Week 4 of the NFL season was the week for kickers, and more unfortunate injuries that are sure to have fantasy impacts. Overall though, I fared well in my Week 4 picks, excluding running backs. Week 5 begins the start of bye weeks so there will be two less games on the schedule. Here’s a look at some of my suggestions for GPP plays on DraftKings this week.
The Gamefly DraftKings GPP Plays for Week 5
Quarterbacks
Eli Manning (NYG) vs. LAC $6,100
I tend to usually stay away from Eli because of his inconsistencies, but the high amount of passing attempts can no longer be ignored. In the last two weeks, he’s attempted 96 total passes, indicating that the Giants are completely abandoning the run – not that they were much of a balanced team to begin with, but you get the idea. The high volume for Eli has turned into a pair of 27 point fantasy performances from him with five touchdown passes in these last two games. Eli should be in for another big game against a Chargers defense ranked 20th in the league against quarterbacks through the first four weeks.
Jameis Winston (TB) vs. NE $6,000
Who would have thought that through four weeks of football it would be New England that ranked dead last in defense? It’s true, and that’s great news for Jameis Winston and the Bucs, who draw the Patriots this week in an early Thursday matchup. Winston is coming off of his best game of the season so far against the Giants, and is looking to carry that momentum over to Thursday in this intriguing matchup. The Bucs also get Doug Martin back this week from suspension, which could help things open up in the passing game.
Other Notables: Tom Brady (NE) @ TB $8,000, Deshaun Watson (HOU) vs. KC $6,200
Running Backs
Carlos Hyde (SF) @ IND $6,900
Hyde continues to play hurt with a hip injury, but that hasn’t stopped him from receiving full workloads. Despite some speculating that Hyde could be cut prior to the season, there was really never any doubt that he would be the featured back for the 49ers to those who know better. The Colts defense continues to struggle, and Hyde is the only true playmaker that the 49ers have. Hyde should easily see 20-25 touches this week.
Duke Johnson Jr. (CLE) vs. NYJ $4,900
Duke Johnson has just 10 rushing attempts on the season, but the Browns continue to actively use him in the passing game as a favorite for rookie DeShone Kizer. His increased usage has grown his stock in PPR formats, and makes him an intriguing play on DraftKings at just $4,900. The Jets have already exceeded expectations with two victories, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are any good.
Other Notables: James White (NE) @ TB $4,900, Andre Ellington (ARI) @ PHI $4,600
Love our content? Check out the GoingFor2 Live Podcast Network!
Wide Receivers
Randall Cobb (GB) @ DAL $6,700
Cobb was expected to take a backseat on the Packers offense heading into the season, but that hasn’t stopped him from producing respectable fantasy outputs. With Davante Adams in the concussion protocol, Green Bay may be forced to rely on the veteran heavily. The Cowboys rank 21st against wide receivers so opportunities are sure to be there, especially when Aaron Rodgers is your quarterback.
T.Y. Hilton (IND) vs. SF $6,000
Excluding a Week 3 matchup with the Browns, T.Y. Hilton has been a disappointment for fantasy owners. Obviously, it’s not all his fault with Andrew Luck on the sidelines. Hilton is not completely fantasy irrelevant, however, with Jacoby Brissett under center. T.Y. is in a great boom position at home against the 49ers in what could be a back and forth battle between two below average teams.
Rishard Matthews (TEN) @ MIA $5,400
Matthews is in another revenge matchup against his former team, the Dolphins. He spent the first four years of his career with Miami, who never considered him a long-term player for them no matter how well he produced when sprung into action. Last season, he bolted to Tennessee in free agency, and got his revenge with a touchdown catch and a win in Miami. The Titans wide receiver corps is a little more crowded than it was last year, but Matthews remains one of the lead receivers alongside Eric Decker. If Marcus Mariota is unable to play it will drastically decline Matthews fantasy appeal, but if he does, Matthews could ‘stick it’ to his old team…again.
Other Notables: Mike Evans (TB) vs. NE $7,900, DeVante Parker (MIA) vs. TEN $6,600, Adam Thielen (MIN) @ CHI $5,900
Tight Ends
Delanie Walker (TEN) @ MIA $4,700
Sticking with the Titans, Delanie Walker is also in line for a big game against the Dolphins. Miami’s defense has done a decent job of not giving up too many points so far this year, but that doesn’t mean that teams haven’t been able to move the ball on them. They’ve struggled against tight ends, and wouldn’t matchup well with Walker inside the red zone. Unlike my analysis with Matthews, I don’t think that Mariota’s status will have much effect on Walker’s fantasy appeal, as he could benefit from dump-offs from Matt Cassel if he is announced as the starter.
Other Notables: Martellus Bennett (GB) @ DAL $4,100, Hunter Henry (LAC) @ NYG $3,800
Defense
Buffalo @ CIN $2,600
Buffalo’s defense has been quietly very good to start 2017, and a big reason why they’ve jumped out to a 3-1 start. Their success has also come at the expense of some pretty good offenses like Atlanta and Carolina. Cincinnati’s offense is beginning to improve, but they struggled early to get anything going, and I’m willing to bet that they’ll have similar struggles against this Bills team. Priced at just $2,600, the Bills defense provides a ton of value this week.
Other Notables: Baltimore @ OAK $2,900
ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.
