Jets)
Depending on where you look, Lewis is being priced far above his value. The Jets are incredible against the run - save for the Eagles running over them in Week 3. Pair that with the Patriots' inability to stick with a consistent game plan, and Lewis is too much of a risk.
What's more concerning is how his price has spiked. He costs far more now than at any other point in the season. Unless the Jets decide to field its practice squad, there's not reasonable way you roster Lewis.
WR Antonio Brown, Steelers (at Chiefs)
Since Brown caught 11 passes for 108 yards against the Rams in Week 3, he has only 11 more receptions. Since Ben Roethlisberger went down, Brown's numbers have evaporated. When you're rolling with Michael Vick, and now Landry Jones, this isn't something to be pinned on Brown.
Another negative: Brown doesn't have a touchdown reception since Week 2. He can't be relied on in cash games until Roethlisberger is behind center.
TE Rob Gronkowski, Patriots (vs. Jets)
The very best there is! In this case, though, you should definitely accept substitutes. Gronk has been reliable, but not as superhuman as he was in the opening two weeks of the season. He's still the obvious best option at the position, but that pricetag keeps climbing and he figures to be his most expensive yet.
The Jets also offer a far more difficult matchup than his rising cost would suggest. They have a formidable secondary and have limited tight end production all season.
You can stand to save money on a number of solid options. Antonio Gates has been great, averaging nine receptions a game since returning to San Diego. Gary Barnidge just won't regress. Spend up elsewhere and leave Gronk alone this week.