Week 9 DFS studs

Winning in daily fantasy isn't always about finding contrarian picks to outsmart everyone else. Yes, you want to differentiate your lineup to increase your odds at winning in tournaments, but you can't ignore the studs that are still worth their high price tags. Here are the studs to consider for Week 9:

RUSSELL WILSON, QB, Seattle ($7,300 DraftKings/$8,500 FanDuel)

Wilson has been on fire the last two games with 786 passing yards and seven touchdowns. It may seem crazy to say so, but Wilson should be able to make it three straight weeks of top-end production. The team and Wilson put up 41 points on a quality Texans defense, and now they host the Redskins. Ignore last week's game against the Cowboys for the Redskins, as the weather played a significant factor. The week before, this reeling defense (suffering injuries seemingly every week) gave up four touchdowns to Carson Wentz. Even C.J. Beathard was able to throw for a touchdown against Washington. Wilson is a real threat to hit 4x value on DraftKings and 3x on FanDuel.

CHRIS THOMPSON, RB, Washington ($6,100/$6,700)

On the other side of the ball, some might be concerned about starting Redskins against the Seahawks defense. However, as seen last week, the Seahawks defense isn't impregnable, and Thompson is the top weapon for the Redskins this season. He'll see another boost to his value with Jamison Crowder and Jordan Reed likely out. Josh Doctson is coming along, but both he and Terrelle Pryor are struggling to get rolling, which means Kirk Cousins will turn to Thompson plenty in Week 9. The receptions alone will have Thompson pushing to match his cost.

MICHAEL THOMAS, WR, New Orleans ($7,200/$7,600)

Thomas has at least 77 yards and five receptions in five of the last six Saints games. Unfortunately, Thomas only has two touchdowns, as the Saints offense has become more balanced. The Saints are home again this week, and the matchup points to Drew Brees actually throwing a touchdown in Week 9, unlike last week. The Buccaneers are one of the worst teams against the pass and are one of three teams to allow 100 receptions already. Don't forget that the Buccaneers already had a bye. There is no one in the Buccaneers secondary that can keep Thomas in check, and if Brees throws for a score this week, there is a high likelihood that Thomas catches it. There is also a good chance for Thomas to top 100 yards for the first time this season, and if he does both, 2x-plus value is in store.

JIMMY GRAHAM, SEA ($5,000/$6,200)

The Redskins are one of the worst teams against tight ends, and they would be even worse if not for a low total of touchdowns allowed. With the amount of yards (568) given up, there is positive regression coming for their opponents in the scoring department. Graham has four touchdowns in his last three games and can make it five in four. Everything we like about Wilson we can carry over to Graham, and instead of trying to predict which receiver Wilson targets the most this week, just go with his stalwart tight end.

EAGLES DEFENSE ($3,300/$5,200)

Trevor Siemian has been playing so poorly that he has been benched for Brock Osweiler. Let that marinate in your brain for a bit. A quarterback was benched for Osweiler. The Broncos offense is struggling, especially with the quarterback play and offensive line making matters worse. The Eagles defense loves to get after the quarterback and force turnovers. Well, when the offensive line of their opponent is going to struggle to stop them and the quarterback is turnover prone, it's pretty simple math.