Ten members of the Footballguys DraftKings staff compiled value-based rankings for Week 2 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 6
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 6 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 6+1 or 7. Instead of displaying a 7 in the table, a dash was 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.
QUARTERBACK
Quarterback | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Eli Manning | NYG vs NO | 7600 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 5 | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3.0 |
Cam Newton | CAR vs SF | 7900 | 2 | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | - | 5 | 3 | 3.3 |
Trevor Siemian | DEN vs IND | 5200 | 4 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 2 | 6 | - | 1 | 3.5 |
Jimmy Garoppolo | NE vs MIA | 5900 | 3 | 3 | - | 3 | - | 6 | - | - | - | 4 | 5.5 |
Drew Brees | NO at NYG | 8200 | 5 | - | 6 | - | 2 | - | - | 2 | 6 | - | 5.6 |
Marcus Mariota | TEN at DET | 6000 | 6 | - | 3 | 2 | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 5.7 |
Carson Palmer | ARI vs TB | 6900 | - | - | - | 5 | - | 2 | 6 | - | 2 | - | 5.7 |
Derek Carr | OAK vs ATL | 7200 | - | - | 4 | - | - | 4 | - | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5.7 |
Blake Bortles | JAC at SD | 6700 | - | - | 5 | - | 4 | - | - | 3 | - | - | 6.1 |
Jameis Winston | TB at ARI | 6200 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | 3 | - | 6.4 |
Joe Flacco | BAL vs CLE | 6500 | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6.5 |
Matthew Stafford | DET vs TEN | 7300 | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | 4 | - | - | 6.5 |
Josh McCown | CLE vs BAL | 5000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | 6.6 |
Philip Rivers | SD vs JAC | 6400 | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6.7 |
Carson Wentz | PHI at CHI | 5500 | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6.8 |
Matt Ryan | ATL at OAK | 6800 | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | 6.9 |
Andy Dalton | CIN at PIT | 6400 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 6.9 |
Brock Osweiler | HOU vs KC | 6100 | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6.9 |
The consensus rankings show Eli Manning as the top ranked value play. The angle here suggests that the staff believes we'll see a high scoring game, especially against the Saints defense who allowed 35 points to Oakland last week. New Orleans is also dealing with a crushing blow to the best player in their secondary, CB Delvin Breaux, who broke his fibula and will miss considerable time. The last time these two teams faced was Week 8, 2015 in New Orleans. The Saints won 52-49, but the big story was the combined total of 13 touchdown passes in the game (6 by Eli Manning and 7 by Drew Brees). Neither team could stop the other and the end result was a game highlighted with big plays and high yardage. Brees threw for over 500 yards, while Manning added 350 yards on his own.
Eli Manning's price tag of $7,600 vs Drew Brees' price of $8,200 is enough to catapult his value-based rank to the top. The presence of Odell Beckham and the fact that this is a home game for the Giants has people convinced that Manning is the better value choice this week.
Looking further, Cam Newton is second on the list with a decent matchup against the 49ers in Carolina's home opener. Carolina looked promising on offense on the road against a stout Denver defense. If Carolina can put 20 points on the board in a tough environment against one of the best defenses in the league, one has to believe they will improve on that, at home against a 49ers team that allowed 387 points last year (24 per game). On the other hand, San Francisco shut out the hapless LA Rams in Week 1. How much of that was San Francisco's defense as opposed to the Rams poor attempt on offense? We'll find that out this week for sure, but I tend to believe it was a combination of the two. Could Cam Newton score the most points this week? It's possible, but the value on Manning may be too good to pass up.
Trevor Siemian, Jimmy Garoppolo and later in the ranks, Carson Wentz, provide some interesting value at a much lower price. Siemian was better than advertised against Carolina in Week 1 and now he has a juicy matchup against the Colts, who like the Saints, are a team to exploit. Jimmy Garoppolo orchestrated a big road win for the Patriots against Arizona and he did it without some key members of the offensive line, not to mention the biggest loss, Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots host Miami this week, but the key word there is "host". A home game and Garoppolo's ability to move the ball well may be enough to consider him as a low priced option at $500 more than Siemian, but arguably in a better offense.
Josh McCown at $5,000 is an intriguing player, but the matchup against the Ravens isn't a great one. Baltimore held the Bills in check in Week 1 and we don't have enough clarity to know if it was mostly the Ravens playing well on defense or whether the Bills offense is weaker than we anticipated. The Bills reached 30 on the scoreboard against the Jets on Thursday night, so perhaps maybe the Ravens defense is legit. Another week of results and observation will help paint this picture.
JAMES BRIMACOMBE
- If there was ever a week to stack a QB/WR this would be it with Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr The price is sky high on both of them but this looks to be the best matchup of the season for Manning and Beckham Jr.
CHRIS FEERY
- While there’s plenty of cheaper options available at quarterback, few provide the upside that Manning does with a game against the Saints on the docket.
Devin Knotts
- Eli Manning - Eli Manning is facing a Saints secondary without Delvin Breaux
JASON WOOD
- Trevor Siemian - Siemian is no world beater, but the near minimum salary combined with a decimated Colts secondary makes him intriguing
- Joe Flacco - Cleveland is on a fast train to the worst record in football, and Flacco should be set up for 2+ TDs in this matchup
- Jimmy Garoppolo - A home game against Miami bodes well for value at his price
- Eli Manning - Higher priced but arguably the top QB on the slate this week playing at home against a horrendous Saints defense
- Carson Wentz - The rookie passed his first test against Cleveland and Chicago's defense isn't much better
- Brock Osweiler - The Chiefs defense is not the same without Houston, this could be fortuitous for the young starter
Spencer Ware - Ware will be one of the chalk plays this week after last week's dominant performance
Will Grant
- I like Denver with the long rest this week. Siemian is priced right to reach value. Newton is more expensive, but I like him for the same reason. I think he scores a lot more points, but you have to pay up to get him.
Running Back
Running Back | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
C.J. Anderson | DEN vs IND | 6800 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3.8 |
David Johnson | ARI vs TB | 7600 | 3 | 5 | 5 | - | 1 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 5.4 |
DeAngelo Williams | PIT vs CIN | 7100 | 2 | 3 | - | 8 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 5.4 |
Danny Woodhead | SD vs JAC | 5200 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | - | 4 | 4 | - | 12 | 2 | 5.9 |
Spencer Ware | KC at HOU | 6100 | 10 | 1 | 12 | - | 6 | 8 | - | 1 | 11 | 6 | 8.1 |
Jeremy Langford | CHI vs PHI | 4600 | 6 | 9 | - | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | 3 | 8.5 |
T.J. Yeldon | JAC at SD | 4700 | 11 | - | 3 | 4 | 10 | 12 | - | - | 2 | 5 | 8.6 |
Lamar Miller | HOU vs KC | 7200 | 4 | - | - | - | 5 | 9 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 8.6 |
Theo Riddick | DET vs TEN | 4300 | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | 1 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 9.7 |
Mark Ingram | NO at NYG | 6200 | 9 | - | 6 | - | 7 | - | 12 | 7 | 4 | - | 9.7 |
LeGarrette Blount | NE vs MIA | 4000 | - | 7 | 7 | 5 | - | 10 | 8 | - | - | - | 10.2 |
Ezekiel Elliott | DAL at WAS | 7300 | - | - | 4 | - | 2 | - | - | - | 7 | - | 10.4 |
Terrance West | BAL vs CLE | 3300 | - | 6 | - | 9 | - | 11 | 3 | - | - | 11 | 10.5 |
Shane Vereen | NYG vs NO | 3800 | 7 | - | - | - | - | 7 | 2 | - | - | - | 10.7 |
Rashad Jennings | NYG vs NO | 5600 | - | 8 | 10 | - | - | - | 11 | - | 3 | - | 11 |
Ameer Abdullah | DET vs TEN | 4900 | - | 4 | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | 10 | 11 |
DeMarco Murray | TEN at DET | 5700 | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | 7 | 11.7 |
Arian Foster | MIA at NE | 6000 | 8 | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.1 |
Giovani Bernard | CIN at PIT | 4200 | - | 11 | 11 | 11 | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | 12.2 |
James White | NE vs MIA | 4000 | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.3 |
Christine Michael | SEA at LA | 4600 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | 12.5 |
Adrian Peterson | MIN vs GB | 7000 | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.5 |
Chris Thompson | WAS vs DAL | 3700 | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.5 |
Latavius Murray | OAK vs ATL | 5700 | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | 9 | - | 12.5 |
Travaris Cadet | NO at NYG | 3000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | 12.6 |
Jeremy Hill | CIN at PIT | 4300 | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.6 |
Tevin Coleman | ATL at OAK | 4500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | - | - | 12.7 |
Jonathan Stewart | CAR vs SF | 5400 | - | - | - | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.7 |
Eddie Lacy | GB at MIN | 6000 | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.8 |
Charles Sims | TB at ARI | 4400 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | 12.9 |
Duke Johnson Jr | CLE vs BAL | 4500 | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.9 |
Carlos Hyde | SF at CAR | 5100 | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.9 |
C.J. Anderson, David Johnson and DeAngelo Williams make up the Top 3 rankings and this seems correct. All three showed well in Week 1 and all three have decent, if not plus matchups this week.
Danny Woodhead had a great game last week in what was expected to be a non-Woodhead game. The book on Woodhead is to expect a decent, if not strong game, if San Diego can score over 20 points. This week's matchup vs. Jacksonville looks favorable, but there's also concerns about the Chargers offense without Keenan Allen. We'll know more this week as we gain more clarity, but for now, the price is good for what looks like a decent value in return.
Jeremy Langford appears to be one of the better bargains this week, due to his lower price and expected usage in the Bears offense. Langford had 17 carries for 57 yards in Week 1 against Houston. The results aren't necessarily the best, but the volume of carries is what has people excited. At $4,600, Langford has the highest value for all running backs based on price and projections this week. He may not have a super box score, but according to his price and his expected totals, he ranks highest from a value stand point. The rankings back this up (Langford was ranked 6th among the staff), but for the highest value, there seems to be some hesitation. It could be uncertainites surrounding the Bears offense in general. I would lean more toward Langford in a GPP as opposed to a cash lineup.
James Brimacombe
- Looking at game scripts alone it is going to be hard to avoid playing CJ Anderson and Danny Woodhead at running back this week as they should be major players in their team’s offensive game plans. The price is right on both also as you get Anderson at 6800 which is a nice discount from some of the higher priced options at RB. Woodhead is even cheaper at just $5,200 and with no clear cut receiving option now in San Diego, he looks to be a guy that will see 10+ targets.
- C.J. Anderson looks like a steal at a sub-7k price with the way he played in Week 1. Tremendous value to be had if he delivers a similar performance against the Colts.
Devin Knotts
- Mark Ingram - Mark Ingram only had 12 carries last week, expect more this week as he wasn't happy with his usage in what should be a high scoring game
- Ameer Abdullah - He shined in the passing game last week, as the Lions look to use him in many situations this week
Phil Alexander
- Theo Riddick played on 38% of the Lions snaps last week, but still handled an identical 38% of their backfield workload, which tells me when Riddick is on the field, the Lions will look to get him the ball in the short passing game. On a full PPR site, Riddick should reach double digit scoring easily on catches and yards alone. With the Lions implied total sitting at a healthy 26.5, I like his chances at a third touchdown in two weeks. He’s the easiest way to a 4x salary multiple this week.
Jason Wood
- Danny Woodhead - Woodhead could be the biggest beneficiary of Keenan Allen's injury
- DeAngelo Williams is a elite play for the first month of the season, regardless of matchup
- Ameer Abdullah - Love Abdullah at this price, he looked explosive in Week One
- David Johnson - This game reads like a shoot out, and Johnson is fairly priced for a guy that could lead the position in points
- Terrence West - I'm not wild about West as a player but the crazy low cost and the crazy bad opponent entice
- LeGarrette Blount - The Patriots are unpredictable when it comes to RB roles, otherwise Blount would rank higher
- Rashad Jennings - Jennings is the lead dog going against arguably the worst defense in the NFL
- JeremyLangford - I'm not a Langford fan but his role is undeniable and the price is low enough to create value even against a tough front 7
- C.J. Anderson - All Broncos are in play this week against the Colts, and Anderson can attack the secondary as a receiver
- Giovani Bernard - Bernard is hit or miss, but the Steelers defense is soft and Bernard could rack up a handful of receptions
- Duke Johnson Jr - Josh McCown should be more apt to dump off passes to Johnson than Griffin would have been
Will Grant
- Langford gets the top spot because he plays on Monday, but his cost is pretty cheap so I’m not sure how much that buys you. He’s going to get good volume. Vereen and West are interesting options if you’re looking to go cheap on the RB side
Wide Receiver
Wide Receiver | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Will Fuller | HOU vs KC | 4200 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | - | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4.4 |
Travis Benjamin | SD vs JAC | 4400 | 2 | 1 | - | 1 | - | 1 | 3 | - | - | 2 | 6.2 |
Antonio Brown | PIT vs CIN | 9900 | - | - | 9 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6.7 |
A.J. Green | CIN at PIT | 8900 | 3 | 6 | 10 | - | 3 | - | - | 1 | 5 | 1 | 6.8 |
Tajae Sharpe | TEN at DET | 4100 | 4 | - | 5 | 5 | - | 2 | 2 | 5 | - | 6 | 6.8 |
Odell Beckham | NYG vs NO | 9500 | - | 12 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 7 | - | 3 | 1 | 4 | 6.9 |
Tyrell Williams | SD vs JAC | 3700 | 10 | 8 | - | 2 | - | 3 | - | - | - | 7 | 9.5 |
Willie Snead | NO at NYG | 5800 | 6 | - | - | 10 | - | 6 | - | 4 | - | 11 | 10.2 |
Eli Rogers | PIT vs CIN | 4100 | - | 7 | - | 4 | - | - | 7 | - | 12 | - | 10.8 |
Jarvis Landry | MIA at NE | 6400 | 7 | 4 | - | - | - | 11 | 11 | - | - | 10 | 10.8 |
Amari Cooper | OAK vs ATL | 7600 | 8 | - | 6 | - | 10 | - | - | - | 7 | 12 | 10.8 |
Jeremy Kerley | SF at CAR | 3000 | 12 | - | - | - | - | 10 | 1 | - | - | 8 | 10.9 |
Brandin Cooks | NO at NYG | 8000 | - | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | 7 | 4 | - | 11.1 |
Marvin Jones | DET vs TEN | 5500 | 5 | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11.4 |
Allen Robinson | JAC at SD | 7800 | - | - | 7 | - | 7 | - | - | 9 | - | - | 11.4 |
Steve Smith Sr | BAL vs CLE | 4300 | - | - | - | 7 | - | 9 | 12 | - | - | 9 | 11.5 |
Julio Jones | ATL at OAK | 9200 | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 8 | - | 11.6 |
Larry Fitzgerald | ARI vs TB | 6400 | 11 | - | - | 8 | 12 | - | 8 | 12 | - | - | 11.6 |
Jordan Matthews | PHI at CHI | 6900 | 9 | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | 11.7 |
Michael Crabtree | OAK vs ATL | 6100 | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11.9 |
Chris Hogan | NE vs MIA | 3500 | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 11.9 |
Emmanuel Sanders | DEN vs IND | 6000 | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 |
Mike Wallace | BAL vs CLE | 4700 | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 |
Michael Floyd | ARI vs TB | 5900 | - | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | 12 |
Allen Hurns | JAC at SD | 5400 | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.1 |
Terrelle Pryor | CLE vs BAL | 3500 | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | 12.1 |
Cole Beasley | DAL at WAS | 3200 | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | 12.2 |
DeAndre Hopkins | HOU vs KC | 8700 | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.2 |
Stefon Diggs | MIN vs GB | 5100 | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | 9 | 10 | - | - | 12.2 |
Dez Bryant | DAL at WAS | 8400 | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.3 |
Kelvin Benjamin | CAR vs SF | 6500 | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.5 |
Sterling Shepard | NYG vs NO | 5200 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | - | 12.6 |
Mike Evans | TB at ARI | 7200 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | - | 12.7 |
Jordy Nelson | GB at MIN | 7500 | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.8 |
Mohamed Sanu | ATL at OAK | 5500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | 12.8 |
Doug Baldwin | SEA at LA | 6600 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | 12.8 |
Julian Edelman | NE vs MIA | 6200 | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.8 |
Jamison Crowder | WAS vs DAL | 3600 | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | 12.9 |
Michael Thomas | NO at NYG | 4000 | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.9 |
Will Fuller is the Top ranked value play at wide receiver this week. His price tag of $4,200 has people salivating at the thought of another strong game. He scored twice in the preseason and once last week to begin the regular season. He's quickly becoming a receiver quarterback Brock Osweiler can trust. Remember, Osweiler did not have DeAndre Hopkins last year, so he doesn't specifically have an allegiance to him. Should Hopkins ultimately be his favorite target this season? That seems like a resounding yes, but we could also see a decent share of targets going to Fuller. Fuller was the fifth rookie since 2000 to have over 100 yards receiving in Week 1. Until he shows us that he can't be relied upon, people are going to lean on him, especially while his price is low. Contrary to Jeremy Langford, Fuller (also the top value play at his position, according to projections vs. price), ranks at the top. This suggests a much greater trust from the consensus.
Travis Benjamin, who ranks 2nd is also someone who people tend to trust this week. The Chargers will have to turn to someone now that Keenan Allen is on the shelf. Benjamin is the frontrunner to be the main target for Philip Rivers. His price of $4,400 is a bargain considering how much he may be utilized.
Antonio Brown, A.J. Green and Odell Beckham with Tajae Sharpe mixed in, make up the rest of the Top 6. People feel comfortable spending up to roster Brown, Green or Beckham, as they should. All three have plus matchups and are capable of tripling their price in points. If Will Fuller didn't have a big game last week, we'd all be talking about how impressive Tajae Sharpe is. He's Will Fuller-lite at this point, but that could change quickly with another solid outing. Sharpe is the default WR1 on Tennessee, whereas Fuller has Hopkins ahead of him on the depth chart. There's a degree of rising potential with Sharpe, whereas Fuller may have shown us a fairly high point last week. That's not to say Fuller isn't capable of more, but right now, I wouldn't be surprised to see Sharpe join his level.
Willie Snead had a big Week 1 and has a plus matchup this week against the Giants. For the price, I'm surprised he's not ranked higher, but in the same breath, people may be unwilling to commit until they see him put forth a second consecutive week of solid numbers. Tyrell Williams, who is one slot above Snead, is a much cheaper price who needs only 11-12 points to reach triple his price. Williams, by many is believed to be the receiver to see the most deep threat activity for the Chargers in Keenan Allen's absence. At $3,700, five catches for 70 yards would be enough to maximize value.
James Brimacombe
- Will Fuller at only $4,200 seems like a steal as he clearly showed that he belongs as a week to week player to target. Fuller saw 11 targets for a 5/107/1 statline in his first NFL game. Play with confidence at that price and load up on studs elsewhere.
- A.J. Green carries a healthy price tag, but he should receive more than enough opportunities to return value against the Steelers.
Devin Knotts
- Kelvin Benjamin - 12 targets in Benjamin's return to the Panthers offense, should play a major role in an easier matchup this week.
- Tajae Sharpe - Underpriced wide receiver who saw 11 targets last week
Jason Wood
- Travis Benjamin - Benjamin was more of a possession receiver in Week One, but I see him exploding this week with K. Allen on IR
- Will Fuller - The rookie balled out in Week One, expect more of the same in Week Two
- Mike Wallace - Flacco is going to hook up with Wallace for a long score this week, mark my words
- Jarvis Landry - The Dolphins offense will be much better than we saw in Week One, and it starts this week
- Marvin Jones - Jones and Stafford appear to be legitimate
- A.J. Green - Green looks like he belongs in the elite tier with Beckham, Brown and Jones. Yet he costs $1,000 less.
- Eli Rogers - Is Rogers for real? At this price, it's worth putting him into some lineups to find out
- Tyrell Williams - I like Williams, but not quite as much as Benjamin for just a few $100 more
- Jordan Matthews - Rumors of Matthews' demise were greatly exaggerated
- Michael Floyd - Most DFS owners will be on Fitzgerald, but Floyd is just as likely to be the stud in a given week and is a few $100 cheaper
- Chris Hogan - Hogan showed what he's capable of in Week One. He'll be inconsistent but at $3,500 is an enticing GPP option
- Odell Beckham - If you're paying up for receiver, Beckham has the juiciest matchup of the week
Will Grant
- Kelvin Benjamin looks like a great pick this week. Fuller and Beasley will get plenty of opportunities. Don’t discount OBJ and Brown because of their higher prices. They will have good games this week too
Tight End
Tight End | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Greg Olsen | CAR vs SF | 5600 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3.4 |
Virgil Green | DEN vs IND | 2800 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | - | 5 | 2 | 3 | - | 1 | 3.7 |
Delanie Walker | TEN at DET | 4500 | 8 | - | 7 | 1 | 2 | 8 | - | - | 6 | 3 | 6.2 |
Eric Ebron | DET vs TEN | 3500 | - | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 | - | 5 | - | - | - | 6.4 |
Kyle Rudolph | MIN vs GB | 3100 | - | 4 | 2 | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | 6 | 6.7 |
Gary Barnidge | CLE vs BAL | 4000 | 4 | 1 | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | 7 | 5 | 6.7 |
Travis Kelce | KC at HOU | 5000 | 6 | - | 4 | - | 4 | 6 | - | - | 4 | 7 | 6.7 |
Jason Witten | DAL at WAS | 4300 | 2 | - | - | - | 8 | 2 | - | - | - | 2 | 6.8 |
Julius Thomas | JAC at SD | 4400 | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 6 | 2 | 3 | - | 7.2 |
Jesse James | PIT vs CIN | 3400 | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | 2 | 4 | 7.3 |
Antonio Gates | SD vs JAC | 4500 | - | - | 6 | 5 | 7 | - | 1 | - | - | - | 7.3 |
Jordan Reed | WAS vs DAL | 6800 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 5 | - | 8.3 |
Rob Gronkowski | NE vs MIA | 6900 | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | 8.4 |
Clive Walford | OAK vs ATL | 2900 | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | 8.4 |
Dwayne Allen | IND at DEN | 3600 | 7 | - | 8 | - | - | - | 7 | - | 8 | - | 8.4 |
Jared Cook | GB at MIN | 3000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | 8.5 |
Vance McDonald | SF at CAR | 3000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 8.5 |
Jacob Tamme | ATL at OAK | 2900 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | 8.5 |
Jack Doyle | IND at DEN | 2500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | 8.6 |
Dennis Pitta | BAL vs CLE | 2800 | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.7 |
Brent Celek | PHI at CHI | 2600 | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.8 |
Austin Seferian-Jenkins | TB at ARI | 2900 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | 8.9 |
C.J. Uzomah | CIN at PIT | 2600 | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.9 |
Greg Olsen narrowly edged out Virgil Green in tight end value rankings this week. The consensus is more apt to lean on a proven veteran, at home, with a decent matchup over a lower priced flier with a great matchup. Green's price of $2,800 is hard to pass up, especially when the alternative is double the price at $5,600 for Olsen. Perhaps Olsen is a better play for cash games, while Green is more of a GPP play, but the money saved picking Green may make more sense for those looking to maximize their cash game lineup. The decision to play Green frees up $2800 to spend elsewhere, which can make all the difference if Green hits against a soft Colts pass defense. There's not a lot of good options at tight end this week, especially with the injury to Rob Gronkowski and the uncertainty in his replacement, Martellus Bennett. Delanie Walker and Eric Ebron rank 3rd and 4th in value ranking and both are capable of a big game. The likelihood of such isn't as well-known.
One player who didn't see a higher ranking who could absolutely shine this week is Gary Barnidge. The price point of $4,000 is relatively low, but he had zeroes across the board last week, which is probably why people are shying away. Barnidge was the 4th ranked fantasy tight end last year with Josh McCown under center for a large part of the year. McCown should utilize Barnidge, like he did in 2015. We should definitely see a rise in production this week, which has me thinking he is someone to consider if you want to spend low at tight end.
James Brimacombe
- Delanie Walker is one of the more expensive tight ends this week, but he has to be licking his chops to face off against a Lions team that surrendered a boatload of points to tight ends in Week 1.
Devin Knotts
- Gary Barnidge - McCown's number one target last year, expect a big game in his return
Jason Wood
- Gary Barnidge - Call it a hunch but I see Barnidge roaring back from a two drop Week One
- Virgil Green - Start your Broncos
- Eric Ebron - Happy to see Ebron on the field in Week One, the bull case is back in play
- Kyle Rudolph - The price is right, but the quarterback situation keeps him from being a top play
- Clive Walford - The Raiders have the makings of a dynamic offense and Walford is going to have a handful of big weeks
- Greg Olsen - It's hard to pay that premium price, but Olsen is worth it as Panthers look to avoid an 0-2 start
- Jacob Tamme - I can't pretend to be excited by Tamme as a player but the price makes him a viable DFS punt option
- Julius Thomas - If for some reason you have extra salary to spend at tight end, Thomas is a compelling mid-priced alternative
Defense/ST
Defense | Matchup | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Baltimore | BAL vs CLE | 3000 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | - | - | 1 | 2 | 2.6 |
Seattle | SEA at LA | 3800 | 4 | 3 | 3 | - | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
Carolina | CAR vs SF | 3900 | 3 | - | 1 | - | 2 | - | 1 | - | 2 | 4 | 3.7 |
New England | NE vs MIA | 3000 | 1 | - | - | - | 5 | 2 | - | - | 4 | 1 | 4.3 |
Green Bay | GB at MIN | 3200 | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | 1 | - | - | 5.2 |
Arizona | ARI vs TB | 3500 | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 3 | 4 | - | - | 5.3 |
Denver | DEN vs IND | 3600 | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 5.4 |
NY Jets | NYJ at BUF | 3300 | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.6 |
Detroit | DET vs TEN | 2800 | 5 | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.6 |
Washington | WAS vs DAL | 2800 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | 5.7 |
San Diego | SD vs JAC | 2500 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | 5.7 |
Oakland | OAK vs ATL | 2700 | - | 5 | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.7 |
Jacksonville | JAC at SD | 2300 | - | - | 5 | - | - | 5 | - | 5 | - | - | 5.7 |
Chicago | CHI vs PHI | 2900 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 5.9 |
Houston | HOU vs KC | 3400 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | 5.9 |
NY Giants | NYG vs NO | 2600 | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.9 |
Pittsburgh | PIT vs CIN | 2900 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | 5.9 |
Baltimore, Seattle, Carolina and New England are the top 4 defenses based on value rankings. The interactive value chart has them ranked New England, Baltimore, San Diego, Jacksonville and Detroit. In my opinion, New England is the team that stands out the most. At $3,000, the value is strong and could pay dividends. Seattle and Carolina are good plays, but they are $800 and $900 more in price. Seattle is on the road, but they have a great matchup against a Rams team that is playing their first game in Los Angeles. It's a home game from the crowd perspective, but everything else may feel like a road game until they get used to their field, stadium and surroundings. The whole year could be a state of flux for the Rams. We've already seen a disaster in Week 1 against a 49ers team that they were favored to win. They will not be favored against Seattle at all. If you're looking to spend up on defense and secure those points, Seattle and Carolina are two team's I'd look at. It's hard to pass up New England at $3,000, which ultimately may be the best play of the week on defense.
James Brimcombe
- With a home date against a team making a cross country trek after a tough loss, the Patriots look like the week’s top value play at Defense.
Jason Wood
- Baltimore - Cheap price versus an awful offense
- NY Jets - If Sammy Watkins is out, the Jets are almost a must play
- Seattle - Seattle is expensive, but with good reason. The Rams just lost 28-0 TO THE 49ers!
- Oakland - Raiders defense wasn't dominant in Week One, but the talent is there and the Falcons have holes
- Detroit - The Titans offense was held in check in Week One, so play the hot streak with Detroit until the Titans disprove the doubters
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com