The wide receiver position is where things could begin to get crazy. Unlike the running back position where there is a clear leader in each backfield, some teams could have three or four viable candidates each week. Of course there are other teams that barely have any useful options at the position but you can go in multiple directions here. Do you spend up and take the true number one receiver? Or do you go for reliability in volume or touchdown and big play upside?
Ideally you would look for a balance of each of those characteristics but how you chose to construct your roster at the other positions will play a role in what direction you ultimately go in. Looking for values, and you will see that some are available, is key here. This is in addition to the standard practices of reviewing past performance, looking at game script, and digging into the opposing defense among other things. With respect to the opposing defense and one on one matchups against opposing cornerbacks, this is something that will come into clearer focus as the season progresses.
For those who have yet to subscribe, what are you waiting for? Until then you will get one free pick to whet your appetite. In the first two weeks of this season we advocated staying away from Mike Evans ($6,800 DK, $7,700 FD) but after watching him this past Sunday that has changed. Instead we are going in the opposite direction and Evans is worth our attention this week and he is at the top of the list as far as high-priced options go. Granted Chris Godwin was sidelined last week but there was a clear chemistry between Evans and Tom Brady. Evans was targeted 10 times while catching seven passes for 104 yards and a touchdown pass. The hamstring injury that had us previously concerned appears to be past Evans as he connected with Brady on a 50-yard reception. This week Tampa Bay faces a Denver defense that has allowed opposing receivers to have success to start the season and Evans is in position to build on last week’s strong performance.
Behind the paywall, we will continue to take a closer look at some more wide receivers who deserve our attention this week along with a few from whom we should keep our distance. And not all will break the bank either which will leave plenty of room for help at other positions. So, keep on going and take a look at what we have to offer.
Darius Slayton ($4,900 DK, $5,500 FD) we are back here once again. For the second straight week Slayton is on our list and after last week his price has decreased slightly after struggling against the Bears. Slayton followed up his 102-yard, two touchdown performance in Week One with just three receptions for 33 yards last week. The Giants struggled to get things going and they did face a tough Chicago defense, but Slayton was a disappointment. He wasn’t much of a factor until the fourth quarter but with Sterling Shepard sidelined this week Slayton should see his targets increase once again. San Francisco is missing both of their starting edge rushers this week due to injury and with Saquon Barkley out for the season, the emphasis will be on the passing game for the Giants on Sunday. Through the first two weeks we have seen both sides of the coin with Slayton, but he is worth another look this week.
Another favorite target of ours is back this week in the form of D.K. Metcalf ($6,500 DK, $6,500 FD). The match-up between Seattle and Dallas this week will be a popular one from the DFS standpoint as the ball will be flying down the field and there will be points aplenty. Metcalf has eclipsed 90 passing yards in each of the first weeks of the season and I would expect that trend to continue this week. Last week Metcalf had to deal with Stephon Gilmore defending him but he still managed to catch four of his six targets for 92 yards. That included a 54-yard touchdown reception as Metcalf continues to prove that he is a big play threat.
Since we advocated for Mitch Trubisky against a weak Atlanta team that clearly struggles to defend opposing offenses, it only would be right to target Allen Robinson ($6,200 DK, $6,900 FD). To this point Robinson hasn’t made his presence felt as he has yet to reach the end zone through the first two weeks of the season. Robinson was targeted nine times last week despite the fact that the Bears jumped out to an early lead but he only caught three passes for 33 yards. That came on the heels of Robinson catching five passes for 74 yards in Week One. Last year was a good one for Robinson so we know that we can trust him and it seems like a foregone conclusion that the Falcons will allow a 100-yard receiver. So why wouldn’t that be Robinson?
The Patriots are generally not kind to fantasy owners but N’Keal Henry ($4,200 DK, $5,300 FD) has a clear starting role and through the first two weeks of the season it appears he is developing that all-important chemistry with Cam Newton. After catching five passes for 39 yards in Week One in what was a light passing day for the Patriots we saw Henry’s usage and production take a step forward last week against Seattle. Newton threw 12 passes in Henry’s direction and he turned that into eight receptions for 72 yards. As of mid-week Henry is questionable with an ankle injury but it doesn’t appear that it will limit him on Sunday.
One high priced option we are looking to avoid this week is Julio Jones ($7,400 DK, $7,800 FD). Jones didn’t practice on Thursday as he is dealing with a hamstring injury but even if he does play on Sunday, you should look the other way. Jones and the Falcons will have a tough go of it against a tough Chicago defense and the fact that he isn’t 100% doesn’t work in his favor either. He did begin the season by catching nine passes for 157 yards but all he managed last week was two receptions for 24 yards as the hamstring was also a factor. I know it is just two games, but Jones has also continued his struggles with finding the end zone thus far in 2020 and there are better uses for your salary cap space.
Kenny Golladay ($6,200 DK, $7,500 FD) is priced as if he didn’t miss the first two weeks of the season. He is practicing so far this week and is primed to make his return on Sunday, but can we trust him? The Lions have yet to make much of an impact on offense through the first two weeks of the season and they have tough opponent this week in Arizona. In seasonal leagues, you likely have to start Golladay but that is the beauty of DFS. You have a choice and for this week I would stay away.
