Week 2 DFS Cheapskate Plays is here to spotlight a few budget-friendly players with salaries $5k or less who can help you stretch your salary cap without sinking your lineup.
We’re not chasing the “chalk”. If I don’t mention the slate’s most expensive QB, it’s not because I think he’s a bad play; it’s because you don’t need me to tell you that. The real purpose here is to dig for value, the affordable (cheap) options that make it possible to fit those high-priced studs into your build.
Of course, these picks come with more risk, and they don’t have the same floor as the proven stars. But when they hit, the payoff is huge. DFS is ultimately a game of points per dollar: a $4K player scoring 20 points (5x value) actually outperforms an $8K player scoring 24 points (only 3x). That’s why we hunt for these gems. They give you a better return on investment, even if they whiff more often.
Player prices are referenced from DraftKings, but the concept applies across all major DFS platforms.
Week 2 Cheapskate Quarterback
Sam Darnold $5,000, SEA vs. Steelers
Sam Darnold is shaping up as a valuable fantasy start this week. Coming off a breakout 2024 season in Minnesota, where he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns with a 66.2% completion rate, Darnold proved he can deliver QB1 production. Now in Seattle, he has a receiving corps that blends continuity and upgrades. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is stepping into a larger role after leading the team in targets last season. The addition of Cooper Kupp provides Darnold a reliable veteran presence similar to the support Darnold leaned on a year ago.
In Week 1 against the 49ers’ elite defense, Darnold quietly impressed by completing 16 of 23 passes (69.6%) with no interceptions and only one sack before a late fumble; that efficiency against such a tough unit is encouraging. This week, he draws a softer matchup against a defense that gave up 32 points to the Jets. With weapons around him and a favorable opponent, Darnold offers a strong blend of safety and upside for DFS players looking to capitalize on a decent QB in a good situation against a defense on its heels.
Week 2 Cheapskate Running Back
AJ Dillon $4100, PHI vs. Chiefs
A.J. Dillon could be a very sneaky (and very risky) fantasy start this week for several reasons. First, his career numbers demonstrate that he can produce when given the opportunity. Over his time with the Packers, he rushed for 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns across 60 games, plus 86 receptions for 763 yards and two more scores. After missing all of 2024 with a neck injury, he’s back with the Eagles and fully cleared to play.
The second factor: Will Shipley is dealing with a rib/oblique injury and has not practiced, meaning he’s likely to be out of action this week. That bumps Dillon up the depth chart behind Saquon Barkley, increasing his chances for touches.
Finally, Dillon didn’t get involved until the second half against the Cowboys, but after Shipley left, he was the next man up, getting carries (three for ten yards) and seeing more snaps. With Shipley’s status uncertain and Dillon already being plugged in during live game conditions, there’s potentially some upside here. Kansas City doesn’t have the offensive weapons to hang with the Birds. Barkley remains the starter, but Dillon could deliver value, especially if the Eagles sprint out to a big lead. He could also drop a goose egg, so only break the glass in case of emergency.
Week 2 Cheapskate Wide Receiver
Keenan Allen $4800, LAC at Raiders
I can’t believe Keenan Allen is this cheap… His rapport with Justin Herbert looks rock solid, likely the QB’s most trusted option. I’m not sure who else has noticed, but the Harbaugh/Roman offense appears to be leaning more heavily on the pass. In Week 1 against the Chiefs, Allen led all Chargers receivers in targets (10), hauling in seven of them for 68 yards and a touchdown.
That kind of volume right out of the gate, especially in critical moments, speaks volumes. Now, for Week Two, Allen will be under the bright lights of Monday Night Football against the Raiders. Prime time games tend to offer extra target volume to veteran receivers, and the Raiders’ secondary looks vulnerable in coverage. They just gave up 287 passing yards to Drake Maye and the receiver-deficient Patriots.
With Allen already slotting in at the top of the target tree, his proven connection with Herbert, and the spotlight of MNF, he offers a strong floor and ceiling combo this week. Allen is my favorite Week 2 DFS Cheapskate Play, but is sadly not available on the Main Slate, so plug him into your Sun-Mon lineups.
Week 2 Cheapskate Tight End
Harold Fannin Jr. $3100, CLE at Ravens
Harold Fannin Jr. looks like he could be THE fantasy play at tight end if you need upside. He was drafted No. 67 overall in 2025, picked in the 3rd round by Cleveland, and many expected him to be the “second” tight end behind David Njoku. But in Week One versus Cincinnati, Fannin smashed those expectations. He led the team in targets with nine, hauled in seven of them for 63 yards, and relegated Njoku to a footnote.
On top of that, the Browns are facing the Baltimore Ravens this week. Baltimore allowed former hype-piece and current JAG, Dalton Kincaid, to score 14.8 fantasy points (PPR scoring) in Week One. Last season, they were also middling against TEs. That opener against the Bills may have shown coach Sean McDermott precisely how to attack them. Given Fannin’s involvement (he also had one carry for three yards), I expect plenty of opportunities as the Browns try to keep up with the Ravens’ offense. Add in Baltimore’s defensive vulnerability, and Fannin carries a solid ceiling this week. If you need a TE with upside, he’s worth a look.
Week 2 Cheapskate Defense
New Orleans Saints $2500, NO vs. 49ers
The New Orleans Saints’ defense could be more than just a basement option this week. The 49ers are set to start Mac Jones in place of the injured Brock Purdy. Purdy’s out 2-5 weeks with turf toe, so Big Mac, recently with the Patriots and Jaguars, is expected to get the nod.
In Week 1, the Saints piled up five sacks (FIVE!) against Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. Not too shabby for a front that underperformed in the pass rush last season. Now facing a 49ers offense without its usual quarterback and Tight End, the Saints defense has a favorable matchup. Mac Jones is serviceable, but he’s more vulnerable under pressure and less dangerous than Purdy in terms of improvisation. All this suggests that the Saints’ DST has upside. Sacks, possibly turnovers, and limited weapons, the chance for a “boom” fantasy outing at near-min pricing is high. When looking for a Week 2 DFS Cheapskate Play on defense this week, New Orleans might be your best bet.
For help filling out the rest of your lineup, check out the FSAN Rankings Page.