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Ten members of the Footballguys DraftKings staff compiled value-based rankings for Week 6 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: QUARTERBACKS
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Tom Brady | NE | vs CIN | 7700 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 4 | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.6 |
Alex Smith | KC | at OAK | 5700 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2 | - | 1 | 3 | - | 4 | 1 | 3.8 |
Tyrod Taylor | BUF | vs SF | 5300 | - | 2 | 1 | - | - | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5.6 |
Ben Roethlisberger | PIT | at MIA | 7500 | - | 6 | 5 | 4 | - | 2 | - | - | 2 | 3 | 5.8 |
Carson Palmer | ARI | vs NYJ | 6000 | 3 | 3 | - | 3 | 6 | - | - | 3 | - | - | 6.3 |
Cam Newton | CAR | at NO | 8100 | 7 | - | 7 | - | 4 | - | 6 | 2 | 3 | - | 6.5 |
Brian Hoyer | CHI | vs JAC | 5800 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 6 | 5 | 5 | - | 7 | 7.1 |
Russell Wilson | SEA | vs ATL | 6900 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | - | 8 | 5 | - | 7.1 |
Blake Bortles | JAC | at CHI | 6300 | - | 7 | - | 5 | 5 | 5 | - | - | - | 6 | 7.3 |
Andy Dalton | CIN | at NE | 5500 | - | - | - | 7 | 7 | 8 | 4 | - | - | 4 | 7.5 |
Colin Kaepernick | SF | at SEA | 5000 | - | 4 | - | - | 8 | - | 2 | - | - | - | 7.7 |
Marcus Mariota | TEN | vs CLE | 6100 | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 4 | - | - | 7.9 |
Drew Brees | NO | vs CAR | 7900 | 6 | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | 8.1 |
Brock Osweiler | HOU | vs IND | 5400 | 8 | - | 3 | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | 8 | 8.1 |
Trevor Siemian | DEN | at SD | 5200 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.5 |
Kirk Cousins | WAS | vs PHI | 5600 | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.7 |
Matthew Stafford | DET | vs LA | 6200 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | 8.8 |
Dak Prescott | DAL | at GB | 5900 | - | 8 | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.8 |
Aaron Rodgers | GB | vs DAL | 7300 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | 8.9 |
Derek Carr | OAK | vs KC | 6500 | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8.9 |
The consensus is high on Tom Brady this week. He looked fantastic last week considering he had zero interaction with the team in four weeks. Maybe some of it was the Browns, but it's difficult to ignore Brady's talents. And now he returns home to his hometown fans. Play Brady until he proves otherwise. This is the advice of the majority of the staff.
The "other than Brady options" include:
Alex Smith against the Raiders is appealing, especially at $5,700, a full $2,000 less than Brady. The Raiders are the worst team for DK fantasy points against quarterbacks averaging 338 yards passing against this year with 2.4 passing touchdowns. This is a prime spot for Smith.
Ben Roethlisberger at Miami - The Steelers quarterback leads all passers with four games of at least three touchdown passes. Nobody else even has three. There's a real concern of a home/road split that trusts Roethlisberger at home and fades him on the road. In two road games this year, Roethlisberger has been Jeckyl and Hyde with one good game (at WAS) and one stinker (at PHI). Miami lost to Tennessee at home last week giving up three touchdowns to Marcus Mariota. If Mariota can be successful at Miami, what will Roethlisberger do? If you trust him, play him. It's that simple. His $7,500 price is only $200 less than Brady. Both are excellent options with maybe a bit more trust on the Brady side.
Cam Newton, $8,100 is more than both Brady and Roethlisberger and he's coming off a concussion, so there's some concern there. The Panthers contend that they will not restrict him on short-yardage or goal line plays, so take that for what it's worth. The matchup is a good one - at New Orleans who are giving up 32.5 points per game. The Panthers are averaging 24.5 points per game themselves - and one of those games was without Newton. This option is difficult to ignore in what could be a back and forth slug-fest of points that would favor Newton as one the top quarterbacks of the week.
Still more options - Brian Hoyer $5,800 at home vs. Jacksonville is an interesting option, especially with Hoyer coming off three straight games of 300+ yards passing and 2+ touchdown passes. Russell Wilson $6,900 vs Atlanta is another possibility. The Falcons are averaging 28 points per game allowed and opponents are more likely than not, forced into a passing game script to keep pace with the high flying Atlanta offense. That may not happen against a tough Seattle defense at home, but the potential is there.
additional comments
Grant
You need to start the QB who faces the Raiders. They are the worst pass defense in the league, giving up well over 300 yards per game. On a week’s rest, Alex Smith is a no brainer for top guy. Russell Wilson against Atlanta is a pretty smart pick too. The Falcons are not great on defense and Wilson put up 300 yards and 3 TDS on the Jets last week. I like Taylor as a sneaky pick this week because they are so bad at stopping the run.
Wood
Colin Kaepernick’s price makes him a compelling play this week. Gabbert was a better fantasy player than real-life signal caller this season, and Kaep is capable of much more with his arm and on the ground. He’s a GPP play exclusively, though.
Alexander
Brian Hoyer has ranked as the QB9, QB8, and QB5 on DraftKings in his three starts this season, yet he remains priced as the QB18 in an exploitable home matchup with Jacksonville.
Alex Smith faces off with Oakland, who has allowed a league leading 330 passing yards per game, and 8.7 yards per pass attempt. This is a good spot for a rested Kansas City team facing a divisional opponent coming off an emotional win.
Howe
By my projections, Brian Hoyer could underachieve noticeably from his first three starts and remain a cash bargain. And the GPP appeal is real in a semi-attractive home matchup.
This could be the week - Atlanta's secondary is mostly atrocious, and Wilson's arsenal looks healthy and dynamic. What makes him so attractive, though, is the fact that we haven't seen him run much. A classic Wilson week of 30 ground yards and a touchdown would be enormous.
Mamula
Give me Brady or Roethlisberger at QB this week. I see a steep drop off after those two.
DRAFTKINGS CONSENSUS RANKINGS: running backs
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
LeVeon Bell | PIT | at MIA | 7900 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1.8 |
DeMarco Murray | TEN | vs CLE | 7700 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3.2 |
LeSean McCoy | BUF | vs SF | 6900 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 2 | - | 1 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 4.4 |
Jordan Howard | CHI | vs JAC | 6200 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 5.9 |
Theo Riddick | DET | vs LA | 5300 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 3 | - | - | 8 | 7.4 |
Carlos Hyde | SF | at BUF | 5100 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 3 | 7 | - | 7 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 7.7 |
Christine Michael | SEA | vs ATL | 6800 | - | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | - | 8 | 7 | - | 9.1 |
Lamar Miller | HOU | vs IND | 6600 | 8 | 11 | 12 | - | 5 | 10 | - | - | 4 | 4 | 9.3 |
Bobby Rainey | NYG | vs BAL | 3300 | 3 | - | - | - | 9 | 5 | 2 | - | - | 11 | 9.5 |
Ryan Mathews | PHI | at WAS | 4900 | 11 | - | 7 | - | 3 | - | - | 11 | - | - | 11.0 |
Jamaal Charles | KC | at OAK | 5100 | - | - | 6 | - | 12 | 9 | - | - | - | 6 | 11.1 |
Todd Gurley | LA | at DET | 6700 | - | - | - | 7 | - | 8 | - | - | 6 | - | 11.2 |
David Johnson | ARI | vs NYJ | 8000 | 10 | 9 | - | 6 | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | 11.4 |
Isaiah Crowell | CLE | at TEN | 4600 | 2 | - | 11 | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | 11.5 |
Devonta Freeman | ATL | at SEA | 5600 | - | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | 4 | - | 9 | 11.5 |
Mark Ingram | NO | vs CAR | 6000 | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | 8 | - | - | 7 | 11.7 |
Giovani Bernard | CIN | at NE | 4600 | - | 12 | - | 12 | 10 | 12 | 6 | - | - | - | 11.7 |
Terrance West | BAL | at NYG | 5000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | 5 | - | 11.8 |
Ezekiel Elliott | DAL | at GB | 7000 | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | 8 | - | 11.8 |
Melvin Gordon | SD | vs DEN | 5600 | - | 10 | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11.9 |
Jalen Richard | OAK | vs SD | 3800 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 12.1 |
Frank Gore | IND | at HOU | 5200 | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | 7 | - | - | 12.2 |
Tevin Coleman | ATL | at SEA | 4800 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | - | - | 12.7 |
T.J. Yeldon | JAC | at CHI | 4400 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | 12.7 |
James Starks | GB | vs DAL | 3400 | - | - | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.7 |
Jonathan Stewart | CAR | at NO | 5100 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | 12.8 |
LeGarrette Blount | NE | vs CIN | 5000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | 12.9 |
LeVeon Bell is the chalk play this week, even at $7,900. The talk of the Steelers passing game struggling on the road gives way to the running game coming to life. Only Ezekiel Elliott and David Johnson have more running back DK fantasy points than Bell since Week 3 - and Bell hasn't scored a rushing touchdown yet. He's due to find the end zone, but even if he doesn't, he's still putting up solid numbers with his receiving abilities. Bell should have high ownership this week and the consensus agrees that he's one of the better options.
DeMarco Murray $7,700 vs CLE, LeSean McCoy $6,900 vs SF and Jordan Howard $6,200 vs JAC are all high-producing backs with excellent matchups at home. All three are capable of having a big game as a rusher and receiver. Murray is the #1 running back in DK scoring this season and McCoy is 4th. Jordan Howard is 5th over the last two weeks and definitely deserves respect among fantasy backs.
Some lower priced options include: Bobby Rainey $3,300 and Ryan Mathews $4,900. Rainey has 13 catches and over 65 total yards over the last two weeks at MIN and at GB, two of the very best run defenses in the league. This week he returns home to play the Ravens, who also boast a tough run defense. He has taken over the Shane Vereen role and has done well. The likelihood of him reaching 3x or 4x value seems probable at only $3,300. He's a decent option if you want to go low on a roster spot and pay up in another area or two.
Ryan Mathews is the clear rushing option for Philadelphia, while Darren Sproles occupies the pass-catching threat. Washington is 3rd worst in DK fantasy points allowed to running backs, which makes Mathews a more enticing option. At $4,900 Mathews is a good bargain who could find the end zone at least once this week.
additional comments
Grant
I mentioned Taylor as a QB option because the 49ers are so bad at the run. That makes McCoy the easy choice for top RB this week. Jordan Howard has been a true bell cow for the Bears and he’ll probably be it again this week. He catches the ball well out of the backfield too. Bobby Rainey is the ‘cheap’ option at RB that we warn about in the roundtable this week, but he will also get a lot of opportunity and he only needs a few catches to hit value.
Wood
I’m going to keep riding the DeMarco Murray train until it derails. He looks dominant and has succeeded even when the Titans have a suboptimal game script.
Knotts
Jordan Howard is coming off of two consecutive 100 yard games and his price has still yet to increase. He is also catching the ball at a very high rate as he has three receptions in each of his last two games.
Alexander
Bobby Rainey remains priced barely above the minimum despite exceeding 13 DraftKings points in each of his last two games. Even if Rashad Jennings his back, his role shouldn’t change much.
Howe
You can't really overprice him. LeVeon Bell is so explosive and versatile his floor is always top-5, and he virtually has no ceiling. When he faces a weaker rush defense - like these Dolphins - he's a true 30-point threat.
Devonta Freeman has been a big-play machine all year, and he still draws enough volume to be a bargain. DraftKings considers him a very risky weekly proposition and prices him as a RB3 type. Even in a tough matchup, Freeman's value marker is well within reach, considering the way he excels in both phases and draws red zone work.
Mamula
I am loving the Top 4 RBs this week. Murray, Bell, McCoy, and Miller will be spread across my lineups this week as I see a steep drop off after those four RB.
DRAFTKINGS CONSENSUS RANKINGS: wide receivers
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
T.Y. Hilton | IND | at HOU | 7700 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 6 | 5 | - | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
Cameron Meredith | CHI | vs JAC | 4100 | 3 | - | 1 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 5.3 |
Sammie Coates Jr | PIT | at MIA | 4700 | - | 1 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 1 | - | 4 | 5.4 |
Jeremy Maclin | KC | at OAK | 6300 | 5 | - | 8 | 8 | - | 3 | 5 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 6.9 |
Jarvis Landry | MIA | vs PIT | 6800 | 8 | 7 | - | 5 | 12 | 11 | 6 | - | 1 | 2 | 7.8 |
Terrance Williams | DAL | at GB | 3800 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 4 | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 8.6 |
Michael Thomas | NO | vs CAR | 4300 | 12 | - | 5 | 3 | - | 4 | - | 6 | - | 11 | 9.3 |
Antonio Brown | PIT | at MIA | 10000 | - | 8 | 12 | 10 | 10 | - | - | 4 | 8 | 5 | 9.6 |
Tavon Austin | LA | at DET | 3900 | - | - | 3 | - | 1 | 6 | 10 | - | - | - | 9.8 |
Doug Baldwin | SEA | vs ATL | 6500 | 4 | - | 4 | - | - | - | 7 | - | 11 | 8 | 9.9 |
Jeremy Kerley | SF | at BUF | 4000 | 1 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | 9 | - | 10.2 |
A.J. Green | CIN | at NE | 8600 | - | 5 | - | - | - | 8 | - | 9 | - | 6 | 10.6 |
Brandon LaFell | CIN | at NE | 3200 | 10 | - | - | 1 | - | 9 | - | - | - | 9 | 10.7 |
Robert Woods | BUF | vs SF | 4200 | 6 | - | - | 12 | - | 12 | 9 | 8 | - | - | 11.2 |
Allen Robinson | JAC | at CHI | 7800 | - | 11 | 6 | - | 8 | 10 | - | - | - | - | 11.3 |
Marvin Jones | DET | vs LA | 7200 | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | 7 | - | 7 | 11.4 |
John Brown | ARI | vs NYJ | 4500 | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | 5 | - | - | 11.4 |
Brandon Marshall | NYJ | at ARI | 7600 | - | 6 | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | 11.4 |
Amari Cooper | OAK | vs KC | 7500 | - | 10 | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | 11.5 |
Mike Wallace | BAL | at NYG | 5200 | - | 9 | - | - | - | 7 | - | 12 | - | 10 | 11.6 |
Kenny Britt | LA | at DET | 3700 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | 11.8 |
Michael Crabtree | OAK | vs KC | 6900 | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | 11.9 |
Tyler Lockett | SEA | vs ATL | 3600 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | 12.0 |
Larry Fitzgerald | ARI | vs NYJ | 7700 | 11 | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.2 |
Brandin Cooks | NO | vs CAR | 7600 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | 12.2 |
Jordy Nelson | GB | vs DAL | 8000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | 12.4 |
Kelvin Benjamin | CAR | at NO | 8100 | - | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | 12 | - | 12.5 |
Allen Hurns | JAC | at CHI | 4700 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | 12.8 |
DeSean Jackson | WAS | vs PHI | 5800 | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.8 |
Randall Cobb | GB | vs DAL | 6000 | - | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | 12.8 |
Julian Edelman | NE | vs CIN | 6800 | - | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.8 |
Will Fuller | HOU | vs IND | 5900 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | - | 12.9 |
Pierre Garcon | WAS | vs PHI | 3800 | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12.9 |
There are quite a few low-priced options available this week with big potential. The three that interest me the most are Cameron Meredith $4,100 vs JAC, Terrance Williams $3,800 at GB and Michael Thomas $4,300 vs CAR. All three are capable of putting up big points, including scores.
Meredith is coming off his best game of his young career and the Bears are counting on him to fill the role left vacant by Kevin White. The matchup against Jacksonville is a favorable one and the price has not risen to equal his potential.
Terrance Williams is someone to consider, because it's not looking too promising for Dez Bryant to return. I would like Williams much more with Romo at quarterback, but he still has value. Dak Prescott has not been one to air it out or even take too many chances on throws over 20 yards. Williams should still see a lot of targets against a Packers team that has struggled against wide receivers at times this year. He's a decent option for only $3,800.
Michael Thomas is one of the top targets for Drew Brees and he had back to back weeks with a touchdown before the Saints had their bye last week. The Panthers secondary has struggled lately and Drew Brees knows where the weaknesses are in this defensive unit. If Carolina cannot get a pass rush on Brees, he will eat them up similar to what Matt Ryan and Julio Jones did two weeks ago. This all favors Thomas and his potential to have a huge breakout game. At $4,300 he is a huge bargain.
Antonio Brown is always a good choice, but at $10,000 on the road - that may be a little steep for people, especially if they want a balanced team.
The consensus is high on T.Y. Hilton $7,700 this week at Houston, but the Texans are 4th best in DK points allowed to wide receivers. Hilton has been fantastic this year for DK scoring. Only Antonio Brown has more points than him through five games. Hilton has 10+ targets in every game this year and has been a key contributor on offense for the Colts. He should continue to be a favorite target for Andrew Luck, especially while Donte Moncrief (shoulder) is out. This week may not be any different, but the writing is on the wall for Houston to rise to the occasion. The consensus loves Hilton, but I'm not as confident.
additional comments
Grant
In a PPR league, Cameron Meredith is a no brainer this week. Brian Hoyer locked on to him last week and he was targeted 12 times totaling 9 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. A guy as cheap as Meredith only needs a couple big plays to reach cash value and with that kind of target percentage, it’s pretty simple for him. I simply can’t call a guy who is 10,000 a value pick, so that’s why Brown isn’t in my lineup, but the Steeler WRs will have an easy time this week and that’s why I have Coates as a high pick. I really like Allen Robinson against the Bears this week, but if he fails to reach the end zone for some reason, he’s going to break your heart.
Wood
Coates has finally worked his way into a regular role and the Steelers offense is clicking right now. With Brown’s salary up to $10K, Coates is a great pivot that still gets you exposure to the dynamic passing attack.
Knotts
Tavon Austin is averaging 9 targets per game this season and is continuing to be utilized in different plays whether it is rushing or passing. At his cheap price capitalize on the value before the price adjusts.
Alexander
Either Britt or Austin is going to burn Detroit’s wretched secondary. I’ll lean Britt considering he’s accounted for 33% of LA’s receiving yards to Austin’s 20% on the same number of receptions.
Howe
It's hard to tell whether Camron Meredith is truly the new target hog in Chicago. But it's patently clear Alshon Jeffery isn't a crucial part of the week-to-week gameplan. Either Meredith or Kevin White has posted 9+ targets in all three of Brian Hoyer's starts.
John Brown - He's the true No. 2, and his weekly big-play potential is off the charts. But it's his volume that makes him so attractive this week. Always ripe for a surprise 10-target game, Brown is far too cheap right now.
Michael Thomas - His work on underneath routes has been go-to for Drew Brees near the goal line. Thomas is a true weekly touchdown threat, and his volume (20 targets over the last two weeks) is very sexy.
Mamula
WR is wide open this week. I like Landry, Maclin, and Hilton best in PPR formats.I’m not buying into Meredith as a top 5 option until we see a few weeks worth of history.
DRAFTKINGS CONSENSUS RANKINGS: tight ends
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Martellus Bennett | NE | vs CIN | 4500 | 1 | 1 | - | 2 | - | 1 | - | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4.1 |
Delanie Walker | TEN | vs CLE | 5500 | 4 | - | 2 | 6 | 2 | 3 | - | 6 | 1 | 5 | 4.7 |
Travis Kelce | KC | at OAK | 5000 | - | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 4 | - | 7 | 2 | 3 | 4.8 |
Coby Fleener | NO | vs CAR | 3500 | 3 | 3 | 3 | - | - | 2 | 3 | - | - | 1 | 5.1 |
Greg Olsen | CAR | at NO | 7000 | - | 5 | 4 | 1 | 4 | - | 8 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 5.7 |
Jimmy Graham | SEA | vs ATL | 4900 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 5 | - | 5 | - | 1 | 8 | 6 | 5.7 |
Gary Barnidge | CLE | at TEN | 3300 | 7 | 4 | - | - | 1 | 6 | - | 3 | - | - | 6.6 |
Zach Miller | CHI | vs JAC | 3800 | 5 | - | - | 8 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 4 | - | - | 6.8 |
Charles Clay | BUF | vs SF | 2900 | 6 | 8 | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | 2 | 7.1 |
Zach Ertz | PHI | at WAS | 4000 | - | - | 6 | - | 5 | - | 5 | - | 5 | - | 7.5 |
Dennis Pitta | BAL | at NYG | 4300 | - | - | 8 | 7 | 3 | - | 7 | - | 6 | - | 7.6 |
Rob Gronkowski | NE | vs CIN | 6700 | - | 6 | 7 | 4 | - | - | - | 8 | 7 | - | 7.7 |
Jesse James | PIT | at MIA | 3000 | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 8.4 |
Jason Witten | DAL | at GB | 4200 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | - | 7 | 8.5 |
Julius Thomas | JAC | at CHI | 4200 | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | 8.8 |
Dwayne Allen | IND | at HOU | 3100 | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | - | 8.9 |
The consensus is high on Martellus Bennett, especially after his three-touchdown game last week in Tom Brady's first game back. People are excited in the possibility of Bennett being a main contributor on the Patriots offense. At $4,500 you can afford to take a risk on him doing it again. Cincinnati has averaged only three receptions to tight ends per game this year, but they haven't faced the Patriots yet. Bennett is a cheap alternative who could pay big time dividends.
Delanie Walker $5,500 is high on the ranks due to the Titans home matchup against the Browns. Cleveland is by far the worst team against opposing tight ends. They gave up the three touchdowns to Bennett last week, plus a 100-yard game from Rob Gronkowski. Jordan Reed scored twice on them the week prior and Dennis Pitta had 9 catches for 102 yards in Week 2. It's Walker's turn. He's the Titans primary receiving threat on an offense that is dominated by the running game, so he's not someone who is automatic. The game script may have to go the Titans way for him to be a lock for success, but there's a strong likelihood of him catching a touchdown.
Cheaper options include Coby Fleener $3,500 vs. CAR, Zach Miller $3,800 vs JAC and Charles Clay $2,900 vs SF. All three have home games with good matchups. All three are capable of reaching 3x or even 4x value. It wouldn't be that much of a stretch to pair one of these with Bennett or Walker as your flex play. The price is affordable and the results could be advantageous, allowing you to spend high on another position. It may not be a great cash game strategy, but definitely something to consider for a high volume GPP.
additional comments
Grant
The unicorn, Martellus Bennett, proved that he can hold his own, even with Rob Gronkowski back in the lineup. I wouldn’t expect 3 TDS again, but at 4500, he should be a good value pick. Walker may be the the only guy on that offense who will do anything (outside of DeMarco Murray), and he’s a great pick this week. The Falcons give up a ton of points at TE, and Jimmy Graham is a smart pick this week. He’s 4900 compared to some of the cheaper options, but he’s still a good pick given Atlanta’s vulnerability.
Wood
Martellus Bennett is way too cheap for what he’s done season-to-date. Easily my top choice again this week.
Howe
Back-to-back 100-yard performances state what many have lost sight of: Jimmy Graham is no disappointment as a Seahawk. He's actually a target hog when healthy. The touchdowns aren't coming in Seattle, but his volume and big-play ability are too strong for this cost.
Gary Barnidge - He's a free square again. Barnidge again needs less than 10 points for cash value, a mark he's hit repeatedly thus far.
Mamula
Delanie Walker is in a prime spot this week vs the Browns who gave up 3 TDs vs. Martellus Bennett last week.
DRAFTKINGS CONSENSUS RANKINGS: Defense
Player | Matchup | Opp | Price | Haseley | Wood | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Buffalo | BUF | vs SF | 3700 | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3.1 |
Tennessee | TEN | vs CLE | 3300 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | - | 1 | - | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Chicago | CHI | vs JAC | 2300 | 1 | 3 | - | 2 | 5 | 2 | 5 | - | - | - | 4.2 |
Pittsburgh | PIT | at MIA | 3400 | - | - | 3 | 3 | - | - | 2 | - | 4 | 5 | 4.7 |
Carolina | CAR | at NO | 2400 | 4 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4.8 |
Detroit | DET | vs LA | 3000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 5.1 |
Arizona | ARI | vs NYJ | 3800 | 5 | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | 2 | - | - | 5.2 |
New England | NE | vs CIN | 3200 | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 5.3 |
Philadelphia | PHI | at WAS | 3100 | - | 5 | 4 | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | 5.3 |
Houston | HOU | vs IND | 2900 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | 5.4 |
NY Giants | NYG | vs BAL | 3000 | - | 4 | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | 5.5 |
Baltimore | BAL | at NYG | 2600 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | 4 | 5.6 |
Indianapolis | IND | at HOU | 2200 | - | - | - | 4 | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | 5.6 |
Seattle | SEA | vs ATL | 3600 | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5.9 |
New Orleans | NO | vs CAR | 2000 | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | 5.9 |
Buffalo $3,700 seems to be the top choice for DK defenses this week and they are #2 in DK scoring this year, second only to Minnesota. Buffalo hosts the 49ers who are in the bottom 10 for defensive points allowed. The Bills are on a hot streak winning three straight against Arizona, New England and Los Angeles.
Tennessee $3,300 vs Cleveland is another option to consider. For $400 cheaper you have a home defense that faces the Browns. Several people will go this route as other teams have fared well against Cleveland this year.
Chicago $2,300 vs JAC, Pittsburgh $3,400 at MIA, Carolina $2,400 at NO, New England $3,200 vs CIN and New Orleans $2,000 vs CAR are other possibilities that could pay off for your lineup.
additional comments
Wood
I like the Panthers to re-assert themselves in a must win divisional game.
Howe
Buffalo - With the Vikings off, Buffalo boasts the hottest D/ST. I don't love playing any defense against the high-volume 49ers, but the splash plays should be copious.
Tennessee - This has been a quietly strong real-life defense thus far, if not much of a fantasy one. That should change against the Browns.
Mamula
New England is my top defense on DK this week. Bengals on the road. That is a recipe for some Dalton turnovers.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com