DraftKings NFL: Best lineup for Week 4
By Joe Romano
Tight ends
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins $7000
After a loss to Detroit Rob Gronkowski voiced his frustration publicy. Usually that means that he will be fed targets in the following week. Gronkowski will always be the top tight end when he plays on the regular Sunday slate. That does not change this week against a Miami defense that has looked impressive early on. Gronkowski will see plenty of first round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick who’s in the running for defensive rookie of the year. That is still not enough to slow him down if the Patriots offense gets going. They need to with the Dolphins being 3-0.
Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans $6200
Surprisingly Zach Ertz has yet to find the endzone after three games this season. As much as the return of Carson Wentz helps all the receiving weapons in Philadelphia, it is Ertz who should see the biggest boost. Ertz was targeted ten times in the win last week. He and Wentz have a connection and he is clearly the Eagles top target. Tennesse has been the toughest team against tight ends three weeks in and boast a pair of elite safeties. This is a tough matchup for Ertz.
Jimmy Graham, Green Bay Packers vs Buffalo Bills $4500
There are Ertz and Gronkowski this week then a massive drop off to Jimmy Graham. The newest Packer recieving option has been solid for the Packers but has not found the end zone. He was brought in to be the threat in the red zone and it has not happened just yet. That can change this week against Buffalo coming off a huge win. Buffalo has allowed the sixth most receptions to tight ends. With Tre White taking away one receiving option, Graham’s day could look brighter.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Chargers $4200
Now one in San Francisco is happy that their starting quarterback is out for the season. However, George Kittle may be smiling a bit with a familiar face lining up under center. New quarterback C.J. Beathard was Kittle’s college quarterback and the two played well together in San Francisco before Garoppolo’s arrival. Unfortunately the 49ers play a Chargers defense that has allowed just nine receptions to the tight end. Beathard may make Kittle a solid play with volume alone but his ceiling is limited without Jimmy G.
Jared Cook, Oakland Raiders vs Cleveland Browns $4100
The state of the tight end position in fantasy is show by Jared Cook cracking the top five priced options on Draft Kings. It is a hit or miss spot and Cook’s big opening week pushes him up. This week at home against Cleveland is not the week to bet on Cook. Cleveland is the third toughest defense against tight ends and the Browns defense is good. There are better options for cheaper a few spots down the board.
Value Tight Ends
Tyler Eiftert, Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons $3800
Only three spots lower than Cook is a former top five tight end Tyler Eiftert. He looks to be returning to form with a slew of injuries behind him. The Bengals also welcome the Falcons to Cincinnati. Atlanta is down to their third saftey and lost starting linebacker Deion Jones for the season. This is great news for Eifert and Andy Dalton. With A.J. Green battling an injury, Eiftert could see an increase target share, especially in the red zone.
O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears $3500
Just outside of the top ten is the NFL’s third highest scoring tight end O.J. Howard. The former first round pick is getting more work than Cameron Brate and it’s been good for the Buccaneers so far. Howard is explosive and he has a 20+ yard reception in every game. With a tough Bears defense across from him, it could be tough sledding. However, the tight end position is about finding a high floor and based off the first three weeks, Howard offers that.