Each week, theScore's DFS experts tackle the biggest questions of the week. Here are three of the most significant issues of Week 11:
Who is the better Bengals RB option: Jeremy Hill or Giovani Bernard?
James Bisson: With the Bengals five-point underdogs in Arizona - a game with a whopping total of 48.5 - this game has Bernard written all over it. He's the clear-cut passing-down back and has outperformed Hill in every facet of the game. Bernard has sneaky value in all formats, while Hill - averaging a paltry 3.2 yards per carry - is as DFS irrelevant as they come.
David Chernish: Bernard is a cheaper option than Hill on the majority of DFS sites, and has a much better chance at returning value. Bernard has only carried the ball 15 times once over the past four games, but has proved he is a better pass catcher than Hill. Firing up Bernard would save you money while providing plenty of upside in what should be a high-scoring game.
Esten McLaren: Bernard is the Bengals running back to target. The Cardinals are allowing more receiving yards to running backs than all but four teams. Bernard has 16 more receptions and 120 more receiving yards than Hill has this season. Hill has the higher likelihood of a touchdown, but Bernard will have the opportunity for a big game that includes multiple scores.
Josh Wegman: Bernard. A matchup on the road against the Cardinals has all the makings of a shootout, which makes Bernard - a great elusive, pass-catching back - the Bengals running back to select this week. The Cardinals allow the seventh-least fantasy points to running backs and will surely shutdown the underachieving, downhill runner Hill.
Who is the better Patriots WR option: Brandon LaFell or Danny Amendola?
James Bisson: The entire industry has fallen for Amendola, who should bring big returns at a bargain price as the Patriots' lot man. Amendola carries more value in DFS, but not by as much as some might think; while he's the unquestioned possession receiver in what should be a pass-happy attack against the Bills, LaFell should see plenty of work as the deep threat.
David Chernish: The two receivers could be a lethal tandem in DFS tournaments this week. Amendola caught 10 passes on 11 targets in Week 10 while LaFell saw two targets and turned them into 66 yards. LaFell and Tom Brady are in sync, and LaFell possess a bigger threat to turn big plays on a Bills defense that will focus primarily on shutting down TE Rob Gronkowski.
Esten McLaren: Amendola can be expected to fill the Edelman role in his absence. Edelman was receiving over 10 targets per game coming into Week 10, and Amendola will be required to soak up the bulk of that volume. Amendola was already enjoying his most productive season as a Patriot, while averaging 10.1 yards per reception.
Josh Wegman: Amendola, who looked good last week against the Giants filling in after Edleman's injury. Buffalo corners Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby have been two of the best in the league this season, but mainly cover outside receivers - leaving LaFell and Aaron Dobson with reduced value. Amendola could exploit Leodis McKelvin and/or Nickell Robey.
Who is the better Broncos TE option: Owen Daniels or Vernon Davis?
James Bisson: Neither player is a particularly enticing option this week, but if you're looking for a bargain at TE and a low-cost piece of the new-look Broncos offense, opt for Daniels. QB Brock Osweiler is going to need Daniels' pass blocking, and if Daniels can shake free a few times, he should provide a decent safety valve for Osweiler against the host Bears.
David Chernish: Typically, inexperienced QBs will target TEs over the middle more often than wideouts on the outside, immediately increasing the value of Daniels and Davis. Daniels is playing through a shoulder and knee injury, limiting his value. Davis is healthy and a bigger play threat than the latter, making Davis the more viable tight end play against the Bears.
Esten McLaren: Davis has the tools to compliment Osweiler's skill set. Osweiler is a strong-armed QB and Davis presents an ability to get open downfield, with a catch-and-run ability not provided by Daniels. Davis has averaged a yard per reception more than Daniels for their careers, and Davis' best season of 16.3 YPC is over three yards better than Daniels' career best.
Josh Wegman: Daniels. Gary Kubiak will finally get to run his offense this week. Peyton Manning was unable to work under center, but the athletic Osweiler is a great fit in his play-action, bootleg scheme. This will mean a stronger running game and more snaps for Daniels, who's a better blocker and knows the system dating back to their days in Houston.
