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Evan Engram

Week 7 DFS TE and DST NFL Picks: Andrews’ Air Force

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

It’s Week 7 DFS in the NFL, and we’ve got a detailed list of tight ends and defenses to play in cash games and GPPs — right here at Win Daily Sports!

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Week 7 DFS TightEnd NFL — Cash Game Plays

Mark Andrews, BAL at SEA

FD ($6,700) DK ($4,900)

Andrews entered last week’s matchup with the Bengals nursing a bit of a shoulder issue but emerged with six catches (on eight targets) for 99 yards – his highest yardage total since the monster games in weeks 1 and 2. He’s the Ravens’ leading pass receiver, the targets have been consistent each week and this week’s opponent – the Seattle Seahawks – are 29^th against fantasy TEs. He’s a solid cash game play and viable in all formats, and there’s a good chance he notches another TD this week.

Austin Hooper, ATL vs. LAR

FD ($6,600) DK ($5,300)

Hooper’s workload gives him an edge in cash games, as he’s seeing 8.3 targets per game and converting those opportunities into fantasy gold – with more than six catches and 55 yards in every game but one so far in 2019. The Rams defense isn’t a pushover, but they did yield 8-103-0 to George Kittle on Sunday. He’s not cheap and he’ll be chalky in GPPs, but we can find plenty of value at other positions in cash games to warrant consideration of this standout fantasy performer.

Evan Engram, NYG vs. ARI

FD ($6,800) DK ($5,400)

Engram makes sense for both cash games and GPPs this week, though I’m partial to the previous two TEs in cash games considering Engram’s recent knee injury. Still, the matchup against the Cardinals remains the most favorable for fantasy TEs and Engram got in full practices this week after sitting against New England. Giants QB Daniel Jones is making use of his other receiving options these days, but Engram’s ceiling is lofty, he’s been making his cuts and feels good in practice, and he should be fine on Sunday barring any setbacks.

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Week 7 DFS Tight End NFL —GPP Plays

George Kittle, SF at WAS

FD ($7,100) DK ($6,700)

The 49ers TE has posted three straight games with exactlyeight targets and is looking to build onhis 8-103-0 line from a Week 6 win against the Rams. Washington’s pass defenseis dubious, and Jimmy Garoppolo has been in game manager mode andconservatively utilizing his full complement of WRs and RBs in the passing game.But Kittle is his favorite target and played on 83 percent of the offensive snaps last week; he has a higher floor than any of the 49ers WRs. I’d list himamong the cash game options if he wasn’t so expensive and hadn’t been a limitedparticipant (groin) at Thursday’s practice. Stay tuned to the injury report tomake sure he’s 100 percent – or close to it – come Sunday.

Darren Waller, OAK at GB

FD ($6,200) DK ($4,700)

There’s mild reason for concern with Waller coming off his lowest target total of 2019 in the week before the bye (4-39-0 on five targets in Week 5), and his status as limited (foot) at practice on Thursday. Add in the fact that he recently signed a multi-year contract extension with the Raiders, and maybe he’s lost a bit of the hunger that got him off to such a great start this season. Hopefully Waller’s status for Sunday’s game against the Packers isn’t in jeopardy, because he has enormous upside in this matchup and they certainly want to get something out of him after inking the new deal.

Hunter Henry, LAC at TEN

FD ($5,700) DK ($4,000)

Henry burst back into our fantasy consciousness with a monsterWeek 6 performance (8-100-2 on nine targets) despite a pre-game announcementthat he’d be on a limited snap count. It was a triumphant return to the field followinga four-game absence due to a tibia plateau fracture to his left knee, and he’lllook to follow up with another big game Sunday against the Titans. I have a feelinghe’ll be a little chalky in GPPs, but he’s just $4K on DK and I’ll have some exposure.

Week 7 DFS Tight End NFL — GPPValue and Punt Plays

T.J. Hockenson, DET vs. MIN

FD ($5,400) DK ($3,600)

Canwe just call this guy “Hock” yet, like we called Rob Gronkowski “Gronk?” It’llbe a while before he’s the elite fantasy option the former New England TE was,but Hock bounced back with some limited involvement after clearing the concussionprotocol, hauling in four of six targets for 21 yards during Monday’s 23-22loss to Green Bay. WR Kenny Golladay remains the top receiving option for the Lions,but Matt Stafford often looks for the rookie TE in the red zone, where we findthose elusive two-TD games. He’s an under-the-radar, inexpensive GPP play.

Jordan Akins, HOU at IND

FD ($4,600) DK ($3,200)

It’s between Akins and Darren Fells ($3,100) for the title of bestGPP tight end from Houston, and it’s a tough choice. Akins has more upside and versatilitybetween the 20s (he’s utilized as H-back, WR and TE) and has the requisitespeed to take any pass from Watson on a seam route to the house. He’s alsosecond on the team in red zone targets with five, while Fells is the main TE intwo-TE sets, saw action on 80 of 92 snaps last week, and is also targeted in thered zone. Both make for interesting GPP value options on this slate, thoughAkins is cheaper on FD.

Luke Willson, SEA vs. BAL

FD($4,500) DK ($3,000)

Willson will take over as the Seahawks’ No. 1 tight end onSunday facing the Ravens after Will Dissly (Achilles) was placed on IR. Willsondoesn’t have the upside of Dissly but he did play a season-high 56 offensivesnaps and caught two of three targets for 16 yards last week after the startingTE departed. He’s worth a dart throw in large-field GPPs but I’ll be havinglimited exposure with so many other options and only be using him in half of mySeattle passing game stacks.

Additional GPP and puntoptions:

Gerald Everett, LAR at ATL(FD $5,900, DK $3,700)

Jimmy Graham, GB vs. OAK(FD $5,800, DK $4,200)

Darren Fells, HOU at IND(FD $5,400, DK $3,100)

Jack Doyle, IND vs. HOU (FD $4,900), DK $3,500)

Trey Burton, CHI vs. NO (FD $4,800, DK $3,200)

Foster Moreau, OAK at GB (FD $4,900, DK $2,700)

Week 7 DFS DST NFL —Cash Game Plays

Buffalo Bills (BUF vs. MIA)

FD ($5,500) DK ($3,400)

The Bills are the top defense on the slate facing Ryan Fitzpatrickand the Dolphins – and they have the price to match. There’s no reason tooveranalyze this in cash games. You can flip a coin between this unit and the 49ersor just use whomever fits into your builds and salary cap.

San Francisco 49ers (SF atWAS)

FD($5,000) DK ($4,100)

With Case Keenum starting for Washington, it goes without sayingthe 49ers defense has some upside and might even be as better GPP play than theBills – who will be very chalky. In cash games, it’s probably a toss-up. I’llhave shares of both.

Week 6 DFS DST NFL — GPPPlays

Chicago Bears (CHI vs.NO)

FD ($4,500) DK ($3,000)

The Bears offer similar upside to the previously mentioned teams but with a bit more risk. They’ll be relatively low-owned facing the Saints but will be missing underrated defensive standout Akiem Hicks, who the Bears hope can return from IR later in the season. Still, Khalil Mack is due for one of his trademark takeover games and this unit is super affordable on DK to boot.

Houston Texans (HOU at IND)

FD ($3,900) DK ($3,000)

The Texans defense has been adequate this season, forcing at leastone turnover in every game this season. The only two games where they didn’t scoreat least 8.0 fantasy points on DK were Week 1 at New Orleans and Week 6 atKansas City. The Colts will look early and often to Marlon Mack, and if theycan contain him, they’ll post a solid game.

Los Angeles Chargers (LACat TEN)

FD ($4,600) DK ($3,100)

The Chargers were not great last week against Pittsburgh, but ifthey can get Melvin Ingram back for this game, they stand a much better shot atmaking value. Injuries have been an issue for this unit, but the possible returnof Ingram adds some intrigue to a matchup facing new Titans starter Ryan Tannehilland the Titans’ bevy of underachieving skill position players.

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Week 6 DFS DST NFL — PuntPlays

Minnesota Vikings (MIN atDET)

FD ($3,800) DK ($3,100)

The Lions didn’t crack double digits in either game against the Vikingslast season, and this Minnesota unit isn’t a whole lot different from the 2019version. I’m on board for the low, low price of $3,100 on DK, but they are a bitof a risk with the Lions offense looking a lot sharper this year.

Cincinnati Bengals (CIN vs.JAC)

FD ($3,800) DK ($2,100)

The Bengals have some high-upside individual defensive players and they’ll be super low-owned, but I’m a little concerned about the injuries in the secondary. If they can come together as a unit and force Gardner Minshew into some mistakes, they’ll be able to make some value in GPPs at just $2,100 on DK – and maybe even take an errant throw to the house to boost their score. A true DST dart throw in GPPs.

5 years ago 0 comment

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS: Week Seven Injury Report: Mahomes, Barkley and More

5 years ago

written by

Week Seven is upon us and the impending return of some key players is yet again in play. Last week hopefully you took my advice and beat the crowd to using Tyreek Hill while avoiding Alvin Kamara. In this iteration of the DFS Week Seven Injury Report I’ll once again touch on several players and their respective injuries.

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DeSean Jackson

In the middle of last week Jackson’s injury on the report changed from “groin” to “abdomen” which was unexpected but makes some sense. A muscle injury like Jackson’s can involve any of the muscles that attach to the pelvis from the leg or abdomen. Typically these can take anywhere from four to six weeks to heal, so I do not expect Jackson to play this week, but check with me again later this week. If he made some quick improvements over the weekend, I may be wrong.

Update: Jackson did not practice on Wednesday and in my estimation still seems a week or two away from returning. This abdomen injury is much more serious than the Eagles want to admit. Check back later this week to confirm he has not made unexpected improvements.

Patrick Mahomes

This one is driving me a bit batty as the general public has come together and decided as a unit that Mahomes’ ankle is damaged. The bottom line is that it was not taped on Sunday, his lateral mobility looked excellent, and he said himself after the game that it was not re-injured. Is the ankle bothering him some? It very well could be, but he is the exception to the rule when it comes to injury (as he is for most other things). His arm strength is so incredible that he does not need to step into his throws onto that ankle to be accurate. In fact, he’s made his mark in the league for more than a year now by doing exactly the opposite.The guy has thrown for 300 yards in all but one game this year and in Week Four Rushed for 54 yards. What else do you want from him to prove that he’s healthy? Confidently use in in the Showdown slates this Thursday as this offense continues to hum despite two consecutive losses.

Update: Talking heads continue to make a mess of Mahomes’ health. I suppose there aren’t enough news stories to fill all of the hours in a day. Below is a thread with former Chiefs Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer, Aaron Borgmann. He and I remain in lock step on the severity (or lack thereof) of Mahomes’ injury. Most importantly, Monday’s estimated practice report listed Mahomes as a full participant. If Mahomes does not perform well tonight, it will not be because of a “bad ankle”.

https://twitter.com/RehabAllStar/status/1184819802520596484?s=20

Saquon Barkley

Week Seven marks Barkley’s first legitimate chance at playing on Sunday, as he hits the four week mark since his high ankle sprain. He’ll still have to practice in full at least once this week for me to be confident in his recovery, but if he suits up, expect the Saquon we all know and love. Don’t worry about re-injury.

Update: Barkley was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. I have no reservations about firing him up this week.

Evan Engram

Engram sprained his MCL in Week Five and was not able to play against the Patriots in Week Six. Typically these injuries take anywhere from one to three weeks to heal, but it all depends on his ability to stabilize the knee while cutting and running. If I report that Engram is able to practice this week, he has a shot at playing on Sunday.

Update: Barkley’s teammate also practiced in full on Wednesday. The only reservation I have on Engram is his history of MCL sprains. Given his specific circumstances, I would not be shocked if a re-injury occurs. However, he’s a fine play this week given the matchup.

Josh Gordon

According to the Patriots, Gordon avoided serious injury to his knee on Thursday, but was unable to return. This tells us quite a bit about the pain he was experiencing, as you would think he would do all he can to bolster that constantly thinning receiving corps. As such, I wouldn’t expect Gordon to suit up this week if we’re treating this as a traditional MCL sprain.

Update: The Patriots notoriously give reporters and writers alike headaches with their secretive style as it relates to team related issues. As a result, injuries are especially difficult to project. However, it is of note that Gordon did not practice on Tuesday. I’m not optimistic he plays this week.

Davante Adams

Next on the DFS Week Seven Injury Report is Davante Adams. Adams’ injury is much worse than the Packers let on a few weeks ago. Adams himself came out recently and told the media that there is ligament damage to his toe on MRI, automatically staging it as a grade II. A grade II turf toe problem can take anywhere from three to six weeks to heal, and with the Packers sitting pretty with only one loss this season, I don’t expect them to rush Adams back just 24 days after the sprain. Unless he practices in full this week, don’t expect Adams back until Week Eight at the earliest.

Update: Adams continues to be sidelined. Do not expect him back until Week Eight at the earliest.

Amari Cooper

Cooper suffered a thigh contusion on Sunday and did not return to the game. To make matters worse the contusion is of his quadriceps, which are responsible for extending the knee and bending the hip. Well, receivers need to do these motions repeatedly with no pain or limitations, which is exactly what a contusion causes. Contusions are much more painful than they are given credit for and I would not be surprised if Cooper misses Week Seven. Check back with me on his practice reports to confirm this.

Update: Cooper was out of practice Wednesday and I would not expect him to play this week.

Mid Week Additions

Todd Gurley and Malcom Brown

Gurley was not at practice again on Wednesday. Given his absence and the report of a contusion to the knee, I would not expect him to play this week unless he manages to get in at least a limited a practice this week. His teammate, Malcom Brown, missed practice on Wednesday, so check back with me later this week for further details. It may finally be Darrell Henderson SZN.

Geronimo Allison and Marquez Valdes-Scantling

With a quick turnaround, Allison may not clear the concussion protocol before Sunday. That leaves his teammate, Valdes-Scantling as the lone starter remaining available if he is able to give it a go after a knee and ankle injury on Monday night. MVS returned in the fourth quarter for a big play, so that gives me guarded optimism he’ll suit up Sunday despite missing practice on Thursday.

That will do it for the DFS Week Seven Injury Report. Make sure to check back in with me as updates begin to roll in today and as always, follow me on Twitter @FFStudentDoc.

THANK YOU FOR READING. YOU CAN READ SOME OF MY OTHER WORK AND THOUGHTS ON MY AUTHOR PAGE. FOLLOW Win Daily DFS ON TWITTER @WinDailyDFS. PLEASE CHECK OUT EVERYTHING THAT Win Daily DFS HAS TO OFFER. NEW ARTICLES, STATISTICS AND DATA ARE BEING ADDED CONSTANTLY. ALSO, DO NOT FORGET TO LISTEN TO THE WIN DAILY PODCASTS HERE.

Featured image courtesy of Keith Allison.

5 years ago 0 comment

NFL Daily Fantasy Sports

Week 5 DFS TE and DST NFL Picks: Ertz So Good

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

It’s Week 5 DFS for the NFL, and there are plenty of viable TE and DST plays to get us in the money for cash games and GPPs. Let’s fire up the DFS engines and get you the picks you need to take down the tourneys and better your opponents.

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Week 5 DFS Tight End NFL — Cash Game Plays

Zach Ertz, PHI vs. NYJ

FD ($6,600) DK ($6,000)

While the Eagles receiving corps is getting healthier, Ertz remains a much-utilized target within Philly’s offense. Through four games, he’s seen the most targets among TEs (38) and racked up 24-255-0, the glaring lack of a TD the only thing that ‘s keeping him from fantasy glory. Against the Jets in Week 5, he stands a good chance to remedy that. Zach Ertz is reasonably priced, the number one cash game play of the main slate and makes for a fine lock-and-load in all formats.

Evan Engram, NYG vs. MIN

FD ($6,300) DK ($5,800)

If Wertz is first, who do you think is second? Engram has only one fewer target (37) than Ertz and is averaging 6.75 receptions, 82.75 yards and a 0.5 TDs per game. If we round those numbers up to 7-83-1, we’re looking at a solid cash game play in a game that should feature a lot of the Giants TE. He comes at a small discount from Ertz, and even with WR Golden Tate back and slot man Sterling Shepard clicking with Rookie QB Daniel Jones, Engram projects to see around 8-10 targets on a weekly basis.

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Week 5 DFS Tight End NFL — GPP Plays

Austin Hooper, ATL at HOU

FD ($6,700) DK ($4,500)

We’ve got some huge disparity with the pricing on Hoper, who’s themost expensive TE on FD at $6,700, and only the fifth priciest on DK. That’s somethingwe can take advantage of in GPPs on FD, where his ownership should be slightlylower. Hooper saw 11 targets in Week 4, the most among NFL tight ends, and bustedout for 9-130-0. The Texans have been stingy vs. TEs, but with this game projectedto be a boon for all the skill position players, I’ll be utilizing Hooper in game/teamstacks with Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, and running back some of the Texans (DeAndreHopkins, Will Fuller).

Darren Waller, OAK vs. CHI

FD ($6,400) DK ($5,000)

At this point, it’s safeto call Waller matchup-proof, and while his upside is somewhat limited againstthe Bears, I can’t keep him completely off my builds for Week 5 NFL DFS. He’stied with Engram for second most targets among TEs (37) and he’ll be utilizedoften as a check down with the Raiders likely struggling to move the ball verticallyup the field. Ownership on both sites will be low and there’s no reason we shouldn’tlook to Derek Carr’s most reliable pass catcher as a contrarian GPP option here.

Greg Olsen, CAR vs. JAC

FD ($5,700) DK ($4,000)

In Week 3, Kyle Allen looked absolutely smitten with hisveteran TE, but Olsen had a quiet week last Sunday when he hauled in just twoof his four targets for 5 yards. That performance was against the aforementionedTexans, and game log followers with recency bias may steer clear of Olsen thisweek. That’s fine – because when healthy, we need reliable red zone targets withupside like Olsen in our GPPs. The Jaguars aren’t the big bad scary predatorycats they were in 2018, so plug in the Panthers TE with confidence.

Ben Watson, NE at WAS

FD ($5,200) DK ($3,700)

Doyou like risk? How about when it comes with oodles of upside in a matchup thatportends many scoring opportunities for a potent offense? Tom Brady has been desperatelylooking for a TE to lock onto since Rob Gronkowski retired, and Watson – in his15^th NFL season and his second turn with the Patriots – is comingoff a four-game suspension that’s kept him off the field thus far. In his triumphantreturn to New England, we could see a few extra targets go his way. I won’t havetons of exposure to Watson, who’s probably going to be limited to red zonechances and about half of the Pats’ total offensive snaps, but he’s anoff-the-wall play for GPPs.

Week 5 DFS Tight End NFL — Value and Punt Plays

Tyler Eifert, CIN vs. ARI

FD (4,600) DK ($3,300)

Eifertis crazy cheap on both sites and gets a gigantic boost against the Cardinals,who yield 163.7% of the average fantasy points to TEs. He’s been quiet thisseason and he might get chalky, but the Bengals offense is missing some oftheir WRs and Eifert is an attractive value play in Week 5.

Jared Cook, NO vs. TB

FD($4,500) DK ($3,400)

Game manager Teddy Bridgewater doesn’t necessarily get the bloodpumping and inspire confidence in the New Orleans offense, but the QB should belooking more to Jared Cook in Week 5 against the Bucs, who provide a favorablematchup for the athletic Cook. His 18 targets through four games is arelatively low number, but this is a good game for him to spike a Top 10 TEfinish and find some good, old-fashioned NFL paydirt.

Additional GPP options:

O.J. Howard, TB at NO (FD $5,800, DK $3,900)

Jimmy Graham, GB at DAL (FD $5,700, DK $4,300)

Dawson Knox, BUF at TEN (FD$4,800, DK $3,100)

Trey Burton, CHI at OAK (FD $4,800, DK $3,300)

Week 5 DFS DST NFL — Cash Game Plays

Chicago Bears (CHI at OAK)

FD ($5,000) DK ($3,800)

The Bears are slightly cheaper than the Pats on both sites and rank as my top cash game DST for Week 5. They’re just as likely as New England to notch multiple sacks and grab a few turnovers, and they probably have a little more upside based on some of their standouts defensive talents like sack specialist Khalil Mack, DB Kyle Fuller (23 solos, two INTs) and linebacker Roquan Smith, who’s back with the team after missing Week 4 for personal reasons. I’m buying in both cash and GPP contests.

New England Patriots (NE at WAS)

FD ($5,500) DK ($4,300)

The Redskins are having some difficulty settling on a QB for Week5, and the Pats defensive players must be licking their collective chops at theprospect of haranguing either journeyman Case Keenum, Colty McCoy (who’s yet tosee the field for Washington this season), or rookie Dwayne Haskins, who was9-for-17 in Week 4 with three INTs. New England comes in as my second-best cashgame play, but they’re usable in all formats.

Week 5 DFS DST NFL — GPP Plays

Minnesota Vikings (MIN at NYG)

FD ($4,500) DK ($3,200)

The Giants aren’t quite as terrible as they were during the firstcouple of weeks, but they’re prone to turnovers and providing scoring opportunitiesfor opposing defenses with a substandard offensive line and a rookie QB. TheVikings are affordable on both sites and could get lost in the shuffle ofviable DST options.

Philadelphia Eagles (PHI vs. NYJ)

FD ($4,900) DK ($3,700)

We’ll be seeing a lot of green-on-green violence in this Sunday tilt, and there’s as much upside to this Philly unit (which has yet to break out with a double-digit performance) as any other DST on the slate.

Tennessee Titans (TEN vs. BUF)

FD ($4,800) DK ($3,000)

I’m not trying to pick on the New York teams this week, even if it feels like it, but the Bills could be the third squad form the Empire State who’s not entering Week 5 with the same starting QB they rolled out in Week 1. The Bills are not a bad team, but the Titans have been watching the tape on Matt Barkley and planning accordingly.

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Week 5 DFS DST NFL — Punt Plays

Green Bay Packers (GB at DAL)

FD ($3,700) DK ($2,400)

The Packers are another team that’s super risky heading into Week5 but make sense an off-the-board GPP play in Dallas. I’m a Cowboys fan and I knowthat the offensive lien issues they’re having are much more of a problem than anyonewants to let on. Pairing them with Aaron Jones and fading Ezekiel Elliott on afew lineups could allow you to find some leverage and load up withTexans-Falcons, my favorite game stack on the slate.

Cincinnati Bengals (CIN vs. ARI)

FD($3,400) DK ($2,500)

The Bengals are once again viable in GPPs (they’re at home and facing a rookie QB) but they’re not going to make any of my cash game builds. Use them as a contrarian GPP defense with plenty of upside and just as much risk.

Photo of Zach Ertz by Keith Allison

5 years ago 0 comment

Daily Fantasy Sports NFL

Week 4 NFL DFS TE and DST Picks: Evan the Excellent

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

We’re into an exciting Week 4 DFS for NFL action and I’m looking at some TEs and DSTs to plug into your daily fantasy lineups and win some of that sweet, sweet green in cash games and GPPs. Let’s shed the bracket coverage, avoid the pesky double teams and find the paydirt!

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Week 4 DFS Tight End Cash Game Plays

EvanEngram, NYG vs. WAS

FD ($6,800) DK ($5,700)

Engram is still the best receiver available on the Giants, so that hasn’t changed since Week 1 – and has been elevated to either the No. 1 fantasy TE or No. 2 by just about every expert polled in Week 4. More than anything else, consensus rankings that uniform are the stuff of cash game gold – and we needn’t look further than Engram’s game logs and target totals (14,8,8) to know that he’s a reliable pass catcher who’s involved in every aspect of the offense. With rookie QB Daniel Jones (DAMN, Daniel!) at the helm and Saquon Barkley injured, the Giants TE will be heavily riled upon in Week 4.

DarrenWaller, OAK at IND

FD($6,700) DK ($5,200)

A guy who rarely comes off the field for the Raiders offense and has seen target totals of 8, 7 and 14 in the first three games, Waller entered the season as a highly touted, but somewhat risky fantasy option on a rudderless team without a bona fide No. 1 receiver. He hasn’t yet to score a TD, and that makes him kind of risky in GPPs – where he’ll be pretty highly owned. But Waller has incredibly managed to put himself into fine position as a cash game option with his elite level of involvement in just about every Oakland game script. I’m not saying he’s a bad GPP play, but he’s going to be chalky along with Engram.

Week 4 DFS Tight End GPP Plays

TravisKelce, KC at DET

FD(7,600) DK ($7,200)

Once again, Kelce has adifficult on-paper matchup that could keep a portion of the field away, and he’sstill very much a viable cash game option despite facing the Lions – who havedefended TEs well so far. But he’s my top GPP option of the Week and it’s not especiallyclose. At the moment, I’m looking at having ownership levels north of 50percent for Kelce, who’s put up consistent target totals of 8, 9 and 8 in hisfirst three games and has already compiled 25-284-1 on the season. He’s primedfor a two-TD game versus the Lions and I’m not especially afraid of theirdefense, which will struggle to contain this big-bodied gamebreaker.

EricEbron, IND vs. OAK

FD($5,300) DK ($4,000)

With Jacoby Brissett really clicking in this Colts offense and the Raiders safeties and linebackers looking a bit sluggish and underwhelming, I’ll have some shares of Ebron at this price. He hasn’t drawn any huge target totals this season and splits the field time with Jack Doyle, who’s another possible GPP option. What Ebron (11-80-1 on the season through three games) offers in Week 4 is likely increased usage inside the red zone, where he should have more opportunities than usual given Oakland defensive futility. He won’t draw much ownership and we know he has enormous upside – albeit a relatively low floor.

DelanieWalker, TEN at ATL

FD($5,700) DK ($4,800)

Walker is nursing a kneeinjury that has seen him miss consecutive practices, but if he’s available –even in a limited fashion – during Friday’s sessions I’ll find a way to use himin some tournaments. Walker is a veteran TE who’s posted 16-158-2 over his firstthree games and has a history of playing hurt, which can be a blessing and acure for fantasy owners. He’s fairly priced on both sites and has decent upside againstan Atlanta team that just lost Keanu Neal – its standout strong safety – to atorn Achilles. If Walker plays on Sunday, I’ll have some exposure.

Week 4 DFS Tight End Punt Plays

WillDissly, SEA at ARI

FD($5,400) DK ($3,600)

I make sure I lead off the punts by reminding you that you’ll be assuming a considerable amount of risk not looking to the obvious top TEs, but I’m not so sure that Dissly isn’t obvious at this point – given the matchup against the dreadful Cardinals and the upside that he’s established. After a quiet Week 1, Will has put up performances of 5-50-2 on five targets and 6-62-1 on seven targets. He’s worth rostering in all contests as a FLEX pairing with a more chalky TE or as a “contrarian light” option if you’re fading the five or six guys ahead of him in the weekly fantasy rankings. He’ll still garner ownership, but it probably won’t be as high as it should be.

MikeGesicki, MIA vs. LAC

FD($4,600) DK ($2,600)

Gesickiis a complete dart throw given Miami’s putrid offense and the fact that he’s onlyseen 11 targets through the first there weeks. But don’t look at him havingjust six catches for 51 yards without a touchdown through threegames as a negative – look at it as an opportunity to keep his ownership in the0-5 percent range. The second-year tight end won’t be a cash game optionanytime soon, but he’s likely to see increased targets in Week 4 versus the Chargerswith WRs Albert Wilson (calf/hip) and Allen Hurns (concussion) questionable anddoubtful, respectively.

Additional Week 4 DFS GPP/Punt options:

Mark Andrews, BAL vs. CLE (FD $6,100, DK $5,000) – Nursing a foot injury, so a GPP option you should make sure is playing.

Austin Hooper, ATL vs. TEN (FD $6,400, DK $4,300) – Hooper is my white whale for DFS TEs, and I’m always on the wrong end of his capricious antics.

O.J. Howard, TB at LAR (FD $5,900, DK $3,900) – At some point they’re going to start throwing to him.

Vernon Davis, WAS at NYG (FD $5,100, DK $3,400) – He’s old as the hills, but he’s playing the Giants and this one could get interesting.

Week 4 DFS DST Cash Game Plays

LosAngeles Chargers (LAC at MIA)

FD($5,300) DK ($3,800)

The Chargers are playing the Dolphins – and while we needn’tsay much more than that, it’s important to point out that despite a bevy of solidpass rushers, they have only recorded four sacks through three games. That’s anumber set to increase on Sunday against the worst offensive line in football. Don’toverthink this one and get the Chargers DST in there in cash games if you canafford it.

JacksonvilleJaguars (JAX at DEN)

FD($4,700) DK ($3,700)

It’s somewhat dangerous to play a defense at Mile High – a venue that doesn’t lend itself to standout performances for opponents. But these Denver Broncos are not a well-oiled machine, and they could have trouble moving the ball against the Jaguars defense. This Jacksonville unit is coming off its best game of the season in Week 3, when they racked up nine sacks and recovered a fumble, their first takeaway in 2019. They’d obviously like to have Jalen Ramsey for this game, but he’s on paternity leave and probably won’t be available in Week 4. If he somehow is, the Jags are an even better play.

Week 4 DFS DST GPP Plays

LosAngeles Rams (LAR vs. TB)

FD($4,300) DK ($3,500)

The Rams DST has been consistent from a fantasy points perspective,scoring 9, 8 and 9 FP in the first three weeks of the season. They have somesuperstar defensive lineman, including one of the best in the game, a group ofcapable LBs and some excellent defensive backs. They’ve also notched an INT ineach of their contests so far and should continue that streak against JameisWinston and the Bucs. Plug them in some of your GPPs and enjoy the results.

ChicagoBears (CHI vs. MIN)

FD($4,700) DK ($3,400)

By way of their electrifying performance in Week 3, the Bearscould garner some higher ownership levels than they might deserve against a Vikingsunit that runs the ball a lot and will do everything they can to prevent KirkCousins from getting in too many 3rd and long situations. Truthfully, that’s apretty smart strategy against a Bears defense that caused five turnovers Mondaynight against the Redskins.

Week 4 DFS DST Punt Plays

IndianapolisColts (IND vs. OAK)

FD($4,300) DK ($3,100)

The Colts defense had four sacks in each of its first twogames before the goose egg against Atlanta, and I expect a much betterperformance at home facing the woeful Raiders. They give up some yardage, butfor this price I’m buying shares.

TennesseeTitans (TEN at ATL)

FD($3,500) DK ($2,600)

Ina week without too many viable punt options at DST, this is about as cheap as I’dlike to go. The Titans secondary is much better than they played last Thursdaynight in Jacksonville, and despite a difficult matchup against a potent Atlantaoffense, there’s plenty to like in terms of their upside (23 FP in Week 1) and theplaymaking ability of their ball-hawking defensive backs.

AdditionalDST options:

New England Patriots (NE at BUF)

Houston Texans (HOU vs. CAR)

Evan Engram Featured Image via Keith Allison

5 years ago 0 comment

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Week 3 NFL DFS TE and DST Picks: Howard, We Doin’ This?

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

As we roll into Week 3 NFL DFS, we’re going to try someoff-the-wall plays in GPPs, including one TE who’s been very quiet during the firsttwo weeks. There’s our usual group of cash game plays for your NFL DFS lineups– as well as some contrarian specials who could explode for monster gametotals.

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Week 3 NFL DFS Tight End Cash Game Plays

Zach Ertz, PHI vs. DET

FD ($6,900) DK ($5,700)

Theres not too many standout cash game plays in Week 3 NFL DFS among the TEs, as many of them look more like GPP plays. But with injuries to Alshon Jeffrey, DeSean Jackson and TE Dallas Goedert (who’s dealing with a calf injury), it makes sense that both Ertz and WR Nelson Agholor will draw more looks from Carson Wentz. When I look for upside plays at TE I search for opponents with LB issues, and the Lions unit is having some problems with both injuries and inexperience. Most importantly for cash games, however, is a boatload of targets. Ertz saw 16 targets in Week 2 against Atlanta and he’s much cheaper than Travis Kelce, who’s more of a GPP play this week.

George Kittle, SF vs. PIT

FD ($6,600) DK ($5,600)

Normally I’d prefer Kittle in large-field tournaments for NFL DFS, and last week’s relative dud (3-54-0 on just three targets) doesn’t help make my case. But the Steelers defensive unit is best attacked with TEs and possession wide receivers and Kittle is the most reliable option for Jimmy Garoppolo in a game that the 49ers should win. Last week I suspected that offensive ball control meant lots of looks for Kittle, but they really didn’t need him that much. We’re still waiting for the big offensive breakout and Kittle had two touchdowns called back on penalties Week 1, so there’s some hope on that front. He’s one of the team’s better red-zone options despite the lack of a TD through the first two games, and I think he’ll change that on Sunday.

Week 3 Tight End NFL DFS — GPP Plays

Travis Kelce, KC vs. BAL

FD ($8,000) DK ($7,100)

For many reasons, I like Kelce for cash games, especially if you’re not spending up for RBs and WRs. But I really like him for GPPs. As the most expensive TE and a facing what could be a tougher on-paper matchup against the Ravens, his ownership may be slightly down from last week. Kelce has double-digit receptions and two-TD upside every week, and there’s not much opposing defenses can do to stop him with all the weapons that Patrick Mahomes has at his disposal. I could see Kelce setting season highs in receptions, yardage and TDs in this game and being the linchpin on some tournament-winning lineups.

O.J. Howard, TB vs. NYG

FD ($5,800) DK ($3,800)

The first two weeks have frustrated Howard’s DFS supporters, and it’s safe to say the 2019 season is off to a poor start for the athletic, big-bodied TE who carried plenty of pundit buzz into Week 1. But playing time wasn’t the problem on Thursday, with Howard finishing second to just Chris Godwin in snaps among the Buccaneers skill position players. Fellow tight end Cameron Brate was on the field for just 18 snaps, so Brate just isn’t really cutting into Howard’s production. The main issue is targets, or a lack of them — which Bruce Arians said would change in the coming weeks. There’s no better time for a great bounce-back spot facing the Giants in Week 3, when the squeaky wheel should get some much-needed grease.

Evan Engram, NYG at TB

FD ($6,400) DK ($5,200)

We’re a couple weeks into the 2019 season and the Giants corps of receivers is an absolute disaster, though they could be getting Sterling Shepard back since he’s out of the concussion protocol. Engram, however, is still the Giants most reliable receiver excluding their star RB, and I’d even be willing to use him in cash games if they weren’t starting rookie Daniel Jones at QB this week. As bad as Eli Manning has been, he’s maintained a solid rapport with Engram the past couple of seasons. Jones will look to establish a similar relationship early and often, but there’s some inherent risk in this offense. Engram is a fine GPP play who won’t be chalky.

T.J. Hockenson, DET at PHI

FD ($5,500) DK ($3,500)

As we round out our GPP options, we can look for plays that buck the trends of recency bias, and since Hockenson disappointed in Week 2, he’s a good place to land. The Lions TE hauled in just one catch for seven yards on three targets against the Chargers, but I’m willing to throw out that performance, since every Lions passing game option took a backseat to WR Kenny Golladay and his seemingly effortless dominance. Hockenson is an exciting rookie with tons of upside on Sunday against an Eagles team that allowed Vernon Davis to run and jump over several defenders to find the end zone in Week 1. I’m expecting big things in Week 3 from him, and since the price isn’t an oppressive one, I’ll have some shares.

Week 3 Tight End NFL DFS — Value and Punt Plays

Darren Waller, OAK at MIN

FD(5,400) DK ($3,300)

Waller entered Week 2 as a popular play after a huge Week 1, seeing another high-usage game (95% of team snaps, seven targets and 6-63-0 in the loss to the Chiefs in Week 2). So he’s flourishing in the Jared Cook role in this Raiders offense, and should continue to compete with Tyrell Williams for the team lead in targets every week. While his Week 3 matchup against the Vikings and their capable defensive unit (Harrison Smith, Eric Kendricks and company) is a tough one, there’s plenty of reasons to believe Derek Carr will be peppering Waller more than anyone else. The Raiders have their work cut out for them in a possible game script which could ultimately benefit Waller more than in the first two weeks. He’s cheap and he’ll be on plenty of my GPP lineups – where I don’t mind pairing him with Kelce again with one of the two occupying the flex spot.

Blake Jarwin, DAL vs. MIA

FD ($4,500) DK ($2,900)

Full disclosure: I’m a Cowboys fan and I love Blake Jarwin, so I’mnot giving up on him despite his quiet Week 2, when he had just one catch for22 yards. He should have plenty of opportunitiesto score against Dolphins in Week 3, and if the Cowboys get out to a big lead,I doubt they’ll have Jason Witten on the field a lot. Jarwin could easily graba handful of catches and a couple of scores as Dak Prescott passes the time pickingapart the decimated Dolphins secondary. The athletic and reliable pass catcher isclose to the minimum salary on both sites, and he should see more than his usualshare of red zone looks on Sunday.

Additional GPP options:

Greg Olsen, CAR at ARI (FD $6,100,DK $3,700)

Vance McDonald, (FD $5,900, DK $4,300)

Austin Hooper, ATL at IND(FD $5,800, DK $3,600)

Eric Ebron, IND vs. ATL (FD $5,700, DK $3,800)

Week 3 NFL DFS — DST Cash Game Plays

Dallas Cowboys (DAL vs. MIA)

FD ($5,000) DK ($4,300)

The Cowboys are 21.5 point favorites at home facing a Dolphins team that has scored just 10 points through the first two weeks. While a lot of the focus has been on the Dolphins defensive woes (their negative-114.7 percent DVOA through two games is the worst of any team since at least 1986), they rank last in both offensive and defensive DVOA on the season, and they’re starting Josh Rosen this week over Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Cowboys pass rush could be better and they have some defensive holes, but they’re the top defense in consensus rankings and make for a fine cash game play.

New England Patriots (NE atMIA)

FD ($5,000) DK ($3,800)

I didn’t think we could see a point spread larger than the oneabove, but the Pats are 23-point favorites at home over the Jets. The Jets havean offense than went from mediocre, right past bad, and straight into terriblewhen they lost Sam Darnold and then watched in horror as Trevor Siemian had hisankle disassembled on prime time during Monday Night Football. They don’t havetheir full complement of receivers and won’t be able to do much to stop aPatriots defense that’s looked excellent through the first two games. I’d beusing the Pats in cash games and GPPs, where they could be somewhat ignoredthanks to the existence of the Cowboys-Dolphins matchup.

Minnesota Vikings (MIN vs.OAK)

FD ($4,200) DK ($3,300)

I’m not going to have too many shares of the Vikings in cash gamesbecause I don’t usually plug in DST last, but if that’s your strategy and youend up with less than the requisite funds for the Cowboys or Pats, they’re adecent option at home facing a dinged up Raiders offense with plenty ofquestion marks. If you arrive at Minnesota in your builds, don’t click off ofthem.

Week 2 NFL DFS — DST GPP Plays

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TBvs. NYG)

FD ($4,300) DK ($2,900)

The Giants are bad, and they might be getting worse. I’m wary ofstarting the Bucs in cash games because it’s a unit with its share of problems,but they draw a dream matchup at home facing Daniel Jones in his first NFLstart. They’re only $2,900 on DK and should have a handful of sacks and turnoversfacing a bad Giants offensive line.

Seattle Seahawks (SEA vs.NO)

FD($3,700) DK ($2,900)

I expect the Seahawks defensive line to make life very difficult for Teddy Bridgewater and the Saints – who are still reeling from the loss of Drew Brees, the NFL’s all-time passing yardage leader. It’s a difficult environment playing in Seattle, and with some of the Seahawks new acquisitions making their presence felt, there’s lost of opportunity for turnovers and sacks in what could be a lopsided victory for the home team. I’m surprised the spread is just 4.5 points.

Green Bay Packers (GB vs.DEN)

FD($4,500) DK ($2,800)

The Packers have a much-improved defensive unit and draw arelatively conservative Broncos offense that doesn’t put up too many points. GreenBay has given up just 19 points through its first two games, so they’recertainly an option in GPPs, especially since they’re playing at home.

Week 2 NFL DFS — DST Punt Plays

Carolina Panthers (CAR atARI)

FD ($3,700) DK ($2,700)

This Carolina defense might be a little too risky in cash games,because the Cards and their Air Raid offense can put points on the board andhave some potent weapons in David Johnson and Kyler Murray, so I’d prefer youpunt them in GPPs. But let’s face it: The Panthers are way too cheap and shouldregister a handful of sacks and a turnover or two.

Cincinnati Bengals (CIN atBUF)

FD ($3,400) DK ($2,400)

The Bengals are viable in GPPs but might be the better cash game punt considering the injuries to the Bills RB corps. Expect a consistent pass rush from Cincy and the chance for some big defensive plays.

Photo of O.J. Howard by Airman 1st Class Ryan Grossklag

5 years ago 0 comment

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Week 2 NFL DFS TE and DST Picks: Waller Pads Wallets

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

It’s already Week 2 NFL DFS time, and your wallets are gonna love Darren Waller — my favorite GPP play at TE this week. I’m also looking for some cash game TEs for your NFL DFS lineups – and some upside-laden defenses (DSTs) who could give you that essential edge.

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Week 2 Tight End NFL DFS Cash Game Plays

Travis Kelce, KC at OAK

FD ($8,000) DK ($7,300)

With Tyreek Hill out for an extended period of time and the Chiefs searching for reliable receiving options, Kelce will be looking at possibly 12-15 targets on a weekly basis. He’s a difficult matchup even for a decent defense with a good game plan, and he’s got both a solid floor and soaring upside. This week could feature a lot of the TEs from both teams (Darren Waller being the other). Kelce caught three of eight targets for 88 yards during last Sunday’s 40-26 win over the Jaguars and will be more heavily involved in this game plan with the Raiders losing safety Jonathan Abram.

Evan Engram, NYG vs. BUF

FD ($6,400) DK ($5,200)

Not to sound too much like last week, but Engram is STILL the best receiver available on the Giants and they will continue to throw him the ball without a corps of dependable wideouts. Sterling Shepard is questionable and Engram is essentially matchup-proof with how he’s deployed by the Giants. His 14 targets last week and 11-116-1 were more than even I anticipated, and he could top those numbers this week despite a tougher matchup against the Bills.

Week 2 Tight End NFL DFS GPP Plays

Darren Waller, OAK vs. KC

FD (5,400) DK ($3,300)

Waller played on every one of Oakland’s 55 offensive snaps in Week 1 in the Jared Cook role, hauling in 7-of-8 targets for 70 yards on MNF, leading the team in targets and appearing to be every bit as good as we’ve heard. That type of volume and his storied athleticism means he’ll be one of Derek Carr’s go-to players in a matchup that could see the Raiders throwing a lot in the second half.

George Kittle, SF at CIN

FD ($7,100) DK ($6,800)

I’m going back to the well this week with Kittle, who pulled down eight catches for 54 yards (no score) on a team-high 10 targets last week on an offense that didn’t have anybody else over three targets. With Matt Breida locked into the lead RB role and a lack of viable offensive ball control options, expect more of the same from the 49ers. That means plenty of looks for Kittle, who has the requisite upside for both GPPs and cash games. Plus, the Bengals were one of the weaker teams at defending tight ends a year ago, and that’s a good guideline for trusting George in the Jungle against the Big Cats this week.

Mark Andrews, BAL vs. ARI

FD ($6,100) DK (3,800)

Andrews caught all eight of his targets for 8-108-1 and essentially tripled his output projections for Week 1 — even if we expected a big game from him. He’s a bona fide TE1 with a decent floor and more upside than we imagined in last week’s write-up. I know the Dolphins defense was bad, but Andrews is still affordable on DK and should be an excellent FD GPP play.

Week 2 Tight End NFL DFS Value and Punt Plays

Blake Jarwin, DAL at WAS

FD ($4,500) DK ($2,900)

We know from last season that Jarwin has upside (his 12/30/18 game vs. the Giants saw him collect 7-119-3 on eight targets), and we know he’s involved in the Cowboys offensive plans for 2019 (3-39-1 on three targets in Week 1 against the Giants). I know — the Cowboys are in Washington, and don’t get to face the Giants again until later this season. But there’s still plenty of value here and Jarwin won’t make it onto too many rosters with all the viable TE plays this week — making him a solid GPP punt if you don’t have much more than the minimum to spend on your final spot.

T.J. Hockensen, DET vs. LAC

FD ($6,000) DK ($3,000)

Hockensen also shattered expectations in his remarkable debut for the Lions with 6-131-1 in the Week 1 tie against the Cards. We saw a pronounced skill set with oodles of athleticism and upside, and the Rob Gronkowski comparisons may be premature — that just doesn;t necessarily make them wrong. He’s projecting as a weekly option in all formats and makes for a fine flex play if you’re looking to use a couple of TEs.

Additional GPP/Punt options:

Will Dissly, SEA vs CIN (FD $4,000, DK $2,800)

Delanie Walker, TEN vs. IND (FD $5,900, DK $3,500)

Tyler Eifert, CIN vs. SF (FD $4,900, DK $2,900)

Week 2 NFL DFS DST Cash Game Plays

Baltimore Ravens (BAL at ARZ)

FD ($5,400) DK ($3,800)

The Ravens were the top consensus unit heading into last week, and the most expensive. This week, they’re once again the highest-priced DST on both sites, and that doesn’t dissuade me from locking them into any lineup in any format. The upside is still there, and they could force a bunch of turnovers facing a rookie QB. As one of the premier aggressive, ball-hawking defenses in an excellent matchup, they’re also as safe as any other DST on the docket.

New England Patriots (NE at MIA)

FD ($4,600) DK ($3,700)

The Pats get the Dolphins and come in a little bit cheaper on both sites. This is a pretty easy decision. In cash games, you’re going with the Pats or the Ravens and either unit makes sense in GPPs as well, especially since there’s plenty of opportunity to differentiate lineups at the skill positions. Still, the lack of counting stats in Week 1 (just one sack and one TO) could push some DFS competitors toward the Ravens.

Week 2 DST GPP Plays

Buffalo Bills (BUF at NYG)

FD ($4,400) DK ($3,400)

Like last week, there’s a precipitous drop following the top two defenses heading into Week 2. And while I dug the Rams here in Week 1, I’m looking for more exposure to the Bills in GPPS this week. Facing an exploitable New York Giants team with its questionable QBs, we could see another big outing from the Bills. They racked up four sacks and one takeaway while allowing just eight points to the Jets, and now get their in-state NFC analogs.

Houston Texans (HOU vs. JAX)

FD ($4,500) DK ($2,800)

The Texans defense had a tough time containing the Saints in Week 1, but get a much less potent offense to contend with in Week 2. Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew was solid in relief of Nick Foles (shoulder) last week, but Houston will watch the tapes and plot some new looks and impending disaster for the rookie. They’re a below-the-radar GPP/punt option that won’t cost you much on either site.

Chicago Bears (CHI vs. DEN)

FD ($4,200) DK ($3,900)

The Bears make it on the main slate after being confined to TNF showdowns and all-week slates in Week 1, and Broncos QB Joe Flacco couldn’t be more scared. I’m kidding, but the gist is that this is a defense to fear — and because of that, one to utilize in all fantasy formats. The effort against the Packers was maybe even a little better than expected: they limited the Packers to only 10 points while picking up five sacks — figures they could rocket past in Week 2.

Week 2 DST Punt Plays

Los Angeles Rams (LAR vs. NO — GPP)

FD ($3,600) DK ($2,700)

This is not a play for the faint of heart. The Saints are really good, but the Rams have Aaron Donald anchoring their defensive line and play at home. Nobody will be on them, and they are dirt cheap on both sits.

Seattle Seahawks (SEA at PIT — GPP)

FD ($3,700) DK ($2,900)

The Seahawks aren’t as great a play as last week, but this unit is still having some growing pains, and they’ll only get better as the season progresses. Still — they recovered three fumbles in Week 1 and totaled four sacks as a team, and they’re facing a Steelers offense that scored three points in the opener.

Denver Broncos (DEN vs. CHI — DK Cash/FD GPP)

FD ($4,500) DK ($2,700)

The Broncos make for a solid GPP play at their elevated price on FD and a relatively safe cash game play on DK. The Monday night game can be viewed as an anomaly, since negative fantasy production against a seemingly innocuous Oakland offense was more than bizarre. The Broncos have the pieces for maximum disruption, including an elite pass rush, and they’re worth a look in Week 2.

Evan Engram Featured Image via Keith Allison

5 years ago 0 comment

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Week 1 NFL DFS TE and DST Picks

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

It’s finally Week 1 of the NFL and I’m looking at what can sometimes be the last two pieces you plug into your NFL DFS lineups – tight ends (TEs) and defenses (DSTs). There’s plenty to discuss, so let’s dive right in!

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Week 1 Tight End NFL DFS Cash Game Plays

ZachErtz, PHI vs. WAS

FD($7,100) DK ($6,100)

Ertz caught the second-most passes of anyplayer last year (116) and saw 156 targets. He’s in a great Week 1matchup and is a consensus top 3 TE in every possible format. There may beample reasons to enumerate the many attributes of some of the remaining TEs in thisrundown, but I shouldn’t cloud your mind with too many competing thoughts in mycash game recommendations. Ertz is top dog this week in cash.

EvanEngram, NYG at DAL

FD($6,400) DK ($4,800)

Engram is the best receiver available on the Giants and they are going to inundate him with targets against the Cowboys are just middle-of-the-road when it comes to defending opposing TEs. The third-year TE had a TD in each of his games vs. Dallas in 2018 and offers a little more safety than Travis Kelce and O.J. Howard, with just a tad less upside.

Week 1 Tight End NFL DFS GPP Plays

TravisKelce, KC at JAX

FD(7,800) DK ($7,100)

The tough matchup willkeep a chunk of the field away and that’s what we want for a guy with this muchupside – especially in a game with a 51.5 total. I’ll tolerate some risk at myTE spot because there’s a shot to play both – and I’ll have a lot of exposureto a Kelce-Ertz combo on both sites, since they could both score three TDs andmake incredible value just under the price point of stud RBs.

GeorgeKittle, SF at TB

FD($7,300) DK ($6,600)

Traditional ownership inGPPs dictates that the better value with the lower risk gets taken, so Kittlemakes perfect sense as a GPP pivot from Ertz, who’s cheaper on both sites.Kittle is a one-man offensive powerhouse who can take over a game with 200 yardsand score 2-3 TDs, so he’s a fine GPP play in Week 1 facing the relatively weakBucs defensive unit.

Hunter Henry, LAC vs. IND

FD ($6,100) DK (3,900)

There’s just a ton of upside to Henry’s 2019 season, and it all starts in Week 1 facing the Colts. He’s blessed with a capable, adventurous QB in Philip Rivers (who has a history of torrid love affairs with his TEs), caught eight TDs as a rookie in 2016 (the fourth-highest mark for a rookie tight end in NFL history) spent a year in an expanded role while out-targeting Antonio Gates, and then missed the entire 2018 regular season with a torn ACL. Low projected ownership and a prime matchup make him a solid GPP play this week.

Week 1 Tight End NFL DFS Punt Plays

MarkAndrews, BAL at MIA

FD($5,400) DK ($3,000)

Andrews emerged as a viable TE option in 2018 and promises to once again be a useful safety valve for Lamar Jackson. There’s not an overwhelming sense of limitless upside with Andrews from a season-long perspective (and I think most folks who drafted him would be happy with Top 10 numbers), but the Dolphins LBs are an inexperienced unit at risk of giving up huge numbers to opposing TEs. Andrews is a cost-effective way to fit in a bunch of solid RBs and WRs, though you’ll be assuming a considerable amount of risk not looking to the obvious top TEs.

DelanieWalker, TEN at CLE

FD($5,400) DK ($3,500)

Walker makes for an interesting GPP play at just $5,400 on FD, and he qualifies as a punt for his low salary on DK. Walker probably has a little more upside than Andrews but the three-time Pro Bowler makes plenty of sense as a lower-risk option heading into a Week 1 contest that might be a little more lopsided than expected and have the Titans playing from behind. Walker played just one game in 2018 (dislocated ankle) and will look to rebound with a big Week 1, and Jonnu Smith isn’t much of a threat to his targets.

Additional GPP/Punt options:

Will Dissly, SEA vs CIN (FD $4,000, DK $2,900)

Tyler Eifert, CIN at SEA (DK $3,100)

Darren Waller, OAK vs. DEN (FD $4,800, DK $3,000)

Week 1 NFL DFS DST Cash Game Plays

BaltimoreRavens (BAL at MIA)

FD($5,400) DK ($3,800)

The Ravens lost some defensive starters in LB C.J. Mosley and DL Willie Henry, and there’s been some question as to the effectiveness of their pass rush, but they remain a perennial powerhouse and there’s no easier team to pick on in cash games than the Dolphins. Since Miami is a team in turmoil, Baltimore is the consensus top defense in the weekly rankings and there’s plenty of value to be found throughout the rest of the roster, so it’s no problem looking at the Ravens this week, even as the highest-priced DST on both sites.

PhiladelphiaEagles (PHI vs. WAS)

FD($4,600) DK ($3,600)

There’s plenty of appeal to both the Ravens and this Eagles unit in GPPs, since there’s plenty of opportunity to differentiate our lineups elsewhere. But the goal of cash games is to limit risk and maximize cost – and there’s just not a lot of difference cost-wise between the top and bottom defenses. Philly is still running the Jim Schwartz system of constant pressure and this group is a fine blend of experience and youth. They are deep, they are talented, and they are home in Week 1 to face the paltry Redskins. Don’t overthink it.

Week1 DST GPP Plays

LosAngeles Rams (LAR at CAR)

FD($4,400) DK ($3,200)

There’s a considerable drop after the top couple ranked DSTs this week, so they’ll be my only cash game recommendations, but the Rams are a formidable unit facing a much more potent offense. Whether Carolina’s Cam Newton is 100 percent is the main factor in the Rams making most of my GPP builds, and if I’ll look to some of the following options as a pivot. With that said, the Rams are a consensus Top 12 defense this week and the team’s offensive prowess sometimes forces opponents into silly mistakes (30 takeaways last season). This is where you can capitalize in GPPs. They offer relatively low ownership because of the higher price, but they’re still a few bucks cheaper than the elite DSTs, so they make sense as last-piece fit.

SeattleSeahawks (SEA vs. CIN)

FD($4,500) DK ($3,100)

Plenty of question marks surround the newer pieces (ZiggyAnsah and Jadeveon Clowney) in the Seahawks front seven and All-Pro safety EarlThomas is out the door – so DFS players could look at this unit with sometrepidation and steer clear in Week 1. But the Bengals are a team without itsstar WR for the first few games and I know that Scott Engel would beannoyed if I didn’t acknowledge his squad’s upside in this cushy spot and justhow good these linebackers and lineman can be in 2019.

ClevelandBrowns (CLE vs. TEN)

FD($4,200) DK ($3,100)

The Browns are a couple years removed from being a laughingstock, and this play might not be all that contrarian with the DST’s cost down. But Cleveland had 31 takeaways last season (17 INTs and 14 FRs) and should be an improved unit in 2019. The Titans aren’t too much of a threat to score 25+ points and a Nick Chubb/Browns DST game script could be a decent starting point in GPP builds.

NewYork Jets (NYJ vs. BUF)

FD($4,200) DK ($3,100)

The Bills and Jets defenses both feel a lot like the sameamount of risk and upside, so this should be a fun Week 1 contest to watch. It’llbe even more fun if you click the Jets into your DFS lineups and they force abunch of turnovers from Josh Allen and the dubious Bills offense. The Jets unitis a risk, because they’re susceptible to the big play, but the flip side is thepositive variance they offer. I’ve seen them as high as second on some Week 1 rankingsand as low as 30^th – the definition of a GPP option.

Week1 DST Punt Plays

LosAngeles Chargers (LAC vs. IND)

FD($4,000) DK ($3,000)

The Chargers are cheap, they get to the opposing QB, andthey have plenty of upside facing a Colts team without Andrew Luck. I’mcomfortable going here in Week 1 for this affordable cost.

SanFrancisco 49ers (SF at TB)

FD($3,700) DK ($2,200)

The 49ers are loaded with talented defensive lineman but have a weak LB corps, and they don’t stand out as particularly safe facing the Bucs in Tampa Bay. But if you’ve got to make it work with just a few bucks left in salary cap, they make plenty of sense. The biggest area of concern for the 49ers this season is +/ in turnovers, where they ranked last in the league at -25 in 2018. The addition of Nick Bosa, however, promises to change some of that and Week 1 is a fine place to take advantage of the cost savings this improving unit offers.

TampaBay Buccaneers (TB vs. SF)

FD($3,500) DK ($2,200)

The Bucs were second-to-last in turnover differential last season and offer a similar risk-reward scenario in Week 1 facing the 49ers. I could see easily see pick-sixes for both teams and a 20-17 final score, which would be an acceptable outcome given the variance at DST and our aim at providing a modicum of upside without overwhelming risk.

Zach Ertz featured image via Jason Peters.

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