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. Constructing your DFS lineup requires a balancing act. You are going to bitter if a player’s poor performance costs you money but you also have to have a short memory when it comes to setting next week’s lineup. Last week in Miami things appeared to line up perfectly for Keenan Allen ($7,400 DK, $8,000 FD) but he was a disappointment catching just three of his seven targets for 39 yards and a touchdown. Allen’s fifth touchdown of the season helped salvage a rough game as the pace of play didn’t work in his favor. With 93 targets so far this season there is no disputing Allen’s role in the offense and 65 receptions for 690 yards isn’t too bad either. Facing the Jets this week should provide all the help Allen needs to get back on track.
Subscribers can now expect to get six more picks as we take a closer look at some more wide receivers at varying price points who deserve our attention this week along with a few from whom we should keep our distance. And not all will break the back 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.
Generally the wide receivers are often forgotten about when we talk about the rookies but Justin Jefferson ($6,000 DK, $6,700 FD) is making sure that isn’t the case. Jefferson had another strong effort last week against the Bears as he caught eight of his 10 targets for 135 yards. Jefferson has been efficient turning 54 targets into 42 receptions with big plays common place. Jefferson is averaging 18.1 yards per reception which gives him 762 yards so far this season. The problem though is that Jefferson has been hit or miss as his four games of 100-plus yards have accounted for 579 yards which leaves 183 yards for his other five games. Despite his big play ability, Jefferson only has three touchdowns so far this season but when he is good it’s hard to argue with his success. Based on how Dallas has performed against opposing receivers this year things are lining up well for Jefferson this week.
Jakobi Meyers ($4,900 DK, $6,000 FD) emerged out of nowhere four weeks ago and he has been a steady performer ever since. Facing the Jets has turned out to be a positive for their opponents and Myers was no different with 12 receptions for 169 yards as we got a nice look at what he is capable of. As a rule the Patriots passing offense doesn’t possess that much fire power although Myers has proven to have a consistent role. Last week despite an ugly weather evening Myers still managed to catch five passes for 59 yards which is in fact the average in his other three games if we exclude what he did against the Jets. Myers is still looking for his first touchdown reception but there is a solid floor of production and the price is right too.
For most of the season Michael Pittman ($4,500 DK, $5,500 FD) had yet to really find his footing as an NFL receiver between youth and injury but in the last two weeks he has begun to turn a corner. Pittman caught four passes for 56 yards against Baltimore and then he followed that up with seven receptions for 101 yards last week. While he hasn’t been dominant, Philip Rivers is still a capable quarterback option and there is a clear opportunity among the Indianapolis receiving corps that Pittman is showing he is capable of filling. Things are lining up nicely for Pittman in what should be a high scoring game as the rookie should be busy as he his finally getting a chance to show what he is capable of.
JuJu Smith-Schuster ($6,400 DK, $6,500 FD) is working on four straight weeks of success as his early season struggles are in the firmly in the past. The Pittsburgh passing game is rolling and facing the Jaguars this week should only work to help that continue. Smith-Schuster has been targeted 42 times in his last four games which he has turned into 31 receptions for 322 yards and two touchdowns. Ben Roethlisberger has shown the ability to spread out the ball to each of his downfield targets but Smith-Schuster is the leading target.
New Orleans’ defense has shown the ability to put pressure on the quarterback so far this season and that will be no different against Atlanta this week. Calvin Ridley is slated to return and even in his absence last week, Julio Jones ($7,500 DK, $8,100 FD) caught just five passes for 54 yards and his third touchdown of the season. Despite dealing a hamstring injury Jones has caught 43 passes for 638 yards so far this season with four strong games and three that have left us wanting more. While Jones has had those four elite level performances, only one included a visit to the end zone (twice) and that does place limits on his value. Taking that into account along with his price and the Saints’ ability to put pressure on the quarterback, I am staying away this week.
A portion of Jamison Crowder’s ($6,100 DK, $6,600 FD) success has come from being the only show in town. We know that the Jets offense leaves a lot to be desired but Crowder’s production was the one thing that could be counted on because New York needed to throw the ball to someone. But now that Breshard Perriman and Denzel Mims are healthy and integrated into the offense Crowder caught just two passes for 26 yards and a touchdown last week. The Chargers do have a strong secondary and we can do better than the highest priced Jets’ receiver on Draft Kings now that the targets will be spread out among three viable options.
