daily fantasy sports articles

It is a NFC West divisional showdown to start Week 5 of the NFL on Thursday Night (Friday morning in Aus) as the 3-1 LA Rams travel up the West Coast to take on the Seattle Seahawks who have started the season 2-2 and are looking to stay on pace in this very competitive division. We have another potential shootout with a low spread, so kudos to the NFL for providing some interesting standalone games so far. 

Draftstars have increased this week's game to a $15,000 contest in the 6-man ‘Flex’ contest whilst another Millionaire Maker is up for grabs on DraftKings in their ‘Showdown’ format. 

Monday Night Football

LA Rams @ Seattle Seahawks 

Total - 54.5

Spread - 2.5 (LAR)

Injuries

Rams - Are good to go

Seahawks - RB Chris Carson, TE Gerald Everett and WR Dee Eskridge are all out for this game. 

DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average)

Rams - Overall DVOA 25th 

27th against the Pass (Allowed 273 yards per game via the Pass)

17th against the Run (Allowed 123 yards per game via the Run)

Seahawks - Overall DVOA 20th 

17th against the Pass (Allowed 292 yards per game via the Pass)

22th against the Run (Allowed 152 yards per game via the Run)

Fantasy Overview

With both teams number 1 Running Backs failing to score a touchdown this year it is highly likely that the field will be looking at Wide Receivers and Quarterbacks from each team. Matt Stafford’s connection with WR Cooper Kupp is league leading and while other players have had their share, the Stafford/Kupp partnership will be a popular play in this format. Russ Wilson didn’t need to cook last week after getting on top of the 49’s early but I expect him to show off under the primetime lights. Hasn’t thrown an interception so far and is posting excellent yards per pass averages (9.6 per attempt). It will be all about your combinations if you want to get to the top of the leaderboard.  

Love It - Matt Stafford ($18,010 DS $11,400 DK)

Gunslinger Matt Stafford and his high powered offence were clipped last week against the Cardinals but that has stopped him from throwing a 4th league best of 298 passing yards per game. With the Seahawks already giving up 290+ passing yards per game, this sets up as another opportunity for Stafford to stuff the stat sheet, regardless of game narrative. I am actually a little bit surprised that he is the 3rd highest salaried DraftKings player on the slate while Draftstars have put him on top. 

Love It - Tyler Lockett ($14,080 DS $9,600 DK)

After two weeks of low numbers, Lockett is in a great bounce back spot against a Rams defence who are likely to shadow D.K Metcalf with stud Cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Even the price on Draftstars will see many pick Metcalf instead who is coming off back to back weeks of endzone catches. As you can see from Week’s 1 and 2, Lockett has the ceiling to clear 100+ yards and find himself in the endzone. 

Love It - Freddie Swain ($4,490 DS $4,600 DK)

The Seahawks No.3 receiver will still benefit in the absence of Dee Eskridge by playing around half the snaps in Week 4. Scored last week against the 49ers and now has 9 catches for 129 yards through four games. The salary is cheap enough on Draftstars to plug him in Seahawks stacks and should be higher on the depth chart than returning receiver Penny Hart. 

50/50 Call - Tyler Higbee ($10,430 DS $5,600 DK)

Higbee’s fantasy salary is stuck in no man’s land where popular stars and scrubs build dominate the landscape. Has fully practiced on Wednesday after nursing an injury during the week, Highbee does have red-zone potential and a SeaHawks defence allowing 10 yards per catch to opposition tight-ends. If Higbee was cheaper he would be highly considered but I am stuck on the fence for this week. 

Hate It - Chris Carson ($10,540 DS $6,600 DK)

Carson has missed practice all week with a neck injury and clearly the Seahawks managed his snaps and runs against the 49ers last week. Alex Collins ended up producing more fantasy points last week and will be a popular option if Carson is ruled out. I would stick my neck out and say if Carson does play I still prefer to play Collins has a value punt.