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Ten members of the Footballguys DraftKings staff compiled value-based rankings for Week 13 of the NFL season. Those results are shown below with the highest ranking at the top. Each position is ranked as follows: (A dash indicates that player was not ranked).
Quarterback - Top 8
Running Back - Top 12
Wide Receiver - Top 12
Tight End - Top 8
Defense - Top 5
To determine the average ranking, any player not ranked received a value of the lowest rank for that position, plus 1 (LR+1). For example, the Top 8 quarterbacks are ranked by each staff member. If one staff member did not rank a particular quarterback, but others did, the ranking for that quarterback is 8+1 or 9. Instead of displaying a 9 in the table, a dash is used to show that player was not ranked, after average rank was obtained.
The value-based, collaborative results provide a window into which players are the best options for this week's slate of games. I'll explain why certain players are ranked as they are and also provide additional commentary volunteered by various staff members.
DRAFTKINGS CONSENSUS RANKINGS: QUARTERBACK
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Drew Brees | NO | DET | 7600 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2.0 |
Aaron Rodgers | GB | HOU | 6700 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 6 | - | - | 1 | 4.2 |
Colin Kaepernick | SF | at CHI | 6100 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 2 | - | 4.8 |
Russell Wilson | SEA | CAR | 6300 | - | 2 | 2 | - | 7 | 4 | 8 | 5 | - | 5 | 6.0 |
Kirk Cousins | WAS | at ARI | 6400 | 3 | 8 | 6 | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | 2 | 7.0 |
Ben Roethlisberger | PIT | NYG | 7400 | 8 | - | 7 | 8 | - | - | - | 2 | 3 | - | 7.3 |
Matt Ryan | ATL | KC | 6800 | 6 | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | 4 | 4 | 7.3 |
Tyrod Taylor | BUF | at OAK | 5700 | - | 6 | - | 6 | - | 8 | 2 | 7 | - | - | 7.4 |
Tom Brady | NE | LA | 7500 | 4 | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | 4 | 7 | - | 7.7 |
Alex Smith | KC | at ATL | 5400 | - | - | - | 5 | - | 5 | 4 | - | - | - | 7.7 |
Jameis Winston | TB | at SD | 6200 | 5 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 7.8 |
Matthew Stafford | DET | at NO | 7000 | - | - | 5 | 4 | 8 | - | - | - | 8 | - | 7.9 |
Philip Rivers | SD | TB | 6500 | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 8 | 8.1 |
Ryan Fitzpatrick | NYJ | IND | 5200 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | 8.2 |
Cam Newton | CAR | at SEA | 6600 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | 8.4 |
Blake Bortles | JAC | DEN | 5000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | 8.4 |
Derek Carr | OAK | BUF | 6500 | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | 8.5 |
Carson Palmer | ARI | WAS | 6000 | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | 8.5 |
Eli Manning | NYG | at PIT | 5900 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 7 | 8.5 |
Trevor Siemian | DEN | at JAC | 5100 | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 7 | - | - | - | 8.6 |
Andrew Luck | IND | at NYJ | 7300 | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | 8.7 |
The consensus is high on Drew Brees ($7,600). He is the primary high priced quarterback option and he's a good one. At home, Brees has been consistently productive this season. Stats at home this year (most recent first) include 310-4-0, 303-3-2, 265-1-0, 465-4-1, 376-3-1, and 423-4-0. This week's opponent is Detroit has improved their pass defense of late, but this matchup may be too good to pass up. Expect Brees to be the top cash game option this week.
Aaron Rodgers ($6,700) is $900 less than Brees and also has a home game - the first Packers home game in three weeks. Rodgers has reached or flirted with 300 yards passing in six of the last seven games. There's a mild concern with him this week as he's dealing with a hamstring strain that could limit his mobility.
Colin Kaepernick ($6,100), Kirk Cousins ($6,400), Russell Wilson ($6,300) and Ben Roethlisberger ($7,400) are other options. Kaepernick is a sneaky cash game play this week against Chicago. His rushing ability (66 yards per game) and recent touchdown surge (5 touchdown passes in the last two games) has people leaning his direction. The favorable matchup at Chicago further proves that he is a top option this week.
Russell Wilson at home against the Panthers without Luke Kuechly among others, looks promising. The Panthers kept pace with Oakland last week which leads me to believe this could be a game that features decent scoring and that usually favors the quarterback.
Ben Roethlisberger has topped three touchdowns in two of the last three games. At home, Roethlisberger has amassed 3, 4, 5 and 3 touchdown passes. If this trend continues he should have another productive game. If you passed on Drew Brees this week, Roethlisberger is an excellent option with a high degree of a favorable outcome.
Alexander
Ryan Fitzpatrick - Fitzpatrick is always a better bet for production at home. He is dirt cheap and matched up against an Indianapolis defense that has given up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.
Tyrod Taylor - With Sammy Watkins looking good and expecting to get more run in a plus matchup, Taylor regains the 30 point ceiling he flashed in 2015
Blake Bortles - Min priced seems a bit drastic for Bortles regardless of the poor matchup
Grant
Colin Kaepernick - Can't believe I have Kaepernick ranked 2nd this week, but he's playing Chicago and will probably have a great game.
Wood
Drew Brees - Brees at home versus a terrible Lions secondary
Russell Wilson - Love Wilson to bounce back from last week's disaster
Knotts
Colin Kaepernick - Kaepernick has the upside that just about no quarterback has as we saw last week due to his running ability. At just $6,100 he is too cheap not to play
Mamula
Drew Brees - Don't you dare fade Brees when he is playing in the Superdome!
Colin Kaepernick - Kaepernick has a high floor due to his rushing totals. Averaging 62 rushing yards/per game
Ben Roethlisberger - Expect the Steelers/Giants game to shootout
DRAFTKINGS CONSENSUS RANKINGS: running back
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
David Johnson | ARI | WAS | 9500 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 3.4 |
LeVeon Bell | PIT | NYG | 9200 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | - | 1 | 2 | 8 | 4.5 |
Melvin Gordon | SD | TB | 7200 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 5.2 |
Jeremy Hill | CIN | PHI | 4300 | 3 | - | 1 | 5 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 5.4 |
Jordan Howard | CHI | SF | 6900 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Theo Riddick | DET | at NO | 5800 | 9 | 11 | 2 | 3 | - | 11 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 7.5 |
LeSean McCoy | BUF | at OAK | 7800 | - | 8 | 7 | - | 2 | - | - | 3 | 8 | - | 9.3 |
Carlos Hyde | SF | at CHI | 5300 | 7 | - | 9 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 6 | - | - | - | 9.3 |
Latavius Murray | OAK | BUF | 5400 | 12 | - | 12 | 10 | 8 | 10 | - | 7 | - | 2 | 10.0 |
Matt Forte | NYJ | IND | 5900 | - | 6 | 6 | - | 5 | 7 | 11 | - | - | - | 10.0 |
Ezekiel Elliott | DAL | at MIN | 8200 | 5 | 4 | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | 10.2 |
Devontae Booker | DEN | at JAC | 5100 | - | 12 | 10 | 8 | 11 | - | - | - | 4 | 7 | 10.4 |
Rashad Jennings | NYG | at PIT | 4800 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | 3 | 10 | 11.3 |
Lamar Miller | HOU | at GB | 5600 | - | - | - | 11 | - | 9 | - | - | - | 3 | 11.4 |
James Starks | GB | HOU | 4400 | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | 1 | 11 | - | - | 11.5 |
Dion Lewis | NE | LA | 3800 | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | 11.6 |
Doug Martin | TB | at SD | 5700 | 10 | - | - | 6 | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | 11.7 |
Devonta Freeman | ATL | KC | 6100 | - | 10 | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | 10 | - | 11.8 |
Spencer Ware | KC | at ATL | 6400 | - | 7 | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | 11 | 11.9 |
Kenneth Dixon | BAL | MIA | 3700 | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | 11.9 |
Todd Gurley | LA | at NE | 5000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 12.1 |
LeGarrette Blount | NE | LA | 5500 | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | 12.3 |
T.J. Yeldon | JAC | DEN | 3700 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | 12.5 |
Jay Ajayi | MIA | at BAL | 6700 | - | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.6 |
Mark Ingram | NO | DET | 6000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | 12.8 |
Wendell Smallwood | PHI | at CIN | 4300 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | 12.9 |
Rob Kelley | WAS | at ARI | 4700 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | 12.9 |
David Johnson ($9,500), LeVeon Bell ($9,200) and Melvin Gordon ($7,200) are the top three backs not only this week, but most of the time this season. Johnson and Bell are nearly automatic to produce strong numbers and Gordon is right there behind them. At a much lower price, Gordon is a gamble to outproduce either one of Johnson or Bell, but electing to choose Gordon will free up cash in other areas. Even if he doesn't top the duo, he still has a decent chance to give us productive numbers.
Jeremy Hill ($4,300) is a great value considering how much action he'll see. Last week in his first game without Giovani Bernard sharing duties, Hill had 18 touches, including 6 receptions. That's a positive sign of things to come if that continues. It's not easy to find a back with his expected usage at $4,300. Pairing Hill with either David Johnson or LeVeon Bell may not be a bad strategy. Keep in mind, Hill has scored 6 touchdowns this year and has a career of 27 touchdowns in 43 games. That's an impressive ratio.
Jordan Howard ($6,900) is a rather high price considering the Bears offensive struggles. When you look further, Howard has at least 99 total yards in each of the last four games - but only one touchdown. While the volume and yardage expectations are high, his scoring propensity has not followed suit. The 49ers have improved their run defense since Week 10 (87 yards allowed per game), but they are not fixed by any means. Look for Howard to have a good game with the chance to top 20 DK points.
Alexander
James Starks - Starks was in on 76% of Green Bay's offensive snaps on Monday night football, proving Christine Michael was strictly a depth add. A home matchup with Houston with the Packers favored by six is a nice spot for the affordable Starks, who is also catching passes.
Jeremy Hill - Hill saw 72% of the Bengals backfield touches -- including an encouraging six receptions -- in his first game with Giovani Bernard on the shelf.
T.J. Yeldon - Not convinced the Jags can run on anyone, but Yeldon should exceed value based on his touch projection if Ivory is forced to miss.
Kenneth Dixon - Outsnapped Terrance West last week. Changing of the guard in Baltimore's backfield should continue.
Grant
Jordan Howard - Worst rushing defense in the league? Howard is about as chalk as they come this week
Carlos Hyde has been a sneaky play on a bad team. This week against Chicago, he's got a great chance to reach value
Wood
Jordan Howard - Bears are a mess but the 49ers run defense is putrid
Hindery
David Johnson - At $9,500 Johnson is finally priced fairly and up to the point where he isn't a "must play." But he is still the top guy on the slate to build a cash game roster around, with an unmatched floor/ceiling combination.
Carlos Hyde - Hyde has seen increased involvement as a pass catcher in recent weeks (8 receptions over the past two games). In a favorable matchup against a Bears defense missing it's top two linebackers, Hyde could have a big game. Opposing backs have had 30+ touches in three straight against Chicago, so projecting Hyde for 20+ touches is a safe bet.
Theo Riddick - Outside of the quarterbacks, Riddick is probably the safest way to get exposure to the Saints-Lions game. Since Week 3, he has averaged 10 carries and 7.3 targets per game with at least 14 combined carries/targets per game.
Dion Lewis - Seeing just one third of the snaps in his first two games back, Lewis is more of a GPP play. But even in limited action, he has seen 11 targets in two weeks and should continue to see his role grow. He's simply more dynamic than James White and has massive upside at this price given his skillset and the explosivenss of the Patriots passing offense.
Knotts
Jordan Howard against an awful San Francisco rush defense
LeSean McCoy - McCoy is going up against a Raiders team that is allowing the seventh most rushing yards per game, he makes for an excellent play and continues to go under the radar every week
Mamula
David Johnson - One of the top RBs in DFS in a prime matchup
LeVeon Bell is option 1A to David Johnson
Rashad Jennings - At least 17 touches/per games over past 3. Prime matchup vs Steelers
Devontae Booker - At least 25 touches/per game in each of past 2 games. Good matchup vs Jaguars
Theo Riddick - Expect Lions to be playing from behind
DRAFTKINGS CONSENSUS RANKINGS: wide receiver
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Tyreek Hill | KC | at ATL | 4600 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3.6 |
Mike Evans | TB | at SD | 8600 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 12 | 5 | - | 9 | 4 | 3 | 5.8 |
Jordy Nelson | GB | HOU | 7000 | 2 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 | - | 8 | - | 2 | 5.9 |
Julio Jones | ATL | KC | 8700 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 6 | - | 4 | - | 12 | 6.3 |
Antonio Brown | PIT | NYG | 9100 | 6 | 6 | 7 | - | 1 | 10 | - | 1 | 3 | - | 7.3 |
Michael Thomas | NO | DET | 6900 | 7 | 5 | 4 | - | 8 | 7 | - | 10 | 5 | 8 | 8.0 |
Odell Beckham | NYG | at PIT | 8500 | 9 | 7 | 8 | - | 5 | - | - | 5 | 2 | - | 8.8 |
Dorial Green-Beckham | PHI | at CIN | 3000 | 8 | - | - | - | 3 | - | 1 | 7 | - | - | 9.7 |
Marquess Wilson | CHI | SF | 4000 | 5 | - | - | - | - | 11 | 4 | - | - | 4 | 10.2 |
Golden Tate | DET | at NO | 6200 | 10 | 9 | - | - | 10 | - | - | - | 7 | 6 | 10.7 |
Larry Fitzgerald | ARI | WAS | 7100 | - | 12 | - | - | 9 | 8 | - | - | 8 | 9 | 11.1 |
Doug Baldwin | SEA | CAR | 6700 | 12 | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 10 | 11.2 |
Stefon Diggs | MIN | DAL | 6700 | - | 4 | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | 11.2 |
Marvin Jones | DET | at NO | 4400 | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | 11.3 |
Kenny Britt | LA | at NE | 5000 | - | - | - | 6 | 7 | 9 | - | - | - | - | 11.3 |
Michael Crabtree | OAK | BUF | 6000 | - | - | 11 | 9 | - | 12 | - | - | - | 5 | 11.5 |
Emmanuel Sanders | DEN | at JAC | 5900 | - | - | 9 | - | - | 3 | - | - | 12 | - | 11.5 |
Anquan Boldin | DET | at NO | 4100 | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | 11.6 |
Davante Adams | GB | HOU | 6300 | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | 11.7 |
Julian Edelman | NE | LA | 6800 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 9 | - | 11.9 |
Amari Cooper | OAK | BUF | 7300 | - | 8 | 12 | 10 | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | 11.9 |
Brandon LaFell | CIN | PHI | 4300 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | 12.0 |
Willie Snead | NO | DET | 5100 | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.0 |
Demaryius Thomas | DEN | at JAC | 6600 | - | - | 5 | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.0 |
Tyler Boyd | CIN | PHI | 4800 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | - | 10 | 11 | 12.2 |
Marqise Lee | JAC | DEN | 4000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | 12.3 |
DeAndre Hopkins | HOU | at GB | 6000 | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.4 |
DeSean Jackson | WAS | at ARI | 5000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 12.4 |
Mohamed Sanu | ATL | KC | 4400 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | 12.5 |
Quincy Enunwa | NYJ | IND | 4500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | 12.6 |
Jamison Crowder | WAS | at ARI | 5800 | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | 12.6 |
Eli Rogers | PIT | NYG | 3900 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | 12.8 |
Sammy Watkins | BUF | OAK | 5500 | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.9 |
Brandin Cooks | NO | DET | 6400 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | 12.9 |
Ted Ginn Jr Jr. | CAR | at SEA | 4000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | 12.9 |
Mike Evans ($8,600) has been ultra productive and consistent recently which is why he is the #2 value wide receiver option this week. He has over 100 yards or two scores in four of the last six games. He is clearly Jameis Winston's top receiving target, besting his teammates by 70 targets this year. Look for another big game from Evans in what could be a game filled with points and lead changes.
Tyreek Hill ($4,600) is quickly becoming a weekly threat and the triple touchdown effort last week solidifies his place among the Chiefs top offensive options. Look for the Chiefs to utilize his speed as a rusher and receiver. At $4,600 he is a great bargain who could hit it big once again. The matchup against the Falcons is favorable, with a chance of consistent production from the passing game.
Jordy Nelson ($7,000), Julio Jones ($8,700) and Antonio Brown ($9,100) are other options who have a good chance to put up big numbers, but that's what you're paying for. All three have home games this week with a Top flight quarterback capable of big things every week.
Michael Thomas ($6,900) has increased in price, but this week it looks to be warranted with a home game against Detroit. At home, Thomas has had at least six catches or a touchdown in every game but one (6 of 7). Thomas leads the Saints in receptions (65), targets (84), receiving yards (789) and receiving touchdowns (7). Drew Brees averages over 3 touchdowns per game at home, so it stands to assume Thomas has a decent floor with a chance to reach 3x value.
Other low-priced options include Dorial Green-Beckham ($3,000) and Marquess Wilson ($4,000). Green-Beckham is coming off two productive games, yet due to the Monday night game last week, his price stayed the same - the site minimum. Jordan Matthews is questionable with an ankle injury and could be limited. If so, Green-Beckham could see an increase in involvement. Marquess Wilson was Matt Barkley's go-to receiving option last week and the matchup against San Francisco is favorable.
Alexander
Dorial Green-Beckham - The targets are there for Green-Beckham with Nelson Agholor out of the lineup. If Jordan Matthews is forced to miss Week 13, there could be even more looks to go around. He's a lock for 3x value at min price given his new role in Philly.
Quincy Enunwa - Enunwa is too cheap coming off a 19.4 point game. Brandon Marshall will draw coverage from the Colts only good cornerback, Vonte Davis.
Eli Rogers - The Giants have struggled to defend slot receivers all year and Big Ben figures to smash at home, as usual.
Grant
Tyreek Hill - The Chiefs want to get him more involved in the offense, even running the ball near the goal line.
Wood
Tyreek Hill - "The Freak" has become a playmaker every time he touches the ball
Hindery
Willie Snead - The entire receiving corp for the Saints is in play this week, but Snead has the best matchup in the slot and is also the most affordable of the Saints big three receivers.
DeAndre Hopkins - With 63 targets over the past six weeks, the volume has been there for Hopkins. He just hasn't scored and the yard per target numbers are poor. But he is in a perfect spot against an awful Packers secondary and the price has come down so significantly, that it finally makes sense to buy Hopkins.
Sammy Watkins - The Wednesday news reports of Watkins not practicing are concerning. But if he is able to participate later in the week, the matchup is ideal against a Raiders secondary that is vulnerable against deep balls and speed receivers.
Knotts
Tyreek Hill - The fastest player in the league continues to be integrated into this offense more and more on a weekly basis. He is still far too cheap for his recent production.
Dorial Green-Beckham - At minimum salary, this is the benefit of a player who if they would have played on Sunday would have seen a price increase, but since they played on Monday, their price remained the same.
Mamula
Tyreek Hill - If Maclin is out again, Hill is a must
Odell Beckham Jr- Expect Giants/Steelers game to shootout
Antonio Brown - Steelers offense is flowing through Brown and Bell
DRAFTKINGS CONSENSUS RANKINGS: tight end
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Travis Kelce | KC | at ATL | 4700 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2.6 |
Jimmy Graham | SEA | CAR | 5500 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | - | 6 | 1 | 2 | 4.0 |
Eric Ebron | DET | at NO | 3900 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | - | 5 | 8 | 4.9 |
Vance McDonald | SF | at CHI | 2900 | 2 | - | 6 | 4 | - | 1 | 2 | 8 | - | 5 | 5.5 |
Greg Olsen | CAR | SEA | 5100 | - | - | 2 | 6 | 1 | 5 | - | 7 | 7 | 3 | 5.8 |
Tyler Eifert | CIN | PHI | 5300 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 8 | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
Jason Witten | DAL | at MIN | 3400 | 1 | 4 | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | - | - | - | 6.5 |
Vernon Davis | WAS | at ARI | 3300 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 3 | - | 7.1 |
C.J. Fiedorowicz | HOU | at GB | 3800 | 6 | 3 | - | 5 | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | 7.3 |
Zach Ertz | PHI | at CIN | 4300 | 5 | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | 5 | 8 | - | 7.9 |
Antonio Gates | SD | TB | 4100 | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 6 | - | 8.2 |
Kyle Rudolph | MIN | DAL | 4100 | - | 7 | - | - | 7 | 8 | 8 | - | - | - | 8.4 |
Austin Hooper | ATL | KC | 2600 | - | 8 | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 8.4 |
Coby Fleener | NO | DET | 3500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | 8.4 |
Ladarius Green | PIT | NYG | 2800 | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | 7 | 8.5 |
Charles Clay | BUF | at OAK | 2600 | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | 8.6 |
Lance Kendricks | LA | at NE | 2900 | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | 8.8 |
Jordan Reed | WAS | at ARI | 6400 | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 8.9 |
Injuries have an effect on tight end outlooks this week. Rob Gronkowski (back) is out, Jordan Reed (shoulder) is unlikely to play and Martellus Bennett is still dealing with a high ankle sprain. That leaves Travis Kelce ($4,700) as the top option against Atlanta and Jimmy Graham ($5,500) against Carolina.
Vance McDonald ($2,900) is a cheaper alternative with a good matchup (at Chicago). He has at least 6 targets in each of the last five games with two scores in that span. The likelihood of a big game isn't a foregone conclusion, but at $2,900 he's not a bad risk.
Vernon Davis ($3,300) is one to watch, especially if Jordan Reed is out. In the two games when Reed was out earlier, Davis had a touchdown in one game and 6 catches for 79 yards in the other. Washington is one of the better offenses in the league and the Cardinals defense has allowed 38, 30, 20 and 30 points in the last four games.
Tyler Eifert ($5,300) is a bit higher in price but he figures to see a lot of targets especially without A.J. Green and Giovani Bernard in the offensive picture.
Alexander
Vernon Davis - Has opportunity with Jordan Reed expected to miss, but tought matchup against second ranked tight end defense (DVOA)
Vance McDonald - Sub 3K price does not reflect recent target volume and production. Pencil him for at least a 3x multiplier against a Chicago defense struggling to defend tight ends.
Ladarius Green - Mike Tomlin says he'll be more involved and the Giants struggles against tight ends are well documented.
Grant
Vance McDonald - McDonald is the best receiving option on the 49ers and Kaepernick looks for him in the red zone.
Lance Kendricks - Safe targets for a rookie QB about to get an education in how hard an opponent can game plan against him
Mamula
Jimmy Graham - Graham has been doing well at home. 4 TDs in last 4 home games.
Travis Kelce - Chiefs will have to score to keep up with Falcons. Kelce is best receiving option.
Vernon Davis - Vernon Davis is a must if Jordan Reed is inactive
DRAFTKINGS CONSENSUS RANKINGS: defense
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Denver | DEN | at JAC | 3900 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2.3 |
New England | NE | LA | 3700 | 3 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2.9 |
Baltimore | BAL | MIA | 3000 | 1 | - | 5 | - | 5 | 1 | 3 | - | 1 | 4 | 3.8 |
Green Bay | GB | HOU | 2900 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | - | 1 | 4.3 |
Seattle | SEA | CAR | 3500 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 5 | 4.9 |
Philadelphia | PHI | at CIN | 3100 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.2 |
San Diego | SD | TB | 2900 | - | - | 4 | 4 | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | 5.5 |
Dallas | DAL | at MIN | 2900 | - | 3 | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | 5.6 |
NY Jets | NYJ | IND | 3200 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | 5.6 |
Tampa Bay | TB | at SD | 2500 | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.6 |
Pittsburgh | PIT | NYG | 2800 | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.7 |
Miami | MIA | at BAL | 2600 | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | 5.8 |
Arizona | ARI | WAS | 2700 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | 5.9 |
San Francisco | SF | at CHI | 2800 | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.9 |
Denver ($3,900), New England ($3,700) and Baltimore ($3,000) are the top three defensive options this week. Denver may be on the road, but their opponent (Jacksonville) has had troubles with sacks and turnovers this year. This matchup for Denver is definitely in their favor. New England is at home against Jared Goff. You know Bill Belichick will have a plan to thwart the young rookie. Baltimore has played well at home and Miami has serious offensive line troubles that could spell numerous sack opportunities, which leads to turnovers.
Other possibilities - Green Bay ($2,900) at home for the first time in three games or Seattle ($3,500) at home vs. a reeling Panthers team.
Grant
New England - Expensive - but they are playing the Rams this week - no offense and a rookie QB
Mamula
Baltimore - Miami playing in Baltimore in December. This usually doesn't end well.
Denver - Without Cleveland on the schedule, Blake Bortles is our next best target!