Fantasy Football: 5 sleeper plays for Week 1
By Andrew Garda
5. Alfred Blue vs Kansas City
While he wasn’t exactly impressive last season, Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue has a good chance to produce this week. It’s questionable if Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe will play in the game. If he doesn’t, that will hurt the Chiefs’ run defense. And while Texans head coach Bill O’Brien might have all the faith in the world in Brian Hoyer publicly, we’re not as enthusiastic. Which means Blue could see a lot of carries.
Will that translate to yards? It should, as the offensive line is in good shape which should help clear the way through the defense.
Of course, the risk also comes from what one will imagine to be a lack of respect for what Brian Hoyer brings to the table. DeAndre Hopkins is a tremendous talent, but it remains to be seen if Cecil Shorts, Nate Washington or rookie Jaelen Strong can be threats enough to make life easier for Hopkins and Hoyer, and by association, Blue.
Still, the amount of carries he is likely to get will give him plenty of opportunity, and as he’s been the primary back in training camp and preseason, we should see an improvement in his production.
Blue is a strong No. 3 running back with high upside in regular fantasy leagues.
He costs you $5800 at FanDuel right now, and is the only starting running back this cheap. If you’ve sunk money into other skill positions, he has the upside you want to backfill at your second running back slot.
DraftKings has him at the bargain-basement price of $3600 right now, which is once again the cheapest starting running back available.
Blue isn’t a home run, but he should provide the production you need out of your second or third running back spot, or the flex position at DraftKings.
Next: 4. Tyrod Taylor vs Indianapolis