DraftKings Bargain Bin: Week 5
The purpose of this column is to feature players that are underpriced on DraftKings. In addition I will be isolating players to target due to injury, and therefore are expected to receive an increase in usage.
Too Cheap to Ignore
Quarterback
Philip Rivers – $7,000 vs New York Jets
Inexplicably there are 15 QBs that are more expensive (or the same price) as Rivers this week on DK. Philip has a 9:1 TD to interception ratio through the season’s first four games and he’s in a great spot for continued success. The combination of San Diego’s inept ground game along with the Jets solid front seven should keep the Chargers throwing all day. Throw in the fact that the Jets are weak in the secondary (they’re ranked 31st in RotoGrinders’ Defense vs. QB tool) and I’m banking on the bolo tie wearing Rivers to pay off his cap friendly salary.
Running Back
Rashad Jennings – $5,500 vs Atlanta Falcons
This was the first player that jumped out to me as “just too cheap” when I first studied this week’s salaries. Listing Jennings as the 17th most expensive RB is about thirteen spots too low, as I have him projected to be a top five back this week. The Giants are favorites in a game with the biggest over/under in our NFL Vegas Lines, so it’s advisable to buy yourself some shares of them. As for the matchup, its pretty tasty as the Falcons have been abused on the ground this year for over 153 yards per game. I’m taking advantage of Rashad’s discount and will be locking and loading him in pretty much all of my DK lineups.
Chris Ivory – $3,100 at San Diego Chargers
I’m debating back and forth between Chris and Khiry Robinson ($3,100) as my go-to DK cheapie RB. Truth be told an argument can be made for either and I’m likely to own a good chunk of shares on both sides. As for Chris, it appears he his separated himself from Chris Johnson as the #1 back in NY, and a Geno Smith led offense will need to lean heavily on the run. The matchup vs SD isn’t necessarily ideal, but we’ve seen him look solid in a similar position already (17 carries vs DET last week for 84 yards). Throw in a few catches and Ivory should satisfy his asking price.
Wide Receiver
Kelvin Benjamin – $4,800 vs Chicago Bears
The NFL’s offensive rookie of the month should really get more respect than a price tag of $4,800. There is a rule that rookie wide receivers are generally not to be trusted in fantasy, but Kelvin doesn’t care for it. He’s quickly established himself as the unquestioned #1 WR on Carolina while averaging a legit 18.7 DK points per week, which translates into a phenomenal $/pt when considering his petite salary.
Tight End
Travis Kelce – $3,000 at San Francisco
Twitter’s season long love affair with Travis hit its peek last week as he hauled in eight catches for 93 yards (including a TD) on the Monday Night Football national stage. Despite this breakout game Kelce is available for the site minimum this week (thanks to salaries being set prior to this performance). No, a matchup vs the 49ers isn’t exactly ideal, but its hard to quibble with this significant price break that will assist you in loading up on some of this weeks studs.
Stepping Up
Quarterback
Austin Davis – $5,600 at Philadelphia Eagles
After initially stating Sean Hill would reclaim his starting QB job once healthy, coach Jeff Fisher has changed his mind. Hill is by no means a long-term solution and Davis (who is coming off a three TD game vs DAL) has played well enough to earn a longer look. Fisher insists that Austin won’t get a quick hook on Sunday, and with the Eagles up-tempo offense, there should be opportunities for Davis to justify his pedestrian asking price. Philly has given up the 28th most total yards on defense (23rd most through the air) so the opportunity for Davis to rack up fantasy points, even if its via garbage time, will be there.
Running Back
Reggie Bush – $6,200 vs Buffalo Bills
Keep an eye on the status of Joique Bell. He’s still recovering from a concussion and there is a decent chance he misses this weekends game. If that is the case Bush will be sure to see his usage catapult. Granted, the Bills aren’t the best team to attack via the ground, but they have been susceptible to giving up receptions to RBs. This is certainly in Reggie’s repertoire as he’s averaged 4.5 catches through the season’s first four games. Furthermore, if Calvin Johnson continues to be dinged as he was last week, this would only make Bush that much more of an integral part of the Detroit game plan. As an additional perk this will be a home game meaning he’ll get to roll on the turf, which is when he is most dangerous. All the signs are lining up for a high ceiling game out of Reggie this week.
Wide Receiver
Allen Robinson – $3,000 vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Penn State rookie is in a great position to excel this week. It appears that fellow wide receivers Marquis Lee and Cecil Shorts will be unable to suit up this week leaving Robinson as an excellent minimum priced target. His usage will most definitely get a sweet bump, and its not like he hasn’t been at least somewhat productive as is. Allen has averaged 11.7 DK points in his last three weeks which is certainly serviceable for a 3K player, and that is with him being held scoreless, so he has yet to hit his ceiling just yet.
Tight End
Austin Seferian-Jenkins – $3,000 at New Orleans Saints
To be perfectly clear, if you plan on spending the minimum at the Tight End position, Travis Kelce is without question your safest option. That said, if you are looking to be different and roster someone few will be on, then take a look in the direction of Austin Seferian-Jenkins. The 6’5 target is needed to step up as Mike Evans will be out with a groin issue. Austin didn’t make the most of taking all 71 of Tampa Bay’s offensive snaps last week (three catches for 44 yards on seven targets) but he has the tools/size to be a mismatch, and can particularly thrive in the red zone. One word of caution is that ASJ has been limited in practice this week, so make sure he’s a full go come game time.