After a crazy Week 1 of the fantasy football season — highlighted by some dominating plays (Jonathan Taylor, Justin Jefferson, Patrick Mahomes, Carson Wentz, and Curtis Samuel) and some milk cartons (Mike Williams, Austin Hooper, DeVonta Smith, Alvin Kamara, and Cole Kmet) — I am pumped to go back for seconds this weekend. So, let’s get down to it, starting with a triple-dose of Primetime DFS.
DFS: The Primetime Slate
Sunday Night
CHICAGO @ GREEN BAY
We didn’t get a true read on Justin Fields (QB6) last week thanks to a monsoon. Still, we know his weapons, or lack thereof. The best I can afford him is an outside shot at QB5 if Ryan Tannehill struggles.
Aaron Rodgers (QB4) also struggled last week due to a lack of weapons. If he can get one (or both) of his tackles and top WR, Allen Lazard, back he should make a jump in the right direction. If not, he might spend a lot of time on his back once again.
David Montgomery (RB4) failed to take advantage of the bad weather conditions. He also ceded a score to backup Khalil Herbert (RB10). Fortunately, Montgomery out-touched Herbert 2-1, so there isn’t really a controversy here yet. Green Bay was ground down but that was due to falling behind early. That won’t happen this week. So, don’t assume this is an easy 100-yard day for Montgomery.
A.J. Dillon (RB5) out-touched Aaron Jones (RB3) nearly 2-to-1. He also scored the only TD among the pair. That said, Jones averaged nearly 10 YPC while Dillon finished at 4.5 YPC. The game script should be much different this week for Green Bay. This will put both of these two in play at RB2. I prefer Jones, since we should see more carries than receptions this week.
Chicago’s WR corps was more like a corps(e) Week 1. The weather didn’t help things, but no WR saw more than three targets and none caught more than one pass. Darnell Mooney (WR6) should show out this week as Green Bay’s secondary looks overhyped. Equanimeous St. Brown (WR17) scored last week and gets the revenge game here. Consider him as a WR3/flex play. Byron Pringle (WR20) has more talent than St. Brown, but he and Dante Pettis (WR22) should remain bench-bound.
Allen Lazard (WR8) missed Week 1, but he will be the immediate favorite of Rodgers if he can go. Romeo Doubs (WR14) out-targeted Christian Watson (WR12) last week, but Watson should’ve had a long TD. Watson has more talent, so I like his chance better here. Randall Cobb (WR19) and Sammy Watkins (WR18) did little with their opportunity in Week 1. Neither should be used outside of Showdown at this point.
There was no excuse for Cole Kmet (TE5) posting a goose egg. The weather should’ve helped his cause, but he was targeted only once. Kmet is better than he showed here and Fields targeted him a lot at the end of 2021, so expect a bounce-back game.
Robert Tonyan (TE2) was tied for the second-most targets from Rodgers last week. As one of his few familiars on the field, I was not surprised. I love him this week in an easier matchup.
Monday Night
TENNESSEE @ BUFFALO
Ryan Tannehill (QB5) finished last week with a decent line but now faces an elite defense. The Titans will be playing keep-up, which should provide him many passing opportunities, I just wish he had better weapons.
You could argue that Josh Allen (QB1) is the top QB in all of football. This is why he is my top option here. It also helps that Tennessee has one of the more porous pass defenses among these games.
Derrick Henry (RB2) had a floor game by his standards against New York. He shouldn’t have. Unlike last year, Henry was ignored in the passing game, ceding every target (and two receiving TDs) to Dontrell Hilliard (RB9). This could be a disturbing trend that continues all season. This is a so-so slate for high-end RBs and considering his price, I may ignore Henry.
I have no clue what Buffalo is doing with their backfield, but it worked last week. Devin Singletary (RB7) was effectively carrying the ball while Zack Moss (RB11) was sure-handed through the air. This split may have been even more confusing had James Cook (RB14) not fumbled himself into the doghouse. Consider Singletary as an RB2 candidate, but I don’t trust the other two enough to rely on them.
Speaking of confusing situations, Robert Woods (WR9) was inexplicably ignored in Week 1. At least both rookie WRs, Kyle Phillips (WR13) and Treylon Burks (WR11), were active and efficient. Tennessee will have to throw the ball this week, so all three deserve WR3/flex consideration. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR24) can be ignored, barring an injury.
Start all of your Buffalo WRs. Stefon Diggs (WR3) and Gabriel Davis (WR4) can both be considered at WR1 or WR2. Also, consider both Jamison Crowder (WR15) and Isaiah McKenzie (WR10) at WR3. Tennessee’s pass defense is weak enough that all four could score here.
Austin Hooper (TE4) was also ignored by Tannehill this past week. Geoff Swaim (TE7) actually got more love than Hooper. That had to be an aberration. On a weak TE slate, go back to the well with Hooper. He cannot do any worse.
Buffalo also ignored their TE, Dawson Knox (TE6), last week. This team has just too many weapons, and Knox is truly TD-dependent. So I’d only use him on Showdown.
MINNESOTA @ PHILADELPHIA
Kirk Cousins (QB2) was off to a quick start in Week 1 and gets an equally burnable secondary this week. Unfortunately, Cousins has struggled in primetime over the recent past.
Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts (QB3) looked impressive last week both through the air and on the ground. I’m willing to eat crow about his development as a passer. He has many weapons right now, and Minnesota’s secondary is dealing with some injuries. This will be a big game for the youngster.
Dalvin Cook (RB1) had a floor game last week as Minnesota made a concerted effort to pass the ball. I expect a more even split here, and he should eat against a team that was gashed by both D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. Alexander Mattison (RB12) is strictly a handcuff back. He can be ignored outside of Showdown.
Miles Sanders (RB6) looked great last week. He also still was forced to split rushes four ways with Hurts and Kenneth Gainwell (RB8) and Boston Scott (RB13). Unfortunately for Sanders, this is the Philly Way. Running will be harder here against a stout Minnesota run defense. Sanders can be an RB2, but the others can be left to Showdown contests.
Set it and forget it, Justin Jefferson (WR1) will be a lock for 100-1 all season. Adam Thielen (WR5) had a down Week 1, but his historical red-zone usage makes him a great WR2 option if you want access to this offense without paying Jefferson’s price. K.J. Osborn (WR16) also slogged last week. I’d consider him as a punt WR3 for exposure to this game. Jalen Reagor (WR25) gets the revenge game narrative. Unfortunately, that is all he will get this week.
I knew that A.J. Brown (WR2) would command targets but I didn’t imagine DeVonta Smith (WR7) vanishing off of the stat sheet. Minnesota’s secondary is imminently burnable, putting both of them in play here. I just hope that Smith doesn’t turn into Tyler Lockett. Quez Watkins (WR23) and Zach Pascal (WR21) split one target last week. They can be ignored in all formats.
Johnny Mundt (TE8) drew the “start” last week since Irv Smith (TE3) wasn’t ready to go full-go. Smith should be ready for a full workload this week. He makes a nice third leg of a Cousins-Jefferson stack.
Dallas Goedert (TE1) is the strongest play on a very weak primetime TE board. I’m gonna fade him, though, based on price and since Minnesota has been historically strong against the position.
The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups
DK Lineup: QB Matt Ryan ($5.9k), RB Joe Mixon ($7.2k), RB Javonte Williams ($6.5k), WR Davante Adams ($8.6k), WR Michael Pittman ($6.7k), WR Curtis Samuel ($4.6k), TE Hayden Hurst ($3.6k), FLEX Jeff Wilson ($5.1k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($2.2k)
FD Lineup: QB Matt Ryan ($6.8k), RB Darrell Henderson ($6.2k), RB Javonte Williams ($7.3k), WR Davante Adams ($8.8k), WR Michael Pittman ($7.8k), WR Christian Kirk ($6.5k), TE Hayden Hurst ($5.3k), FLEX Jeff Wilson ($6.3k), DST San Francisco 49ers ($4.9k)
FB Lineup: QB Derek Carr ($6.1k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.4k), RB Javonte Williams ($6.1k), WR Davante Adams ($8.2k), WR Julio Jones ($4.3k), WR Curtis Samuel ($4.3k), TE Hayden Hurst ($3.4k), FLEX Jeff Wilson ($5.1k), FLEX Joe Mixon ($6.9k)
| Quarterbacks |
DraftKings |
FanDuel |
| Kyler Murray |
$7,500 |
$8,500 |
| Lamar Jackson |
$7,400 |
$8,200 |
| Russell Wilson |
$7,200 |
$7,500 |
| Joe Burrow |
$6,600 |
$7,900 |
| Tom Brady |
$6,400 |
$8,000 |
| Matthew Stafford |
$6,300 |
$7,600 |
| Derek Carr |
$6,200 |
$7,300 |
| Carson Wentz |
$5,800 |
$7,400 |
| Trey Lance |
$5,700 |
$7,500 |
| Marcus Mariota |
$5,900 |
$7,300 |
| Tua Tagovailoa |
$5,600 |
$6,800 |
| Jameis Winston |
$5,600 |
$7,200 |
| Matt Ryan |
$5,500 |
$6,800 |
| Jacoby Brissett |
$5,400 |
$6,600 |
| Jared Goff |
$5,400 |
$6,700 |
| Baker Mayfield |
$5,300 |
$7,000 |
| Trevor Lawrence |
$5,300 |
$6,900 |
| Davis Mills |
$5,200 |
$6,400 |
| Mac Jones |
$5,200 |
$6,400 |
| Daniel Jones |
$5,100 |
$7,100 |
| Geno Smith |
$5,100 |
$6,300 |
| Joe Flacco |
$5,100 |
$6,400 |
| Cooper Rush |
$5,000 |
$6,100 |
| Mitch Trubisky |
$5,000 |
$6,500 |
| Brian Hoyer |
$4,800 |
$6,400 |
| Taysom Hill |
$4,400 |
$X,XXX |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – Russell Wilson had a mediocre Week 1, but this matchup is just too juicy. Kyler Murray and Derek Carr also are great options up top. Carson Wentz has a nice DK price, but he is a bit pricey on FD. Matt Ryan is my favorite play of the week (as long as Michael Pittman plays). Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield could be punt options.
Fantasy Four-pack
Russell Wilson, Broncos vs. HOU
($7,200 DK, $7,500 FD)
Wilson has no inner storyline to deal with this week. At home, versus a bottom-feeding defense, he should cook. After the end-of-game controversy last week, Wilson will have a mile(high)-length leash this week and 350-3 is easily in sight.
Kyler Murray, Cardinals @ LV ($7,500 DK, $8,500 FD) We expected a high-scoring affair last week. We were half-right. Murray salvaged his day with some garbage time numbers. We could see something similar this week in another potential shootout. Still, expect improvement here as Zach Ertz should be closer to 100%, and Rondale Moore may be back.
Derek Carr, Raiders vs. ARI
($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD) Patrick Mahomes picked this defense to shreds last week including attacking its’ supposed strength in the middle. Davante Adams is better than any WR on the Chiefs roster, making this the premiere stack of the week. Even consider going three-legged with Darren Waller, too.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. MIA
($7,400 DK, $8,200 FD) Highlighting how poor this week’s QB class is, Jackson facing a stingy defense is the projected fourth-highest scorer. The establishment of Devin Duvernay as a legit Option C for this offense should open up more opportunities for Mark Andrews. I don’t love that stack, but it could pay dividends.
DFS Sleepers
Matt Ryan, Colts @ JAX
($5,500 DK, $6,800 FD) Ryan ended up posting a fantasy-friendly line in Week 1, despite his failure to win the game. That sounds very Carson Wentz-esque of him. Speaking of Wentz, he torched this secondary for four scores. Ryan has, at worst, even weapons to that of the Commanders, so expect a floor of 300-3 as long as Michael Pittman (quad) plays.
Carson Wentz, Commanders @ DET
($5,800 DK, $7,400 FD)
For the second week in a row, Wentz gets a cream-puff defense to pick on. I loved the hookup with Curtis Samuel last week and will definitely roll out this pair once again. Just be cautious of using Terry McLaurin against his former college teammate Jeff Okudah, who shut down DeVonta Smith last week.
| Running backs |
DraftKings |
FanDuel |
| Jonathan Taylor |
$9,900 |
$10,000 |
| Christian McCaffrey |
$8,900 |
$9,000 |
| Alvin Kamara |
$7,400 |
$7,200 |
| Saquon Barkley |
$7,300 |
$8,800 |
Joe Mixon
|
$7,200 |
$8,300 |
| Nick Chubb |
$7,100 |
$8,500 |
| D’Andre Swift |
$7,000 |
$8,200 |
| James Conner |
$6,900 |
$7,600 |
| Leonard Fournette |
$6,700 |
$7,800 |
| Kareem Hunt |
$6,600 |
$7,000 |
| Javonte Williams |
$6,500 |
$7,300 |
| Antonio Gibson |
$6,200 |
$7,400 |
| Najee Harris |
$6,200 |
$7,200 |
| Melvin Gordon |
$6,100 |
$6,000 |
| Cordarrelle Patterson |
$6,000 |
$7,500 |
| Ezekiel Elliott |
$5,900 |
$7,100 |
| Josh Jacobs |
$5,800 |
$6,600 |
| Tony Pollard |
$5,800 |
$5,700 |
| Darrell Henderson |
$5,700 |
$6,200 |
| Mark Ingram |
$5,700 |
$5,300 |
| Cam Akers |
$5,600 |
$5,500 |
| James Robinson |
$5,600 |
$6,800 |
| Travis Etienne |
$5,600 |
$5,800 |
| Damien Harris |
$5,500 |
$6,000 |
| Jamaal Williams |
$5,400 |
$6,400 |
| Jaylen Warren |
$5,400 |
$5,500 |
| Rashaad Penny |
$5,400 |
$6,500 |
| J.K. Dobbins |
$5,300 |
$6,000 |
| Nyheim Hines |
$5,300 |
$5,500 |
| Breece Hall |
$5,200 |
$5,900 |
| Chase Edmonds |
$5,200 |
$6,000 |
| J.D. McKissic |
$5,200 |
$5,200 |
| Michael Carter |
$5,200 |
$5,900 |
| Rhamondre Stevens |
$5,200 |
$5,600 |
| Jeff Wilson |
$5,100 |
$6,300 |
| Kenneth Walker |
$5,000 |
$5,500 |
| Samaje Perine |
$5,000 |
$6,000 |
| Tyrion Davis-Price |
$5,000 |
$5,000 |
| Rex Burkhead |
$4,900 |
$5,800 |
| Dameon Pierce |
$4,800 |
$5,600 |
| Tyler Allgeier |
$4,600 |
$4,600 |
| Rachaad White |
$4,500 |
$5,700 |
| Raheem Mostert |
$4,400 |
$5,300 |
| Zamir White |
$4,400 |
$4,600 |
| Damien Williams |
$4,200 |
$4,800 |
| Emo Benjamin |
$4,200 |
$4,900 |
| Jordan Mason |
$4,200 |
$4,500 |
Running Back
Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey was not featured in the Carolina gameplan Week 1. They lost. He will be force-fed this week. Do what you can to get two of CMC, Saquon Barkley, Joe Mixon (my personal favorite), Nick Chubb, and, if he plays, D’Andre Swift (ankle) into your lineup. Jonathan Taylor’s matchup is nice, but that price is steep. Javonte Williams and Antonio Gibson are cheaper pivots. The punt options are few and far between. Consider Nyheim Hines, Darrell Henderson, or Jamaal Williams (if Swift cannot go).
Fantasy Four-pack
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers @ NYG
($8,900 DK, $9,000 FD)
The Giants actually held Derrick Henry somewhat in check last week (nearly 4.0 YPC), but they were eviscerated by Dontrell Hilliard through the air. McCaffrey offers the best of both of them and Carolina needs to feature him this week after a sloppy start to their season.
Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ JAX
($9,900 DK, $10,000 FD) It is always hard to spend this much at RB. He needs to hit 30 points to return 3x value. The matchup suggests it is possible, but I’d rather take my chances with Nyheim Hines here at half the price.
Joe Mixon, Bengals @ DAL
($7,200 DK, $8,300 FD) Cincinnati won’t have to pass the ball to win this week. That is good, because Tee Higgins may not be available for this one. Even if they choose to throw, Higgins’ absence could lead to another nine-target game for Mixon.
D’Andre Swift, Lions vs. WAS
($7,000 DK, $8,200 FD) Swift pummeled Philadelphia to the tune of 175-1. His line might go underappreciated since Jamaal Williams vultured a pair of scores. Washington gave up a total of 134-2 to the pair of Jacksonville RBs, so another 100-1 would be safe for Swift, if he is cleared to go. If Swift misses the game, Williams is a must-start.
DFS Sleepers
Darrell Henderson, Rams vs. ATL
($5,700 DK, $6,200 FD) It was impossible to predict Henderson out-touching Cam Akers 6-to-1. It was also impossible to predict Atlanta limiting Alvin Kamara. Of course, hindsight has proven that injuries were responsible for both situations. Atlanta’s run defense is not this good, and Akers is clearly not 100%. Henderson’s line will surprise no one this week.
Nyheim Hines, Colts @ JAX
($5,300 DK, $5,500 FD)
Despite rumors that Indianapolis would pivot more of Jonathan Taylor’s looks to Hines this season, Taylor still dominated the carries and they split the receiving work. Hines did see six targets, catching them all for 50 yards. Meanwhile, Jacksonville allowed 10-92 to Washington’s RBs through the air. At half of Taylor’s salary, Hines provides you access to this offense and opens up the ability to spend up at both RB1 and WR1.
| Wide receivers |
DraftKings |
FanDuel |
| Cooper Kupp |
$9,900 |
$9,700 |
| Davante Adams |
$8,600 |
$8,800 |
| Ja’Marr Chase |
$8,000 |
$8,700 |
| Deebo Samuel |
$7,100 |
$8,000 |
| Tyreek Hill |
$7,100 |
$8,000 |
| CeeDee Lamb |
$6,900 |
$7,700 |
| Mike Evans |
$6,800 |
$8,300 |
| Michael Pittman |
$6,700 |
$7,800 |
| Terry McLaurin |
$6,600 |
$7,300 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown |
$6,500 |
$6,900 |
| Jaylen Waddle |
$6,400 |
$7,200 |
| DK Metcalf |
$6,300 |
$6,800 |
| Marquise Brown |
$6,200 |
$7,400 |
| Courtland Sutton |
$6,100 |
$6,800 |
| Brandin Cooks |
$6,000 |
$6,700 |
| Tee Higgins |
$5,900 |
$7,000 |
| Diontae Johnson |
$5,800 |
$7,100 |
| Michael Thomas |
$5,800 |
$7,000 |
| Christian Kirk |
$5,700 |
$6,500 |
| DJ Moore |
$5,700 |
$6,200 |
| Jerry Jeudy |
$5,600 |
$6,300 |
| Tyler Lockett |
$5,600 |
$6,200 |
| Allen Robinson |
$5,500 |
$5,700 |
| Hunter Renfrow |
$5,500 |
$5,600 |
| Julio Jones |
$5,500 |
$5,700 |
| Rashod Bateman |
$5,500 |
$6,400 |
| Amari Cooper |
$5,400 |
$6,300 |
| Tyler Boyd |
$5,400 |
$6,600 |
| Robbie Anderson |
$5,300 |
$5,900 |
| Drake London |
$5,200 |
$5,600 |
| Michael Gallup |
$5,200 |
$6,000 |
| Brandon Aiyuk |
$5,100 |
$5,700 |
| DJ Chark |
$5,100 |
$5,700 |
| Elijah Moore |
$5,000 |
$5,800 |
| Jarvis Landry |
$5,000 |
$6,100 |
| Sterling Shepard |
$4,900 |
$5,800 |
| Russell Gage |
$4,800 |
$6,100 |
| Chase Claypool |
$4,700 |
$6,000 |
| Corey Davis |
$4,600 |
$5,900 |
| Curtis Samuel |
$4,600 |
$5,700 |
| Chris Olave |
$4,500 |
$5,300 |
| DeVante Parker |
$4,500 |
$5,500 |
| Jalen Tolbert |
$4,500 |
$5,000 |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones |
$4,400 |
$5,800 |
| Garrett Wilson |
$4,400 |
$5,400 |
| Jakobi Meyers |
$4,400 |
$5,500 |
| Marvin Jones |
$4,400 |
$5,400 |
| A.J. Green |
$4,300 |
$5,400 |
| Devin Duvernay |
$4,300 |
$5,900 |
| Zay Jones |
$4,300 |
$5,500 |
| Jahan Dotson |
$4,200 |
$5,500 |
| Kadarius Toney |
$4,200 |
$5,100 |
| Kenny Golladay |
$4,200 |
$5,400 |
| Olamide Zaccheaus |
$4,200 |
$5,400 |
| Nico Collins |
$4,100 |
$5,100 |
| Rondale Moore |
$4,100 |
$5,300 |
| Kendrick Bourne |
$4,000 |
$5,000 |
| Bryan Edwards |
$3,900 |
$4,800 |
| KJ Hamler |
$3,900 |
$5,100 |
| Darius Slayton |
$3,800 |
$5,000 |
| D’Wayne Eskridge |
$3,800 |
$5,000 |
| Noah Brown |
$3,800 |
$5,200 |
| Cedrick Wilson |
$3,700 |
$5,100 |
| Parris Campbell |
$3,700 |
$5,100 |
| George Pickens |
$3,600 |
$5,000 |
| Marquise Goodwin |
$3,600 |
$4,700 |
| Nelson Agholor |
$3,600 |
$5,100 |
| David Bell |
$3,500 |
$4,800 |
| Greg Dortch |
$3,500 |
$5,500 |
| Van Jefferson |
$3,500 |
$5,000 |
| Jauan Jennings |
$3,400 |
$5,300 |
| Alec Pierce |
$3,300 |
$4,800 |
| Ben Skowronek |
$3,300 |
$5,100 |
| Demarcus Robinson |
$3,300 |
$5,100 |
| Laviska Shenault |
$3,300 |
$4,700 |
| Mike Thomas |
$3,300 |
$5,300 |
| Ashton Dulin |
$3,200 |
$5,200 |
| Breshad Perriman |
$3,200 |
$4,700 |
| Richie James |
$3,200 |
$5,500 |
Wide Receiver
Weekly strategy – Davante Adams is the top pick this week. I love him stacked with Derek Carr. Cooper Kupp is pricier, but he could approach similar output. One of the two should be your WR1. Michael Pittman (quad), Marquise Brown, Deebo Samuel, and Courtland Sutton are my pivots. At WR2, consider Hunter Renfrow, Julio Jones (knee), DJ Moore, and Christian Kirk. Curtis Samuel remains my favorite WR3 option. If you don’t use him, consider Jarvis Landry, Zay Jones, Donovan Peoples-Jones, DJ Chark, or Greg Dortch. I’d also consider using one of them at flex.
Fantasy Four-pack
Davante Adams, Raiders vs. ARI
($8,600 DK, $8,800 FD)
Adams and Derek Carr are my favorite stack this week. Arizona had no answer for Kansas City last week, and Adams has more talent than anyone who lined up at WR for the Chiefs … 10-125-1 is the floor here.
Cooper Kupp, Rams vs. ATL
($9,900 DK, $9,700 FD)
If you can figure out how to fit both Kupp and Adams under the cap, do it. Atlanta has a decent defensive backfield, but they gave up two scores to New Orleans’ alpha WR Michael Thomas last week. I am a tad concerned about his price, but he has topped 30 points many times before.
Deebo Samuel, 49ers vs. SEA
($7,100 DK, $8,000 FD) The loss of Eli Mitchell forced Samuel to garner more RB snaps last week. Last year, in a similar spot, Samuel feasted out of the backfield. Seattle is just okay against the pass, but they are rotten at stopping receiving backs. I’m stoked for Samuel’s stats if he gets an equal share of backfield snaps and receptions.
Michael Pittman, Colts @ JAX
($6,700 DK, $7,800 FD) Pittman (quad) was limited in practice midweek, but he should be good to go for Sunday. Pittman’s activity will affect my decision whether to start Matt Ryan or not. They make a perfect reduced-cost stack against a subpar secondary.
DFS Sleepers
Curtis Samuel, Commanders @ DET
($4,600 DK, $5,700 FD) People forgot about Samuel due to his injuries last season. He was brought in by Ron Rivera to revive his jack-of-all-trades role from their days together in Carolina. He showed out in Week 1 and with both Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson to keep defenses honest; Samuel should find lots of room to operate inside.
DJ Chark, Lions vs. WAS
($5,100 DK, $5,700 FD) I love run-it-back stacks. You can go either way in this game. Jared Goff or Carson Wentz paired with Chark and Samuel at WR2 & WR3 allows you the savings to use big bucks RBs or Kupp and Adams at WR1 and flex.
| Tight ends |
DraftKings |
FanDuel |
| Mark Andrews |
$6,400 |
$7,400 |
| George Kittle |
$5,900 |
$6,100 |
| Darren Waller |
$5,600 |
$6,800 |
| Taysom Hill |
$X,XXX |
$6,200 |
| Kyle Pitts |
$5,400 |
$5,900 |
| Dalton Schultz |
$5,200 |
$5,600 |
| T.J. Hockenson |
$4,700 |
$5,700 |
| Zach Ertz |
$4,500 |
$5,200 |
| Pat Freiermuth |
$4,400 |
$5,400 |
| Mike Gesicki |
$4,300 |
$5,200 |
| Tyler Higbee |
$4,200 |
$5,300 |
| Noah Fant |
$4,000 |
$5,000 |
| Cameron Brate |
$3,900 |
$4,900 |
| Albert Okwuegbunam |
$3,700 |
$5,100 |
| David Njoku |
$3,700 |
$4,900 |
| Evan Engram |
$3,600 |
$4,900 |
| Hayden Hurst |
$3,600 |
$5,300 |
| Hunter Henry |
$3,600 |
$5,100 |
| Logan Thomas |
$3,400 |
$5,200 |
| Tyler Conklin |
$3,400 |
$5,100 |
| C.J. Uzomah |
$3,200 |
$4,600 |
| Jonnu Smith |
$3,200 |
$4,700 |
| Mo Alie-Cox |
$3,200 |
$4,800 |
| Harrison Bryant |
$3,100 |
$4,700 |
| Ian Thomas |
$3,100 |
$4,600 |
| Adam Trautman |
$3,000 |
$4,600 |
| O.J. Howard |
$3,000 |
$5,000 |
| Tyler Kroft |
$2,800 |
$4,300 |
| Will Dissly |
$2,800 |
$4,200 |
| Brevin Jordan |
$2,600 |
$4,700 |
| Andrew Beck |
$2,500 |
$4,000 |
| Colby Parkinson |
$2,500 |
$4,100 |
| Juwan Johnson |
$2,500 |
$4,500 |
Tight End
Weekly strategy – Mark Andrews has a decent matchup and his DK price is workable. Darren Waller is a little cheaper and his game projects as more of a shootout. If you are feeling a little froggy, consider Kyle Pitts or Dalton Schultz. Neither should have high ownership rates and each could outproduce their salaries. T.J Hockenson, Tyler Higbee, and Zach Ertz make even cheaper pivots. Hayden Hurst is my favorite play (especially if Tee Higgins is out). The other punt options are Logan Thomas and O.J. Howard (who will be too heavily owned).
Fantasy Four-pack
Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. MIA
($6,400 DK, $7,400 FD)
Xavien Howard will likely be asked to cover Rashod Bateman. That will leave Andrews and Devin Duvernay as the best stack options with Lamar Jackson. A vanilla Week 1 by Andrews keeps his salary low for one more week take advantage of it.
Darren Waller, Raiders vs. ARI
($5,600 DK, $6,800 FD)
This is a weak week for main slate TEs. Still, elite TE, Travis Kelce, took Arizona to the woodshed last week, and Waller is one of the few who are close to the same stratosphere as Kelce.
Kyle Pitts, Falcons @ LAR
($5,400 DK, $5,900 FD) This is another ranking based more on the player’s talent than the matchup. Pitts had an awful final line, but he was targeted seven times. Expect a better output as Pitts gets more comfortable with Marcus Mariota.
T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. WAS
($4,700 DK, $5,700 FD)
Finally, a good matchup to go along with a talented athlete. Hockenson makes a nice third leg to a Jared Goff-DJ Chark stack in what could be a sneaky shootout.
DFS Sleepers
Hayden Hurst, Bengals @ DAL
($3,600 DK, $5,300 FD)
The eight targets recorded by Hurst last week were fifth among all TEs. If Tee Higgins misses another game, expect a similar workload here.
Logan Thomas, Commanders @ DET
($3,400 DK, $5,200 FD)
Thomas finished Week 1 tied for 11th in TE targets with six. Not bad for a guy coming off an ACL tear. As mentioned above, this game could be a shootout, and Thomas adds another potential third leg to a stack.
