DraftKings NFL Best lineup for Week 7
By Joe Romano
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles vs Carolina Panthers – $7100
Zach Ertz is leading all tight ends in yards this season and has two touchdowns. The position is about touchdowns, which is why he is not ranked in the top three entering this week. Luckily he gets a Panthers defense that has struggled against tight ends this season. Carolina ranks fifth in points per game to tight ends. The best thing Ertz has going is the red zone efficiency the Panthers have allowed. Both red zone targets to tight ends they faced this season got converted to touchdowns.
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots @ Chicago Bears – $6000
Coming off what may be his best game of the season, Rob Gronkowski looks to be fully engaged and available for this dynamic Patriots offense. Now they travel to Chicago to play the Bears. For as good as the Bears defense has been, they have been vulnerable to the tight end position. They currently rank ninth in points allowed to the position, which seems odd given their fantastic safety duo and speed at linebacker. Gronkowski looks like a wise play this weekend against a Bears defense that may be able to take out Tom Brady’s other weapons.
Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts vs Buffalo Bills – $5400
A continuing positive development this NFL season has been the play of former first round pick Eric Ebron. The dynamic tight end has found a home in Indianapolis and a connection with Andrew Luck. Now they stay at home to face a tough Bills defense. With their strong secondary, it is a tough matchup for Ebron. However the lack of weapons for Luck has opened up enough opportunity to make Ebron a wise play every week. If the rest of the weapons continue to miss time, the tight end continues to provide value.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams – $5000
With George Kittle in San Francisco it has been less about volume and more about opportunity. He was a trendy pick for sleeper tight end with Jimmy Garoppolo. That notion does not change with C.J. Beathard at the helm. Kittle is coming off a rough game but is playing a team that will force the 49ers to throw. San Francisco will likely trail Los Angeles most of the game, opening opportunities for the second year tight end.
Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins vs Dallas Cowboys – $4800
There may be a week where Jordan Reed has a break out game. He will continue o be over valued until that day comes. He is the second highest scoring tight end on his team and simply does not look like the player he once was after a litany of injuries. Reed stays at home this week to play a strong Dallas defense. The Cowboys have seventh toughest defense for opposing tight ends. With Vernon Davis getting playing time, Reed is handcuffed. This is a contrarian play at best with a long shot at the ever-valuable tight end touchdown.
Value Tight Ends
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $4200
Until DraftKings starts pricing David Njoku better he will continue to appear here. Over Baker Mayfield’s three starts he has led the team in either targets, catches or yards. He is clearly the rookie’s safety blanket. This week against Tampa that should continue. Njoku will also continue to see red zone targets every time Cleveland gets there. He has elite upside despite being the seventh priced player at his position.