Ten members of the Footballguys DraftKings staff compiled value-based rankings for Week 3 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, Week 4: Quarterback
Player | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Cam Newton | CAR at ATL | 7800 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3.0 |
Philip Rivers | SD vs NO | 6900 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | - | 2 | 1 | 3.6 |
Matthew Stafford | DET at CHI | 7300 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 3.8 |
Kirk Cousins | WAS vs CLE | 6500 | - | 2 | 7 | - | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4.6 |
Joe Flacco | BAL vs OAK | 5900 | 5 | - | 4 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 2 | - | 3 | 4 | 5.1 |
Trevor Siemian | DEN at TB | 5400 | 4 | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | 7 | - | 2 | 5.2 |
Drew Brees | NO at SD | 7600 | 8 | 5 | 8 | - | 5 | 6 | - | 1 | 7 | - | 6.7 |
Blake Bortles | JAC vs IND | 6400 | 6 | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7.7 |
Dak Prescott | DAL at SF | 5700 | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | 8.4 |
Andy Dalton | CIN vs MIA | 6100 | - | 7 | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.4 |
Carson Palmer | ARI vs LA | 6300 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | 8.5 |
Derek Carr | OAK at BAL | 6700 | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | 8.6 |
Ryan Tannehill | MIA at CIN | 5800 | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.7 |
Jimmy Garoppolo | NE vs BUF | 5200 | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.7 |
Tyrod Taylor | BUF at NE | 5400 | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.8 |
Matt Ryan | ATL vs CAR | 7000 | - | 8 | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 8.8 |
Andrew Luck | IND at JAC | 7400 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | 8 | - | 8.8 |
Ben Roethlisberger | PIT vs KC | 7100 | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | 8.8 |
Sam Bradford | MIN vs NYG | 5100 | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | 8.9 |
Cody Kessler | CLE at WAS | 5000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | 8.9 |
The consensus quarterback value rankings for Week 4 favor matchups that are expected to be high scoring or with a high expected passing yardage allowance. Cam Newton tops the list with good reason. Carolina is at Atlanta this week and the Falcons have given up 91 points in three games. The consensus believes the Panthers will rebound against a much weaker defense than what they've faced in Denver and Minnesota. When Carolina played a similar defense (SF) they scored 46 points. Spending up for Newton may be worthwhile, but there is also speculation that Carolina will look to establish the run, thus reducing Newton's passing yardage. On the plus side, Newton benefits with both game scripts due to his rushing ability.
Philip Rivers may be the highest owned quarterback this week at only $6,900 at home against the Saints and their defense who are allowing 32 points per game. We saw Matt Ryan carve up the Saints on Monday Night Football, so that's going to be fresh in the minds of several people. If spending $900 more to pay up for Newton is too much, Rivers is an excellent alternative option at an affordable price. There is some hesitation here, because this game could unfold to favor the Chargers running game. New Orleans has allowed the most rushing yards to date with 149.3 allowed per game.
Other interests include Matthew Stafford at Chicago, Kirk Cousins vs Cleveland and Joe Flacco vs. Oakland. All have good matchups, but Stafford is currently ranked 3rd in DraftKings scoring this season while Cousins and Flacco are 11th and 22nd respectively. Chicago has struggled on defense, but like New Orleans, it's been their run defense that has been the main culprit.
Lower owned possibilities: Trevor Siemian. The Buccaneers allowed 37 points to the Rams last week, who previously scored 9 points in the first two games. In three games, the Bucs have given up a league high 101 points (33.6 per game). Siemian is coming off a strong contest on the road in Cincinnati that saw him reach 300+ yards and 4 touchdown passes. He's 3-0 with a plus matchup this week. Three members of the DraftKings team ranked Siemian #1 - Dan Hindery, Will Grant and Phil Alexander. Only Cam Newton had more #1 rankings with four.
Brimacombe
I realize Cam Newton is the highest priced QB this week but the Panthers are 1-2 on the season and are going to play this divisional game like a playoff game. Newton is going to rebound after a miserable game against the Vikings defense and should be able to against the fairly average Falcons defense.
Wood
Love Matthew Stafford this week in a division game against a beaten up division rival.
Grant
Trevor Siemian has been pretty solid for a rookie QB this season, and his salary remains relatively low. This week he faces Tampa where he should do pretty well and easily reach 3x or even 4x value.
Kirk Cousins faces a putrid Cleveland team and his below average salary makes him a nice value pick
Matthew Stafford gets to face a banged up Chicago defense and could easily be the top QB this week
Bradford has a pretty cheap price tag, and should have a good game against an improved Giants defense this week. He’s my last pick as a guy who only needs a clean game to beat value.
Alexander
Trevor Siemian - I’m not expecting him to lead all quarterbacks in scoring for a second straight week, but Tampa’s pass defense just beaten at home by Case Keenum. At this close to minimum salary, Siemian has to be considered one of this week’s top point per dollar options.
Howe
Kirk Cousins projects among the week's leaders in attempts, and we have to expect some positive regression on red zone touchdowns. He's second in the league in passes from inside the 10, but has yet to turn one into a TD.
Draftkings Consensus Rankings, Week 4: Running Back
Player | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Melvin Gordon | SD vs NO | 6300 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1.9 |
LeVeon Bell | PIT vs KC | 7500 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 3.7 |
Jordan Howard | CHI vs DET | 3700 | 6 | 3 | - | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4.1 |
Carlos Hyde | SF vs DAL | 4200 | 8 | - | 1 | 4 | 4 | - | 3 | 9 | 10 | 5 | 7.0 |
David Johnson | ARI vs LA | 7800 | - | 2 | - | 10 | 7 | 6 | 11 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 8.2 |
Theo Riddick | DET at CHI | 5200 | 3 | - | - | - | 8 | 10 | 2 | - | 6 | 6 | 8.7 |
Jerick McKinnon | NYG at MIN | 3900 | 4 | - | - | 2 | - | 7 | - | - | 7 | 4 | 8.9 |
C.J. Anderson | DEN at TB | 6500 | - | 6 | 4 | 9 | - | 4 | 9 | 10 | - | 10 | 9.1 |
Charles Sims | TB vs DEN | 5600 | 7 | 9 | - | - | - | - | 5 | 2 | 12 | 7 | 9.4 |
Tevin Coleman | ATL vs CAR | 4500 | 10 | 12 | 2 | - | - | 12 | - | 6 | - | 9 | 10.3 |
Christine Michael | SEA at NYJ | 6000 | - | 5 | 11 | - | 5 | 11 | - | - | 11 | 8 | 10.3 |
Jeremy Hill | CIN vs MIA | 4100 | 5 | - | - | 8 | 6 | - | - | - | 8 | - | 10.5 |
Mark Ingram | NO vs SF | 5900 | - | - | 3 | 7 | - | - | 10 | - | 9 | - | 10.7 |
Ezekiel Elliott | DAL at SF | 6900 | - | - | 5 | - | 9 | - | - | - | 4 | - | 10.9 |
Matt Forte | NYJ vs SEA | 6600 | 12 | 7 | - | - | - | 8 | - | 7 | - | - | 11.2 |
Cameron Artis-Payne | CAR at ATL | 3400 | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 7 | - | - | - | 11.6 |
Devonta Freeman | ATL vs CAR | 5500 | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | 12.1 |
Lamar Miller | HOU vs TEN | 7000 | - | - | - | 12 | 11 | 9 | 12 | - | - | 12 | 12.1 |
Isaiah Crowell | CLE at WAS | 4400 | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | 12.3 |
DeMarco Murray | TEN at HOU | 6800 | - | 8 | - | - | 12 | - | - | 12 | - | - | 12.3 |
Todd Gurley | LA at ARI | 6700 | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.5 |
Frank Gore | IND at JAC | 5200 | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.6 |
Spencer Ware | KC at PIT | 5700 | - | - | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.7 |
Dwayne Washington | DET at CHI | 3800 | - | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.7 |
Duke Johnson Jr | CLE at WAS | 4000 | - | - | - | - | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.7 |
Giovani Bernard | CIN vs MIA | 4700 | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.8 |
LeGarrette Blount | NE vs BUF | 5000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | 12.8 |
Orleans Darkwa | NYG at MIN | 3000 | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.8 |
LeSean McCoy | BUF at NE | 6700 | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.9 |
The consensus loves Melvin Gordon this week as evidenced by six #1 rankings and nine Top 3 rankings. Gordon has performed above expectations so far and he's being asked to do more due to the season-ending injury to Danny Woodhead. The Chargers don't have many alternative options at running back, making Gordon a high volume back. To make this more appealing, the Chargers opponent this week (New Orleans) is last in the league in rushing yards allowed with 149.3 per game. At $6,500 Gordon is a bang for your buck bargain this week.
LeVeon Bell returns to the gridiron this week and many expect the Steelers to feed him the ball often in his first game back. This may be the only week to get Bell at a discounted price ($7,500). DeAngelo Williams led all running backs in targets with 21, so I expect the Steelers will use that same strategy with Bell, who is arguably a better receiver than Williams.
Jordan Howard is a cheap option at only $3,700 who has an opportunity to triple or quadruple his return. The Bears lost Jeremy Langford to an ankle injury, thus elevating Howard into the main running back role. In 12 attempts, Howard has averaged 5.6 yards per carry, plus we saw him run wild in the preseason when given a chance. Howard's 6 catches on 8 targets leads all Chicago backs, which is impressive considering his limited role three games into the season. Howard earned nine Top 6 rankings and seven Top 3 rankings from the DraftKings team. He is definitely someone to consider this week at such an appealing price.
Carlos Hyde quietly has 4 rushing touchdowns this season, ranking 8th in DraftKings scoring. His price tag of $4,200 is another inviting option to consider. He has played well in home games in the past and he's a key piece to the 49ers offensive game plan. Hyde is a safer play over Howard, but he's also $500 more in price. Pairing the two together would afford you to pay up for a top flight wide receiver, tight end and/or quarterback. Both backs should be able to outperform their value.
Brimacombe
Carlos Hyde at only $4,200 this week seems too cheap as Chip Kelly will give him a lot of touches no matter the game script. Hyde looks like a plug and play as one of your RBs this week and helps you save some money to pay up at QB and WR.
Wood
My dark horse this week is Orleans Darkwa following Shane Vereen’s season-ending injury.
Grant
Melvin Gordon is still the main running back for the Chargers and against the terrible Saints defense, he’s about as charlk as they come this week.
Jordan Howard will get all the carries for Chicago this week. The one concern is Chicago falls way behind and the Bears have to throw.
Cameron Artis-Payne gets a solid rank because the Panthers will be primed to have a big game, and the Falcons are coming off the short week. He won’t have a crazy game, but should easily beat value.
I’m not crazy about Mckinnon, but his salary is super cheap and he will definitely get the opportunities
I’m not afraid of C.J. Spiller and think Christine Michael still has good value potential.
Alexander
Theo Riddick - Riddick stunk rushing the ball last week, but still played 66% of the snaps and received a team-high nine targets. He’s practically a weekly lock to return 2x this salary on catches and receiving yards alone and he has touchdown potential this week against a banged-up Bears defense.
Jordan Howard - Howard played 75% of the snaps in Jeremy Langford’s absence and looked good, racking up 92 total yards on 13 touches against Dallas. Detroit has been fortunate not to have allowed a rushing touchdown in their first three games despite ceding 5.3 yards per carry to opposing running backs. At only $3,700, Howard will be in contention for top point per dollar value at running back.
Howe
Howard's rushing line in replacing Jeremy Langford was impressive enough. But his three-down usage (47 yards on 6 targets) indicates he's in line for almost all snaps in Langford's absence. A talented runner, Howard could run roughshod over a defense that's allowing 5.1 yards per rush so far.
LeVeon Bell laughs at your worry over "rust" and "matchup." Coaches have talked up his conditioning and readiness all week, and he's the best back on the planet, so he'll be used relentlessly from the word "go."
Draftkings Consensus Rankings, Week 4: Wide Receiver
Player | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Terrelle Pryor | CLE at WAS | 4300 | 3 | 11 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2.8 |
Marvin Jones | CIN vs MIA | 7300 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 4.8 |
Travis Benjamin | SD vs NO | 5900 | 1 | 1 | - | 10 | 5 | 11 | 3 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 6.2 |
Antonio Brown | PIT vs KC | 9700 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 9 | - | 1 | 7 | 6.3 |
Tyrell Williams | SD vs NO | 4400 | 2 | - | - | 2 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 2 | 6.4 |
Stefon Diggs | MIN vs NYG | 6100 | 7 | 3 | - | - | 4 | 5 | - | 2 | 5 | 4 | 6.9 |
Doug Baldwin | SEA at NYJ | 6100 | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | 8 | 3 | 11 | 5 | 10.0 |
Demaryius Thomas | DEN at TB | 6700 | - | - | 7 | - | 9 | 7 | 5 | - | - | 8 | 10.1 |
Jarvis Landry | MIA at CIN | 6900 | 8 | 5 | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | 10.1 |
Cole Beasley | DAL at SF | 3900 | 10 | - | - | 7 | - | 3 | - | 8 | - | 9 | 10.2 |
Kevin White | CHI vs DET | 3400 | 6 | - | 6 | 12 | - | 9 | - | - | - | 10 | 10.8 |
TY Hilton | IND at JAC | 7000 | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | 11.3 |
Julio Jones | ATL vs CAR | 9200 | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | 11.3 |
Larry Fitzgerald | ARI vs LA | 7200 | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | 10 | 6 | - | - | 11.3 |
Michael Thomas | NO at SD | 3800 | - | 10 | 9 | - | 10 | 8 | 12 | - | - | 12 | 11.3 |
Steve Smith Sr | BAL vs OAK | 4500 | - | - | - | 5 | - | 6 | - | - | - | 11 | 11.3 |
Emmanuel Sanders | DEN at TB | 6400 | 11 | 8 | 11 | - | 8 | - | - | 11 | - | - | 11.4 |
Julian Edelman | NE vs BUF | 5800 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | 11.7 |
Mike Evans | TB vs DEN | 6500 | - | 12 | 5 | - | - | - | - | 10 | - | - | 11.8 |
Jamison Crowder | WAS vs CLE | 4200 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 12.1 |
Jeremy Maclin | KC at PIT | 6000 | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | - | 12.1 |
Amari Cooper | OAK at BAL | 7600 | - | - | 10 | - | - | - | 11 | - | 10 | - | 12.2 |
Odell Beckham | NYG at MIN | 8700 | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.3 |
Will Fuller | HOU vs TEN | 5300 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | 12.4 |
Brandin Cooks | NO at SD | 7400 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | 12.4 |
AJ Green | CIN vs MIA | 8500 | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.4 |
Tavon Austin | LA at ARI | 4000 | 9 | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.4 |
Allen Robinson | JAC vs IND | 8000 | - | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.6 |
Kelvin Benjamin | CAR at ATL | 7100 | - | - | 12 | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.8 |
Michael Crabtree | OAK at BAL | 6400 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | 12.9 |
Terrelle Pryor was all over the field last week against Miami and he looks to be heavily involved in the game plan against Washington. Cleveland is starting to realize how much of a weapon he can be, especially now that Josh Gordon is out of the picture for the time being. This is probably the last week that he'll have a discounted price. At $4,300 he is one of the biggest bargains this week and will likely have high ownership. There is some concern that he'll see heavy coverage by Josh Norman, thus limiting his production potential, but look for the Browns to move him all over field once again. All he needs is 5-6 catches and 70 total yards to reach triple his value. He might get that by halftime. He's the top wide receiver value by the DrafKings team getting six #1 rankings.
Marvin Jones came down with a mid-week hamstring strain which is never good to see. There is a concern that he could miss this week's game at Chicago. His value takes a dip with this recent news that occurred after the team ranked their value plays.
Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams are both value plays due to their price ($5,900 and $4,400) respectively. A home contest against the Saints is a favorable matchup that could yield a high scoring output. If Williams can get into the end zone, he will most assuredly pass his value. Three touchdowns seems like a lock for the offense, but keep in mind, the Saints defensive woes largely comes from their struggles defending the run.
Kevin White is another player who has a high value based on expected production per dollar. Brian Hoyer targeted White 14 times last week en route to a 300 yard passing game. It's not that often that we see a player have that many targets and then be priced at $3,400 the following week. White has improved his reception totals every week this year (3,4, 6). Could Week 4 finally be the game where his speed gets him into the end zone? Detroit has allowed a league high 10 touchdown passes this season. The matchup is in his favor.
Cole Beasley and Michael Thomas are two more value picks with an appealing price tag. Thomas leads the Saints in receptions with 17 and came on strong with Willie Snead sidelined with a toe injury. Thomas should still see plenty of snaps even if Snead returns. At $3,800, Thomas is excellent value for the price. Cole Beasley will have the good fortune of seeing more action due to the injury to Dez Bryant. At $3,900 he's another receiver to consider at a lower price. Beasley has 20 receptions on 25 targets and the next closest receiver is Jason Witten with 14 receptions. Look for Beasley to be targeted often especially with Dak Prescott favoring the short, intermediate routes, where Beasley excels.
Wood
Travis Benjamin is the only healthy target in San Diego with any real experience as an explosive playmaker. Giddy up.
Grant
Terrelle Pryor was in a ton of my lineups this week. His flexibility on a terrible team makes him a guy who can beat value in a few different ways.
Cole Beasley is one of Dak Prescott’s favorite targets and with Dez Bryant potentially limited, Beasley is a good call.
Chicago pass defense is a dumpster fire now, so Marvin Jones could have another 200 yard game again this week.
Oakland has the worst passing defense in the league, allowing a ton of yards. Steve Smith looks like a great pick this week.
Howe
Terrelle Pryor: I don't expect a repeat, but his salary is still too low as the only viable receiver in his offense. Needing just 13 points for cash value, he's one of the week's no-brainers.
Marvin Jones: This one also looks too easy, a red-hot Jones against possibly the league's worst secondary. Game script isn't even much of a concern; Jones is the clear target dominator and a playmaker who can produce on any touch.
Draftkings Consensus Rankings, Week 4: Tight End
Player | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Zach Miller | CHI vs DET | 2700 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2.6 |
Hunter Henry | SD vs NO | 2700 | 4 | 4 | - | 4 | 1 | 2 | - | 6 | 2 | 2 | 4.3 |
Dennis Pitta | BAL vs OAK | 3900 | - | 2 | - | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4.5 |
Kyle Rudolph | MIN vs NYG | 3400 | 3 | 7 | - | 2 | 7 | 1 | - | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Coby Fleener | NO at SD | 3200 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 7 | - | 3 | - | - | - | 5 | 5.8 |
Greg Olsen | CAR at ATL | 6000 | - | - | 3 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Eric Ebron | DET at CHI | 3700 | 8 | 5 | - | 5 | 6 | 5 | 3 | - | - | 8 | 6.7 |
Jack Doyle | IND at JAC | 2500 | 1 | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | 8 | - | 3 | 6.8 |
Travis Kelce | KC at PIT | 4800 | - | - | 4 | 8 | - | - | 8 | - | 5 | - | 7.9 |
Cameron Brate | TB vs DEN | 2800 | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | 5 | 3 | - | - | 7.9 |
Jacob Tamme | ATL vs CAR | 3400 | 7 | - | - | - | - | 6 | 4 | - | - | - | 8.0 |
Jimmy Graham | SEA at NYJ | 4000 | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | 8.4 |
Jordan Reed | WAS vs CLE | 6300 | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | 8.5 |
Gary Barnidge | CLE at WAS | 3600 | - | 8 | 7 | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 8.6 |
Jason Witten | DAL at SF | 4500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | 8.7 |
Dwayne Allen | IND at JAC | 3800 | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.7 |
Ryan Griffin | HOU vs TEN | 2600 | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.7 |
Rob Gronkowski | NE vs BUF | 6500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | 8.8 |
The two top value picks at tight end this week are a pair of $2,700 options Zach Miller and Hunter Henry. Miller should be the 2nd or third option for Brian Hoyer and the Bears. If the game script dictates more passing, which often is the case against the Lions, look for Miller to be heavily involved. Hunter Henry is coming off a big game in place of the injured Antonio Gates. Henry should see a decent number of targets against New Orleans and people continue to favor receivers with that favorable matchup. The price is too good to pass up, especially with Henry's potential to thrive in the Chargers offense.
Others to consider include Dennis Pitta, Kyle Rudolph and Coby Fleener. All have decent price points with Pitta being the highest at $3,900. Fleener is starting to get more comfortable in the Saints offense and the Chargers have allowed the most receptions to tight ends in the league with 23. The stars may be aligned for Fleener to build on last week's performance.
Wood
People keep sleeping on Fleener but we saw in Week 3 what he’s capable of; and this week sets up for another featured role.
Grant
Kyle Rudolph has found new life as the Minnesota offense gets smaller and smaller. I’m going to keep using him until his salary starts to climb.
Coby Fleener - I dropped him in my local league thinking he was fools gold. Now I’m kicking myself.
Ebron should have another solid week against a damaged Chicago defense.
Zach Miller isn’t my favorite pick, but he’s dirt cheap and should see a few extra targets during garbage time as the Bears could be down big time by the 3rd quarter.
Alexander
Jacob Tamme - It’s criminal, but Tamme’s 19.6% target market share is identical to Julio Jones’ through three games. The Falcons take on Carolina this week, who have allowed 70+ yards and a touchdown to both Vance McDonald and Keith Rudolph this season. Virgil Green nearly had a score against them in Week 1 too.
Howe
Cameron Brate is becoming an elite short-yardage target, and he's in line to be the third option in Tampa Bay. His 10 targets Sunday weren't a fluke; Brate developed chemsitry with Jameis Winston all season and carries weekly TE1 potential.
Draftkings Consensus Rankings, Week 4: Defense
Player | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Washington | WAS vs CLE | 3500 | - | 2 | 3 | - | 2 | 2 | 2 | - | 4 | 2 | 3.5 |
Houston | HOU vs TEN | 3200 | - | - | 4 | 3 | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | - | 3.8 |
Arizona | ARI vs LA | 3900 | - | 3 | 1 | - | 3 | - | 3 | - | 2 | 3 | 3.9 |
Minnesota | MIN vs NYG | 3600 | 2 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 4 | - | - | 1 | - | 3.9 |
Baltimore | BAL vs OAK | 2400 | 1 | - | - | 2 | - | 3 | - | - | - | 1 | 4.3 |
Denver | DEN at TB | 3700 | - | 4 | 2 | - | 4 | - | 5 | - | 5 | - | 5.0 |
Indianapolis | IND vs JAC | 2200 | - | 1 | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.3 |
New England | NE vs BUF | 3300 | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | 5.4 |
Cincinnati | CIN vs MIA | 3200 | 3 | 5 | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | 5.5 |
Detroit | DET at CHI | 3100 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 4 | - | - | 5.6 |
Dallas | DAL at SF | 2900 | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 5.7 |
NY Giants | NYG at MIN | 2900 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | 5.7 |
Atlanta | ATL vs CAR | 2400 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.8 |
Tennessee | TEN at HOU | 2400 | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | 5 | 5.8 |
San Francisco | SF vs DAL | 2600 | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.9 |
Los Angeles | LA at ARI | 2700 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | 5.9 |
There are several decent defensive plays this week that could pan out. The chalk play seems to be Washington ($3,500) at home vs the Browns and rookie Cody Kessler.
Another option is Houston at home against Tenessee for $3,200. This unit will be without J.J. Watt, so it will be interesting to see if they can produce a strong pass rush in his absence. Houston generally plays well defensively at home. If they can keep the Titans strong rushing offense in check, they may be able to force them into a one-dimensional passing offense, which would increase the chances for turnovers.
The consensus also likes Arizona and Minnesota at home. Both play well in their home stadiums and could wind up with several sacks and turnovers. The price is a bit higher, but the result could be what gets you into the cash for your lineup. Minnesota leads the league with 15 sacks, but Eli Manning is not one to be sacked often. Something is going to give here and I lean towards the hometown defense.
Indianapolis for $2,200 on a neutral field (London) against Jacksonville is intriguing. The Colts secondary that was stung with injuries is starting to get healthy and this is a game that could help them get on track. Indianapolis has only one interception on defense, but Blake Bortles has thrown 6 interceptions in three games.
Don't rule out New England as an option as well. They are on 10 days rest after shutting out Houston 27-0 last Thursday night. Buffalo surpised Arizona last week with a heavy dose of running the ball en route to their first win. New offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn is expected to resume that strategy again, especially if Sammy Watkins (foot) is out. New England is known for taking away their opponent's best player or strongest game plan. I can see the Patriots stacking the box, forcing Tyrod Taylor to the air to move the ball. Advantage, New England. At $3,300 coming off a shutout and 10 days rest, I'd take a chance on the veteran Bill Belichick to be prepared on defense.
Wood
Colts are cheap enough to roll the dice on this week, but hard to fade Arizona in what should be a “get right” game for both sides of the ball.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com