NFL DFS: Los Angeles Chargers @ Detroit Lions
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers came into week 1 with some ambiguity without their star running back, but Austin Ekeler quickly put a spell to that as he racked up 154 yards from scrimmage with 3 scores. On top of that, he out-snapped Justin Jackson 48 to 16 while garnering 18 touches compared to Jackson’s 7. The Lions just surrendered 100+ yards from scrimmage and a score to David Johnson, making this another phenomenal week to target Ekeler.
Keenan Allen picked up right where he left off in 2018, catching 8 passes for 123 yards and an impressive touchdown. Operating out of the slot, he should see a lot of Justin Coleman, who has the lowest PFF grade (67.3) out of any Lions cornerback, drawing an exploitable matchup where he could see even more volume if Mike Williams ends up sitting with his knee injury. While Allen paced the aerial attack, Hunter Henry was a bit of a disappointment recording a 4-60-0 line. If Williams is to miss time, we could see a spike in involvement, making him a viable mid-tier play in tournaments.
Phillip Rivers has a lot of options to work with on the offensive end and should be a good bet to top 300+ yards and 3 TDs again this week, making him viable in tournaments, but I would rather allocate my salary elsewhere in cash.
Cash Plays: Ekeler, Allen
GPP Plays: Rivers, Henry
Detroit Lions
While ending a game in a tie is less than ideal, the Lions passing attack looked impressive. Matthew Stafford didn’t have the most efficient showing (27/45), but tossed 385 yards and 3 touchdowns without a turnover. He spread the ball around the offense, but looked towards Danny Amendola (13 targets) the most. I would bet against this becoming a consistent theme, as both Marvin Jones Jr. and Kenny Golladay are far superior talents. With that being said, it’s hard to endorse any of the three until we see who’s going to be the clear-cut option on a consistent basis. Golladay will also be shadowed by Casey Hayward, who’s posted a PFF grade of at least 82 in three of the last seven seasons.
T.J. Hockenson was a massive bright spot, corralling 6 passes for a team-high 131 yards and a touchdown. It’s clear Detroit wants to get him involved early and often. The Chargers were the best team in the league in terms of pass DVOA against tight ends last season, but the consistent involvement and efficiency here for his price has me looking his way in DFS this week.
Kerryon Johnson and C.J. Anderson finished in an almost dead-even split in carries (16-11), which derails Johnson’s ceiling a bit. With that said, Marlon Mack carved up the Chargers defense for 174 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, giving hope that Johnson could have a field day on the ground.
Cash Plays: Hockenson
GPP Plays: Stafford, Johnson