We're starting a new column in week 4 that focuses on DFS stacks. As you know, stacking in DFS can have the potential to fill up the stat sheet. The concept of a “stack” is commonly used in tournament play on sites like Fanduel and Draftkings. The idea is to stack a quarterback and receiver (or occasionally TE) from the same team who have a particularly good matchup or opportunity to produce a strong fantasy outing. A good example would be Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in weeks 1-2, or Aaron Rodgers/Randall Cobb or Andy Dalton/AJ Green in week 3. Combine a stack with one of our week 4 value picks and you've got the potential for a deadly combination.
Stack 1: Beat the Bears
- Derek Carr (QB) and Amari Cooper (WR) - OAK
I mentioned both Raiders in yesterday’s value article and the same logic applies: the Bears are awful, and clearly in tank/rebuild mode after trading away two starters on the defensive side of the ball. The Oakland stack happens to be particularly attractive this week as you can get the entire ensemble for less than $12000 on Draftkings ($11,600 to be exact). So, part from being a good overall play, there’s also value to be had in a Carr/Cooper combo. If you really want to go on the cheap, stack my value plays from yesterday: Carr and Michael Crabtree.
Stack 2: Cam’s BFF
- Cam Newton (QB) and Greg Olsen (TE) - CAR
After Kelvin Benjamin’s preseason injury, the Panthers’ WR depth chart was much maligned by many a fantasy expert as a wasteland for production. How right they were! Greg Olsen, the Panthers talented TE, was expected to be a target monster. After a dismal week 1, Olsen has been heating up, registering six catches in week two and then eight in week 3 for 134 yards and two TDs. The Buccaneers have been particularly stingy to the TE position, allowing only 4 pts/game to TEs in standing scoring, but I’m not worried. A look at their matchups tells the story: in week 3 they faced the anemic Houston Texans passing attack and in week 2 they went up against the Jimmy Graham-less New Orleans Saints, also the same week Drew Brees injured his shoulder. Their last matchup against a competent TE - week 1 vs. the Titans - saw them give up 61 yards and a score to the position.
Stack 3: Captain Obvious
- Aaron Rodgers (QB) and Randall Cobb (WR) - GB
Just because it’s a chalk play doesn’t make it a bad one. Yes, you’ll be spending a hefty chunk of your salary cap to play these two, but you can fill out the remainder of your roster with some of yesterday’s value plays. The reason you need value plays at lower salaries is so you can afford to play quality stacks like this Packers one. I don’t see the Cheeseheads slowing down at all in San Francisco, so I’ll continue playing them with confidence.
Stack 4: The Contrarian Play
- Sam Bradford (QB) and Jordan Matthews (WR) - PHI
I know, Bradford has been a huge disappointment. There’s plenty of downside in this recommendation, and I certainly would avoid it in any head-to-heads. But, on the other hand, it’s almost certain to be a low-usage stack and I believe there is also plenty of upside. Jordan Matthews has been consistent, averaging over 7 catches/game with a high water mark of 10 -- that’s stud territory, especially if he can find the endzone, which opposing receivers have done with regularity against the Redskins, scoring 4 times in 3 games. The bigger question mark has obviously been Bradford, but I could see this finally being the week he performs up to expectations.
Stack 5: No Passers Here
- Karlos Williams (RB) and BUF D/ST - BUF
Every now and then I’ll throw in a wild-card that’s not a QB/Pass-catcher combo, and this week there happens to be one I’m particularly interested in. Turnover-prone Eli Manning on the road? Against a good Buffalo defense? And no LeSean McCoy? And Karlos Williams finding the endzone every week? And the Giants giving up 18+ (even more in PPR formats) fantasy points/game against opposing RBs? Sounds like a recipe for ground and pound!
Enjoy! I’ll try to work all of these into some lineups this weekend. Best of luck! As always you can tweet me @pkaragianis
Editors Note: Our friends at JockJournal.com like Vick on the cheap. You may consider stacking Vick and Brown this Thursday against the Ravens because Jimmy Smith just can't cover true burners.