DraftKings NFL: Best lineup for Week 1
By Joe Romano
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots-$6900 vs Houston Texans
No surprise atop the tight end rankings. The New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski is the highest priced tight end, like he will be the majority of the season. A season ago it seemed that the Patriots and their embarrassment of riches at the skill positions enabled Gronkowski to take it a bit easier. Missing Julian Edelman for the first four weeks and Chris Hogan returning from an injury, Gronkowski won’t have that luxury this season. Good news is that he presents quite a matchup issue for the Houston Texans. Their best linebacker is a liability in coverage and a lot will fall on newly acquired Tyrann Mathieu. Gronkowski is a tough choice with his high price but it may be worth it, especially in a Brady stack.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs-$6400 @Los Angeles Chargers
Right behind Gronkowski is the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce. Kelce is one of the most dynamic weapons in all the NFL. Newly appointed starter Patrick Mahomes has deep speed on the outside but Kelce is his safety blanket. When Alex Smith was the team’s starter, Kelce’s role was clear. That is expected to stay the same despite the change at quarterback. Mahomes also enables Kelce stretch the seam, attacking the Chargers weak spot on the defense. Like Gronkowski, that high price tag is tough but stacking the two Chiefs is a bold play that could pay off.
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers-$5400 vs Dallas Cowboys
After missing most of last season with an injury, Greg Olsen of the Carolina Panthers returns. The offense he left behind is vastly different than the one he rejoins. Devin Funchess is the clear number one receivers. Christian McCaffrey and rookie D.J. Moore give Carolina another element as well. Olsen can and will be quarterback Cam Newton comfort and familiarity. The Dallas Cowboys have struggles at the safety position which could be good news for Olsen. If he gets matched up on one of the Cowboys linebackers, big things are ahead. Being $1500 cheaper than Gronkowski with almost as much upside makes Olsen a great play.
Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans-$4900 @ Miami Dolphins
The Tennessee Titans are looking to overhaul their offensive identity under new offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur. That is good news for quarterback Marcus Mariota and the pass catchers. It could also mean less targets for tight end Delanie Walker. Walker’s been a staple of the Titans ground and pound offense with his ability over the middle and in the redzone off of play action. Luckily his game translates well to a more spread out attack. His target share may drop with the emergency of Corey Davis and Dion Lewis entering the fray but the ones he does get will be more efficient. Walker’s opponent, the Miami Dolphins, struggle down the seams and in medium pass catching. This is good news for Walker and anyone who chooses to roster him.
Evan Engram, New York Giants-$4700 vs Jacksonville Jaguars
After breaking onto the field in his rookie season, Evan Engram rounds out the top five tight ends in Week 1. The New York Giants spread tight end will now take a back seat to star receiver Odell Beckham. However there still should be enough targets to go around in this matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Even Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye will make Eli Manning hesitate from throwing to Beckham. When he does look elsewhere it would be wise to make Engram that next target. Jacksonville’s defense should scare any player, including Engram. This may be a week to find value elsewhere or pony up the extra cash for an elite option at the position.
Value Tight Ends
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jacksonville Jaguars-$3200 @ New York Giants
On the flip side of the Jaguars-Giants matchup from Evan Engram is Austin Seferian-Jenkins. The former Jets tight end showed that he is a decent play a year ago in a run-first offense. As a new weapon for quarterback Blake Bortles, his value should increase this season. The loss of Marquise Lee and lack of proven pass-catchers on the roster make Seferian-Jenkins a sneaky play this week. The Giants have been abysmal against tight ends wit no signs of that slowing down. Jacksonville’s run game and subsequent play action opens up the game for the tight end. The savings made by grabbing someone this cheap could boost your depth elsewhere.
Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers-$3000 @ New Orleans Saints
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick while Jameis Winston serves his suspension. Benefiting the most from that will be tight end Cameron Brate. A year ago in Fitzpatrick’s starts, Brate clearly caught his eye. O.J. Howard is breathing down his neck and when Winston returns the targets will be more distributed. For now, with Marshon Lattimore locking up Mike Evans, Brate has a role especially in the red zone. It’s a risk playing him with the array of weapons in Tampa Bay but his upside is tight end one material.