Week 6 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.
It only took five weeks, but Demaryius Thomas showed us why his connection with Peyton Manning is the most potent connection in all of football. Thomas exploded for eight receptions, 226 yards and two TDs. This performance was nearly essential for winning any large field GPP last week. Golden Tate also turned in a solid performance with Calvin Johnson battling a nagging injury; he would make for an amazing play this week as well if Calvin sits. The important news at the tight end position in Week 5 was the healthy performance from Rob Gronkowski. Gronk played right around 75% of the team’s snaps and produced a solid six reception, 100 yard, one TD performance. I would guess the $5800 price tag will be the lowest from here on out.
Wide Receivers
Julio Jones ($8400) – His price tag is somewhat restrictive, but if you can make it fit, I highly recommend doing so. Jones has a great match-up with a beat up Chicago Bears secondary. Vegas has set the O/U at 53.5, which is the highest of the week. The Falcons offense is much more efficient at home and last time they took the field in Atlanta, Jones posted a monster line of nine receptions, 161 yards, and two TDs. Jones also leads the league in targets this season with 57 targets through five games. For a complete listing of target leaders, check out our NFL Target Stats.
Golden Tate ($6300) – As previously mentioned, if Calvin Johnson sits out on Sunday, you should lock Tate into your lineups with confidence. The Lions do not have many other receiving options and you have to assume that Matthew Stafford will look Tate’s way early and often. Tate finished last week’s game with seven receptions, 134 yards and a TD. I would expect a similar performance this week.
Alshon Jeffery ($6500) – Grabbing players from the ATL/CHI game will be a great strategy for Week 6. I also like Brandon Marshall; however, Alshon has been the much steadier producer throughout the season. With an O/U of 53.5 and Atlanta favored by three, I love the idea of rostering wide receivers involved in this game.
Mohamed Sanu ($5300) – This pick is solely based on the injury of AJ Green. In Green’s absence, Sanu will slide into the #1 wide receiver role. Some players may be scared off this play because Carolina is perceived to have a tough defense, which is no longer the case. The Panthers defense has lost some guys to injury and suspension which has weakened their overall defense. For the cheap price of $5300, you can roster a #1 wide out.
GPP
Victor Cruz ($5800) – Victor Cruz is always a strong GPP candidate and this week is no different. The match-up with the Eagles provides an even greater opportunity to produce some huge offensive numbers due to their fast paced style of play. Cruz will most likely be overlooked this week because many DFS players will look to the other appealing value options for the Giants.
Tight Ends
Rob Gronkowski ($5800) – As aforementioned, Gronkowski is back to full health and that means we are getting back one of the most consistent and dominate tight ends in the game. Gronk posted six receptions, 100 yards, and a TD last week and will be looking to build on that performance this week. Gronk has a touchdown in each of his six career games against the Bills and nobody would be surprised to see that streak extended to seven.
Julius Thomas ($6700) – You can easily make the argument that Julius Thomas is the top tight end this week. Thomas has seven, yes seven Touchdowns in just four games this season. He is receiving targets just about every time the Broncos near the end zone, which is very often. The Broncos will be passing the football very often against the Jets and Thomas will certainly be targeted frequently.
Larry Donnell ($3500) – Donnell received a $2200 price drop after putting up a goose egg last week against the Atlanta Falcons. The goose egg was a shock, however, if you dig a little deeper you will learn that the Falcons actually rank #1 in the NFL at defending the tight end position. I will gladly gamble on a $3500 tight end that has a three TD performance in his back pocket.
GPP
Antonio Gates ($6100) – Gates has been a boom or bust play this season, which is ideal for tournament play. Many experts wrote off Antonio Gates prior to the season due to his age and injury history. Gates has been a mission to prove everyone wrong and has been rather successful; posting two games with at least two TDs.