Savvy players can tell when a player is due for a major daily fantasy salary spike - and sometimes, securing that player is well worth the increased cost.
Here’s a look at some players that will be worth their inflated prices as they head into their most favorable matchups of 2015:
QB: Andrew Luck, Colts (Week 4, vs. Jaguars)
Luck and the Colts’ offense may get off to a slow start this season as they’ll face the stout defenses of the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively, before things start getting easier when they draw the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. The marquee matchup for Indy is their Week 4 date at home against the lowly Jaguars.
The Jags begin the season against Cam Newton, Ryan Tannehill and Drew Brees before heading into Indianapolis for their first of two games against their AFC South rivals, and they could very well be licking their wounds early in the season.
Disappointing statistical performances in the first two weeks of the season may cause any other quarterback’s price to dip, but Luck’s price will likely be unaffected by a couple of subpar outings, and a rebound game against the Titans should have him at the top of the board entering Week 4.
With a rival on hand, a favorable defensive matchup, something to prove and a game in perfect conditions, Luck will be worth his always-high (and potentially inflated) price.
RB: Eddie Lacy, Packers (Week 11, at Vikings)
Lacy’s two best rushing games of the 2014 season came against the Vikings, as he racked up 230 yards and three touchdowns on the ground while averaging 6.05 yards per carry. Lacy also added 40 receiving yards and a score.
Lacy will enter this juicy matchup after facing last season’s top-two run defenses in two of his previous three matchups. Heading into Week 11, Lacy will have faced the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers and the Detroit Lions, likely leaving owners with a sour taste in their mouths.
Aaron Rodgers should put this one away early in the controlled environment of U.S. Bank Stadium, leaving Lacy with plenty of time to do his damage in the second half.
WR: Calvin Johnson, Lions (Week 6, vs. Bears)
The Bears will be beaten up early and often in 2015, giving a price boost to any wide receiver about to face them.
Johnson had 11 receptions, 146 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a 2014 home game against the rival Bears, and he’ll do the same again if healthy. Typically a top-five receiver in terms of pricing, Johnson will likely be closer to the top of the list for this game but that’s no reason to shy away.
WR: Julio Jones, Falcons (Week 8, vs. Buccaneers)
The Falcons will head into a Week 8 home matchup to cap off the most favorable portion of their 2015 schedule, which unfolds as follows:
Week 5: vs. Redskins
Week 6: @ Saints
Week 7: @ Titans
Week 8: vs. Buccaneers
All four opponents ranked in the bottom half of the league in passing touchdowns allowed last season, and teams with a passing offense as dangerous as Atlanta’s should feast again.
Jones’ price will be through the roof entering the matchup against a Buccaneers team he scorched for 161 yards and two touchdowns in Atlanta last season, but owners should happily pay up for the conclusion of what may be a record stretch.
TE: Travis Kelce, Chiefs (Week 5, vs. Bears)
The Bears were the worst team in the league at defending tight ends last season, setting the table nicely for a big day from Kelce.
Alex Smith’s heavy reliance on Kelce will keep his price near the top of the chart this season, despite the addition of skilled wideout Jeremy Maclin.
The Chiefs have a difficult start to the season with dates against the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals, in which Kelce's production is unlikely to be up to par. The matchup against the Bears will likely cause a seemingly strange spike in his price, likely making Kelce a strong contrarian choice in Week 5.
