Well, we are finally back. This has been one heck of a year, right? I never thought that our country would come to a point where people were actually questioning if we would, or could, have a football season. Personally, I never doubted the collective spirit of our sports-loving fans and the undiluted competitiveness of these fine athletes to tread forward. Fortunately, we do have football — and fantasy football — now to distract us.
Even more, fortunately, we also have been blessed with the opportunity to personally profit from identifying and selecting the best performers among these superstars.
For those new to the Dominator, every week we identify all of the players on DraftKings (DK) and FanDuel (FD) that are likely to be rostered. We then assign a grade to each of those players representing their presumed performance. Players rated to achieve 3X their value or more, (30+ points for $10K salary) will be shaded in GREEN. Players rated to achieve between 2X and 3X their value (20-29 points for $10K salary) will be shaded BLACK. Players rated to finish with less than 2X value (less than 20 points for $10K salary) will be shaded RED.
We also give you The Fantasy Four-pack, a breakdown of the top four performers at each position regardless of their salary. So you know which guys are the safest to construct your roster around. In addition, we provide our top-two Sleepers at each position, This will help you fit your roster under the league salary caps.
If that wasn’t enough, I also give you my favorite GPP lineup for both DK and FD, along with my top lineup for Fanball (FB). Heck, I even give you a comprehensive break down of the Primetime slate games which are not part of the main “Millionaire” slates.
Just follow these simple steps:
- Read the Dominator
- Enter your lineups
- Follow me @NewClearHarley on Twitter for Sunday morning updates and additional sleepers
- Profit
DFS: The Primetime Slate
We have three games on the evening docket this week thanks to a MNF doubleheader. On Sunday, Dallas travels to Los Angeles to take on the Rams. Both these teams can score some points, and with better defenses showing up in both MNF games, I expect to have a lot of exposure here. The biggest issue here is, who is going to be doing all of the scoring? There are too many weapons in the Dallas passing game now, plus they still have Ezekiel Elliott. St. Louis has a three-headed monster in their backfield, effectively negating the value of each of them. They also tend to be more pass-happy. I don’t love any of the QBs on Monday (except as a money-saving option), so I would recommend choosing either Dak Prescott or Jared Goff here. Goff will be cheaper, making him my preference. I want nothing to do with the RB mess in Los Angeles until things shake out. As for Zeke, you have three elite RBs to choose from on this slate. You won’t be able to afford all three, but choose two of them. Both of these teams were tough on opposing WRs last year, but Dallas was a hair better. I can see rostering one of Cee Dee Lamb or Michael Gallup at WR2, or Josh Reynolds at WR3. I doubt I will be able to afford Amari Cooper, Robert Woods, or Cooper Kupp. I like Blake Jarwin as a sleeper for the year, but not this week. That said, Tyler Higbee is super juicy against a Dallas team that allowed more TE receptions than any other team last year. Don’t waste your time on either of these defenses.
The Giants host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the early MNF game. The G-Men were easily the worst team on this slate against the pass last year, but Ben Roethlisberger has always performed better at home than on the road, and he is coming off a major injury. If his price remains low enough, I will have to have some exposure to him. Still, I won’t love it. This means that each of the Steelers’ passing game weapons is in play. I love JuJu Smith-Schuster this week, and he should be in all of our lineups at WR1. If you want some differentiation from the chalk, use James Washington or Diontae Johnson at WR3 instead. I even like using Eric Ebron at TE, if you don’t pay up for Higbee. James Conner is possible at RB2 or FLEX, but I wouldn’t overpay for him. Keep all of your Giants on the bench except for maybe Saquan Barkley. Even then, I’d rather have the pairing of Zeke and Derrick Henry. If I need to squeeze a WR3 in, I might consider Sterling Shepard. I don’t want any part of Daniel Jones, Golden Tate, Evan Engram, or Darius Slayton against this stud-laden defense. Speaking of defenses, just choose Pittsburgh and lock it and forget it.
The late MNF game is Tennessee traveling west to face the Broncos. Ryan Tannehill is about as boring as they come at QB. He is still the fourth-best option on this slate. Just don’t expect more than 250-2 from him in any game this year. Derrick Henry needs serious consideration at RB1 or RB2. He is the second-best option on this slate. I don’t love A.J. Brown based on his price point, and I will never use Corey Davis as anything other than the butt of my jokes. If I had to go with a WR on this offense, I’d choose Adam Humphries or Kalif Raymond as WR3/FLEX. Jonnu Smith is also a nice option as a punt TE or at FLEX. Denver was effective at keeping TEs out of the end zone, but they did give up a ton of receptions and yards to the position. As for the Broncos, I like Drew Lock’s potential, but I am not going there yet. I also am hesitant to trust either Melvin Gordon or Philip Lindsay until we see their usage. I might choose Gordon at FLEX, but I am not trusting either of them at one of the top two RB slots. Courtland Sutton will likely be more expensive than I want, so I will fade him. On the other hand, Jerry Jeudy could have some interest to me at WR3. Tennessee could be picked on by TEs last year, so Noah Fant is definitely in play at the position, or as a discount FLEX. The Broncos’ defense is nearly as good as Pittsburgh. So, if you want to avoid the defense chalk, go with Denver instead.
The Main Slate: My recommended DFS lineups
At DK: $6.8K for Drew Brees. $6.8K for Josh Jacobs. $4.9K for Tarik Cohen. $7.3K for Davante Adams. $5.8K for T.Y. Hilton $4.9K for DeSean Jackson. $6K for Mark Andrews. $4.5K or less for one of Chris Thompson, Preston Williams, Antonio Gibson, or Jack Doyle at FLEX. $3K for the Colts’ defense.
At FD: $8.4K for Russell Wilson. $10K for Christian McCaffrey. $5.4K for Jonathan Taylor. $8.8K for Michael Thomas. No more than $6.5K for WR2 (leaning T.Y. Hilton). $5.7K for DeSean Jackson. $5.3K for Jack Doyle or Hayden Hurst (if you go T.Y. at WR). $5.3 for James White at FLEX. $4.7K for the Bills’ defense.
At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Lamar Jackson, Drew Brees at SF, Josh Jacobs, James White, Michael Thomas, Cooper Kupp, DeSean Jackson, Tyler Higbee, and Chris Thompson at FLEX.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | $8,100 | $9,400 |
| Russell Wilson | $7,000 | $8,400 |
| Drew Brees | $6,800 | $8,100 |
| Matt Ryan | $6,700 | $7,800 |
| Josh Allen | $6,500 | $7,900 |
| Tom Brady | $6,500 | $7,600 |
| Kyler Murray | $6,400 | $7,700 |
| Aaron Rodgers | $6,300 | $7,500 |
| Carson Wentz | $6,300 | $7,700 |
| Matthew Stafford | $6,200 | $7,300 |
| Cam Newton | $6,100 | $7,300 |
| Philip Rivers | $6,000 | $7,100 |
| Derek Carr | $5,900 | $7,100 |
| Teddy Bridgewater | $5,900 | $6,800 |
| Gardner Minshew | $5,800 | $6,700 |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | $5,800 | $7,400 |
| Joe Burrow | $5,800 | $6,600 |
| Baker Mayfield | $5,700 | $7,000 |
| Kirk Cousins | $5,700 | $7,200 |
| Tyrod Taylor | $5,600 | $7,000 |
| Sam Darnold | $5,500 | $6,800 |
| Mitch Trubisky | $5,400 | $6,900 |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | $5,300 | $6,400 |
| Dwayne Haskins | $5,000 | $6,500 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – I have no issue with any of the top four QBs this week. Drew Brees has a history of lighting it up at home. Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan should be tangled in an offensive shootout. Then there is Lamar Jackson versus the Browns, which just isn’t fair. Jackson’s salary is high, making him a tough play on DK. Nevertheless, with the extra cap space, I can see using him more frequently on FD and FB. With most prices actually close to on point for Week 1, I don’t love any of the cheaper options. I could see using Tyrod Taylor, Philip Rivers, or Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, none of them inspires a ton of confidence. If you do choose Brees or Jackson, make sure to stack them with Michael Thomas and Mark Andrews respectively.
Fantasy Four Pack
Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs CLE ($8100 DK, $9400 FD)
Lamar Jackson failed to top 250 passing yards against the Browns in either contest last season. That said, he did throw for three TDs in each game and he ran for 169 total yards on the ground. I expect the passing yards get a slight bump here, while the rushing yards slide down slightly. He is also guaranteed at least three total scores.
Drew Brees, Saints vs TB ($6800 DK, $8100 FD)
Sure, Tampa Bay has Tom Brady now; that doesn’t help their passing defense any. No team gave up more passing yards, and only two franchises allowed more passing scores. The Bucs did add Antoine Winfield to their secondary, but that is like putting a band-aid on a severed carotid. Drew Brees has averaged 327-3 over 13 home games the last two years, and that was without a legitimate second WR. That should be his floor this week.
Russell Wilson, Seahawks @ ATL ($7000 DK, $8400 FD)
Only eight teams allowed more passing TDs per game last year than Atlanta. The Falcons addressed this in the draft by selecting A.J. Terrell, but they still will have their hands full with the Seahawks’ weapons. In addition, Atlanta will be heaving the ball up and down the field in this contest too. This suggests that Seattle will be forced to throw the ball to keep up.
Matt Ryan, Falcons vs. SEA ($6700 DK, $7800 FD)
The other QB in this pairing, Matt Ryan, will likely be more popular due to the lower price. I’m fine with using either, as each should lock in at a floor of 300-2. I give a slight edge to Wilson, as Seattle’s secondary is better than Atlanta’s. Still, when you have Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Hayden Hurst at your disposal, you will post strong numbers every week.
DFS Sleepers
Philip Rivers, Colts @ JAX ($6000 DK, $7100 FD)
Jacksonville’s passing defense was middle of the road at best last year. Since then, they have punted anyone on their roster with a modicum of talent (with the exceptions of Gardner Minshew and D.J. Chark). Philip Rivers has the best offensive line he has ever had, he also has a deep corps of weapons to throw to. I don’t recommend punting QB this week, but if you do Rivers’ price on DK might be satisfactory. I love all of his passing game weapons this week, so I guess I will have some exposure to Rivers stacked with Jack Doyle and either T.Y. Hilton or Parris Campbell.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dolphins @ NE ($5300 DK, $6400 FD)
New England’s defense remains solid despite a few players stepping away due to Covid-19. Nevertheless, Ryan Fitzpatrick has several weapons to target in this game including a healthy Davante Parker and Preston Williams. At this low price, you can afford to target two premium RBs (Christian McCaffrey and Josh Jacobs) and still piece together a solid body to your roster. If you do go this route, I recommend stacking Fitz with Williams or Mike Gesicki.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Dalvin Cook | $7,900 | $8,700 |
| Alvin Kamara | $7,200 | $8,300 |
| Austin Ekeler | $7,000 | $7,700 |
| Aaron Jones | $6,900 | $7,800 |
| Josh Jacobs | $6,800 | $8,200 |
| Joe Mixon | $6,700 | $7,300 |
| Nick Chubb | $6,500 | $7,500 |
| Kenyan Drake | $6,400 | $6,600 |
| Miles Sanders | $6,300 | $6,800 |
| Chris Carson | $6,200 | $7,200 |
| Todd Gurley | $6,100 | $7,100 |
| James White | $6,000 | $5,300 |
| Leonard Fournette | $6,000 | $6,900 |
| Raheem Mostert | $5,800 | $6,200 |
| Jonathan Taylor | $5,700 | $5,400 |
| Le’Veon Bell | $5,600 | $6,500 |
| Mark Ingram | $5,500 | $7,000 |
| Devin Singletary | $5,400 | $6,300 |
| Marlon Mack | $5,300 | $6,100 |
| Ronald Jones | $5,200 | $5,700 |
| Jordan Howard | $5,100 | $5,500 |
| Kareem Hunt | $5,100 | $5,800 |
| J.K. Dobbins | $5,000 | $5,200 |
| Matt Breida | $5,000 | $5,200 |
| Tarik Cohen | $4,900 | $5,200 |
| Boston Scott | $4,800 | $4,700 |
| Carlos Hyde | $4,600 | $5,000 |
| Latavius Murray | $4,600 | $5,100 |
| Sony Michel | $4,600 | $6,000 |
| Kerryon Johnson | $4,400 | $5,600 |
| Zach Moss | $4,400 | $4,700 |
| Tevin Coleman | $4,200 | $5,400 |
| Jamaal WIlliams | $4,100 | $4,900 |
| LeSean McCoy | $4,100 | $5,300 |
| Antonio Gibson | $4,000 | $4,600 |
| Bryce Love | $4,000 | $4,500 |
| Chris Thompson | $4,000 | $4,800 |
| Devine Ozigbo | $4,000 | $4,500 |
| Frank Gore | $4,000 | $4,800 |
| J.D. McKissic | $4,000 | $4,500 |
| James Robinson | $4,000 | $4,500 |
| Jerick McKInnon | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Nyheim Hines | $4,000 | $4,900 |
| Peyton Barber | $4,000 | $4,700 |
Running Back
Weekly strategy – Josh Jacobs is the only running back that I absolutely love this week. I’m still going to have exposure to Christian McCaffrey because he is a stud, and Aaron Jones, Austin Ekeler, and Miles Sanders due to their matchups. I just will look at those options as pivots. For RB2, I expect to target James White, Mark Ingram, Devin Singletary, or Jonathan Taylor. Each of those four may split time this week, but their matchups are golden. There is a strong likelihood that I will also roster my FLEX from this position. Currently, I am leaning one of the replacement-RBs (Tarik Cohen, Antonio Gibson, or James Robinson). They are each cheap enough to squeeze without much difficulty. I could also use a “pass-catching” back at my FLEX (Chris Thompson, Boston Scott, or Nyheim Hines) if I am really strapped for cash.
Fantasy Four Pack
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers vs LVR ($10000 DK, $10000 FD)
The Raiders were actually very stingy against opposing RBs last year. Only two teams allowed fewer RB rushing yards per game. That said, only six teams allowed more RB receiving yards than them. Christian McCaffrey is certainly known for his receiving prowess. I’m expecting him to have a very productive day, and he may even reach 3X value with the catches. The only reason he doesn’t get a green rating is that we don’t know yet what affect Teddy Bridgewater will have on the offense.
Josh Jacobs, Raiders @ CAR ($6800 DK, $8200 FD)
If he was guaranteed to be involved in the passing game as much as McCaffrey, Josh Jacobs may actually rank higher than him this week. Based on salary, he is the better option this week. Carolina managed to allow 30 total RB scores last year. That was ten more than the next-worst team. 27 of those scores came on the ground, and Jacobs doesn’t need to worry about splitting any ground touches.
Austin Ekeler, Chargers @ CIN ($7000 DK, $7700 FD)
Over the first four weeks of 2019 (while Melvin Gordon was out), Austin Ekeler had the fifth-most total yards and the most total TDs among RBs. In addition, his 24 receptions trailed only McCaffrey and he actually led the league in receiving yards over that span. Cincinnati didn’t give up a ton of receptions or receiving yards to opposing backs last year, but that was mainly because they couldn’t stop anyone on the ground. Cincinnati did upgrade their defense and Ekeler has a new QB, so there is a slight beware here. Still, if you can fit both Ekeler and Jacobs into your lineup – DO IT!
Aaron Jones, Packers @ MIN ($6900 DK, $7800 FD)
Last season, Aaron Jones exploded for 19 total scores. How does Green Bay repay him? They draft a running back early in the 2020 draft. That is almost as bad as drafting a QB high in the draft when you have a stud like Aaron Rod…oh wait. Jones scored three times and amassed 310 total yards in the two meetings with the Vikings last year. I’d be happy with half of that, but 125-1 would work too.
DFS Sleepers
Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ JAX ($5700 DK, $5400 FD)
Jacksonville finished last year allowing the second-most total scores to opposing RBs and the third-most rushing yards. Then they gutted their defense. That is right. It is only going to be worse for them this year. Yes, I am concerned about both Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines stealing some touches here. It won’t matter as all three could top 100 total yards and score before this one is over. The Colts did use a high pick on Jonathan Taylor so I expect he gets the lions’ share of the spoils.
Antonio Gibson, Football Team vs. PHI ($4000 DK, $4600 FD)
Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson have both left the facility leaving Antonio Gibson as the likely starter here. Technically, J.D. McKissic sits atop the Washington depth chart, but if you believe that, I have some nice oceanfront property in Oklahoma to sell you. Philly’s run defense isn’t awful, but they did give up a lot of RB receptions last year. Those will go to either McKissic or Gibson as Washington attempts to keep up with the Eagles.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Thomas | $9,000 | $8,800 |
| Julio Jones | $7,700 | $8,200 |
| Davante Adams | $7,300 | $8,000 |
| Chris Godwin | $7,100 | $7,700 |
| Mike Evans | $6,900 | $7,500 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | $6,800 | $7,800 |
| Adam Thielen | $6,700 | $6,800 |
| DJ Moore | $6,600 | $7,100 |
| Allen Robinson | $6,500 | $7,200 |
| Tyler Lockett | $6,500 | $6,800 |
| Keenan Allen | $6,400 | $7,000 |
| Stefon Diggs | $6,400 | $6,600 |
| DJ Chark | $6,300 | $6,600 |
| Kenny Golladay | $6,200 | $7,300 |
| Calvin Ridley | $6,100 | $6,600 |
| Tyler Boyd | $6,100 | $6,100 |
| DeVante Parker | $6,000 | $6,700 |
| Julian Edelman | $6,000 | $6,700 |
| Jarvis Landry | $5,900 | $6,300 |
| Odell Beckham | $5,900 | $6,900 |
| DK Metcalf | $5,800 | $6,400 |
| T.Y. Hilton | $5,800 | $6,400 |
| A.J. Green | $5,700 | $6,200 |
| Emmanuel Sanders | $5,700 | $5,600 |
| John Brown | $5,600 | $6,100 |
| Terry McLaurin | $5,600 | $6,500 |
| Marvin Jones | $5,500 | $6,200 |
| Deebo Samuel | $5,300 | $6,000 |
| Jamison Crowder | $5,200 | $6,000 |
| Henry Ruggs | $5,100 | $5,100 |
| Marquise Brown | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Anthony Miller | $5,000 | $5,400 |
| Christian Kirk | $5,000 | $5,800 |
| Kendrick Bourne | $5,000 | $5,700 |
| Allen Lazard | $4,900 | $5,500 |
| Breshad Perriman | $4,900 | $5,800 |
| DeSean Jackson | $4,900 | $5,700 |
| Cole Beasley | $4,800 | $5,400 |
| Danny Amendola | $4,800 | $5,100 |
| Justin Jefferson | $4,800 | $5,000 |
| Mike Williams | $4,700 | $5,900 |
| Robby Anderson | $4,700 | $5,600 |
| Steven Sims | $4,700 | $5,100 |
| Curtis Samuel | $4,600 | $5,500 |
| Dede Westbrook | $4,600 | $5,400 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| Hunter Renfrow | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| Larry Fitzgerald | $4,500 | $5,300 |
| Preston Williams | $4,500 | $5,300 |
| Laviska Shenault | $4,400 | $4,600 |
| Michael Pittman | $4,400 | $5,200 |
| N’Keal Harry | $4,400 | $5,100 |
| Denzel Mims | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| Bryan Edwards | $4,200 | $4,500 |
| Greg Ward | $4,200 | $4,800 |
| Zach Pascal | $4,200 | $5,400 |
| Miles Boykin | $4,100 | $4,900 |
| Olabisi Johnson | $4,100 | $4,900 |
| Parris Campbell | $3,900 | $5,100 |
Wide Receiver
Weekly strategy – There isn’t really a bad option among the higher-priced options this week. That doesn’t take away from the fact that two stand out the most: Davante Adams and Michael Thomas. I intend to get as much exposure to both of them as I can, and at the least will have one of the two in all of my lineups. Normally, I don’t spend up at WR, but their matchups are just too hot! If I do pivot from those two, it will be for Stefon Diggs or Kenny Golladay. I guess a perfect solution is pair one of Thomas and Adams with one of Diggs or Golladay. There is zero possibility of fitting three of them under the cap. Other WR2 candidates, I like include Julian Edelman, T.Y. Hilton, Jamison Crowder, Marquise Brown, DeSean Jackson, and Allen Lazard. I could also use one of that six-some at WR3. There are several punt options that I like at WR3 including N’Keal Harry, Preston Williams, Greg Ward, and Parris Campbell.
Fantasy Four Pack
Michael Thomas, Saints vs TB ($9000 DK, $8800 FD)
Both sites are giving Michael Thomas the “CMAC pricing experience”. That should not hold you back from rostering the most reliable 20-30 point WR on the board. The addition of Emmanuel Sanders should give Thomas even more room to operate. That is frightening to imagine. Tampa allowed three hundred more WR receiving yards than the next worst team last year. Anything less than 10-125-1 would be highly disappointing.
Davante Adams, Packers @ MIN ($7300 DK, $8000 FD)
Davante Adams has been a thorn in the Vikings side ever since becoming a starter for the Packers. He will have another successful outing Sunday since the Vikings will be playing without their top three cornerbacks from last year. Aaron Rodgers knows this and so does Adams. This will be a trial by fire for the new-look secondary, and it won’t be pretty as Rodgers picks them apart. If you don’t use Adams, please find a spot for Allen Lazard.
Julio Jones, Falcons vs. SEA ($7700 DK, $8200 FD)
I have Matt Ryan ranked high this week so I would be amiss to not include his top receiving option. The only thing keeping me from giving Jones a higher rating is that I am concerned about how much of a role Calvin Ridley and Hayden Hurst have in this game. Even sharing the limelight, Jones should post a floor of 8-100. If he gets into the end zone, that will push him into 3X territory.
Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. NYJ ($6400 DK, $6600 FD)
Stefon Diggs channeled his inner Antonio Brown and moaned himself onto a new team. His new QB may not be as accurate as his former, but he definitely has a strong arm. With John Brown keeping defenses honest deep, Stefon Diggs should be a target hog going across the middle of the field. The Jets allowed the seventh-most WR receiving yards and the fifth-most WR scores last year, and now they will be without Jamal Adams. This should greenlight Diggs for about 8-100-1 and arguably the easiest 3X on the docket.
DFS Sleepers
DeSean Jackson, Eagles @ WAS ($4900 DK, $5700 FD)
Game 1 of last year, DeSean Jackson went bonkers racking up a line of 8-154-2 versus the boys from the beltway. He then got hurt and disappeared for the rest of the season. Fast-Forward to 2020, and who does Jackson get to face in Week 1? It is the same Washington footballers. Now, I’m not going to predict a repeat performance, but half of that would work for me. Plus this is 2020, so anything goes. He could double his line from 2019. It isn’t as if he has a lot of WRs to fight with for targets. If you don’t use Jackson, consider using Greg Ward or Zach Ertz.
N’Keal Harry, Patriots vs. MIA ($4400 DK, $5100 FD)
All reports out of camp are that N’Keal Harry and Cam Newton have developed a strong rapport. This week, he will be given an opportunity that he didn’t really get last year – to be a starter and a featured part of the offense. Miami allowed more WR touchdowns than any other team last year, and Harry will score one this week. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bill Belichick scripts him one on the first drive, or maybe even their first offensive play. Julian Edelman and James White will still get all the DFS attention but gather some exposure here for a lot less.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| George Kittle | $7,200 | $8,000 |
| Mark Andrews | $6,000 | $7,400 |
| Darren Waller | $5,900 | $6,800 |
| Zach Ertz | $5,800 | $6,600 |
| Jared Cook | $5,500 | $5,900 |
| Hunter Henry | $5,300 | $6,000 |
| Austin Hooper | $5,100 | $5,700 |
| Rob Gronkowski | $4,900 | $5,500 |
| Mike Gesicki | $4,500 | $5,400 |
| Hayden Hurst | $4,300 | $5,200 |
| T.J. Hockenson | $4,200 | $5,300 |
| Dallas Goedert | $4,100 | $5,200 |
| Greg Olsen | $4,000 | $4,900 |
| Dawson Knox | $3,900 | $4,700 |
| C.J. Uzomah | $3,800 | $4,600 |
| Jimmy Graham | $3,800 | $5,000 |
| Kyle Rudolph | $3,700 | $5,100 |
| O.J. Howard | $3,700 | $4,700 |
| Jack Doyle | $3,600 | $5,300 |
| Dan Arnold | $3,500 | $4,400 |
| Devin Asiasi | $3,500 | $4,100 |
| Ian Thomas | $3,400 | $5,100 |
| Chris Herndon | $3,300 | $4,800 |
| Tyler Eifert | $3,300 | $4,600 |
| Irv Smith | $3,100 | $4,800 |
Tight End
Weekly strategy – I usually despise spending up at TE as well. Not this week. Any of the top four tight ends would be a smart play this week. Mark Andrews is my favorite play here and Zach Ertz has the safest floor. I would recommend having one (if not both of them in every lineup. If you are pinching pennies, consider Hayden Hurst, T.J. Hockenson, Tyler Eifert, Chris Herndon, and Jack Doyle.
Fantasy Four Pack
George Kittle, 49ers vs ARI ($7200 DK, $8000 FD)
Arizona was historically rotten against TEs last year. You could pencil in any tight end that they faced to post 10-125-2. To address this deficiency they did add stud hybrid linebacker, Isaiah Simmons in the draft and they reinforced their secondary via free agency. Still, it takes time for a new defensive backfield to gel. George Kittle posted 6-79-1 against Arizona in the early meeting between these two clubs and missed the second meeting. In that game, Ross Dwelley scored twice. San Francisco’s WR corps is banged up, so expect Kittle to be the focal point this week. He will score and record a floor of 7-70.
Mark Andrews, Ravens vs CLE ($6000 DK, $7400 FD)
I don’t love the FD price, but that DK price is absurdly low. Last season, Baltimore tight ends combined to post 17-205-3 against Cleveland. One of those TEs, Hayden Hurst is now in Atlanta. This should open up even more opportunities for Mark Andrews. A safe estimate would be 7-60-1.
Zach Ertz, Eagles @ WAS ($5800 DK, $6600 FD)
Speaking of absurdly low prices, Zach Ertz is woefully underpriced this week. As I mentioned above with DeSean Jackson, the lack of healthy weapons should open up double-digit targets for Ertz. Washington allowed the sixth-most TE scores last season. I expect this season starts out with at least one more score against them by the position. If you don’t roster DeSean Jackson or Greg Ward, please roster Ertz.
Darren Waller, Raiders @ CAR ($5900 DK, $6800 FD)
I like Darren Waller this week, but I don’t love him. If we knew how the rest of the passing offense was going to shake out, I would be more interested in this play. Carolina is actually solid against the position, but Waller was among the league leaders in every TE stat category last year. I’d say only use Waller as a pivot from the other more popular options.
DFS Sleepers
Hayden Hurst, Falcons vs. SEA ($4300 DK, $5200 FD)
The only team to allow more receiving yards to opposing TEs last season than Seattle was Arizona, and only two teams allowed more receptions to the position. Hayden Hurst inherits the Austin Hooper target share in this offense (88 last year), and many would say Hurst has more natural talent. There is zero chance that Hurst doesn’t return 3X value at this price.
Jack Doyle, Colts @ JAX ($3600 DK, $5300 FD)
Jack Doyle has been cleared for action for this weekends’ matchup with the Tanksonville Jaguars. He should benefit from his new QB, Philip Rivers, who loved to pepper his tight ends (especially in the red zone) while with the Chargers. In addition, questions remain about Rivers’ ability to get the ball deep downfield at this stage in his career. That should just mean more targets for Doyle, Nyheim Hines, and the other running backs.
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