So, what did we learn from Week 1? Nobody is immune to injuries. Cheap chalk replacement-level RBs cannot be trusted. Don’t tinker too much on Sunday morning (I – and my wallet – apologize to you, Davante Adams). Carolina against RBs is the new Arizona versus TEs, and nobody can lose a game quite like Detroit.
DFS: The Primetime Slate
We are back to a two-game primetime slate this week. I enjoyed the MNF doubleheader, but my standard sleep schedule approves of the return to normalcy.
On Sunday night, the Patriots set out west to Seattle. The Seahawks were just torched through the air by the Falcons, but the Patriots do not have the WR weaponry that Atlanta had. Still, with Michael Thomas all but out on Monday. You have to consider N’Keal Harry and Julian Edelman as legit WR2 options. You also have to consider Cam Newton as the possible QB1. Even more confusing is the RB position. Both New England and Seattle have muddled backfields, with very little to truly rely on. You probably have to choose at least one of the fivesome of Carlos Hyde, Chris Carson, Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel, and James White. White and Carson are the most consistent in that group, so I will lean on one of them (likely in FLEX). Russell Wilson has two very good WRs to lean on, as well as his own legs. The Patriots pass defense’ is still solid, but with Thomas likely out, you have to consider Tyler Lockett or DK Metcalf as the likely WR1 here by default. Greg Olsen scored in Week 1 versus Atlanta, but he is no better than TE3 on this slate. That said, I could see using him at FLEX if you don’t use one of the above RBs. I’m not going to waste a spot on either of these defenses unless I am seeking a pivot from the obvious Saints play.
New Orleans also travels west to lock horns with the Raiders. Las Vegas showcased their offense in Week 1, but it was against the junior varsity defense of Carolina. New Orleans’ defense will humble Derek Carr and Company very fast. Carr might be QB5 on this slate behind Taysom Hill depending on contest positioning rules. Josh Jacobs is probably RB2 just because of the lack of clear talent in the Sunday night game. I don’t love him here, but volume alone makes him a safe play. Plus, Jalen Richard didn’t get utilized enough to be considered seriously here. Nelson Agholor, Henry Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, and Bryan Edwards are a deep collection of mediocrity. They are facing an elite secondary, and none should be thought of as more than a WR3 this week. I don’t even think I can stomach that play. Darren Waller on the other hand is an elite play and he deserves consideration at TE or FLEX. For New Orleans, Drew Brees would be the clear QB1, if Michael Thomas would play. I’m not holding my breath on that. Even without Thomas, Brees is probably QB2 here. A nearly 100% Thomas is still the WR1 on this slate. Heck, a nearly 85% Thomas is WR1 as well. If Thomas sits, Emmanuel Sanders is no worse than WR2, and he suddenly joins the Seahawks duo in WR1 consideration. In addition, Tre’quan Smith would jump into WR3 talk. Alvin Kamara was clearly not 100% in Week 1. He still scored twice and almost scored a third time. His numbers will be limited by his volume, but he should still be in RB1 or RB2 range. Latavius Murray could also be considered at RB2 or FLEX. Jared Cook joins Waller in TE1 talk and he becomes a must-start if Thomas is out. The Saints’ defense should be option 1, option 2, and option 3 at the position on this slate. Don’t get cute here.
The Main Slate: My recommended DFS lineups
At DK: $6.9K for Aaron Rodgers. $7.9K for Derrick Henry $4.5K for Benny Snell (if James Conner cannot go, otherwise take your pick of Josh Adams, James Robinson, one of the Washington running backs, or Miles Gaskin). $8.1K for Davante Adams. $5.2K for Anthony Miller. $4.5K for Parris Campbell. $4.2K for Jonnu Smith. $4.8K for Leonard Fournette at FLEX. $3.9K for the Bills’ defense.
At FD: $7.9K for Rodgers. $8.3K for Henry. $8K for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. $8.6K for Adams. $6K for Jamison Crowder. $5.3K for Campbell. $4.9K for Jonnu. $6K for Fournette at FLEX. $4.9K for the Bills’ defense.
At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Rodgers, Jimmy Garoppolo at SF, Henry, Edwards-Helaire, Adams, Julio Jones, Campbell, Jonnu, and Fournette at FLEX.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | $8,200 | $9,500 |
| Patrick Mahomes | $7,700 | $9,000 |
| Aaron Rodgers | $6,900 | $7,900 |
| Dak Prescott | $6,800 | $8,300 |
| Josh Allen | $6,700 | $8,200 |
| Matt Ryan | $6,600 | $7,700 |
| Tom Brady | $6,500 | $7,600 |
| Deshaun Watson | $6,400 | $7,900 |
| Ben Roethlisberger | $6,300 | $7,500 |
| Matthew Stafford | $6,200 | $7,200 |
| Kyler Murray | $6,100 | $8,000 |
| Carson Wentz | $6,000 | $7,300 |
| Kirk Cousins | $5,900 | $7,400 |
| Philip Rivers | $5,900 | $7,100 |
| Ryan Tannehill | $5,900 | $7,000 |
| Daniel Jones | $5,800 | $6,900 |
| Gardner Minshew | $5,800 | $7,000 |
| Jared Goff | $5,800 | $6,900 |
| Teddy Bridgewater | $5,800 | $7,100 |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | $5,700 | $7,100 |
| Mitchell Trubisky | $5,500 | $7,200 |
| Drew Lock | $5,400 | $6,700 |
| Tyrod Taylor | $5,300 | $6,800 |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | $5,200 | $6,500 |
| Dwayne Haskins | $5,100 | $6,500 |
| Sam Darnold | $5,100 | $6,600 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – Aaron Rodgers is the easy and obvious play this week. Unfortunately, everyone knows this. If you want to seek out a pivot, consider Josh Allen or Matt Ryan. I’d also consider Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson on DK. If I decide to punt the position, Philip Rivers, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jared Goff and Ryan Tannehill would be my choices. My suicide dive this week would be trusting in Tyrod Taylor again after his first-week fiasco. He did have the green light to throw the deep ball, and he will certainly need to this week. If you are going to go down this rabbit hole, fully embrace it and stack him with either Mike Williams or Keenan Allen.
Fantasy Four Pack
Aaron Rodgers, Packers vs DET ($6900 DK, $7900 FD)
Aaron Rodgers just disassembled the Vikings’ kiddie corps cornerbacks. They get easy assignment number two this week, as Detroit will likely be without their top three cornerbacks. Rodgers is likely to be playing with a chip on his shoulder all season as the Packers wasted a high pick on his supposed heir apparent. Rodgers’ Stone Cold Salute tour continues here with an easy 350-3 for the not-nearly-washed veteran.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ HOU ($8200 DK, $9500 FD)
Houston’s defense isn’t as bad as it appeared against Kansas City. Still, you have to feel bad for this unit being forced to lock horns with Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson in the first two games of the year. Mahomes ate the Texans’ defense alive thanks in part to his depth. Lamar Jackson is surrounded by great runners, but only Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews truly strike fear in the passing game. Jackson is always a lock for 225-1 through the air and 60-1 on the ground, and that doesn’t change this week. I’m just going to dodge him on FD where the price is a bit too high.
Josh Allen, Bills @ MIA ($6700 DK, $8200 FD)
One week into the season and Miami is already flailing in their rushing defense allowing 217 yards on the ground to New England. 75 of those yards and two of the scores went to the no-longer-running QB, Cam Newton. Newton’s legs may be past their prime, but he did a number on the Dolphins. Josh Allen is a younger, healthier version of Newton, arguably with a stronger arm. Working against Allen is that John Brown is nursing a foot injury and Stefon Diggs will likely lock horns with Xavien Howard. Working in Allen’s favor is that he is coming off a huge rushing game. Considering the matchup, Allen could produce a Lamar Jackson like line for more than a thousand fewer dollars.
Matt Ryan, Falcons @ DAL ($6600 DK, $7700 FD)
Matt Ryan failed to lead his team to victory Week 1, but he did manage to rattle the digit counters for 450-2. There is no way to properly cover Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, and Hayden Hurst. The numbers will continue to bulge your eyes all season, as long as everyone remains healthy. Dallas is middle of the pack against the pass, which should be good enough to hold Ryan to 325-2. That is still an easy lock for fourth-best on this slate. Dak Prescott just missed this top-4, so feel free to use him as well. On FB, I wouldn’t blame you for double-stacking this game in SF.
DFS Sleepers
Philip Rivers, Colts vs. MIN ($5900 DK, $7100 FD)
We learned last week that Minnesota’s pass defense is not ready for primetime. We also learned that if you give Philip Rivers a professional offensive line, he can pick apart a secondary despite being slightly less mobile than the Statue of Liberty. Due to their prices, I adore the stack of Rivers with Parris Campbell. That said, I don’t have any problem with stacking him with Nyheim Hines, T.Y. Hilton, or even Jack Doyle as well.
Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers @ NYJ ($5700 DK, $7100 FD)
This recommendation is predicated on the 49ers’ receiving corps being healthy. If the team can get back Brandon Aiyuk or George Kittle this week, the Jets will have their hands full. Jimmy Garoppolo managed to throw for two TDs last week despite his top receivers being a trio of RBs and Kittle (who left halfway through the game). The Niners also added Mohamed Sanu to their receiver group earlier this week. He has familiarity with Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and he is a well-traveled veteran, so he should be able to step right in and contribute. I don’t love the FD price, but his DK price should make him a sneaky QB punt play.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | $10,000 | $10,500 |
| Saquan Barkley | $8,400 | $9,000 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | $8,200 | $8,600 |
| Derrick Henry | $7,900 | $8,300 |
| Dalvin Cook | $7,600 | $8,800 |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | $7,400 | $8,000 |
| Aaron Jones | $7,100 | $7,700 |
| James Conner | $6,800 | $6,900 |
| Austin Ekeler | $6,500 | $6,900 |
| Raheem Mostert | $6,400 | $6,500 |
| Todd Gurley | $6,100 | $7,000 |
| Miles Sanders | $6,000 | $6,800 |
| Kenyan Drake | $5,900 | $6,600 |
| David Johnson | $5,800 | $7,200 |
| Jonathan Taylor | $5,700 | $5,800 |
| Malcolm Brown | $5,700 | $5,200 |
| David Montgomery | $5,600 | $5,600 |
| Mark Ingram | $5,400 | $6,200 |
| Nyheim Hines | $5,300 | $5,500 |
| Devin Singletary | $5,200 | $6,000 |
| Melvin Gordon | $5,200 | $6,700 |
| Ronald Jones | $5,200 | $5,900 |
| J.K. Dobbins | $5,100 | $5,700 |
| Philip Lindsay | $5,100 | $5,000 |
| Boston Scott | $5,000 | $5,300 |
| D’Andre Swift | $4,900 | $5,200 |
| Leonard Fournette | $4,800 | $6,000 |
| Tarik Cohen | $4,800 | $5,000 |
| Zack Moss | $4,800 | $5,200 |
| Adrian Peterson | $4,700 | $5,500 |
| Jordan Howard | $4,700 | $5,100 |
| Joshua Kelley | $4,700 | $5,500 |
| Corey Clement | $4,600 | $4,700 |
| Darell Henderson | $4,600 | $4,900 |
| Cam Akers | $4,500 | $5,600 |
| Frank Gore | $4,500 | $5,400 |
| Matt Breida | $4,500 | $4,800 |
| James Robinson | $4,400 | $5,300 |
| Josh Adams | $4,400 | $4,900 |
| Peyton Barber | $4,400 | $5,400 |
| Antonio Gibson | $4,300 | $5,100 |
| Myles Gaskin | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| J.D. McKissic | $4,100 | $4,600 |
| Justin Jackson | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Kerryon Johnson | $4,000 | $5,000 |
Running Back
Weekly strategy – This week, I am all in on three stud RBs. Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are all super juicy based on their prices. I am going to do everything possible to fit two of that threesome in every lineup. Hell, I may even try to squeeze all three onto a roster. Austin Ekeler could be a decent pivot if you want exposure to the KC-LAC game without rolling with the rookie phenom. The middle tier offers some decent FLEX play options including Jonathan Taylor, Malcolm Brown, Nyheim Hines, J.K. Dobbins, the Bills’ RBs, and the Tampa RBs. This is the group that I am likely to choose my FLEX from. There are several decent punt options this week. I particularly like Tarik Cohen, Peyton Barber, James Robinson, Miles Gaskin, and Josh Adams. With a need to spend up here and for Davante Adams, their cheap salaries could be necessary.
Fantasy Four Pack
Derrick Henry, Titans vs JAX ($7900 DK, $8300 FD)
The Jaguars only allowed Indianapolis’ RBs to post 20-76-1 on the ground Week 1. Their big issue was that they gave up 17-142-1 to the position through the air. Unlike Indy with their three-headed backfield Week 1, Tennessee has Derrick Henry, Derrick Henry, and Derrick Henry in their backfield. It is true that he has never been a huge pass-catcher, but he isn’t a bum in that regard either. If you need more reason to get Henry into your lineup, over his last four games against Jacksonville, Henry has posted 516 total yards and seven total TDs.
Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys vs. ATL ($8200 DK, $8600 FD)
Ezekiel Elliott was his usual self in Week 1, topping 125 total yards and scoring twice. This is what you expect on a week-to-week basis from Zeke, so the final line should not surprise. Still, for some reason, the DFS sites do not have his salary in the stratosphere of Christian McCaffrey. Atlanta just allowed Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde to combine for 89 total yards and three total TDs. Neither of those two is close to on par with Zeke. Another 125-2 should be Elliott’s floor here, in what I expect to be a shootout.
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers @ TB ($10000 DK, $10500 FD)
Once again Christian McCaffrey finds himself trapped in a spot where he will produce 20+ points but not return 3X value. With other lesser-priced studs in equal or better matchups, McCaffrey becomes a trap for inexperienced DFS players. Sure, you need to have some exposure to him, but know that it will put cramps onto the rest of your roster. It doesn’t help him that he is facing a Tampa team whose strength is their run defense. Alvin Kamara did have some success against this defense through the air (something that CMAC is quite familiar with). That said, Teddy Bridgewater only targeted McCaffrey three times in Week 1. Plus, once again, Bridgewater only threw for one touchdown (a problematic trend he has had his whole career). Last year, McCaffrey posted 110 total yards and two scores against Tampa. That sounds about right for one game by CMAC, the issue is that was his TWO-GAME total.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs @ LAC ($7400 DK, $8000 FD)
Fresh off of breaking the opening night Showdown slate, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is going to be a very popular play at RB1 this week. The biggest issue I have is that CEH was not used at all in the passing game. I would’ve guessed by default he would have received one target, but nope. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that he doesn’t get 25 carries again, but I also have to assume he gets a couple passes thrown his way. Ultimately, it should balance out to something around 125 total yards and a score. The rub that may help Helaire outperform this projection is that the Chargers are elite against the pass. This includes giving Patrick Mahomes fits over his last three starts against them. If Mahomes struggles with Los Angeles’ pass defense again, the Chiefs may have to give Helaire another 25 carries.
DFS Sleepers
Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. MIN ($5700 DK, $5800 FD)
Jonathan Taylor didn’t finish with many yards on the ground last week, but both he and Nyheim Hines had huge games through the air. With Marlon Mack out of the picture, Taylor will gain all of the work on 1st and 2nd downs, and he doesn’t have to be replaced on 3rd down. Hines will still get some love, and I like both of them this week. Minnesota lost it’s top run stuffer from last year. They then watched his replacement opt-out due to CoVid. Plus, they will also be without two of their other primary defensive linemen from last year. Taylor will be a popular play at RB2 or FLEX, if you want to go against the grain, roll with Nyheim instead. If you are really ballsy, play them both.
Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($4800 DK, $6000 FD)
Speaking of two-headed sleeper operations, Leonard Fournette was not added by Tampa to play second-fiddle to Ronald Jones. Fournette will eventually be the featured back here. That “eventually” begins this week. Carolina used to have an elite linebacker corps and they used to be feared by opposing backs. Nowadays, they consider it a victory when they hold opposing backs under 250 total yards and three touchdowns. Much like Hines, Jones will post a juicy line here also. That said, Fournette (even without trying) will top 100 yards and score at least once.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Davante Adams | $8,100 | $8,600 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | $7,700 | $8,300 |
| Tyreek Hill | $7,500 | $8,000 |
| Julio Jones | $7,400 | $8,200 |
| Adam Thielen | $7,200 | $7,300 |
| Chris Godwin | $7,000 | $7,800 |
| Calvin Ridley | $6,800 | $7,100 |
| Cooper Kupp | $6,700 | $7,200 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | $6,500 | $7,100 |
| Stefon Diggs | $6,500 | $6,800 |
| Allen Robinson | $6,400 | $7,000 |
| Mike Evans | $6,400 | $7,400 |
| Robert Woods | $6,400 | $6,700 |
| Amari Cooper | $6,300 | $7,000 |
| DJ Moore | $6,300 | $6,800 |
| Will Fuller | $6,300 | $6,100 |
| Kenny Golladay | $6,200 | $7,500 |
| Marquise Brown | $6,200 | $6,200 |
| A.J. Brown | $6,100 | $6,600 |
| Courtland Sutton | $6,000 | $6,900 |
| DJ Chark | $6,000 | $6,700 |
| John Brown | $6,000 | $6,400 |
| DeVante Parker | $5,900 | $6,500 |
| Terry McLaurin | $5,900 | $6,500 |
| Keenan Allen | $5,700 | $6,900 |
| Marvin Jones | $5,700 | $6,400 |
| T.Y. Hilton | $5,700 | $6,300 |
| Michael Gallup | $5,600 | $6,000 |
| Sterling Shepard | $5,500 | $5,600 |
| Jamison Crowder | $5,400 | $6,000 |
| Allen Lazard | $5,300 | $5,600 |
| Anthony Miller | $5,200 | $5,700 |
| Robby Anderson | $5,200 | $5,900 |
| DeSean Jackson | $5,100 | $5,500 |
| Darius Slayton | $5,000 | $5,300 |
| Brandin Cooks | $4,900 | $5,600 |
| Golden Tate | $4,900 | $5,500 |
| Jerry Jeudy | $4,900 | $5,300 |
| Kendrick Bourne | $4,900 | $5,500 |
| Danny Amendola | $4,800 | $5,200 |
| Preston Williams | $4,800 | $5,400 |
| Russell Gage | $4,800 | $5,400 |
| Sammy Watkins | $4,800 | $5,900 |
| CeeDee Lamb | $4,700 | $5,200 |
| Cole Beasley | $4,700 | $5,400 |
| Curtis Samuel | $4,700 | $5,200 |
| Steven Sims | $4,700 | $5,100 |
| Larry Fitzgerald | $4,600 | $5,200 |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | $4,600 | $5,100 |
| Diontae Johnson | $4,500 | $5,800 |
| Parris Campbell | $4,500 | $5,300 |
| Justin Jefferson | $4,400 | $4,700 |
| Randall Cobb | $4,400 | $4,900 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| Christian Kirk | $4,300 | $5,700 |
| Keelan Cole | $4,300 | $4,800 |
| Willie Snead | $4,300 | $5,100 |
| Greg Ward | $4,200 | $4,900 |
| Laviska Shenault | $4,200 | $4,900 |
| Mike Williams | $4,200 | $5,800 |
| Jalen Reagor | $4,100 | $5,100 |
| James Washington | $4,100 | $4,900 |
| Miles Boykin | $4,100 | $4,700 |
| Scotty Miller | $4,100 | $5,200 |
| Corey Davis | $4,000 | $4.900 |
| Breshad Perriman | $3,800 | $5,200 |
| Mecole Hardman | $3,800 | $5,000 |
| Quintez Cephus | $3,800 | $4,600 |
| Adam Humphries | $3,400 | $4,700 |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | $3,400 | $5,000 |
Wide Receiver
Weekly strategy – I cost myself roughly a thousand dollars Sunday morning by tinkering and subbing in Michael Thomas for Davante Adams in my best lineup of the week. Yes, it happens to everyone. Fortunately, Davante is in a class by himself this week. It would be a horrible mistake to not roster him. The only tinkerable offense that I could commit this week, would be to sub in DeAndre Hopkins. I really don’t want to spend down at RB, so I won’t be finagling to get both of them on a roster. The only other high-priced WRs that I might consider using at WR1/WR2 are JuJu Smith-Schuster and Calvin Ridley. The middle tier is loaded with potential, but no one jumps out. This looks like one of those weeks where after WR1, I may spend just under $10K on DK and $12K on FD to roster my WR2 and WR3. Some of the better choices include T.Y. Hilton, Keenan Allen, Marvin Jones, Anthony Miller, Darius Slayton, CeeDee Lamb, and my three favorites: Jamison Crowder, Mike Williams, and Parris Campbell. If you choose to punt WR2 and WR3 even further, you can find deals like Cole Beasley, Keelan Cole, James Washington, Adam Humphries, Scotty Miller, and Quintez Cephus (if Golladay doesn’t play).
Fantasy Four Pack
Davante Adams, Packers vs DET ($8100 DK, $8600 FD)
14-156-2 on 17 targets. I’ll remember those stats for awhile. Why did I allow myself to tinker? Of course, no one could’ve foreseen Michael Thomas going down with an injury. I’ll just keep telling myself that. Davante Adams’ price is still too low based on what he projects for this week. Detroit will likely be without their three best cornerbacks. This is not optimal when you are about to face Aaron Rodgers. All of Rodgers’ weapons are in play as potential bargains, but considering Adams’ target hoarding, he is a mortal lock. I am already penciling him in for 12-135-2.
DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals vs. WAS ($7700 DK, $8300 FD)
My humble pie tour continues here, as I was down on DeAndre Hopkins last week against the Niners. I really wanted to see what his usage would be. Plus, it was San Fran and their defense was supposed to be elite. Needless to say, Hopkins balled out in his first game in this new offense. 16 targets might not be replicable from week to week, but double-digit targets should be the norm for Nuk. Washington has a great D-line, but Kyler Murray has the legs to make plays on the run. With Hopkins’ hands being beyond reliable, I expect him to be peppered this week. If you are unable to or unwilling to roster Adams, please consider Hopkins here. He will finish with a floor of 10-120-1.
Julio Jones, Falcons @ DAL ($7400 DK, $8200 FD)
No-score Julio Jones returned last week, but no one will be angry about a 9-157 line from their top WR option. The TD would’ve been a nice cherry on top, but Matt Ryan was redistributing the wealth between Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Russell Gage. We could easily see a repeat performance this week, with all three topping 100 receiving yards. Considering their prices, Gage and Ridley are more likely to hit 3X value, but Jones has the safest floor.
Adam Thielen, Vikings @ IND ($7200 DK, $7300 FD)
The Indianapolis Colts inherited former Vikings’ cornerback, Xavier Rhodes this offseason. It wasn’t an upgrade. Rhodes has been trending downward each of the last three years. Last week, the Colts’ secondary allowed touchdowns to three of the top four WRs on Jacksonville. When you look at the Vikings’ depth chart at WR, it reads Adam Thielen, Adam Thielen, Adam Thielen, Olabisi Johnson, and Justin Jefferson. Thielen finished with more than half of Kirk Cousins’ WR targets. He also topped 100 yards and scored twice (despite being the only true threat outside, and despite facing a very good CB for the Packers). Minnesota’s secondary is equally suspect, so this game should devolve into a shootout. Load up appropriately.
DFS Sleepers
Cole Beasley, Bills @ MIA ($4700 DK, $5400 FD)
John Brown is questionable with a bum foot. Stefon Diggs will likely be shadowed by Xavien Howard (assuming he is good to go). This will leave an opening for Cole Beasley to get a bump from his seven Week 1 targets. Beasley finished 2019 with touchdowns and/or 100 yards receiving in seven of his last eleven games. This was obviously pre-Diggs. That said if Diggs is there, but Brown isn’t, those numbers could repeat themselves.
Parris Campbell, Colts vs. MIN ($4500 DK, $5300 FD)
Parris Campbell rewarded his offseason suitors by tying with T.Y. Hilton for a team-high nine targets in Week 1. Campbell did more with his targets than Hilton did, and it appears we may have a changing of the guard up top for Indy. Minnesota couldn’t stop anyone through the air last week as Aaron Rodgers picked them apart. Philip Rivers is less mobile than Rodgers, but he also has the best offensive line he has ever had in front of him. This game has the makings of a shootout, so getting cheap exposure to it is wise.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Travis Kelce | $7,000 | $7,800 |
| George Kittle | $6,700 | $7,400 |
| Mark Andrews | $6,300 | $7,500 |
| Zach Ertz | $5,600 | $6,300 |
| Evan Engram | $5,300 | $6,000 |
| T.J. Hockenson | $5,200 | $5,600 |
| Hunter Henry | $5,100 | $6,100 |
| Dallas Goedert | $5,000 | $5,500 |
| Tyler Higbee | $4,700 | $5,800 |
| Hayden Hurst | $4,600 | $5,700 |
| Noah Fant | $4,400 | $5,300 |
| Eric Ebron | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| Jonnu Smith | $4,200 | $4,900 |
| Rob Gronkowski | $4,100 | $5,400 |
| Mike Gesicki | $4,000 | $5,200 |
| O.J. Howard | $3,900 | $4,800 |
| Jimmy Graham | $3,800 | $5,500 |
| Dalton Schultz | $3,700 | $4,000 |
| Dawson Knox | $3,700 | $4,700 |
| Jack Doyle | $3,600 | $5,300 |
| Logan Thomas | $3,600 | $4,700 |
| Kyle Rudolph | $3,500 | $5,000 |
| Chris Herndon | $3,400 | $5,100 |
| Dan Arnold | $3,300 | $4,400 |
| Jordan Akins | $3,300 | $4,600 |
| Darren Fells | $3,200 | $4,300 |
| Ian Thomas | $3,200 | $5,000 |
| Tyler Eifert | $3,000 | $4,600 |
| Irv Smith | $2,900 | $4,600 |
| Cameron Brate | $2,600 | $4,200 |
| Jordan Reed | $2,600 | $4,800 |
Tight End
Weekly strategy – Mark Andrews is the only truly elite play up top. Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and Evan Engram deserve some rub, but I’m going cheap here this week. Last week’s MNF matchup of Jonnu Smith and Noah Fant gave us a peek into the future of the top tier of TEs. Each looked phenomenal. They will be my top two options this week since their price is more in alignment with my free-spending ways at RB and WR. I don’t mind Hayden Hurst, Tyler Higbee, Mike Gesicki, or Eric Ebron as a pivot play in the same price range. There are also several deep punt values that may encourage me to go double-TE and squeeze both Adams and Hopkins along with Zeke and Henry. Feel free to consider Dalton Schultz, Dawson Knox, Jack Doyle, Logan Thomas (my favorite punt of the week), and Ian Thomas. I particularly love this fivesome on DK where their price is very low.
Fantasy Four Pack
Mark Andrews, Ravens @ HOU ($6300 DK, $7500 FD)
Houston is (much like last year) a decent but not great team against TEs. Travis Kelce was left wide open on multiple occasions last week, including in the red zone. That strategy didn’t work very well. Lamar Jackson doesn’t have the dearth of weapons that Patrick Mahomes has, but he has his favorite binky, Mark Andrews. Andrews tied with Hollywood Brown for the team lead in targets and receptions, but the tight end hauled in two scores while Brown was held out of the end zone. Unless Houston changes their gameplan significantly, Andrews should finish with a floor of 6-80-1.
Jonnu Smith, Titans vs. JAX ($4200 DK, $4900 FD)
Yes, I have Jonnu Smith ranked above Travis Kelce and George Kittle. Kittle would be above him if we knew he would play, but Jonnu has arrived and he isn’t going anywhere but up. In Week 1, the Colts’ TEs combined for 5-69. That should be Smith’s floor this week as long as he continues to see a healthy dose of targets. Jacksonville also gave up a ton of receptions to Indy’s RBs out of the backfield. Derrick Henry isn’t known as a huge pass catcher, so some of those looks might go to Smith lined up from an H-Back position.
George Kittle, 49ers @ NYJ ($6700 DK, $7400 FD)
George Kittle remains questionable as of the publication of this article. That said, Kittle is a tough SOB and if anyone can play through his injury, it is him. The Niners will likely get Brandon Aiyuk back this week as well which should throw Kittle some shade in coverage. Not that he will need any against a Jets’ secondary that just isn’t very good. The Jets’ run defense is actually pretty decent, so I expect the Niners to lean more on the pass than the run this week. If Kittle plays the full game he should finish with 8-80-1. Even limited he should top 5-50. Watch as we get closer to Sunday because you hate to spend this much on a questionable guy, especially with some incredible bargains at the position this week.
Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ LAC ($7000 DK, $7800 FD)
One of the spots in the Chargers’ secondary you can attack successfully is with your TEs. Last year, they were middle of the pack against the position, and last week, they allowed C.J. Uzomah to go for 4-45. Travis Kelce is considerably more talented than Uzomah, and Andy Reid does a great job of game-planning to exploit his opponent’s biggest weakness. Throwing outside versus the Chargers’ cornerbacks isn’t normally a winning strategy (although Tyreek Hill has been serviceable against them in the past). A big worry I have here is that Kelce has only scored twice in twelve career games versus LA. You are still gonna be happy with your 6-60 floor, but without a guaranteed score, I abhor paying this much.
DFS Sleepers
Noah Fant, Broncos @ PIT ($4400 DK, $5300 FD)
Noah Fant joined Jonnu Smith in busting out on MNF. This week he faces a much stiffer challenge in Pittsburgh. Still, if Courtland Sutton misses another game, Fant will likely repeat his role as the number two receiving option for Drew Lock. I’m not going to predict another 5-81-1, but 4-60-1 is certainly in play. Last season, Pittsburgh was beatable by TEs. Only two teams allowed more tight end TDs. Fant may also be under-owned, as teams use Jonnu for right around the same dollar amount in a perceived better game script. This will make him a nice pivot.
Logan Thomas, Football Team @ ARI ($3600 DK, $4700 FD)
Yes, Arizona improved their coverage against tight ends this offseason. That said, an improvement from historically bad to slightly below average isn’t exactly a confidence builder. They still allowed a gimpy George Kittle and the undead corpse of Jordan Reed to post 6-56 against them. Meanwhile, Dwayne Haskins targeted Logan Thomas a team-high eight times in their upset of the Eagles. They say don’t mess with what is working for you, so I expect Ron Rivera to continue to utilize Thomas frequently. I mean, It isn’t as if they have a lot of weapons in their passing game to rely upon anyway.
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