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Hunter Henry

NFL DFS Cash Games – Week Eight Checkdown

StixPicks 5 years ago

written by StixPicks

Another awesome week of NFL DFS Cash Games for the Win Daily Team in Week Seven – even the sample lineup from last week’s Checkdown crossed the pay-line in DraftKings single entry cash games! Let’s get right back to it for the Week Eight Checkdown for your NFL DFS Cash Games.

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My articles will be mainly meant for DraftKings, but you can certainly use this information for other DFS websites. Please check back in on Saturday/Sunday morning for potential NFL DFS Cash Games updates.

If you have any questions and would like some further help when building your lineups, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly on Twitter. I’m always available to help NFL DFS players make the most of their investments.

Some notes on what I believe to be the “optimal” roster build for NFL DFS Cash Games. I’ll include this in all the Checkdown articles moving forward. For Week Eight, please see below for my notes on roster construction:

There are a lot of mid-tier options at the WR position, but at first glance, I strongly suggest locking in one “stud” top-tier WR.
I do think you need to build around Saquon Barkley. At first glance, I was going to fade the top-tier RBs, but I’m not nearly as confident in the running backs outside of Barkley.
Just because someone is not included in this write-up, does not mean you cannot play them in cash. These are all just my preferred plays for an optimal cash game build.

NFL DFS Cash Games Quarterbacks

Russell Wilson ($7,200) – Top play at the QB position on paper for Week Eight. If Matt Ryan were to miss this game with an ankle injury, I will fade Russell at this price due my concerns with the Falcons’ ability to keep this game close without Ryan.
Deshaun Watson ($7,100) – Oakland is terrible at defending the pass. The Texans don’t really have a strong running game so they will need a lot of production from Watson in the game with the highest total on Vegas’ board. Watson should be a lock for that 300-yard passing bonus on DraftKings.
Matthew Stafford ($6,100) – Solid price, good matchup. I was honestly a bit shocked to see an opening total of 50 points for this Giants at Lions matchup in Week Eight. The Lions have been having a tough time moving the ball via the run, so I’m confident the Lions’ will rely on Stafford and these talented pass-catchers to beat up on a weak Giants’ secondary. Hopefully this game can shootout like Vegas predicts.
Derek Carr ($5,000) – I touched base on the Texans’ secondary last week when writing up Jacoby Brissett. They are riddled with injuries and have given up the sixth most DraftKings points to opposing quarterbacks this year.

I have no doubt the Texans’ will be scoring points in this game which should lead to a great gamescript for DFS players interested in Derek Carr. Incredible price for a QB in what should be the highest scoring game on the slate. Using Carr opens up a lot for the rest of your NFL DFS Cash Game roster.
Mitch Trubisky ($4,900) – This is gross, but the price is incredible. The Chargers’ defense is in shambles and I’m quite confident Trubisky can hit 3x value on this slate, easily.

NFL DFS Cash Games Running Backs

Saquon Barkley ($8,900) – As of now, I’m going to pass on using Christian McCaffrey ($9,200) at his price. I didn’t use any Barkley in Week Seven DFS as I was a bit nervous to pay a top-tier price for a running back coming off of a significant injury.

Barkley looks like he is a full go moving into Week Eight against a Lions defense that has allowed the second most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Look for Barkley to get much more involved in the passing game as well this week, which greatly increases his value.
Leonard Fournette ($7,800) – The Jets’ defense has been respectable, but I’ll keep going back to Fournette while he’s priced under $8k. The dude is averaging damn near 25 touches per game and it doesn’t appear that Fournette’s volume is going to decrease. In cash games, volume is key, so lock-in Fournette with confidence.
Chris Carson ($7,000) – The Falcons’ defense is broken. Carson should have a heavy workload (per usual) on the road in Atlanta in Week Eight. Week Seven was disappoint for Carson but he will bounce back this week.
Le’Veon Bell ($6,900) – Le’Veon Bell is an absolute workhorse and is another one of those few running backs who is averaging over 22 touches per game. At this price, Bell appears to be a no-brainer for NFL DFS Cash Games in Week Eight.
Nick Chubb ($6,600) – Nick Chubb under $7k? Yea, I’ll play him.
Josh Jacobs ($5,800) – I’d rather play Derek Carr and an Oakland pass-catcher, but this is simply a value play. Jacobs has been getting a ton of volume lately and continues to run a few routes in the passing game (which hopefully will increase). The Texans bleed receptions to opposing running backs and have been allowing over 26 DraftKings points per game to opposing backs over the past month.

Jacobs should be a lock for 25+ touches again in Week Eight but he’s priced like a running back in a timeshare. Take advantage of that if you need some salary relief at the RB position.
Latavius Murray ($5,800) – Murray is coming off of arguably the best game of his NFL career (or at least since he left the Raiders) and should be able to build on that in Week Eight against a weak Arizona Defense. Murray is a lock-button if Alvin Kamara is ruled out.
Devonta Freeman ($5,500) – Matt Ryan appears to be active for this game at home against the Seahawks so I have a lot of faith in Atlanta at least moving the ball on offense. Freeman is still priced at a great spot for a guy who can easily end up with five or more catches and 100 all-purpose yards. Excellent value for cash. No Matt Ryan.
Ty Johnson ($4,900) – Kerryon Johnson to the IR – Welcome to Ty Johnson chalk week. I’m confident he’ll get the majority of the work, but I’m a bit nervous that J.D. McKissic will be heavily involved as well. I think there is 100% a case to fade Ty Johnson this week but it’s not necessary in cash games.
Carlos Hyde ($4,700) – There isn’t a whole lot of value targets at the running back position this week, but Hyde seems to be one of the few. I have Hyde projected for 18 carries, 75 yards, and a touchdown. That will be more than enough to hit value in cash games.

Wide Receivers

DeAndre Hopkins ($8,100) – Top WR on the slate. Hopkins is starting to heat up and should feast yet again in Week Eight at home against the Raiders.
Michael Thomas ($8,000) – Thomas is averaging over 23 DraftKings points per game and over 10 targets per game. How do you not play him?
~~Chris Godwin ($7,100) –~~ Godwin is averaging the most DraftKings points per game at the wide receiver position. If you would have told me that prior to the season starting, I would have said you’re crazy. Yet, here we are. Godwin continues to be 100% cash viable although I still haven’t fully bought in. Pivoting to Evans if I play any Bucs’ wideouts.
Tyler Lockett ($7,000) – I love attacking Damontae Kazee and this Falcons’ secondary. Lockett should have no issues having his way with them on Sunday.
Kenny Golladay ($6,400) – I think Kerryon Johnson’s injury is going to push the Lions towards passing the ball more. Golladay should see a lot of DeAndre Baker in coverage and that is music to my ears. Golladay is one of my favorite wide receiver plays on the slate.
Mike Evans ($6,600) – I’m off of Godwin and on to Mike Evans. Evans should feast in this matchup against Adoree Jackson and Malcolm Butler while Logan Ryan deals with slowing down Chris Godwin. $500 discount off of Godwin is too much to ignore.
Allen Robinson ($6,000) – Just keep playing him at a discount. Robinson is the only bright spot on the Bears’ offense and continues to rake in the targets from whoever is under center. Robinson lines up all over the field so there are no concerns of an all-day matchup against Casey Hayward.
John Brown ($5,900) – Attack the Eagles’ secondary every week. John Brown is always one play away from breaking the slate and also provides a solid floor needed in cash games. I have Brown projected for 110 receiving yards and a touchdown. He should have no problems getting the ball often on Sunday.
Larry Fitzgerald ($5,400) – Fitzgerald is only in this writeup because of the $700 discount from his $6,100 price tag he carried in Week Seven. P.J. Williams is suspended for one more game so this isn’t my usual “pick on P.J.” week, but the price is right for Fitzgerald this week.
Courtland Sutton ($5,300) – I have no idea what it will take for Sutton to be priced up in the $6k range where he belongs. Sutton is owning the Broncos’ air yards and red zone targets and that doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon. Sutton offers us a very nice value at the WR position.
Zay Jones ($3,000) – I’m confident newly acquired Zay Jones will finally be active on Sunday against the Texans. Jones has had a few weeks to acclimate himself with the Raiders’ offense and should be their second best option in the passing game (assuming Tyrell Williams is out) behind tight end, Darren Waller. If he suits up, this is a great buy-low week on Zay Jones.

Tight Ends

Darren Waller ($5,900) – Keep playing Waller, he is an absolute stud and should be heavily active in this shootout against the Texans.
Austin Hooper ($5,500) – Hooper has gone for double-digit DraftKings points in all but one game this season. Hooper enters this week in an excellent matchup against the Seahawks. I will downgrade him a bit if Matt Ryan is ruled out but he is certainly cash viable without Ryan.
Evan Engram ($5,300) – Nice discount for a top-tier tight end. The Lions have had troubles all season long with opposing tight ends.
Zach Ertz ($5,100) – I know he hasn’t done a whole lot this year, but Ertz should never be priced under $6k. This is a great price for one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Hunter Henry ($4,900) – Great price, great matchup. Henry will continue to be a top target for Phil Rivers’ and this Chargers’ passing game. I don’t love his ceiling this week, but I do have him projected for 75 yards and a score.
Jonnu Smith ($2,800) – Jonnu Smith opens up the world for our cash game roster construction now that Delanie Walker has been ruled out.

Defense/Special Teams

Los Angeles Rams ($3,800)
San Francisco 49ers ($3,700)
Tennessee Titans ($3,200)
Indianapolis Colts ($2,900)
New York Jets ($2,600)

NFL DFS Cash Games – Sample Lineup

QB: Derek Carr
RB: Le’Veon Bell
RB: Chris Carson
WR: Michael Thomas
WR: Allen Robinson
WR: Zay Jones
TE: Hunter Henry
FLEX: Nick Chubb
DST: New York Jets

5 years ago 0 comment

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

NFL Daily Fantasy Sports

NFL DFS Cash Games – Week Seven Checkdown

StixPicks 5 years ago

written by StixPicks

Week Six was an awesome one for the Win Daily Team. NFL DFS Cash Games came back to life after a ridiculously high scoring Week Five that made it difficult to cash in any tournament format. We crushed our Week Six Cash Games and even the sample lineup from last week’s Checkdown finished with 160 DraftKings points! Let’s get right back to it for the Week Seven Checkdown for your NFL DFS Cash Games.

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Some notes on what I believe to be the “optimal” roster build for NFL DFS Cash Games. I’ll include this in all the Checkdown articles moving forward. For Week Seven, please see below for my notes on roster construction:

This is another great week to lock in two “stud” running backs and take advantage of the value available at WR/TE.
Just like Weeks Five and Six, there are a lot of great plays at the wide receiver position – I don’t think you have to focus on any one player here when building your cash lineups.
Just because someone is not included in this write-up, does not mean you cannot play them in cash. These are all just my preferred plays for an optimal cash game build.
Full disclosure: I will be playing a lot of DFS Cash Games this week and will be using the same lineup for all of them. As of now, I will 100% be using: Goff, Fournette, Cook, Hooper, and a Rams WR. The others will only be players mentioned in this article.

NFL DFS Cash Games Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson ($6,800) – The floor is always there for Lamar Jackson due his to ability to be a Top 10 rusher on any given slate. There is also a high total (opening at 50.5 points) in this matchup in Seattle… a lot to like about Lamar Jackson in Week Seven.
Russell Wilson ($6,600) – Wilson has to be the favorite for the NFL MVP right now. He’s always in play for cash games as he’s proved he is matchup proof.
Josh Allen ($6,500) – Love the matchup, hate the price. We usually love Josh Allen because he’s sub $6,000 in salary most weeks and always provides a solid floor of rushing yards. Buffalo is a massive favorite in this game where they host Miami, but I still think Josh Allen is safe for 18+ DraftKings points.
~~Aaron Rodgers ($6,400) –~~ Although it’s minimal, Rodgers is now cheaper than Josh Allen, lol. I will only use Rodgers if Davante Adams is back in the lineup (which doesn’t appear to be probable). If Adams is in, I love Rodgers in this spot. ~~I’ll update this one throughout the week.~~ A lot of injury concerns. No need to pay up for Rodgers with Goff in such a prime spot.
Jared Goff ($6,200) – EVERYONE destroys this Atlanta secondary. Kyler Murray was my preferred cash game QB in Week Six due to the matchup, and Goff is going to be my preferred play this week for that exact same reason. The Rams just got embarrassed at home. They are due for an offensive explosion and that will come this week.
Jacoby Brissett ($5,600) – If you need salary relief, Brissett is your man in Week Seven. The Houston Texans just beat the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, but they left Missouri with some bad news.

The Texans top cover cornerback, Bradley Roby, suffered a significant hamstring injury and is going to miss multiple games. Their other top cornerback, Johnathan Joseph didn’t even suit up in Week Six due to injury and will be questionable for Sunday’s game.

Brissett and the Colts’ passing attack should have no issues moving the ball at home this week against a banged up Texans’ defense.
~~Gardner Minshew ($5,400) –~~ Not a preferred play by any means, but if you somehow need to save an extra $200 and cannot afford Brissett, Minshew should be competent enough to get 15+ points against the Bengals. This defense has yet to give up a 300-yard passing game to an opposing QB, so tread lightly.

Again, if you HAVE to save $200 in salary, you can use Minshew. It’s best to avoid this play because we really need to take advantage of the three-point bonus DraftKings offers for 300+ passing yards. I added some more players at RB/WR that should help you avoid needing Minshew.

NFL DFS Cash Games Running Backs

Dalvin Cook ($8,000) – Not much to say about Dalvin Cook. He is the top running back on the slate and is going up against a Detroit defense that has struggled to defend the run. The Lions have already given up five touchdowns to opposing running backs in just four games, and we all know how much touchdown equity Dalvin Cook possesses.
~~Alvin Kamara ($7,500) –~~ The Bears defense is good, maybe even great, but Oakland showed us two weeks ago that you can beat them by running right at Khalil Mack. Kamara should get back on track this week in a slow-paced battle in the trenches against the Bears. Injury concerns and a very low-total in this game. Just use Cook/Fournette for your top-tier RBs.
Leonard Fournette ($7,000) – Incredible value for a running back who’s usage is through the roof. The Bengals consistently get destroyed by opposing running backs. Fournette should carry 90% ownership in NFL DFS Cash Games in Week Seven. You cannot fade him in this spot.
Chris Carson ($6,500) – Another game, another 25+ touches for Chris Carson. Baltimore is tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns allowed to opposing running backs, so there isn’t a real reason to fear this matchup (especially with the Seahawks being at home).
Tevin Coleman ($5,600) – The timeshare with Breida has me a little concerned, but Coleman should find his way to 80 all-purpose yards and a score. Enough to hit value.
Devonta Freeman ($5,400) – Devonta Freeman is starting to be featured more and more in this Falcons’ offense. The pass catching is increasing and we’re seeing less Ito Smith. I don’t love this matchup, but Freeman is an excellent choice for cheap exposure to the game with the highest total on the slate.

I have Freeman projected for 92 all purpose yards and a touchdown. That should be more than enough production to hit value in DFS.
Frank Gore ($5,200) – Miami is awful. Buffalo is a 16-point home favorite. This smells like a solid outing for Frank Gore, but there’s nothing sexy about rostering him above a $5,000 price tag.
Kerryon Johnson ($5,100) – Similar to Devonta Freeman, Johnson is starting to take full responsibility in the Lions’ rushing attack. The Vikings are stingy against opposing running backs, but at this price, Kerryon Johnson is worth mentioning for cash game builds.
Josh Jacobs ($5,000) – My number one value play at the running back position. The Packers run defense has been brutal thus far and should have their hands full with a three-down, elusive running back like Josh Jacobs. Not to mention, Jacobs is coming off of the best game of his young career and will have fresh legs after a bye week.

Wide Receivers

Michael Thomas ($7,900) – Always in play for cash, but the price is high. If you build around Goff, Fournette, Josh Jacobs, and a cheaper tight end, you should be able to afford Michael Thomas. This is not an ideal matchup for Thomas to exploit, but the double-digit floor will be there.
DeAndre Hopkins ($7,800) – 100% cash viable against a Colts’ secondary that will have issues with these Texans wideouts.
Cooper Kupp ($7,400) – Thankfully, we faded Kupp (at ~35% ownership) in NFL DFS Cash Games in Week Six. Kupp is coming off of one of the worst games of his NFL career but enters Week Seven in an absolute smash matchup against the Falcons’ poor-excuse of a secondary. If the Falcons plan on using Damontae Kazee to cover Kupp on Sunday, they are in for a long day.
Larry Fitzgerald ($6,100) – Fitzgerald always makes the writeup, but I’m starting to doubt his ceiling as a DFS target. His floor will always be there, but if we keep having these weeks where we need 160+ points to cash in 50/50s, Fitzgerald may find his way out of the weekly writeup. Luckily, this is a nice matchup for Fitzgerald to feast in.
Robert Woods ($5,900) – If you can’t afford Kupp, use Woods. Hell, use both if you love this Rams’ matchup as much as I do.
T.Y. Hilton ($5,900) – If we like Brissett, we have to like Hilton. Great price for a player who offers a 30-point ceiling.
~~Golden Tate ($5,800) –~~ If Evan Engram misses this game, Tate should be a borderline lock-button player for cash. Patrick Peterson is finally returning for the Cardinals this week, but he shouldn’t shadow Tate in the slot. If anyone is to perform for this Giants’ receiving corps, it’s going to be Tate. Engram should play, I still like Tate, but not as much as I do without Evan Engram.
Kenny Golladay ($5,800) – Why is he so cheap? If Alshon Jeffrey can have a day against the Vikings’ cornerbacks, Golladay should have no issues.
Allen Robinson ($5,500) – Robinson needs to be priced up in the $6k range. He is an absolute target monster and is a lock for 12+ DraftKings points.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($5,200) – Only cash viable if Davante Adams is out. Keep an eye on his injury status.
Mike Williams ($4,600) – I don’t see a whole lot of “punt” options at the wide receiver position, so Mike Williams is probably as low as I’ll go at the moment. He offers DFS players a very high ceiling and should get in the box in Week Seven. This is a must-win game for the Chargers, so I’m confident Phil Rivers will do his part to carve up this Titans’ secondary. If I’m right, Mike Williams will be a big part of that.
Auden Tate ($4,500) – The targets are going to continue to be there (assuming A.J. Green does not suit up). With Jalen Ramsey now on the Rams, Tate should see a lot of Tre Herndon (who is seven inches shorter than the big-framed Auden Tate).
Dante Pettis ($4,100) – I needed to add one more “punt” typer of player as we may need other avenues for salary relief. I hate to recommend Pettis in cash (he will heavily used in my MME GPP player pool), but Pettis has been getting more involved with the 49ers’ offense and should destroy Fabian Moreau in the slot on Sunday.
Allen Lazard ($3,000) – Absolute free square. If these Packers’ top wideouts miss the game (Davante Adams already ruled out), you 100% must lock in Lazard for cash games.

Tight Ends

Keep in mind, George Kittle and Evan Engram are 100% in play this week, but I will not include them in the writeup. I’ve mentioned above that the optimal cash build is most likely going to be based around paying down at tight end.

Austin Hooper ($5,300) – How is he not in the $6k price range? Lock him in.
Mark Andrews ($4,900) – Great price, great matchup. If Baltimore falls behind to Russell Wilson and the Seahawks early, Andrews should be in for a career day. If this game paces down a bit, Andrews will still see seven or more targets and easily hit value.
Darren Waller ($4,700) – Waller is Derek Carr’s first look in the passing game. I think it’s a safe bet that he sees eight or more targets against a Packers’ team that should get an early lead and force Oakland to pass more than they’d like to.
Hunter Henry ($4,000) – Welcome back, Hunter Henry! At this price, you cannot go wrong with locking in Henry. Outside of Hooper, Henry will be my top choice at the tight end position. Recency bias should up his ownership a bit (I’d be selling Henry immediately in season-long leagues).
Gerald Everett ($3,700) – Simply a price play. Atlanta struggles against anyone who runs a route.

Defense/Special Teams

Buffalo Bills ($4,300)
San Francisco 49ers ($4,100)
Chicago Bears ($3,000)
New Orleans Saints ($2,900)
New York Giants ($2,500)

NFL DFS Cash Games – Sample Lineup

QB: Jared Goff
RB: Dalvin Cook
RB: Leonard Fournette
WR: Dante Pettis
WR: Allen Robinson
WR: Robert Woods
TE: Austin Hooper
FLEX: Josh Jacobs
DST: Chicago Bears

5 years ago 0 comment

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS: Final Injury Report

Edwin Porras 5 years ago

written by Edwin Porras

It’s Week Six (hard to believe) and today marks the return of Tyreek Hill. Today will also bring tough decisions on players such as David Johnson and George Kittle. Should you be concerned about these injuries? Read the DFS Final Injury report to find out.

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Tyreek Hill

I’m green-lighting Hill this week with a good amount of confidence. Hill is coming back after a five week absence due to a posterior dislocation of his sternoclavicular joint. This type of injury differs from a soft tissue strain or a bruise in that once out of the “protection” stage, it’s pretty much all systems go. This was somewhat of a freak accident, and although he’s relatively prone to re-dislocation, he’s active today which means the Chiefs’ medical staff is confident in his ability to safely take a big hit. He might not see the immediate rebound in volume, but a decrease in volume will likely come at the expense of fly sweeps and bubble passes towards the sidelines and not fly routes. Luckily, “cheetah” just needs one or two big plays to pay off massively. Don’t be afraid to fire him up in tournaments this week with an eye towards cash games next week after re-solidifying his role in the offense.

Alvin Kamara

Kamara is a yellow light for me this week overall. Kamara will be active for Week Six after popping up on the injury report in the middle of the week with an ankle injury. This is more than likely a run-of-the-mill lateral ankle sprain and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. However given the fact that Latavius Murray is always a fine option for the Saints, I’m not using Kamara in cash. These ankle injuries can linger it would not be a giant surprise for Kamara to see a lightened workload. For this reason I’m not paying for any piece of the Saints’ backfield this week.

George Kittle

I’m red-lighting Kittle for my lineups this week. Kittle was a limited participant in practice on Friday due to a groin injury. These injuries are scary for skill players and can cause extended missed time is aggravated (i.e. DeSean Jackson). Because we do not know the exact severity of this groin injury, there is no reason to pay up for Kittle this week as a safe DFS player. Other options like Austin Hooper are in play today.

David Johnson

Here’s another red-light player for me on the Final Injury Report. D.J. has been limited all week by a back injury and did not get in a limited practice until Friday. This is another injury that is a bit mysterious as it could be effecting his muscles, discs, or ligaments. Due to the lack of information on Johnson’s injury and his limited practice participation, I’m very hesitant to use him at all this week. After the showing Chase Edmonds had in Week Five, even if Johnson is active, he might not pay off his price tags in terms of volume.

That will do it for the DFS Final Injury Report. Make sure to find me on Twitter here with specific injury questions. Good luck this week!

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.

Image courtesy of Chipermc.

5 years ago 0 comment

NFL

Week Two Injuries and DFS Outlooks

Richard Masana 5 years ago

written by Richard Masana

What a difference one week makes. Just last Friday I was thinking to myself that I had so much time to dive headfirst into the few injuries that were being reported. Now that it’s Week Two and games have been played, the injuries are stacking up. Here are the most notable Week Two Injuries with in-depth analysis.

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Julio Jones

No longer on the injury report. Giddy up for a Week Two bounce back against the Eagles’ “defense.”

JuJu Smith-Schuster

The same goes for JuJu as he was upgraded to a full practice participant on Friday. Giddy-up as well.

Tyler Lockett

No longer listed on the injury report, the pride of Wildcat land is a sneaky play against a Steelers defense that was just shredded by Josh Gordon, Julian Edelman, and even Phillip Dorsett. Add in the fact that the Seahawks are road dogs and you get yet another horse reference: giddy up.

Mike Williams

The opposite is true here for Williams. As of Friday, Williams had drawn a questionable tag and has been limited all week by a mystery knee injury. Considering that the Chargers’ skill players are going down faster than chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday, part of me believes that pressure from the coaching staff (and probably Williams’ own internal pressure) is pushing him to play this Sunday. I’m avoiding Williams and living with the result because all signs point to red flags for him in DFS.

Marquise Brown

Brown is still on the injury report as he was last week. The reason I’m concerned about putting him into lineups is that even though he blew up last week while playing through an injury designation, he was still limited in snaps. Let’s also acknowledge the fact that the Dolphins are undoubtedly the worst team in the league. With all that said, if he has another giant performance, it will be in spite of injury concerns.

Sterling Shepard

There’t not much to say here other than concussions are volatile and despite players’ progress in concussion protocol, their availability is never a lock. He’s been ruled out.

Now, on to running backs, as there are a couple of guys who are risky plays this week.

Joe Mixon

I said all week that I was unsure if Mixon would suit up on Sunday, but all signs point to him being on the field as he practiced on Friday with no setbacks (as of now). It’s worth noting that when players come off injuries like Mixon’s, availability and production are not guaranteed to be correlated. If his lateral mobility and ankle stability isn’t quite where it needs to be, he might struggle or worse, re-injure himself. Unfortunately, re-injury to lateral ankle sprains are very common. Mixon is another player I’m willing to leave out of my lineups. Even if he balls out this week, from an injury perspective the conservative move is to avoid him.

Le’Veon Bell

Bell’s situation is extremely odd as “precautionary” MRIs are virtually unheard of in the medical community. It’s also worth noting that despite the MRI being “clear” imaging and pain reports are terribly correlated. That means that Bell can still be in a significant amount of pain while playing on Sunday, which would mainly limit him in the passing game. Additionally, he was limited in practice on Friday, but planned to practice Saturday. With all of that said, Darnold is out and the offense will likely have no choice but to run through Bell, so he’s a volume play for me this week. Even though it makes me slightly nervous, he’s nowhere near the Joe Mixon level of concern for me.

James Conner

Conner was a full participant in practice Friday and is seemingly recovered from an illness. If you’re in a pool with people who have been scared off, slide him as the Steelers are home favorites against a post-Legion-of-Boom defense that was just shredded by Andy Dalton.

Everybody else

Whoa there! (I hope you picked up on the horse narrative) A reminder that Jordan Reed, Hunter Henry, Derrius Guice and Tyreek Hill have all been ruled OUT.

There are your Week Two Injuries (with a few horse references). Make sure you check in with us on Sunday morning for another quick hit injury report. Good luck setting those lineups!

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.

5 years ago 0 comment

NFL

DFS: Week Two Injury Report

5 years ago

written by

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I can only assume that you walked away a winner from Week One by listening to our podcasts, reading our strategy pieces, and staying up to date on our injury report. So, congratulations! If you didn’t, don’t be concerned, as your time is coming. Now, let’s discuss the Week Two injury report.

Mike Evans

Evans battled a stomach bug all last week, and it showed on the field. The weather was hot and humid while Evans struggled to stay hydrated and explosive. On top of that, Jameis Winston didn’t have the best showing (to put it nicely). With all of that said, I expect Evans to bounce back.

Julio Jones

Jones and the injury report go together like a fine wine and perfectly aged cheese. I say that because ultimately, he usually performs extremely well despite any designations and concerns. The issue this week is that it’s an unfamiliar injury with his wrist, which can compromise his ability to catch the ball. I’m watching the report all week on this one before throwing him into lineups.

Tyler Lockett

Ah, Tyler Lockett, the pride of Kansas State, my Alma Mater. I still smile when I remember watching Lockett in person as he returned punts for touchdowns that glorious 2012 season. I digress, Lockett showed up on the injury report on Wednesday after being presumed completely healthy following the Week One victory over the Bengals. Watch Lockett’s status on Thursday and Friday for a better picture. I’m hoping this turns into a minor issue and scares most away from one of the most efficient receivers.

Joe Mixon

I tweeted a picture and a short blurb about Mixon’s injury here. He had a classic lateral ankle sprain mechanism of injury as he was forced down by two defenders. The good news is that this is a manageable injury that responds very well to active rest and rehab. Unfortunately, it can take a couple of weeks to get back to 100%. He also mentioned on Wednesday that his intention is to play on Sunday. Regardless, I’m fading him in DFS unless we hear he is back to full speed by Friday (which I do not expect)

Update: Mixon was limited at practice on Thursday and continues to be day to day.

Mike Williams

This is an interesting case as I went back to watch the play that he was injured on, and nothing jumped out at me. I have a few theories in mind that aren’t worth mentioning specifically, but what matters is that on Wednesday coach Anthony Lynn said that he was “concerned” for Williams’ knee. How concerned? Well, the Chargers signed another depth receiver on Wednesday in light of Williams’ injury.

Update: There continues to be a sense of mystery behind this injury and I would not play Williams even if he is active. He missed practice on Thursday.

JuJu Smith-Schuster

JuJu is another interesting case to me. I’m going to assume that the medical staff knows something we don’t, as it was reported that he suffered a toe injury, but only X-rays were conducted. You see, X-rays are only used to rule out bone and joint injuries (fractures, dislocations, etc). That means if JuJu has “turf toe” (a sprain of the first toe) an X-ray would not catch it. To make matters worse, he was limited in practice on Wednesday. Keep your eyes peeled this week for JuJu’s injury status.

*It’s worth noting here that JuJu’s teammate, James Conner, was ill on Wednesday.

Update: The teammates are both expected to play on Sunday.

Baker Mayfield

The Titans pressured Mayfield all game long and at one point, sacked him for a safety. Mayfield stood up holding his wrist and simply looked uncomfortable the rest of the game. His X-rays are negative, but again, if it isn’t a bone or joint injury, we could be missing something. Add in the Jets’ (surprisingly) decent defense, and I might avoid Baker in DFS this week. He’s another guy to watch for as the week progresses.

Greg Olsen

At 34 years of age, Olsen is still trotting out there on Sundays despite his body starting to wear down. He’s been dealing with a back injury this week, and did not practice on Wednesday ahead of their TNF game against Tampa Bay. The flip side of these warning signs is that the veteran doesn’t need a walk-through practice and he told reporters on Wednesday that he’ll be ready to go. If he’s out, Ian Thomas is an extremely valuable option at tight end for showdown plays.

Update: Olsen is likely to play based on coach Ron Rivera’s comments all week. However, I’m staying away as there is potential for him to be on a snap count and due to risk of a back “flare up”.

Amari Cooper

Cooper sat out an entire month in the pre-season to nurse his plantar fasciitis, which is a chronic foot condition that can be very painful. The logic was to allow him to take it easy, rehab, and rest so it would not plague him all season like it did while still at Alabama. This was a very smart and prudent plan. Well, on Wednesday he told reporters that during Week One against the Giants, he had a “flare up” but it concluded that it is not an ongoing issue. Look, I’m not anybody to tell you to fade a receiver who just performed as well as Cooper did in that new-look offense, so I won’t. The best way to put Cooper’s situation into words is like this: with each passing week, Amari Cooper might become that yellow light that I’m just not comfortable racing through.

Patrick Mahomes

I wasn’t concerned whatsoever about Mahomes before Wednesday’s practice. He was seen during warm-ups clearly limited in lateral movements and favoring the ankle. I can’t imagine ever paying the premium for Mahomes in DFS, and even though I expect him to play, I’m looking for a better option.

Sam Darnold

Darnold was sick on Wednesday and did not practice, so watch his progression throughout the week. I’m always nervous about illnesses as hydration and fatigue are an issue.

Update: Darnold was ruled OUT for Monday’s game against the Browns. The Jets report that Darnold has mononucleosis, “the kissing disease” which is a member of a common family of viruses. This illness can cause inflammation of the spleen, which is the primary reason (aside from general fatigue) for his absence. Unfortunately for Darnold, this can cost him several weeks as the only treatment is to allow it to run it’s course.

More Updates

Le’Veon Bell: Along with the Darnold news, Adam Gase reported that Bell has a “sore shoulder” and he’ll receive an MRI. Although Gase says they are being “extra cautious” it’s a red flag to jump straight to an MRI, which will show the joint congruencey, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and overall integrity of the structures within the shoulder. I’m watching this injury closely as a shoulder injury could impact Bell’s ability to catch the football. If Bell is out, Ty Montgomery would be the cheap (and admittedly chalk) play of the week.

Update: Bell received a “precautionary” MRI that (unsurprisingly) found nothing significant. Sticking to my conservative style of play, I’m side stepping Bell in daily this week. The reasoning is that imaging reports and pain are terribly correlated and Bell can still be in quite a bit of pain despite his MRI. This could lead him to avoid contact and raising his arms to catch passes.

Derrius Guice: Guice will reportedly get a second opinion on his meniscus injury, which has a chance to turn into surgery. Although this development is more relevant in season long, it’s worth noting that Chris Thompson’s stock is on the rise this week. Use him in lineups before his price goes up.

KeKe Coutee: Coutee is making progress in practice and has the potential to play this week. I would wait a day or so longer before making a solid decision on him.

Sterling Shepard: Monitor his progress through concussion protocol. As of now, he has a good chance of playing

Update: Coutee was a full participant in practice Thursday. He could be a sneaky play this week.

Everybody Else

Lastly, for the less informed crowd, I want to provide a list of players who have been ruled out for Week Two (and beyond in most cases). I assume most people are aware of these players by now, but just to be sure: Tyreek Hill, Keke Coutee Tevin Coleman, Nick Foles, Derrius Guice, Devin Funchess, Quincy Enunwa, Hunter Henry.

Keep an eye out for an updated versions of this report on Saturday and Sunday before kickoff. Thank you for reading!

Featured image courtesy of Chris J. Nelson.

5 years ago 0 comment

NFL

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.

5 years ago 0 comment

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