For the first time, eDraft is partnering with DraftKings to bring you daily fantasy football advice. Unlike FanDuel, DraftKings does not require teams to have a kicker, and instead have a “flex” position that can be filled by a tight end, wide receiver or running back.
The salary cap is also just $50,000, which means some of the pricing is different for each player. So if you’re looking to expand your daily fantasy football playing, here’s some optimal players to have on your roster this week on DraftKings.
For an explanation of daily leagues, click here.
Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (DAL) - $7,600
The Cowboys defense has been much better than most expected heading into the season, but there’s still the lack of personnel in the secondary that would allow a quarterback like Wilson to have a monster day at any given time. The 100 rushing yards that Wilson put up against Washington won’t be there again, but Wilson has scored at least 17 fantasy points in each of his first four games. Rather than investing a ton of money in Peyton Manning, Wilson has the upside to pull to within just a few points of Manning this week.
Running Back: Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers (CLE) - $7,200
Cleveland’s defense has allowed 28.8 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season, according to our fantasy against rankings (paid subscription required), and Bell is the third best fantasy back in terms of total fantasy points. In Week 1, Bell and Antonio Brown both gashed the Browns for huge plays, and Bell went on to score 24 points. He’s more than worth the price tag this week.
Running Back: Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals (WAS) - $5,100
For just over $5,000, Ellington is a great value. Among the other backs in that price range, Ellington was one of the only guys to securely have the No. 1 job locked up on their team. Ellington finally had his breakout fantasy game in Week 5, scoring 26 fantasy points against the Denver Broncos (though much of that production came in the passing game). The Cardinals might have to start Logan Thomas at quarterback in this one, and Arizona would presumably want to protect their rookie quarterback by running the ball with Ellington. He can also be the check-down guy for Thomas if he gets in trouble.
Wide Receiver: Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears (ATL) - $6,500
It seems like every time the Bears start to put together a long drive, there’s a back-breaking mistake that sets them back. If Jay Cutler can cut down on the turnovers, Jeffery would be in line for a few more touchdowns, and he’s already caught one in each of his past two games. The Falcons are more susceptible to the run than the pass, but their defense is just bad all-around. Even if he doesn’t find the end zone, Jeffery is still plenty involved in the offense enough to have WR1 value.
Wide Receiver: Eddie Royal, San Diego Chargers (OAK) - $5,500
Royal seems to have two or three games every year where he’s fantasy relevant, and then he’ll completely fall off the map. Even if that fall is coming later this season, it won’t be against an awful Raiders team. It’s Oakland’s first game with Tony Sporano as head coach, and although he’s coming off a game when he only scored four points, he’s a great candidate for a touchdown or two. Philip Rivers is the No. 2 quarterback in fantasy, and has done a much better job of spreading the ball around to receivers not named Keenan Allen. Royal could start another one of his infamous touchdown streaks this week, and owners won’t want to miss out.
Wide Receiver: DeSean Jackson, Washington Redskins (ARI) - $4,900
For less than $5,000, Jackson is a steal. He has more total fantasy points this season than Brandon Marshall and has two 100-yard games in his past three starts. Pierre Garcon has just four receptions in his past two games, making Jackson the clear favorite target of Kirk Cousins. Arizona has allowed the eighth most fantasy points to wide receivers, per our fantasy against rankings, making Jackson a great candidate to rip off one of his patented long touchdowns.
Tight End: Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts (HOU) - $4,400
Allen is touchdown-dependent, but he’s scoring the touchdowns he needs. He’s scored one in four of his five games, and has at least three receptions in all but one of them. Allen is clearly Andrew Luck’s favorite red zone target, and if Luck is being chased down by J.J. Watt all day, he will be looking to check down to his tight ends rather than throwing it deep.
Flex: Julian Edelman, New England Patriots (BUF) - $5,900
After shaving some money back on Royal and Jackson, I went back and grabbed Edelman. DraftKings awards one point per reception, and is tied for seventh in the league for most catches this season. In terms of yardage the past two games, he’s been held in check, but in PPR formats he scored eight points despite picking up just 35 yards. Tom Brady clearly loves throwing to him, and even if he doesn’t have a 100-yard performance, this high volume of targets will keep his value in tact.
Defense: Tennessee Titans (JAX) - $2,900
When in doubt, pick against Jacksonville. Tennessee’s defense hasn’t been all that great, but Jacksonville’s offense has been all that bad. The Jaguars have allowed the most points to opposing defenses this season, and Blake Bortles has thrown six interceptions in his first three appearances.