DraftKings NFL: Best lineup for Week 5
By Joe Romano
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles vs Minnesota Vikings – $6500
Zach Ertz has been a consistent piece for an Eagles offense that needs to gel with Carson Wentz and Alshon Jeffrey back in the fold. Those two names are good news for Ertz with Wentz feeding him a year ago and Jeffrey garnering some attention. Now Ertz may see even more productive games ahead. That can start Sunday with the Vikings coming to town. Minnesota is middle of the pack in terms of points allowed to tight ends. However after watching what the Bills and Rams were able to do, expect Doug Pederson to draw up some unique concepts to get his best playmaker Ertz open.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs vs Jacksonville Jaguars – $6000
The NFL’s best offense may feature this year’s best tight end. Kansas City has been humming all season, even with a small scare against Denver Monday they are the best offense in the NFL. Travis Kelce has been stellar all season despite Patrick Mahomes swelling spreading it around. Kelce is the second highest scoring fantasy tight end this season. Jacksonville may be the league’s best defense but if they have one weakness it may be the middle of the field where Kelce thrives. Expect Kelce to be a popular contrarian play with that stat being well known. This is a big test for Mahomes and the new look Chiefs offense.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers vs Arizona Cardinals – $5400
A week ago I pegged George Kittle as a value tight end. Now he appears as the third highest priced tight end. His college quarterback is now his pro quarterback and the connection between the two is apparent. Last week Kittle had 125 yards and a touchdown in a surprisingly close game with the Chargers. This week he finds himself matched up against the worst team in the league, the Arizona Cardinals. Kittle is C.J. Beathard’s best option in the passing game. In a position that is wacky, Kittle can tout consistency.
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants – $5000
Another head scratcher from DraftKings. Greg Olsen has been ruled out already for this week and is yet the fourth highest priced tight end. When he returns he will continue to be in the top five but right now this makes no sense.
Jared Cook, Oakland Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers – $4800
The top scoring fantasy tight end this season is Oakland’s Jared Cook. Derrick Carr has been able to find him early and let Cook make some plays after the catch. This is a good matchup for him with the Chargers who just allowed the aforementioned 125 yards to George Kittle. Again, tight end is so crazy that it is hard to trust anyone but Cook’s proven through four weeks he is more boom than bust at the position.
Value Tight Ends
Vance McDonald, Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons – $3700
If you want to grab a piece of the Atlanta and Pittsburgh game that features to be the highest scoring game of the weekend, then Vance McDonald is a smart grab. Atlanta is missing three key pieces in the middle of their defense. McDonald has emerged as the top pass catching tight end for a high scoring Pittsburgh offense. The value saved with his $3700 price tag will go along way.
Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons @ Pittsburgh Steelers – $3000
Instead of grabbing McDonald you may want to hop to the other sideline and grab Austin Hooper. The Steelers are a mess at safety and linebacker and have allowed the second most touchdowns to opposing tight ends. Hooper is at best the fourth option in the passing attack. This game is going to feature points and Hooper’s got as good a bet as anyone to score some of them.