Infantryboys Week 1 NFL DFS Battle Analysis (Game by Game Analysis 9/13/15)  

Every week during the NFL season, I’m going to be presenting a “battle analysis” for the week’s slate of games. I’ll be giving you my best plays of the week and why I think they’re the best values. If you’re coming over from season long fantasy football and you’re new to DFS, you’ll want to check out my article “The Ten Commandments of NFL Daily Fantasy Sport.” Remember, DFS isn’t about targeting stars, it’s about targeting VALUE. I’ll also be letting you know why I’m avoiding, or “fading” some popular players.

My top targets of the week will be presented in two categories. I stole this terminology from my days in the Army. First there are the 50 meter targets. These players represent the safest plays and best value of the week. Secondly there will also be my 300 meter targets. These players still represent good value but are more “hit or miss” than the 50 meter targets. Generally speaking, 300 meter targets are best reserved for tournaments only.

You’ll see I’ve presented stats for both teams in every contest. These are weighted stats from Football Outsiders, rather than just generic team averages. I strongly suggest using Football Outsiders in your research as well. I’ll begin using 2015 stats in week 5. Until then, the sample size is just too small to be relevant.

Finally, always be careful with players from the Thursday night game in GPPs. They’ll be artificially, highly owned. I generally tend to fade these players.

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LEGEND:

50M TARGETS

Best value and safest targets on the slate. These players make good cash and tournament plays.

300M TARGETS

Good value and high upside, but can be “boom or bust.” These players are best used in tournaments

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Because the preseason ends on a Thursday, the article is out early. During the rest of the season expect the Battle Analysis to be posted by Thursday Morning,

 

PITTSBURGH @ NEW ENGLAND

Vegas – O/U – 55; New England – 6 ½

PITTSBURGH

2014 wDef – 27^th Pass D- 30^th, Run D 17^th

2014 wOff – 2^nd Pass O – 1^st, Run O – 11^th

The Steelers face off against New England in the first game of the season with a great match-up versus a depleted Patriots secondary. Ben Roethlisberger and his receivers make for great targets against the Pats, who lost Brandon Browner and Darrelle Revis during the off-season. The Steelers are underdogs in a high Vegas total, so this brings all of their passing game weapons into play.

Both Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton get a bump with the suspension of Martavis Bryant. Wheaton on Draft Kings is particularly enticing. I’d be all over these guys if the game wasn’t played on Thursday night.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Markus Wheaton ($5,700 FD, $3,800 DK)

Ben Roethlisberger ($8,600 FD; $7,300 DK)

Antonio Brown ($9,300 FD; $8,900 DK)

NEW ENGLAND

2014 wDef – 13^th Pass D – 12^th, Run D – 13^th

2014 wOff – 3^rd Pass O- 5^th, Run O -14^th

On the other side of the ball, the Patriots face a Steelers pass defense that was ranked 30^th last season against the pass and didn’t make significant improvements in the off season. While it might seem tempting to target the  Steelers secondary, the Patriots have been very shaky in the preseason, offensively. Temper expectations.

The Steelers ranked 28^th covering TEs last season. Rob Gronkowski makes for a good play but his price tag makes him a 300M target.

An exercise in futility is trying to figure out the Patriots running back situation. Don’t do this to yourself. Fade the New England backfield, you’ll thank me later.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Julian Edelman ($7,700 FD; $6,600 DK)

Rob Gronkowski ($8,100 FD; $7,000 DK)

Tom Brady ($8,400 FD; $7,700 DK)

 

CAROLINA @ JACKSONVILLE

Vegas – O/U – 41; Carolina 3 ½

CAROLINA

2014 wDef – 9^th Pass D- 9^th, Run D – 23^rd

2014 wOff – 20^th Pass O – 23^rd, Run O – 16^th

Carolina’s offense is in a decent position in this game, but I’m not sure that they can take advantage of it. They face a very average Jaguar defense and they should also get some short fields as the Jaguars should have trouble moving the ball. Cam Newton, with his running ability, is a good cash game play, but the loss of target magnet Kelvin Benjamin and a low Vegas total downgrade him to a 300M target. Meanwhile Greg Olsen, who was targeted 122 times last year, becomes an elite option with Benjamin sidelined.

50M TARGETS

Greg Olsen ($5,900 FD; $5,300 DK)

300M TARGETS

Cam Newton ($8,400 FD; $7,600 DK)

JACKSONVILLE

2014 wDef – 16^th Pass D 17^th, Run D 20^th

2014 wOff – 29th Pass O – 32nd, Run O – 20th

The anemic Jaguars offense should have trouble moving the ball with any consistency against a very good Panthers defense and no Jaguars players are recommended fantasy options^.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

None

 

MIAMI @ WASHINGTON

Vegas – O/U – 44 ½ ; Miami – 2 ½

MIAMI

2014 wDef – 25^th Pass D – 16^th, Run D – 18^th

2014 wOff – 7^th Pass O – 11^th, Run O – 2^nd

Judging by last year’s stats, this looks like a game where Miami’s passing game players should be targeted heavily. In my opinion, that would be a huge mistake. Both teams have significantly improved their defenses in the offseason, the Redskins in particular. This has the makings of a low scoring affair with a lot of punts and field position battles.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

None

WASHINGTON

2014 wDef – 30^th Pass D – 32^nd, Run D – 9^th

2014 wOff – 30^th Pass O 25^th, Run O – 19^th

The Redskins offense is bad, regardless of who is starting at QB, and neither team possesses any good value plays. None of the players on this team are on my radar. When faced with below average offenses facing above average (but not elite) defenses, we fade the game. This game will not be an exception for me.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

None

 

INDIANAPOLIS @ BUFFALO

Vegas – O/U – 46; Indianapolis – 3

INDIANAPOLIS

2014 wDef – 11^th Pass D – 10^th, Run D – 19^th

2014 wOff – 22^nd Pass O – 13^th, Run O – 27^th

This shapes up to be a very interesting game in that you have an elite offense in the Colts facing Buffalo’s elite defense. On the other side of the ball you have a below average Buffalo offense facing an average Indy defense. While this may be an entertaining game to watch, for DFS purposes the Colts players are strictly off limits for me.

Paying up for Andrew Luck against an elite defense is fantasy suicide and Indy simply has too many quality receivers to target against anyone, much less an elite defense.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

None

BUFFALO

2014 wDef – 2^nd.  Pass D – 1^st, Run D – 12^th

2014 wOff – 25^th Pass O – 24^th, Run O – 28^th

The fantasy gods have smiled on us in this game, as Tyrod Taylor was named the stating QB. Priced at the bare minimum on both sites, Taylor, with his running ability should absolutely crush value, especially in cash games. He’s the best value at the position, especially on Fan Duel, and it’s not even close.

There will be weeks where I target Shady McCoy, but this isn’t one of them. He’s been injured most of the preseason and likely won’t be 100%. Being that the Bills offensive line is not a big strength and Indy may get off to a big lead, forcing the Bills to pass, McCoy is not on my radar.

50M TARGETS

Tyrod Taylor ($5,000 FD; $5,000 DK)

300M TARGETS

None

 

CLEVELAND @ NEW YORK JETS

Vegas – O/U – 40; Jets – 3

CLEVELAND

2014 wDef – 8^th Pass D – 2^nd , Run D – 31^st

2014 wOff – 28^th Pass O – 22^nd, Run O – 26^th

Cleveland possessed the 28^th ranked offense in the NFL last season and did little of substance to upgrade it, unless you consider swapping one back-up quality journeyman QB for another, an upgrade. The Jets defense this year has the potential to be elite. There are no Browns players remotely close to being on my radar.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

None

NEW YORK JETS

2014 wDef – 22^nd.  Pass D – 24^th, Run D – 11^th

2014 wOff – 18^th Pass O – 27^th, Run O – 17^th

Last season a popular play in NFL DFS was targeting the Jets porous secondary with opposing QBs and WRs. In my opinion using that strategy this season will deplete your bankroll in a hurry. The Jets drafted Leonard Williams to bolster and already stout front seven, while signing CBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie in free agency

The one Jet I’ll be targeting is RB Chris Ivory. After being in a running back committee the last couple of seasons, he now has two down role to himself. The Browns had the 31^st ranked run defense last season but had an elite pass defense. The way to beat the Browns is on the ground and the Jets are projected to have the lead, which should present additional opportunities for Ivory since the Jets should be trying to run out the clock late.

50M TARGETS

Jets Defense ($4,400 FD; $2,900 DK)

Chris Ivory ($6,400 FD; $4,100 DK)

300M TARGETS

None

 

SEATTLE @ ST LOUIS

Vegas – O/U – 41; Seattle – 3 ½

SEATTLE

2014 wDef – 1st  Pass D – 3^rd , Run D – 2^nd

2014 wOff – 5^th Pass O – 10^th, Run O – 1^st

When people think about Seattle they usually think defense, but they have a surprisingly good and efficient offense. Led by Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson, they were the #1 ranked rushing offense. With that said, I’m not recommending them against the Rams’ stout defense. While Wilson or several other Seattle players COULD have a good game against the Rams, there are simply better values in other games on the slate.

The Seattle defense is in play against the Rams, but they’re actually better on the field than they are for fantasy purposes, they’re a little pricey and they’re playing on the road.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Seahawks Defense ($5,000 FD; $3,400 DK)

ST LOUIS

2014 wDef – 22^nd.  Pass D – 24^th, Run D – 11^th

2014 wOff – 6^th Pass O – 20^th, Run O – 4^th

While QB Nick Foles is better than anything the Rams rolled out at QB last season, the Rams should still be a below average offense and there’s no one on the roster I would recommend against an elite defense like Seattle.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

None

 

KANSAS CITY @ HOUSTON

Vegas – O/U – 41 ½ ; Houston – 1

KANSAS CITY

2014 wDef – 20^th  Pass D – 13^th , Run D – 26^th

2014 wOff – 11^th Pass O – 14^th, Run O – 5^th

This is another ‘meh’ game for me. A very low Vegas total and no stand out value makes for poor fantasy options. Jamaal Charles could have a decent game against Houston’s average defense, but with a price tag of $8,900 on Fan Duel, I need a better match-up. Travis Kelce could be a popular target today, but I’ll be fading him. Houston has a good pass defense and actually ranked 3^rd in the NFL last season defending the TE position.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

None

HOUSTON

2014 wDef – 4^th Pass D – 6^th, Run D – 16^th

2014 wOff – 23^rd Pass O – 18^th, Run O – 24^th

Houston had a below average offense last year and it might get worse this season. Some value has presented itself with Arian Foster’s injury. RB Alfred Blue gets the start and he was serviceable last season when Foster was injured. The KC run defense is substandard and his price across the industry is low, especially on Draft Kings. The only thing that keeps him from being a 50M target is that while he was serviceable, he isn’t that good a football player.

WR DeAndre Hopkins has the potential to have a very good year, with Andre Johnson now a Colt. He’ll be on my radar this season, but his match-up this week is not very appealing.

 50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Alfred Blue ($5,800 FD; $3,600 DK)

 

GREEN BAY @ CHICAGO

Vegas – O/U – 50; Green Bay – 6 ½

GREEN BAY

2014 wDef – 18^th  Pass D – 11^th , Run D – 24^th

2014 wOff – 1^st Pass O – 2^nd, Run O – 6^th

Now this is more like it. The Packers are in an excellent position this week against an inferior Bears defense. I’m going to be targeting the Packers running game more that their passing game in this one, as they are projected to win the game and will probably be running more than passing in the second half in order to take time off of the clock. RB Eddie Lacy is an elite play today at his price and should be heavily involved in both the running and passing game against the Bears 32^nd ranked defense.

The injury to Jordy Nelson has vaulted WR Davonta Adams into the 50M target category, at his price. Aaron Rogers and his other receivers are good secondary option today, but their price tags and the fact that the Packers may be trying to take the air out of the ball make them secondary options for me.

50M TARGETS

Eddie Lacy ($8,500 FD; $7,500 DK)

Davonte Adams ($5,500 FD; $4,400 DK)

300M TARGETS

Aaron Rogers ($9,700 FD; $8,600 DK)

Randall Cobb ($8,400 FD; $8,000 DK)

CHICAGO

2014 wDef – 32^nd Pass D – 29^th, Run D – 21^st

2014 wOff – 19^th Pass O – 16^th, Run O – 11^th

Typically the Bears are the type of team I like to target in DFS, especially their passing game. The game has a high over/under and the Bears are expected to be playing from behind, meaning they’ll like be throwing until the end of the game. Without Brandon Marshall around, WR Alshon Jeffery will be the focal point of the offense and is an elite option today on Fan Duel, while on Draft Kings, he’s a 300M target. Keep an eye on Jeffrey’s injury situation, if he doesn’t play or is limited, Royal becomes an almost “must play” in GPPs.  The #7 overall pick in the draft, Kevin White will be missing the game, so that vaults WR Eddie Royal into play. Expected to be the #3 WR, the veteran will now join the starting line-up. I’d also recommend TE Martellus Bennett, who became a security blanket for QB Jay Culter, as the season progressed. He’s a 50M target on Draft Kings.

Normally I would recommend Jay Cutler as an elite option but the fact that he’s Jay Cutler prevents me from doing that. He’s still a nice value though and I’ll have at least one GPP line up with him in it.

 50M TARGETS

Eddie Royal ($5,000 FD; $3,900 DK)

300M TARGETS

Jay Cutler ($7,900 FD; $6,800 DK)

Alshon Jeffery ($8,400 FD; $8,300 DK)

Martellus Bennett ($6,200 FD; $4,300 DK)

  

NEW ORLEANS @ ARIZONA

Vegas – O/U – 47; Arizona – 2 1/2

NEW ORLEANS

2014 wDef – 28^th Pass D – 27^th , Run D – 32^nd

2014 wOff – 9^th Pass O – 9^th, Run O – 9^th

Trying to figure out the Saints offense is a frustrating proposition. While Drew Brees has been an elite QB, last season wasn’t greatest, he’s lost a couple of weapons and this is a bad match-up. My philosophy is “when in doubt, fade.” The one possible play here is WR Brandin Cooks, who was building momentum in his rookie year before injury struck. With Kenny Stills and Jimmy Graham gone, he’ll be called to carry more of the load.

Finally, Mark Ingram may be a popular target, but I’ll be fading him. He emerged as a bell-cow RB late last season, but that was due to the perfect storm of injuries. With a healthy compliment of running backs in the fold, New Orleans should be back to their frustrating committee.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Brandin Cooks ($7,800 FD; $7,100 DK)

ARIZONA

2014 wDef – 14^th Pass D – 14^th, Run D – 6^th

2014 wOff – 24^th Pass O – 19^th, Run O – 30^th

As I mentioned in another article, Carson Palmer is the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL, he gets no respect. He’s actually one of the most consistently good NFL QBs and is an elite cash game play against a bad New Orleans defense. Don’t let Arizona’s passing game rankings from last season fool you, Palmer only played in 6 games last season.

Trying to figure out the rest of the Cardinals’ offense, or who Palmer will be targeting, is a complete crap shoot. While Palmer’s an elite option, he’s the only option for me.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Carson Palmer ($7,700 FD; $6,500 DK)

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DETROIT @ SAN DIEGO

Vegas – O/U – 45 ½; San Diego – 3

DETROIT

2014 wDef – 7^th Pass D – 8^th , Run D – 1^st

2014 wOff – 17^th Pass O – 17^th, Run O – 29^th

This to me is a game devoid of fantasy goodness. You have two middling offenses going against two middling defenses. As far as Detroit is concerned, the RB situation is very much a committee, QB Matthew Stafford is too streaky to be trusted in an average match-up and WR Calvin Johnson looks like injuries and age are catching up to him. The only possible play for me is WR Golden Tate. San Diego was 26^th in the NFL against the 2^nd WR, but given his salary, I can’t recommend him.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

None

SAN DIEGO

2014 wDef – 21^th Pass D – 25^th, Run D – 15^th

2014 wOff – 10^th Pass O – 7^th, Run O – 25^th

While Detroit’s defense probably won’t be as good as they were last season, since they lost both their starting defensive tackles, they’re not going to be terrible either, especially with DT Haloti Ngata on board. Outside of Keenan Allen, who had a great preseason and could be a sneaky GPP play, the WR corps is uninspiring. RB Melvin Gordon should get a lot of touches, but had a poor preseason and faces a bad match-up.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Keenan Allen ($7,900 FD; $7,100 DK)

 

CINCINNATI @ OAKLAND

Vegas – O/U – 44; Cincinnati – 3 ½

CINCINNATI

2014 wDef – 17^th Pass D – 7^th, Run D – 28^th

2014 wOff – 21^st Pass O – 21^st, Run O – 10^th

The obvious player to target on the Bengals is RB Jeremy Hill. Even though he only started the last 10 games, he still finished the season with over 1000 yards. Hill has an average match-up against an improving Raiders defense, he’s one of the more expensive RBs and we don’t know how many carries Giovani Bernard will siphon. This makes him a 300M target, but his price on Draft Kings makes him a better play there.

The return of Marvin Jones means a downgrade for other Bengals receivers. They’ll be getting fewer targets. That, along with QB Andy Dalton inconsistent play removes Cincinnati receivers from consideration.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Jeremy Hill ($8,600 FD; $7,100 DK)

OAKLAND

2014 wDef – 24^th Pass D – 28^th, Run D – 14^th

2014 wOff – 27^th Pass O – 28^th, Run O – 32^nd

The Raiders look to be improving, but the only player on my radar here is RB Latavius Murray. The Raiders may have been ranked last running the ball, but that’s on the former coaching staff. Murray was a beast when given the starting role and is an elite option against the Bengals, who were ranked 28^th versus the run last year.

50M TARGETS

Latavius Murray ($7,400 FD; $5,700 DK)

300M TARGETS

None

 

TENNESSEE @ TAMPA BAY

Vegas – O/U – 42; Tampa Bay – 3

TENNESSEE

2014 wDef – 29^th Pass D – 26^th , Run D – 29^th

2014 wOff – 31^st Pass O – 30^th, Run O – 21^st

Ugh. The two worst teams in the NFL from last season, both with rookie QBs, square off in Week 1. Even though the Tennessee defense was bad last season and they’re playing on the road, they’re a decent option against Jameis Winston, who threw 18 interceptions in college last year and wasn’t impressive in the preseason.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Titans Defense ($4,500 FD; $2,800 DK)

TAMPA BAY

2014 wDef – 15^th Pass D – 23^rd, Run D – 8^th

2014 wOff – 32^nd Pass O – 32^nd, Run O – 31^st

The Tampa defense, which wasn’t terrible last season, is a good option playing at home (where defenses tend to fare better than on the road) against a rookie QB.

On a side note, if any readers are planning on rostering offensive players from this game, please send me your email address so I can challenge you to a H2H contest.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Buccaneers Defense ($4,500 FD; $2,800 DK)

 

BALTIMORE @ DENVER

Vegas – O/U – 49; Denver – 4 ½

BALTIMORE

2014 wDef – 12^th Pass D – 15^th , Run D – 5^th

2014 wOff – 8^th Pass O – 6^th, Run O – 18^th

This is a very difficult game for me to figure out. On one hand, we have a high Vegas total, but on the other hand, we have one good and one elite defense from a season ago. I’m going to proceed with extreme caution in this game.

On the Ravens side, an argument can be made for QB Joe Flacco. His new offensive coordinator, Marc Trestman is as “pass happy” as they come and he’ll be playing from behind in a high scoring game. I really hate this match-up and I think they’re better options at his price. I wouldn’t talk you out of WR Steve Smith Sr, and Kamar Aiken makes a cheap GPP option, but the rest of the Ravens offense is completely off my radar.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Kamar Aiken ($4,600 FD, $3,300 DK)

DENVER

2014 wDef – 3^rd Pass D – 5^th, Run D – 3^rd

2014 wOff – 6^th Pass O – 3^rd, Run O – 7^th

Payton Manning was a shell of himself towards the end of last season, so I’ll be very cautious with the Broncos passing game at the beginning of the season. In a decent match-up, Demaryius Thomas deserves consideration as the X receiver in new coach Gary Kubiak’s offense. His price keeps him from being elite on Fan Duel and removes him as a target completely on Draft Kings. Kubiak heavily targets the X WR, so I’m going to fade Emmanuel Sanders until his price falls considerably.

Even though the Ravens run defense was elite last season, I’m downgrading them slightly with the loss of Haloti Ngata. This brings work horse RB CJ Anderson into play. He’s a 300M target for me though, since the Ravens should still be an above average run defense and we don’t know how the other backs will fit into the RB rotation.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Demaryius Thomas ($8,800 FD; $9,100 DK)

CJ Anderson ($8,400 FD; $7,000 DK)

 

NEW YORK GIANTS @ DALLAS

Vegas – O/U – 51 ½; Dallas – 5 ½

NEW YORK GIANTS

2014 wDef – 26^th Pass D – 21^st , Run D – 27^th

2014 wOff – 14^th Pass O – 12^th, Run O – 23^rd

The Giants were not a great offensive team last season, but injuries had a lot to do with that. Eli Manning has had some good games against the Cowboys and should benefit from a full arsenal of weapons. Returning WR Victor Cruz, if he plays, is a decent GPP option at his price. The Giants offensive line is substandard. That and the fact that they should be playing from behind take Rashad Jennings off my radar.

A popular play this week will be Odell Beckham Jr. I’m going to be right there with the masses. Even though the Giants looked shaky in the preseason, Beckham is there #1 weapon in a game with a very high O/U. That and the injury to CB Orlando Scandrick make OBJ an elite option across the industry.

50M TARGETS

Odell Beckham Jr ($8,900 FD; $9,200 DK)

300M TARGETS

Eli Manning ($8,300 FD; $7,400 DK)

Victor Cruz ($6,300 FD; $5,100 DK)

DALLAS

2014 wDef – 19^th Pass D – 19^th, Run D – 22^nd

2014 wOff –4^th Pass O – 4^th, Run O – 3^rd

The Cowboys are going to begin the season with a running back committee. Even though they have the best offensive line in the NFL, this removes all Dallas RBs from fantasy consideration.

The fact that Dallas should be able to run its way to victory takes QB Tony Romo and WR  Dez Bryant, at their prices, off my radar. The one WR firmly in play for me is Cole Beasley. He emerged as a Wes Welker-like security blanket for Romo last season and should get a fair amount of targets.

50M TARGETS

Dan Bailey ($5,000 FD)

300M TARGETS

Cole Beasely ($5,000; $3,400 DK)

 

PHILADELPHIA @ ATLANTA

Vegas – O/U – 55 ½ ; Philadelphia – 3

PHILADELPHIA

2014 wDef – 10^th Pass D – 18^th , Run D – 7^th

2014 wOff – 14^th Pass O – 15^th, Run O – 13^th

This is one of my favorite games on this week’s slate to target. The Eagles travel to Atlanta to take on what was one of the worst defenses in the NFL. With the departure of Jeremy Maclin, Jordan Matthews is the Eagles top returning receiver and, at his salary, my favorite target on Fan Duel’s entire slate. He’ll be in the vast majority of my line ups. Sam Bradford is also on my radar against what was the 31^st ranked pass defense last season.

I’ll be fading DeMarco Murray since the Eagles also have RBs Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. I can foresee Murray’s touches being limited. The rest of the passing game is also hard to read, so I’ll be fading them until we get some sort of clarification as to their roles.

50M TARGETS

Jordan Matthews ($6,800 FD; $7,200 DK)

Cody Parkey ($5,000 FD)

300M TARGETS

Sam Bradford ($7,500 FD; $6,900 DK)

ATLANTA

2014 wDef – 31^st Pass D – 31^st, Run D – 30^th

2014 wOff – 12^th Pass O – 8^th, Run O – 22^nd

Due to the Eagles fast rate of play, every opposing offense gets a bump against them, since they’ll likely be running more plays. The Falcons get that bump today. Eventually Kyle Shanahan, the offensive coordinator known for strong running attacks, will get the running game sorted out, but it’s a mess right now.

The lack of a running game works in our favor though. Matt Ryan is an elite target against an average pass defense. Julio Jones, the X receiver in Shanahan’s offense, should see a ton of targets and is definitely in play. While expensive, a Ryan/Jones stack makes for an intriguing GPP play.

50M TARGETS

Matt Ryan QB ($8,800 FD; $7,500 DK)

Julio Jones WR ($9,000 FD; $9,300 DK)

300M TARGETS

None

 

MINNESOTA @ SAN FRANCISCO

Vegas – O/U – 41 ½; Minnesota – 2 ½

MINNESOTA

2014 wDef – 23^rd Pass D – 19^th , Run D – 25^th

2014 wOff – 16^th Pass O – 29^th, Run O – 4^th

The return of Adrian Peterson should do wonders for the development of Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings offense. While I’m maintaining a wait and see attitude with Peterson, I do like a couple of other Vikings players against a 49ers defense decimated by retirements and other issues.

OC Norv Turner has been raving about WR Charles Johnson, who should benefit from the signing of Mike Wallace. Johnson makes for an enticing value play. Kyle Rudolph finally appears to be healthy and potentially could be a nice security blanket for Bridgewater. At his price, he’s a better play on Draft Kings, though.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

Charles Johnson ($5,600 FD; $4,900 DK)

Kyle Rudolph ($5,300 FD; $3,500 DK)

SAN FRANCISCO

2014 wDef – 5^th Pass D – 4^th, Run D – 10^th

2014 wOff –15^th Pass O – 21^st, Run O – 8^th

The wheels completely came off last season for this team. The offseason hasn’t been any better as retirements and off field incidents have rocked the organization. These players will have to show me something on the field before I can recommend any of them.

50M TARGETS

None

300M TARGETS

None

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