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Mark Andrews

DFS: Week Four Injury Breakdown

5 years ago

written by

Week Four is going to be your winning week. Week Two was riddled with unexpected injuries for several players. Then last Sunday we saw Saquon Barkley, an anchor in many lineups, go down early in the game with a high-ankle sprain. However, you’re already trending in the right direction by reading my Week Four Injury Breakdown

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Week Four is going to be your week.

This week, it seems that there are several players who are injured, yet expected to play. I’ll give you my clinical thoughts on their injury risk.

Without further ado, here are the DFS Week Four Injury Breakdowns to help you optimize your lineups in Week Four.

Julian Edelman

Edelman is at the top of the list of players who is a yellow light for me this week. It’s hard to deny his impact on the field as Tom Brady’s number one target, but he’s dealing with sore ribs, which can make it painful to breathe, let alone play in an NFL game. Additionally, the Patriots are capable of winning several different ways, including with Edelman acting as a decoy. Or with James White catching nine balls out of the backfield. Or with Rex Burkhead scoring three touchdowns from the slot. You catch my drift. The bottom line is that Edelman is a relative risk this week due to his injury and if you decide to put him in lineups, you’ll have to be okay with a wide range of outcomes. At the very least, avoid him in cash games.

T.Y. Hilton

Hilton was pulled during Week Three mid-game for a quad tear. And make no mistake, muscle strains are muscle tears. He was coerced off the field by the medical staff as he was evidently playing through some serious pain. Fast forward to this week and he has yet to practice and already declared a game time decision. I faded him last week, and he performed through the injury. However, given the fact that he’s still limited, I’m not budging and he won’t be in any of my DFS lineups this week, cash or tournaments.

Calvin Ridley and Chris Godwin

I’m lumping these two together as both are receivers, both have mysterious hip injuries, both were limited in practice this week, and both have tough matchups on Sunday. The Falcons take on the 12th ranked DVOA Titans and the Buccaneers will face the fourth ranked DVOA Rams.

Yikes.

I’m fading Ridley altogether as that offense has looked less than stellar as is, but Godwin I’m willing to plug into tournament lineups if he plays as the total for that game is around 50 points. Add in that the masses will be on Mike Evans after a monster game last week and that gives the potential for a profitable Godwin pivot.

Mark Andrews

Andrews was a game time decision last week, but after watching him on film, I’m not concerned about his foot injury. Additionally, he practiced on Friday which is an upgrade compared to last week. The most important part? He’s telling reporters that his injury is improving. I’m bullish on Andrews this week as the Browns, since Week One, have ceded a 5-55-2 line to 35 year old Delanie Walker, a 10-61 receiving line to Le’Veon Bell, and north of 250 total receiving yards to the Rams just last week. The masses might be scared away by Andrews’ designation and poor performance from Week Three, but I’m willing to roll with him again. If he underwhelms, it likely won’t be due to injury.

Amari Cooper

Cooper had a “precautionary MRI” on his ankle this week, which is concerning in the long term. However, he is expected to suit up on Sunday against a Saints defense that ranks 28th in DVOA. I’m using Cooper in lineups (this week in the Showdown slates) until the wheels fall off, which I hope doesn’t actually happen. He has not entered the dreaded “avoided him in cash games” category for me due to this injury, but I’m afraid that might be the case sooner rather than later as this mysterious injury (that is clearly more than plantar fasciitis) continues to linger. In Week Four, confidently use him as a captain.

Terry McLaurin

Scary Terry has been a revelation this year coming out of Ohio State. He’s the primary source of offense for Washington, but he was held out of practice due to a hamstring strain. Allegedly this is a precaution, but any time a player has an injury in the middle of the week, it’s a bad sign. Especially considering this is a soft tissue strain. I’m fading McLaurin. I can live with him having a big day against the Giants.

LeSean McCoy

Last week Shady and T.Y. Hilton teamed up to make me look extremely bad as I was fading both of them completely on Sunday. Even though they performed well, they were both pulled mid-game due to their injuries, so I’ll consider the final outcome a push. McCoy is dealing with what I perceive to be a high-ankle issue that simply didn’t show up on the MRI. He continues to be limited in practice this week after clearly playing hurt on Sunday. I have a hard time believing his ankle is any better this week, but clearly he can be effective even while hobbled. Ultimately, Shady is definitely a fade in cash games. Personally, I’m avoiding him altogether, but I would understand if you were to slide him into a small share of tournaments as he’s the best goal line back on that team.

Devin Singletary

The final player on the DFS Week Four Injury Breakdowns list is Devin Singletary. Singletary practiced for the first time in more than a week on Friday, and is officially designated as questionable for Sunday. Singletary is in a tough spot coming back from a significant hamstring strain and now facing a stingy New England defense. The only upside here is that the Patriots are favored and Singletary is the de facto pass catching back for the Bills. As a result, I’m fading Singletary due to his long lay-off and the matchup.

Those are the DFS Week Four Injury Breakdowns. Make sure to follow me on Twitter @FFStudentDoc for constant injury updates and look out for my final injury outlook on Sunday morning. Remember, this is your week! Good luck.

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 via Football Schedule

5 years ago 0 comments

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 comments

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS: Final Week Three Injury Report

Andrew Erickson 5 years ago

written by Andrew Erickson

This week has been a whirlwind of injury analysis and ranking adjustments for the team at windailysports.com. Fortunately for you, I’m here to give you the Final Week Three Injury report to help optimize your DFS lineups for the week.Gold right here! Projections, wagering info, 24/7 expert chats and more!

Alshon Jeffery

It’s all but official that Jeffery will not play this week. Check back here as I’ll continue to monitor the actives/inactive as kickoff approaches.Update: Officially OUT.LeSean McCoyMcCoy was limited in practice this week with an ankle injury, but looks to be on the right track to play after a full Friday practice. Even so, I’m pivoting to Darwin Thompson in tournaments as the weather here in Kansas City has been rainy for the last two days and muddy fields do not pair well with ankle injuries.Update: Officially ACTIVE.Marlon MackMack is expected to be active for this matchup against the Falcons, but I’m not 100% confident that he’ll dominate the snaps after only practicing once this week. Add in that the calf may not be completely ready to go and that leads to a fade in cash games for Mack. However, Jordan Wilkins is a cheap option to consider in tournaments.Update: Officially ACTIVE.Mark AndrewsAndrews’ status is surprisingly up in the air this morning after no concerns reported all week. It’s extremely difficult to fade Andrews in what should be the highest scoring game of this young season, especially considering that he’s performed just fine for two weeks.Update: Officially ACTIVE.T.Y. HiltonHilton was limited all week in practice and is a game-time decision as of now. Game-time decisions never pair well with stellar results, so Hilton is only a tournament play for me if active.Update: Officially ACTIVE.There you have it, the Final Week Three Injury report for DFS players. Make sure to check back in here as kickoff approaches for final active/inactive reports. Good luck!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 HEREImage courtesy of Keith Allison.

5 years ago 0 comments

NFL

DFS: Two-Minute Drill Injury Analysis

Edwin Porras 5 years ago

written by Edwin Porras

Week Two is just hours away, so it’s time to go no-huddle and optimize your DFS lineups with the Two-Minute Drill Injury Analysis. Let’s get into it.

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Joe Mixon– Ankle- Questionable

We’ll start off the two minute drill with some bad news: The walking news headline Adam Schefter reported (either late last night or early this morning) that Mixon plans to play. The problem? In reference to his ankle, Mixon wants to “test it out” before making a final decision to play or not. So, even though he draws a questionable tag, this is more of game time decision. Not what you want to hear just hours before kick off. Find a better option. (Take a look at his gnarly injury here)

Mark Ingram– Shoulder– Questionable

Next on the list is Mark Ingram, who also draws a questionable, but his situation was not worrisome from the beginning. If the questionable tag scares others in your pool away, slide him into a lineup or two this morning as I’m not concerned about his shoulder and this is another great spot for him. Moving on to the Steelers.

James Conner– Illness- No Designation

The third player on my radar is James Conner. This is just a reminder that he’s a solid mid-salary option this week as his illness is in the rear view mirror. It’s always nice to have good news in the two-minute drill, isn’t it? Now, let’s move on to pass catchers.

Mike Williams- Knee- Questionable

Unfortunately, this next guy is bad news. Williams’ injury continues to be shrouded in mystery and to be quite honest, seems serious. He’s a game time decision with a questionable tag, so I’m avoiding him today despite Adam Schefter reporting he’ll be used in the red zone today. Speaking of big bodied targets, next up on the list is a tight end.

Mark Andrews- Foot- Questionable

It was unexpected when Andrews didn’t practice on Friday. However, considering that the Ravens are confident he’ll play and the fact that his teammate Mark Ingram is also questionable, I’m okay with rolling Andrews out there today. Now, let’s move on to his teammate.

Marquise Brown- Hip- Questionable

By nature, I am very conservative when it comes to player injuries. That’s why I view Hollywood Brown this week as a cautious dart throw in tournaments. I consider him a yellow-light as he was only on the field in week one for 12 snaps. Add in that he missed most of the preseason, continues to be questionable, and the Ravens’ plethora of offensive weapons and you get a yellow light.

Le’Veon Bell-Shoulder-Questionable

Last but not least, let’s talk Bell, who plays on Monday night. Although there are yellow flags surrounding his shoulder, what other offensive options do the Jets have with Darnold out? Start him as a volume play in the show-down slates as the injury might make him slightly less chalk.

That wraps up the week two version of the two-minute injury drill. Good luck this week!

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Image courtesy of Smashdown Sports News.

5 years ago 0 comments

NFL Daily Fantasy Sports

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 comments

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.

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