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Gage Bridgford highlights the top FanDuel NFL DFS lineup picks for Monday Night Football for Week 8 of the 2019 season, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building MNF daily fantasy rosters.
Monday Night Football is here, and the Miami Dolphins (0-6) are heading to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4) at Heinz Field. It's not the sexiest matchup we'll see this year, but it's a place we can win money which is always nice.
This is a game that could be extremely one-sided because of the tragedy that is the entire Dolphins team. The Steelers shouldn't have any issue rolling over the Dolphins throughout the game.
Whether you're playing on FanDuel or DraftKings, the slightest lineup constructions can make all the difference. Choosing one player over another is the difference between winning a little or a lot. So, let's look at how we're going to construct our lineups in Week 8 MNF. Also, remember that your captain price is 1.5x their regular salary.
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DFS Quarterbacks - Week 8 Picks
Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers - FanDuel $14,000/ DraftKings $10,80o
So, the first of your two quarterback options for this week is Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. He's been ok under center in the absence of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but he hasn't been lighting up the scoreboard for you either. If there was ever a time for that to change, it's this week against the Miami Dolphins, who have been arguably the worst defense in the NFL. If he can't get it done this week, it's unlikely that he ever will.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins - FanDuel $14,000/ DraftKings $8,400
If I were choosing a quarterback this week, which I still may, it'd be Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Dolphins will be without starting running back Kenyan Drake (trade), and his price tag, on DraftKings is outstanding for these small lineups. Fitzpatrick likes to throw the ball around, and he goes for the big play much more often than he's going for check downs. If you're going after one of these two guys, Fitzpatrick should be the call.
DFS Running Backs - Week 8 Picks
James Conner, PIT - FD $15,000/ DK $13,400
On tonight's slate, probably the only lock that you're going to have is Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner. Conner has regressed from his breakout season last year, but he showed some life during Week 6 before the bye. He was able to get into the end zone on the ground, but, more importantly, he caught all seven of his targets for 78 yards and a touchdown. If Rudolph looks in his direction frequently, which he should against this Dolphins linebacking group, Conner could feast.
Mark Walton, MIA - FD $10,500/ DK $6,000
With Drake out of the way, it's the Mark Walton show in South Beach. In Week 7, Walton averaged a healthy 4.7 yards per carry, and in Week 6 he caught five balls for 43 yards. Walton gives you some upside in the passing and running game, and Miami has to move the ball with someone right? His lower price, thanks to the late trade of Drake, also gives you more lineup flexibility.
Kalen Ballage, MIA - FD $7,500/ DK $1,600
I contemplated putting one of the Steelers' backup running backs in this spot, but I opted for Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage instead. Ballage hasn't been able to capture the lead-back role this year, but he does have a firm grip on the goal-to-go carries. In the past two weeks, his stat line has been an identical three carries for seven yards and a touchdown. When Miami gets in close, they go to him. Plus, with that dirt-cheap price tag on DraftKings, he only needs one touchdown to give you a valuable night.
DFS Wide Receivers - Week 8 Picks
JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT - FD $13,000/ DK $10,600
If you don't have Conner in your lineups, you're likely banking on Rudolph throwing the ball in wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster's direction a lot. JuJu has fell victim to the struggling quarterback play we've seen so far this year but with his talent, he can make something happen in this matchup. The Dolphins traded away cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, who's JuJu's teammate now, and cornerback Xavien Howard can only cover JuJu for so long until he breaks one loose.
Devante Parker, MIA - FD $12,000/ DK $7,200
Dolphins wideout DeVante Parker never quite lived up to the hype, but he's been improving in the most important part of the field this season. He has three touchdowns on the year, which is more than he had in the previous two seasons combined. His downfield-ability, thanks to his size, pair perfectly with Fitzpatrick, and it makes sense that two of his best games happened with Fitzpatrick under center. Give Parker a shot if you go for the stack with his quarterback.
Diontae Johnson, PIT - FD $7,000/ DK $7,800
To get wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who has been Rudolph's favorite and most consistent target every week, you're going to have to spend up a little. Outside of Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, he has seen at least four targets in every game this season. That's a high-floor that you like to see, and he's caught three or more balls in four out of six games this season. Against a Dolphins Defense that should allow plenty of time and room to throw, he has some upside this week.
DFS Tight Ends - Week 8 Picks
Vance McDonald, PIT - FD $6500/ DK $6,400
Steelers tight end Vance McDonald has seen his stock take a massive hit with Roethlisberger on Injured Reserve. He's caught just two touchdowns on the year, and they both came in the same game against the Seattle Seahawks back in Week 2. He's failed to register over 40 yards in any game this season, and you're still just hoping for a touchdown if you put him into your lineups. If you can find a better option as a flyer, that'd be a good idea.
Mike Gesicki, MIA - FD $7,500/ DK $3,600
Don't play Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki unless you're out of money or trying to be really contrarian. Ok. Moving on.
DFS Defenses - Week 7 Picks
Steelers Defense - DK $8,000
This is cheaper than we saw the New England Patriots Defense come in at last week, but it's still a big price tag. Playing the Steelers defense, if you have the money, isn't the worst idea. They're bound to get a sack or two, and Fitzpatrick has thrown five interceptions in five games. Unlike New England, they aren't a lock to get in your lineup, but, if you have the money to do so, it wouldn't be the worst idea.
