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Zach Ertz

Week 9 DFS TE and DST NFL Picks: Kelce Killin’ It

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

It’s time for Week 9 DFS recommendations for the Sunday main slate. I’m focusing on tight ends (TEs) and defenses (DSTs) that will help you win some green!

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Week9 DFS Tight End Cash Game Plays

Travis Kelce, KC vs. MIN

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

It’s a stark reality that most TEs just aren’t that reliable in DFS, but Kelce (65 targets, 42-604-2 this season) is about as automatic for 10+ fantasy points as you can get. He’s got only one game this season (9.8 DK points in Week 8 against the Texans) where he didn’t reach that mark – but he was darn close, and he said he was disgusted with his performance vs. Green Bay. The Vikings have a solid defense but are middle of the roads vs. TEs, and even with one more week of Matt Moore under center for the Chiefs, Kelce is one of the two best cash game plays.

DarrenWaller, OAK vs. DET

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

Waller didn’t have a great week last Sunday (he caught just two of eight targets for 11 yards and a touchdown), a result of constant attention from the Houston defense, though his score salvaged what would have been a DFS disaster. The matchup is much better for Week 9 DFS against a Lions defense that ranks 27th against TEs. Waller is still seeing plentiful targets, so he’s about as safe as it gets for cash games.

Week9 DFS Tight End GPP Plays

Hunter Henry, LAC vs. GB

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

The Chargers TE is oneof the top GPP plays, as he’s a consensus Top 5 five this week. With 23 targetsover his past three games, Henry is an elite GPP play with multi-TD upsidefacing the Packers.

JimmyGraham, GB at LAC

FD ($6,000) DK ($4,300)

The veteran TE is a huge bargain on DK but makes for a solid GPP play on both sites. There’s 15-20 point upside, which is actually a pretty high mark this week given the player pool. He’s worth a look in Week 9 DFS because of the matchup and his QB – but Graham’s play this season has been streaky. He’s pretty far down the list in the consensus Week 9 rankings, so his ownership shouldn’t be too high.

GregOlsen, CAR vs. TEN

FD ($5,300) DK ($3,500)

Olsen had a solid start with two monster games in his first three weeks, but he’s been held scoreless over his past four appearances. He dealt with a back injury in late September, but hasn’t had a designation in a while and is facing a Titans defense that’s yielded plenty of scores to opposing TEs. He’s an under-the-radar GPP play in a decent matchup.

ZachErtz, PHI vs. CHI

FD ($6,000) DK ($4,700)

The main slate ismissing several of the game’s best TEs due to prime-time affairs or bye weeks,so we’re going to have to take chances in GPPs, and Ertz is a huge risk at themoment – with three straight games scoring fewer than 10 DK points and just oneTD on the season. The price has come down on DK to a point that’s reasonable,and his upside makes me comfortable rolling him out in GPPs – even against theBears.

Week9 DFS Tight End Punt Plays

JonnuSmith, TEN at CAR

FD ($5,500) DK ($3,800)

With fellow Titans TE Delanie Walker (ankle) ruled out, Smithdraws another start in Week 9 against the Panthers, and while the matchup istougher than last week, I’m going right back to the well following his 6-78-1 (onseven targets) performance.

EricEbron, IND at PIT

FD ($5,200) DK ($3,600)

Ebron has been a hit-or-miss fantasy option this season,but he’s in a good spot against the Steelers. He’s mired in a timeshare attight end with Jack Doyle, but has at least three targets in every game this seasonand has scored over 10 DK points in three contests – the three he caught TDpasses in. It’s possible he and Doyle will both get more targets in the comingweeks with T.Y. Hilton slated to miss time, even if their upside is limited abit with both TEs healthy.

RyanGriffin, NYJ at MIA

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

Griffin has been one of the lone bright spots these pastcouple weeks for the Jets, and he’s coming off his best game of the season, atwo-touchdown performance against the Jaguars (4-66-2). I keep hearing talkthat Griffin will be relegated to a backup role once Chris Herndon returns fromhis hamstring injury, which could be as soon as this week in Miami, but Herndonis still a 50-50 shot to play. If he sits, Griffin is an option.

T.J.Hockenson, DET at OAK

FD ($5,000) DK ($3,700)

The rookie tight end hasbeen relatively quiet lately, with just four catches in his last two weeks, butthat could change versus an Oakland defense that’s 28th against TEs. He’s stillgot 15-20 point upside but is a TD-dependent option who’s fine for GPPs.

Additional Week 9 DFS GPP and punt options:

Cameron Brate, TB at SEA (FD $5,100, DK $3,100)

Jack Doyle, IND at PIT (FD $5,000, DK $3,000)

Trey Burton, CHI at PHI (FD $4,800, DK $2,900)

Anthony Firkser, TEN at CAR (FD $4,700, DK $2,500)

Noah Fant, DEN vs. CLE (FD $4,600, DK $3,000)

Foster Moreau, OAK at HOU (FD $4,900, DK $2,600)

Week 9 DFS DST Cash Game Plays

BuffaloBills (BUF vs. WAS)

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

The Bills have disappointed us as the chalk DST before, but they’ve been serviceable against bad offenses, and this week they have a great home matchup against Washington. They’re relatively safe, have some upside, and Washington has just a 13-point implied total – the lowest of Week 9 – with turnover-prone rookie Dwayne Haskins starting at QB. The Bills DST should rebound in a big way.

PhiladelphiaEagles (PHI vs. CHI)

FD ($4,600) DK ($3,000)

Considering the Bears have one of the worst offenses in football and the Eagles defensive unit has been solid, I’m giving the Eagles the green light in cash games this week. Philly’s DST dropped 35 DK points on the Jets in Week 5, and they have similar upside this week against Mitchell Trubisky and the Bears.

DenverBroncos (DEN vs. CLE)

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

If you’re looking for a cheap defense to play in cashgames, the Broncos face a turnover-prone Browns team at Mile High, where they usuallyplay a lot better as a unit. Give them a look if you’re in a salary crunch foryour lineup’s final spot.

Week9 DFS DST GPP Plays

SeattleSeahawks (SEA vs. TB)

FD ($4,900) DK ($3,600)

Seattle faces a Bucs team that’s got an implied total of 24.5 points, but Jameis Winston has thrown seven INTs over his past two weeks, making them a great GPP play. The secondary does have some issues with depth – last Sunday they were missing Tre Flowers, Quandre Diggs among others, and saw just a handful of snaps from Bradley McDougald. Those recurring injury problems and the implied total make them a little riskier for cash, but they’re one of my top tournament plays of Week 9.

GreenBay Packers (GB at LAC)

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

The Packers were an under-the-radar DST for a while, and now’sthey’re one of the top defenses thanks to stellar play from the entire unit, especiallyZa’Darius Smith and Preston Smith at LB. And they have Darnell Savage back atsafety – which gives them a big boost. I’ll have some Aaron Jones/GB DSTlineups in GPPs.

NewYork Jets (NYJ at MIA)

FD ($4,600) DK ($3,500)

The Jets defense is a bit of a mess right now with a lot ofbackup players forced into starting roles, but the matchup versus Miami means wehave to consider them.

ChicagoBears (CHI at PHI)

FD ($4,400) DK ($2,900)

The Bears DST came into the season a juggernaut, had acouple monster games in weeks 3 and 4, and now is struggling to make a bigsplash because of how poorly the offense is playing. They’re under $3K on DKnow, and the Eagles offensive line is in disarray, so that’s enough for me toconsider them in DFS.

ClevelandBrowns (CLE at DEN)

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

The Browns get to face an untested QB, and they still havean effective pass rush and decent cornerbacks – so I’m buying some shares in Week9. A risk as a road play, but one with plenty of upside.

Week9 DFS DST Punt Plays

Carolina Panthers CAR vs. TEN)

FD ($4,000) DK ($2,800)

The Panthers are cheap and their opponent, the Titans, havean implied total under 20 – making this one of the bets matchups of Week 9. Don’toverthink it.

MiamiDolphins (MIA vs. NYJ)

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

The Dolphins defense has its moments – and so does SamDarnold the Ghost Whisperer. Seriously, though, we can make a case for theDolphins DST even in full tank mode based solely on the awfulness of the Jets.

WashingtonRedskins (WAS at BUF)

FD ($3,000) DK ($1,800)

The ultimate punt, it shouldn’t be hard for this team to make 4x or 5x value at the $1,800 price tag. I like Josh Allen, but he’s far from perfect, and has been known to throw ‘em to the opposition.

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Pick the Players that will get the most Receptions

Focused on TEs, here, I will go with Kelce, Ertz and Olsen for a goal of 17.5 at 2x.

Photo of Travis Kelce by: Master Sgt. April Wickes, U.S. Air Force

5 years ago 0 comments

Week 8 DFS TE and DST NFL Picks: Waller For the Win

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

It’s Week 8 DFS of the NFL season, and I’ve got your Sunday main slate plays for Tight Ends and DSTs to win you some big green in cash and GPP!

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Week8 DFS Tight End Cash Game Plays

Week 8 DFS — Darren Waller, OAK at HOU

FD($6,800) DK ($5,900)

Houston doesn’t normally give up a ton of points to TEs, but Waller is no ordinary TE. And last week Eric Ebron had a nice game against them, so the matchup should be more favorable than the red numbers indicate. I’m going to have massive shares of Waller in cash and GPPs.

Week 8 DFS — Austin Hooper, ATL vs. SEA

FD($6,600) DK ($5,500)

Hooper should get a boatload of targets from whomever plays QB for the Falcons this week, and he’s been the best TE in football this season (by a small margin over Darren Waller). Roll with him confidently against a Seattle team that’s been “no great shakes” – as the old-timers said – against TEs. He’s safe for cash and fine for GPPs.

Week8 DFS Tight End GPP Plays

Week 8 DFS — Evan Engram, NYG at DET

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

Engram missed a week with an MCL sprain, but he’s apparentlyshed the wrap that was on his left knee – and despite the fact that he didn’t domuch in Sunday’s 27-21 loss to the Cardinals, he’s in a great spot now that he’shealthy and facing a battered Lions defense that’s allowed some big games to tightends. He’s a great option for GPPs – we know his upside and the recency biaswill keep him from high ownership.

Week 8 DFS — George Kittle, SF vs. CAR

FD($6,900) DK ($6,500)

Kittle (groin) just got cleared to play in Sunday’s gameagainst the Panthers, so I’m a little worried about cash games but he’s atop target for GPPs. As long as Kittle suits up and there’s no talk of arestriction, we’re getting aboard.

Week 8 DFS — Zach Ertz, PHI at BUF

FD($6,300) DK ($5,100)

Ertz and the Eagles’ passing attack got stymied by the Cowboys,and the stud tight end ended up being a stinker. Worry not, Ertz fans, becausehe’s still the top dog TE in Philly, not Dallas Goedert, and the Eagles will bemaking use of him against a Buffalo team where they’ll have to throw underneathand trust their big targets in the flats.

Week 8 DFS — Hunter Henry, LAC at CHI

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

Henry’s 2019 season got offto a bad start, but since returning from injury he’s had two big games – one abona fide monster (8-100-2 vs. PIT). The Bears have actually been just okayagainst TEs this year, so Henry is still fully in play against a defense that’sranked No. 22 in most fantasy points allowed to TEs.

Week8 DFS Tight End Punt Plays

Week 8 DFS — Eric Ebron, IND vs. DEN

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

Ebron could see a larger chunk of targets if Jack Doyle sitson Sunday, and is coming off a big game where he caught four of five targetsfor 70 yards and a touchdown in a win over Houston. The TD was a nice one, too,as he got his feet in bounds on a short TD pass in the third that helped propelthem to victory. Denver is okay against TEs, but his upside shouldn’t be significantlylimited.

Week 8 DFS — T.J. Hockenson, DET vs. NYG

FD($5,300) DK ($3,500)

The rookie tight end hasbeen building more consistency in his game but had some mistakes last week againstthe Vikings. We’re hoping for a high-upside outlier (like Week 1) in a matchupagainst the Giants, who will have trouble containing this talented pass catcherand athlete.

Week 8 DFS — Cameron Brate, TB at TEN

FD($5,200) DK ($2,700)

Brate takes on some moretargets with O.J. Howard out Sunday, which propels him into GPP territory at apretty low price on DK. It’s a lot on FanDuel, but he’s still in play forlarge-field GPPs – he’s got two TDs in his last three games and Howard’stargets, while minimal, should be heading his way.

Additional Week 8 DFS GPPand punt options:

Gerald Everett, LAR vs. CIN(FD $6,100, DK $4,300)

Darren Fells, HOU vs. OAKIND (FD $5,100, DK $3,400)

Jordan Akins, HOU vs. OAK (FD$4,900), DK $2,800)

Ben Watson, NE vs. CLE (FD$4,900, DK $3,000)

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

Week8 DFS DST Cash Game Plays

NewEngland Patriots (NE vs. CLE)

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

The Pats remain the best defense in football by a large marginand get a team that coughs it up quite a bit. Do we really need to tell you toplay this unit in cash games, GPPs, or basically any format? The cream of the crop– and the price is still lower than what it could be.

LosAngeles Rams (LAR vs. CIN)

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

As long as they don’t jump out to a huge lead and spend the final quarter or so in prevent, the Rams make an excellent cash game play facing the struggling Bengals. The Patriots are still a much better play at the same price on FD, but the $500 price difference on DK makes them worth a look if you’re locked into all the other lineup components and the Pats just can’t fit

Week8 DFS DST GPP Plays

JacksonvilleJaguars (JAC vs. NYJ)

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

It’s approaching Halloween, and Jacksonville can be prettyscary – especially if you’re already seeing ghosts. The Jags at home present aperfect GPP opportunity in a week where the Pats and Rams will take a good chunkof the ownership. The Jets produce just 142.2 passing yards per game, and rank 32ndin total offense this season.

ChicagoBears (CHI vs. LAC)

FD($4,500) DK ($3,600)

The Bears are fine for GPPs because they have massiveupside facing the bumbling Chargers, but I have an inkling that Austin Ekeleris the magic man for them this week. The Bears give up a lot of passes to RBsand sometimes can get caught in over-pursuit, where Ekeler can make his mark inspace. I’m not going to freak out if you roll them out in cash, but I’d preferthe Pats and Rams. The price is certainly fair on both sites.

TennesseeTitans (TEN vs. TB)

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

The Bucs turn it over a lot and the Titans have a solidsecondary. I could see 3 INTs and a pick six for this defense, and that’s the kindof upside we need to win GPPs. Just play these guys at this affordable price.

SanFrancisco 49ers (SF vs. CAR)

FD($4,800) DK ($3,700)

The49ers are loaded with talent and have played extremely well. Facing thePanthers and the versatility of fantasy stud Christian McCaffrey is a toughtask, but you can’t argue the 49ers defense hasn’t delivered this season. They’rea bit expensive, but fine for GPPs.

BuffaloBills (BUF vs. PHI)

FD($4,300) DK ($3,000)

The Bills defense shouldn’t have much trouble containing aPhilly offense that’s missing a spark. The offensive line is dealing withinjuries and Carson Wentz looks off this year. If the Bills can pressure him,they might be looking at some big plays and enough sacks to keep them relevant inthe GPP discussion.

Week8 DFS DST Value GPP and Punt Plays

SeattleSeahawks (SEA at ATL)

FD($4,900) DK ($2,800)

The Seahawks are a prime punt on DK at $2,800. They aren’t thedefensive juggernaut of the past, but even they can make some stuff happenagainst the Falcons, who have played sloppy football this season and may be missingMatt Ryan. If they have both Ziggy Ansah and Bradley McDougald for Sunday, I’dbe more interested in taking the chance in GPPs where they should be prettylow-owned on FD at the high price.

LosAngeles Chargers (LAC at CHI)

FD($4,100) DK ($2,300)

The Chargers are dirt cheap and facing a team thatstruggles to score. If they can get Melvin Ingram back this week, they are aneven better play. I keep coming back to Mitchell Trubisky, though. The dude isnot a great QB, and the Chargers have Joey Bosa to wreak havoc him and the underachievingbackfield.

TampaBay Buccaneers (TB at TEN)

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

The Bucs were second-to-last in turnover differential last season and they turned it over a lot last week (seven times!). But this is about defense, and the Bucs could have some under-the-radar potential in Week 8 due to the Titans’ inability to pass protect. They are risky, and the Titans have played better – but Ryan Tannehill is still Ryan Tannehill, so there’s upside here.

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Evan Engram, Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay. Do not let the red crosses keep you from choosing these high-volume pass catchers from the Giants and the top WR on the Lions. They will see upwards of 30 targets between them in this game, so reaching 17 catches seems like its very doable.

5 years ago 0 comments

NFL Daily Fantasy Sports

Week 6 DFS TE and DST NFL Picks: Hanging With Mr. Hooper

Andrew Erickson 5 years ago

written by Andrew Erickson

It’s Week 6 DFS in the NFL, and there are plenty of viable TEs to consider, even if the list of DST plays is pretty stingy for cash games and GPPs. Either way, you’ll find the right plays right here at Win Daily Sports!

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Week 6 DFS TightEnd NFL — Cash Game Plays

Austin Hooper, ATL at ARI

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

Hooper gets the most favorable matchup on the board, as he’s facing the Cardinals –who possess the league-worst defense against the tight end position. The former Stanford Cardinal – who has 20 targets over his last two games and 42 on the season – may even take exception to this group hawking his Alma Mater’s Cardinal name! But really – the price is reasonable, and the Falcons game plan has consisted of flowing their passing game through Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, as well as feeding Hooper. The fast pace of this game should lead to another 8-10 targets and plenty of scoring opportunities.

Travis Kelce, KC vs. HOU

FD ($7,500) DK ($7,000)

Kelce and the Chiefs are coming off a bizarre loss to the Colts that saw the standout TE garner the most targets of the season (10) but post his lowest fantasy output (4-70-0) of 2019. That should change against the Texans, who have solid numbers vs. TEs but will be doing plenty of scoring themselves. This game has the highest total in the main slate, and Kelce is a lock-and-load cash or GPP play regardless of his high price.

George Kittle, SF at LAR

FD ($6,500) DK ($5,200)

Kittle led the 49ers in targets and receiving on Monday against the Browns and got “off the schneid” with his first TD of the season – showing he’s still capable of being Jimmy Garoppolo’s go-to guy. He’s definitely a Top 3 TE this week and worthy of cash game consideration since he’s still a pretty good bargain relative to Kelce, who has similar if slightly better upside and floor.

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Week 6 DFS Tight End NFL —GPP Plays

Mark Andrews, BAL vs. CIN

FD ($6,300) DK ($4,800)

Andrews is now nursing a shoulder injury (it was his foot before) butreturned to practice Thursday and makes a lot of sense as a GPP option thisweek against the Bengals. He’s ben alarmingly consistent in terms of targetsper week through five games (8,9,7,8,7) and makes for a high-upside, moderate-riskoption at a position where there just aren’t a lot of exciting plays outside theTop 10 at the position.

Will Dissly, SEA at CLE

FD ($6,000) DK ($4,900)

Dissly is an efficient receiver (23 catches on 26 targets this season)and is coming off of his highest yardage total of 2019, with 4-81-0 against theRams last week. The Browns were embarrassed by Kittle and the 49ers last weekand they don’t stand much of a chance in stopping Russell Wilson and his bevyof physical targets. He’ll be a core build in my Seahawks GPP stacks.

Zach Ertz, PHI at MIN

FD ($6,600) DK ($5,400)

Ertz is probably viable in cash if you really feel likely usinghim, but he’s more of a GPP play against the Vikings, who have better LBs and aball-hawking strong safety in Anthony Harris, who’s already earned an NFC Defensive Player of the Week in 2019 for his work versus the Falconsin Week 1. Sure, Hooper had a good game that week, but he didn’t find the endzone and the Falcons receivers are in ever way superior to the Eagles wideouts –so Harris may have been a little more focused on them when he wasn’t in man coverageagainst Hooper. Ertz is still a Top 5 TE in all formats and remains a solid GPPplay in Week 6 DFS.

Week 6 DFSTight End NFL — Value and Punt Plays

Jordan Akins, HOU at KC

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

I’m not too keenon punting TE this week for many reasons, but Akins is near the minimum salary onFD and should garner lower ownership this week after Daniel Fells had hismonster game against the Falcons. The Chiefs-Texans is one of our prospective shootouts– if not the shootout – this week, so plug him into a smattering of your GPPsif you’re willing to assume some risk and hope for another big output like hisWeek 3 breakout (3-73-2).

Noah Fant, DEN vs. TEN

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

Fant is a Top 15 TE play this week but lacks the flash we’d liketo see from an athletic tight end of his pedigree. He makes my puntrecommendations because of a favorable matchup with the Titans (26th in the NFLvs. TEs) and because he’s both cheap and under-the-radar.

Mike Gesicki, MIA vs. WAS

FD ($4,600) DK ($2,700)

Gesicki may be my favorite GPP dart this week, because hisownership will be low and the Dolphins are emerging from a bye week where theyprobably surmised they could utilize him in the offense and still tank vs. Washington– another dysfunctional team without a viable offensive rudder. Josh Rosen willbe feeding both DeVante Parker and Preston Williams, but I could see 6-7 targets,a handful of catches and a TD from the sophomore TE this week.

Additional GPP options:

Delanie Walker, TEN at DEN(FD $5,200, DK $3,700)

Jared Cook, NO at JAC (FD$5,600, DK $3,400)

Gerald Everett, LAR vs. SF(FD $6,000, DK $3,600)

Blake Jarwin, DAL vs. NYJ (FD $4,600, DK $3,300)

Week 6 DFS DST NFL —Cash Game Plays

Seattle Seahawks (SEA @CLE)

FD ($4,100) DK ($3,400)

I don’t care that they’re on the road this week, the Seahawks aremy top cash game play for Week 6 because the Browns are an absolute disaster. ThisSeattle defense has actually been a little better on the road this season, itsbest performance as a unit being the Week 4 win at Arizona. They’re viable inall DFS formats this week and I’ll be locking them in just about everywhere.

Baltimore Ravens (BAL vs. CIN)

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

The Ravens are going to be popular this week and I’d be remiss ifI didn’t include them as a viable cash game play, but I much prefer the Seahawksthis week and I won’t be rolling out any other unit in cash. The Bengals are aperfect “get-right” spot for any DST, but my concern is that some of the injuriesthe Ravens have suffered (safety Tony Jefferson just hit the IR) will keep themfrom reaching their normal upside.

Week 6 DFS DST NFL — GPPPlays

Washington Redskins (WAS atMIA)

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

ThisWashington team may have its problems offensively, but there are myriad playmakerson this defensive unit and the Dolphins are a good candidate for turnovers and sacks.They’re probably my favorite GPP play if I choose to pivot off the Seahawks.

Dallas Cowboys (DAL at NYJ)

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

The Cowboys are a good GPP play this week facing Sam “The Spleen” Darnoldand the Jets, who have struggled offensively and could have trouble stoppingthe Cowboys improving pass rush. They’re not cheap, but they won’t be lockedinto that many lineups given the return of Darnold and price point.

Tennessee Titans (TEN atDEN)

FD ($4,700) DK ($2,900)

The Titans have solid DST but travel to Denver this week. They’redefinitely an option as a low-owned play and they average 10.0 FPPG on DK thisseason, so work them into a few GPPs if you’re multi-entering.

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Week 6 DFS DST NFL — PuntPlays

Jacksonville Jaguars (JACvs. NO)

FD ($4,100) DK ($2,200)

This is not a play for the faint of heart, but I’m considering theJaguars DST – which is a much better unit at home than on the road. The Jagsscored 15 FP in Week 3 during their last home game against the Titans and they’llhave almost no ownership facing a dynamic Saints offense.

Miami Dolphins (MIA vs. WAS)

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

The Dolphins shouldn’t everbe played in cash games, but they do have some good young defensive players andthey’ll know what’s coming this week, as interim HC Bill Callahan has alreadycommitted to hammering away with Adrian Peterson in Week 6 and this unit hashad two full weeks to prepare. It’s not an interesting game plan and playing theDolphins won’t exactly be fun – but if you’re feeling frisky and supercontrarian, this could be your angle.

5 years ago 0 comments

NFL Daily Fantasy Sports

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

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

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

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Week 5 DFS Tight End NFL — Cash Game Plays

Zach Ertz, PHI vs. NYJ

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

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

Evan Engram, NYG vs. MIN

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

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

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Week 5 DFS Tight End NFL — GPP Plays

Austin Hooper, ATL at HOU

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

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

Darren Waller, OAK vs. CHI

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

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

Greg Olsen, CAR vs. JAC

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

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

Ben Watson, NE at WAS

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

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

Week 5 DFS Tight End NFL — Value and Punt Plays

Tyler Eifert, CIN vs. ARI

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

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

Jared Cook, NO vs. TB

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

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

Additional GPP options:

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

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

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

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

Week 5 DFS DST NFL — Cash Game Plays

Chicago Bears (CHI at OAK)

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

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

New England Patriots (NE at WAS)

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

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

Week 5 DFS DST NFL — GPP Plays

Minnesota Vikings (MIN at NYG)

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

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

Philadelphia Eagles (PHI vs. NYJ)

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

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

Tennessee Titans (TEN vs. BUF)

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

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

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Week 5 DFS DST NFL — Punt Plays

Green Bay Packers (GB at DAL)

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

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

Cincinnati Bengals (CIN vs. ARI)

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

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

Photo of Zach Ertz by Keith Allison

5 years ago 0 comments

Daily Fantasy Sports NFL

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

jason mezrahi 5 years ago

written by jason mezrahi

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

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Week 3 NFL DFS Tight End Cash Game Plays

Zach Ertz, PHI vs. DET

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

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

George Kittle, SF vs. PIT

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

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

Week 3 Tight End NFL DFS — GPP Plays

Travis Kelce, KC vs. BAL

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

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

O.J. Howard, TB vs. NYG

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

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

Evan Engram, NYG at TB

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

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

T.J. Hockenson, DET at PHI

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

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

Week 3 Tight End NFL DFS — Value and Punt Plays

Darren Waller, OAK at MIN

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

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

Blake Jarwin, DAL vs. MIA

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

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

Additional GPP options:

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

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

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

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

Week 3 NFL DFS — DST Cash Game Plays

Dallas Cowboys (DAL vs. MIA)

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

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

New England Patriots (NE atMIA)

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

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

Minnesota Vikings (MIN vs.OAK)

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

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

Week 2 NFL DFS — DST GPP Plays

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TBvs. NYG)

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

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

Seattle Seahawks (SEA vs.NO)

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

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

Green Bay Packers (GB vs.DEN)

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

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

Week 2 NFL DFS — DST Punt Plays

Carolina Panthers (CAR atARI)

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

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

Cincinnati Bengals (CIN atBUF)

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

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

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

5 years ago 0 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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