Week 5 Kings: WRs & TEs
In 2014, Mike “Hoop2410” Petta was able to quit his full-time job as an accountant in order to pursue Daily Fantasy as a full-time pro. He is a primary contributor to RotoGrinders, and you can hear more about his story in this interview on the RotoGrinders podcast. Each week, “Hoop” will bring you his exclusive picks for DraftKings to FantasyPros readers. Here are Hoops top WR & TE recommendations for Week 5.
Antonio Brown did it again week 4 by bringing in seven catches for 131 yards and two TDs. He currently is the most consistent and dominant wide receiver in the NFL. Speaking of consistency, Brown set the record for the most consecutive games with at least five catches and 50 yards with his 20th straight such game. Jordy Nelson also turned in a very impressive performance last week (10 catches, 108 yards, two TDs). Week 5 saw some very cheap tight ends perform at elite levels. Heath Miller turned in a solid line, 10 receptions, 85 yards and a TD. On Monday night we saw Travis Kelce shred the Patriots defense for eight catches, 93 yards and a TD. Since Kelce’s performance happened on Monday night after the release of week 5 salaries his price of $3000 is not reflective of that stat line. Let’s see what we have for week 5…
Wide Receivers
Antonio Brown ($8100) – With the very soft Week 5 pricing structure on DK recommending Antonio Brown is an absolute necessity. As mentioned in the recap, Brown is the most consistent wide out in the league at this point in the season; if you can fit him in your lineups I recommend doing so. Additionally, the Week 5 matchup is about as good as it gets, Jacksonville is terrible at defending all positions on the field. The Jaguars have given up the 2nd most FPs against the WR position through four weeks.
Kelvin Benjamin ($4800) – The price on Benjamin really makes no sense whatsoever. With the exception of his week 2 match-up with a solid Lions defense, Benjamin has at least five catches, 75 yards and a TD in every game. That is the type of production you would be satisfied with from an elite WR1. With this price and recent production, I love the idea of rostering Kelvin in his week 5 match-up against a banged up Chicago defense.
Emmanuel Sanders ($5100) – People were a fearful that Sanders production would take a hit with the return of Wes Welker. Much to the surprise of many, the opposite occurred, Sanders hauled in 11 catches for 149 yards week 3 against a dominate Seahawks defense. Peyton and Emmanuel appear to have a very solid connection early in the season and expect this to last throughout the season. The price is superb making Sanders a great week 5 play.
Value
Rueben Randle ($3900) – Randle’s usage continues rise each week while his price does not. Last week Randle saw 10 targets hauling in eight for 89 yards and nearly had TD (reviewed play). The game between NYG/ATL features the highest O/U of the week (51). Randle’s price is so low that a mediocre five catch, 60 yard performance would pay off the price tag.
GPP
Julio Jones ($8000) – I really like Julio Jones this week as a GPP play. Most people looking for a WR in this price range will most likely lock in Antonio Brown due to his early season success and rightfully so. However, let’s not forget that Julio is clearly a top five WR in the NFL and this projected high scoring shootout is ideal for his skill set.
Tight End
Jimmy Graham ($7600) – Same concept as Antonio Brown, because the pricing is so soft, recommending Graham is a must. He the best tight end in the NFL and has the highest upside every week. With Brees being the highest projected QB this week, it makes a lot of sense to pay up for Jimmy Graham.
Heath Miller ($4000) – Any offensive skill player is worth a look against the putrid Jaguars defense. Big Ben showed us last week that he still has a ton of confidence in his aging tight end; Miller hauled in 10 catches for 85 yards and a TD. Jacksonville has given up the 3rd most FPs to the TE position and at $4000, Miller is certainly worth a look.
Travis Kelce ($3000) – As mentioned in the recap, Kelce’s big Monday night performance of eight catches, 93 yards, and a TD is obviously not reflected in his minimum price tag. If you chose to not pay up for the security of Graham, Kelce appears to be your best bet. The match-up against San Francisco is not ideal as they have give up the 2nd fewest FPs to the TE position; however, the minimum price mitigates all the risk.
GPP
Zach Ertz ($3800) – I am a huge fan of the Eagles offense in their Week 5 match-up with the Rams. Ertz along with many of the Eagles offensive players had very disappointing week 5 performances. Ertz has shown us some very positive signs early on the season and I expect this guy to be a solid NFL tight end. This play offers a ton of upside and is a great GPP only play.