The undefeated Buffalo Bills host division rivals, the 2-2 New England Patriots, as 8.5-point favorites on Sunday Night Football. So far, only the Lions have scored more points than the Bills, but to be fair, the Bills have faced the Ravens, Jets, Dolphins and Saints poor defenses so far.
The Patriots put together a dominant game last week against the Panthers, winning 42-13 in a blowout. It was good to see just how many points they could put up in a good matchup. And even when Drake Maye only threw 17 passes, he still had a strong fantasy day based on his second rushing touchdown of the season.
The Bills are big favorites on Sunday night, which could mean the Patriots might not be able to run the ball as much as they’d like. Unfortunately, running the ball is the best way to attack the Bills so far this season. On the other side, the Patriots run defense has been their strength so far, but the Bills offensive line has been dominant, making James Cook and their running game hard to stop.
Below we will take a look at the best DFS plays for this Sunday night showdown.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots (FLEX $9,200, CPT $13,800)
Diggs is the Patriots No. 1 receiver, but he doesn’t play the snaps of most No. 1 receivers. He did have his best game of the season last week though, as he caught 6-of-7 targets for 101 yards. This isn’t a great matchup, but he does return for a revenge game narrative against his old team and his team should be in come from behind mode, meaning Drake Maye will likely throw a bunch.
Josh Allen, QB, TEAM (FLEX $14,200, CPT $21,300)
Allen’s price tag is super high, and for good reason. His ability on the ground and through the air give him sky high upside every week he starts. He also spreads the ball out pretty well, meaning none of his receivers really look great for the captain’s slot, meaning Allen holds the fantasy appeal for the Bills passing game.
James Cook, RB, Bills (FLEX $XXX, CPT $XXX)
Cook has been on fire this season, and only Christian McCaffrey has more PPR fantasy points so far. The Patriots have held Ashton Jeanty, De’Von Achane, Jaylen Warren and Chuba Hubbard under 50 yards rushing, but they also haven’t faced the Bills offensive line. This is a situation where you can overlook the defensive stats, as the Bills should control this game, giving Cook plenty of opportunities to continue his touchdown onslaught.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots (FLEX $7,200, CPT $10,800)
Stevenson’s fumble trouble hasn’t permanently put him in the doghouse, but the splits between him, TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson are annoying for fantasy. I like Henderson, but his price tag isn’t great, while Stevenson is much cheaper and was still the leader in snaps, third down usage and routes run last week. With the Bills being weaker against the run than pass, Mike Vrabel’s team should at least make an effort to run the ball, but even if they get behind, Stevenson will remain involved.
Kayshon Boutte, WR, Patriots (FLEX $5,800, CPT $8,700)
Boutte’s usage has dropped off a cliff after his big Week 1, but he’s proven himself as a useful receiver for Drake Maye so far. In a game where the Bills linebackers should slow down Hunter Henry and the Patriots should trail, I expect another receiver other than Diggs to need to step up. Boutte is good enough to be that receiver this week.
Bills, D/ST (FLEX $9,900, CPT $6,600)
As 8.5-point favorites, you have to check out the D/ST. If the Bills can live up to that spread, their defense and special teams are likely to have plenty of chances to put up fantasy points if Drake Maye is forced to drop back 40 times.
