DraftKings NFL: Week 3 Lineup
By Joe Romano
Tight Ends
1. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Indianapolis Colts -$6800
The reigning Super Bowl champs are going to welcome back last year’s MVP favorite Carson Wentz for this week’s matchup against the Colts. There is no happier man for that return than Zach Ertz. A year ago Ertz was Wentz’s top target in his break-out season. He’s been solid through two weeks but should see an increased role with Wentz’s return. Indianapolis has been strong in a small sampl size against tight ends but have not faced anyone of Ertz’s capability. Wentz’s return is good things for this entire Eagles offense, but especially Ertz.
2. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers – $6700
So far the best offense in the NFL belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs. With the play of Mahomes, Hill and Travis Kelce, that shows no signs of slowing down. Kelce struggled in Week 1 but rebounded in Week 2 with 109 yards and two touchdowns. Now they play a 49ers defense that is one of only four that has allowed multiple touchdowns to tight ends through two weeks. Kelce and Ertz are in a battle for this week’s top tight end and both are expected to have big games.
3. Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins vs. Green Bay Packers – $5400
It’s fantastic to see a healthy Jordan Reed playing football. He isn’t the same athletic specimen he was early in his career but he is more than capable of being a big play threat for this Redskins offense. He’s working his way towards a rapport with Alex Smith as well. This week they get the Green Bay Packers which should help Reed have a big night. Green Bay has been middle of the pack to tight ends so far as well. Washington should force the ball to Reed against the Packers injured middle of the defense.
4. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bengals – $500
Apparently DraftKings did not get the memo that Greg Olsen is injured and will not be playing this week. It speaks in part to the lack of consistency of the position that an injured player is still in the top five priced. Regardless, keep Olsen out of your line-up until he returns to the field.
5. Jimmy Graham, Green Bay Packers @ Washington Redskins – $4900
The big addition to the Packers offense this offseason was tight end Jimmy Graham. He was viewed as the perfect big target for Aaron Rodgers in the red zone. Early returns have been a mixed bag, with a strong Week 2 showing, Graham showed why he is there.0 His role is apparent in a high scoring offense. Unfortunately he will always be touchdown dependent. Keep that in mind with a Redskins defense that has only allowed 65 yards to tight ends this year so far.
Value Tight Ends
Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles – $3400
In a shocking move to some, Eric Ebron joined the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. The former first round pick is fitting in quite well in the Colts two-tight end offense with Andrew Luck back in the mix. Luck has found Ebron twice this season for touchdowns and has Ebron in the top-ten of scoring the position.
It has already been announced that Jack Doyle will miss this game. That takes away the biggest concern with Ebron. He was making plays on limited target opportunities. Now with Doyle out of the lineup the job is all his. Ebron is a fantastic money saving option this week as he looks to make it three straight games with a touchdown.
Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers – $3200
A few spots being Ebron in the pricing rankings is Tyler Eifert. Like Jordan Reed, when healthy Eifert is a fantasy beast. He is a huge red zone target that is a favorite of Andy Dalton. This week the Bengals play the Panthers who boast one of the worst safety duos in the NFL. Eifert can take advantage of that for big opportunities when the field shrinks and attention shifts to A.J. Green. It’s a tough week for tight ends but Eifert’s touchdown potential is exciting.