Elliott’s Eight: Week 5 Edition

Elliott’s Eight: Week 5 Edition

Here are your NFL Division Leaders through week 4: Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, and the Philadelphia Eagles. I feel like I’m playing the game, “Which of the following do not belong.” Unpredictable is an understatement. We are at a point right now where the Rams offense is statistically better than New England’s…I could talk forever about how this year is unlike any other, but I know you’re anxious to hear my waiver wire adds, as well as the other agenda items that make you itch every week to read Elliott’s Eight!

Waiver Wire

Latavius Murray (RB) MIN: I was never a fan of Murray when he was in Oakland and I’m not necessarily a big fan now, but you can’t deny the opportunity. Prior to Dalvin Cook’s unfortunate ACL tear last week, Minnesota had success running the ball, averaging 4 yards per carry. Couple that with the fact that the Chicago Bears have allowed at least one touchdown in each of their first four games to opposing backs. With Diggs and Thielen as the #1 WR duo in the NFL helping push the ball down the field, Murray will have his chances. It’s not like McKinnon will ever be handed the sole key to the door of the Minnesota backfield.

Deshaun Watson (QB) HOU: Obvious? Apparently not. Prior to last week’s 5 TD performance, he was only owned in 29% of leagues. Even now, he’s still available in 30% of ESPN leagues. This kid is the truth! He finally got Will Fuller back and formed an immediate connection, completing 4 of 6 targets for 35 yards and two scores. Watson’s got the weapons, a competent o-line, and has even made Lamar Miller look relevant again. The only other QB with more total TD’s through the first 4 weeks is Brady—get this man NOW and watch him lead his team (and yours) to a whole lot of points.

PANIC or RELAX!

Jay Ajayi (RB) MIA: If you’re an Ajayi owner like myself, you’ve already used every profane four-letter word in Webster’s dictionary while watching him play. Don’t blame the Jay-Train, this fault goes to Adam Gase and his beloved out-of-retirement QB, Jay Cutler. Personally, I believe any team that gets shutout by the New Orleans Saints shouldn’t be allowed to remain in the NFL. Okay, I’m done venting. Ajayi is averaging a somewhat decent 3.6 ypc through three games, but has yet to find the end zone. He’s got a juicy matchup against a banged up Tennessee defense. For the first time since his 100 yard game in Week 1, he’s fully healthy. After last week, I’m sure Gase realizes his team’s chances of offensive success will be through the ground game. Stay optimistic, our time is coming. RELAX!

Martellus Bennett (TE) GB: So much hype for this guy in the offseason. Too much. Through the first quarter of the NFL season, Bennett has totaled 17 receptions for 141 yards with no scores. The target share has been decent enough with at least one Green Bay receiver out each week with injury, but Rodgers loves his receivers. The best TE finish under the Aaron Rodgers era was back in 07 with big ole Donald Lee, who finished the year tenth overall. When you have the option of throwing the ball to Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Devante Adams, you don’t need a Tight End! PANIC!

DFS Value Plays

Demarco Murray (RB) TEN: $6,400 vs Miami

The veteran back has been inconsistent through the first four weeks, posting a 100+ yard game but has also finishing with 25 and 31 rushing yards respectively. He faces a Miami defense that was just destroyed by the 1-2 combo of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. Mariota is less than 100% with his hamstring injury, I expect they rely more on Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry to get it done on the ground, feeding the former early and often.

Cooper Kupp (WR) LAR: $5,700 vs Seattle

Much like Murray, Kupp has been equally inconsistent. He got off to a hot start week 1, finding the end zone on top of 76 yards. His next two games were very disappointing, combining for 50 yards on five receptions. Last week Kupp found his way back to the end zone, and I expect him to keep it up this week. Todd Gurley has been on a rampage (#ToddGurleyRedemptionTour), so expect Pete Carroll and his defense to focus on him. With Sherman covering Sammy Watkings, and Jeremy Lane covering Robert Woods, Kupp has a dream matchup against rookie Shaquill Griffin. Goff will be under pressure fairly often and should be looking Kupp’s way in this one.

Jaron Brown (WR) ARI: $4,500 vs Philadelphia

My boy is given no respect in this league. The names of receivers priced higher than Brown are disgusting. Laquon Treadwell?? Tyler Boyd? Markus Wheaton? ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Brown has totaled 29 targets the last three weeks!! He finished with over 100 yards last week and has gained the trust of Carson Palmer. Philadelphia gives up the 2^nd most points to wide receivers, including TWO 100-yard receivers last week to the Chargers. Put this guy in every single lineup. If he doesn’t deliver, feel free to blame me personally.

Evan Engram (TE) NYG: $5,400 vs Los Angeles (Chargers)

Engram is being valued as the tenth highest TE this week. I say he finishes top 5. Eli has finally found some sort of rhythm with the offense. Engram’s targets and receptions have increased each week since the start of the season. He has the frame of a wide receiver, and the speed of a running back. The Chargers have respectable corners who will be shadowing OBJ and Marshall. Engram will get his first score of the year in this game, you heard it hear first.

I look forward to a less stressful Sunday given that the Broncos are on bye. Good luck to all!

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