Yahoo Sports special
The single game offer from Yahoo consists of a “superstar” who scores with a multiplier of 1.5, while the remaining four FLEX roster spots collect points at the normal rate. This is a one-half point PPR rating and the “Superstar” level is not changed by the utility. All ratings and rules can be found here.
The quarterbacks in today’s game will make their best impression on Mary Tyler Moore, though Kirk cousins and welcome the Minnesota Vikings Ben Röthlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers to Minneapolis-St. Paul.
It’s important to remember that single game slates are not simply a “max salary, play and submit as many big names as possible” format, especially on larger tournament fields. We need to identify players who can contribute to the success of their offensive, be it in the lead or behind, as well as the players who could be the focus of a neutral game script. The ability to then take these players and find out who will be successful in the single game format will put us in a better position to do well as Daily Fantasy players.
Vegas total and spread
Minnesota is a three-point home favorite with an over / under of 44 points. The Vikings have an implicit team total of 23.5 points, while the Steelers have an implicit team total of 20.5 points.
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Possible game flow scenarios
The big news is focused on Dalvin Cook ($ 28). Cook tends to gamble even though he dislocated his shoulder less than two weeks ago. When he plays, the use of Alexander Mattison ($ 25) and Kene Nwangwu ($ 10). Both of them could still get their expected workloads to keep Cook safe from harm more than necessary, or it could render Nwangwu’s imagination irrelevant and keep Mattison in his elitist backup role.
Editor’s note: Dalvin Cook is expected to play on Thursday evening.
[Play in Yahoo’s $100K Single Game Baller for Vikings vs. Steelers]
What makes Mattison and Nwangwu relevant is a strong start from the passing offensive. Kirk cousins ($ 31) will pepper Justin Jefferson ($ 32) early and often with Adam Thielen off (high ankle sprain). KJ Osborn ($ 15) and Tyler Conklin ($ 14) round off the Vikings’ focused passing game that clicks if the Vikings are to win and keep Cook’s workload at bay. The Vikings have the sixth worst running matchup with the Offensive Line ranking of 4for4 versus the Allowable Schedule Adjusted Fantasy Points (aFPA).
The story goes on
Minnesota goes OT in the first round with no rookie selection Christian Darrisaw, a flashing red alarm with TJ Watt and the Steelers Defense ($ 10) willing to hold back their ears and rush cousins. On Watt’s return on week 13 of COVID-19, he logged 3.5 sacks and the defense collected a total of seven.
Najee Harris ($ 31) has a slightly better matchup than the Vikings’ backfield and is much easier to project with with little to no competition for snapshots and touches; Harris has played 83.47% of the Snaps this season, averaging almost 23 total hits per game. His success eases the pressure on the human parking cone, Ben Roethlisberger ($ 22).
Najee Harris could be key to the entire Steelers offensive as it usually is. (AP photo / Justin Berl)
Big Ben was forced to keep his passes to a concentrated group with receivers on and off the field due to injuries. Fortunately for Ben, Chase Claypool (Foot, $ 21) did a full workout on Tuesday and will compete Diontae Johnson ($ 28) and Pat Freiermuth ($ 16). Minnesota is 32nd in aFPA on wideouts but has logged an interception in 8 out of 12 games.
Tight, low score game
Kirk cousins
Dalvin Cook
Alexander Mattison
Justin Jefferson
Defense of the Vikings
Najee Harris
Diontae Johnson
Steelers Defense
Tight game with many goals
Kirk cousins
Dalvin Cook
Alexander Mattison
Justin Jefferson
Tyler Conklin
Ben Röthlisberger
Najee Harris
Diontae Johnson
Chase Claypool
Pat Freiermuth
Blowout for home team
Kirk cousins
Dalvin Cook
Alexander Mattison
Justin Jefferson
Tyler Conklin
Defense of the Vikings
Najee Harris
Diontae Johnson
Blowout for the road team
Ben Röthlisberger
Najee Harris
Diontae Johnson
Chase Claypool
Pat Freiermuth
Steelers Defense
Dalvin Cook
Justin Jefferson
Tyler Conklin
Cheap / unique stacking option
Traditional stacks like QB / WR1 or WR2, QB / TE and RB / DEF are stacks that are used in winning lineups. The obvious choice is not always the winning choice. Below is a cheap pile with at least one unique quality that could break the slate.
Alexander Mattison ($ 25) and Vikings Defense ($ 14)
We just saw Darrell Henderson Cheerleaders play for Sony Michel as active on paper, but not on the field. This could be the place to be for fun, and when Cook is active he could play as many snaps as you and me. When that happens, Mattison’s roster will be lower making him a tournament ban. Defending the Vikings has its problems but has been opportunistic to generate revenue. The Steelers’ offensive line is questionable at best and Ben Roethlisberger is an easy target.
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When Cook is inactive, the roster will be postponed to Kene Nwangwu makes sense. We’ve seen his speed and vision improve on special teams and he’s not the first to explode on an offensive again after his success in special teams.
Fleeting, low-salary games
James Washington ($ 13) and Ray-Ray McCloud ($ 10)
Both are outside of Pittsburgh’s more focused offensive, Johnson and Claypool are healthy. If the Steelers are to win, they should use the attention given Johnson, Claypool and Harris to leave one of those receivers on an island in exchange for a poor secondary.
Dede Westbrook ($ 10)
Minnesota is running three wide sets with 46% of the team, one of the lowest in the league, but Westbrook is the next man for the Vikings. Much like Washington and McCloud, Westbrook’s success will come with the attention not paid to it.
Kene Nwangwu ($ 10)
Nwangwu is talented but stuck in a cluttered backcourt. The chef’s status tells you whether or not you want to add the rookie to the list.
Superstar selection
Justin Jefferson ($ 32)
Jefferson is the best player in this game. Pittsburgh will do without a CB Joe Hayden (Foot), which means that a bad secondary has to face one of the best wideouts in the game without the best option. Jefferson has hit double digits in three of his last four games, having 11 receptions and 182 yards with no thiels on the field.
Najee Harris ($ 31)
The Steelers have every reason to make this game ugly and slow. Harris is a usage monster and should be why Pittsburgh wins on the offensive.
Diontae Johnson ($ 28)
Johnson is a top 10 recipient in fantasy points despite missing a game. Few recipients are as important to a crime as Johnson is. If the Steelers need more than three touchdowns to win, Johnson stands out as a hub for Jefferson at Superstar.
Tyler Conklin ($ 14)
Jefferson’s Monster Week 13 is the discussed story for Minnesota, but the second most important story from that game is Conklin’s 7-56-0 line. His nine goals were the most since week 3.
Other superstar options to consider
Alexander Mattison, Dalvin Cook, Kirk Cousins, Chase Claypool and Ben Roethlisberger
This article originally appeared in its full form on 4for4.com
Jeff has been playing fantasy sports since 2001. He has covered fantasy and traditional sports at the professional, semi-pro, and amateur levels for nearly a decade. Jeff was born in Illinois and currently resides where James Robinson made his name in college.
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