DraftKings NFL Week 10 Picks
By Jason Ferrie
Each week there are millions that participate in Daily Fantasy Sports, and since we at Section215.com care about our readers, we have decided to provide you with some detailed insight on the best plays on DraftKings.
Not everyone plays on DraftKings, and there are definitely pricing differences between each site. If you have any questions on whether or not I would recommend using the players listed on another site, feel free to reach me on Twitter @JFerrie23.
Quaterback
Aaron Rodgers ($7,500) vs. Detroit (GB -11; O/U 47.5)- The Packers couldn’t take down undefeated Panthers last weekend, but that didn’t stop Aaron Rodgers from having a productive fantasy day. On the day, Rodgers put up 37 DraftKings points as a result of 369-yards passing and four touchdown passes. Rodgers will meet the Detroit Lions at Lambeau field this weekend as a huge favorite. On the season, the Lions are surrendering 252 yards per game through the air and a 111.1 passer rating, per ESPN. In terms of fantasy points, Detroit is allowing over 20 fantasy points per game to QB’s. Rodgers is the second most expensive quarterback on the board, but is a significant $1,100 cheaper than Tom Brady. Rodgers is coming off back-to-back losses and should be able to throw on the Lions secondary.
Blake Bortles ($5,600) @ Baltimore (BAL -5.5; O/U 47.5)- Bortles will meet the Ravens this weekend, and has a very favorable match-up. The Ravens are allowing 284 passing yards per game and have negative positional ratings against skill players at wide receiver, tight-end and running-back. That means Bortles can spread the ball at will against this poor defense. As a unit, the Ravens are allowing 22 fantasy points per game, which is second-worst in football. Bortles has just two games this season where he put up fewer than 15 DraftKings points, and has thrown for multiple touchdowns in six of his eight games. For the season, Bortles is averaging 39 pass attempts per game. At a higher total, a cheaper price and against a poor defense, the Jaguars could find themselves in a shootout, which makes Bortles a very good play in all formats.
Kirk Cousins ($5,200) vs. New Orleans (NO -1; O/U 50.5)- Last week I said to bet against Cousins every single time. Well, I wasn’t wrong there as he struggled at New England, but I did fail to include that EVERYONE is playable against a Rob Ryan defense. The Saints have allowed 292 passing yards per game and generated just four interceptions for the season. Cousins has been an interception machine at times this season, but against a defense that can’t create turnovers, I’ll take my chances. Oh, did I mention that the Saints have allowed 24 passing touchdowns this season? That is five more than any other team in the NFL. At $5,200 on DraftKings, that allows for opportunities elsewhere in your lineups. I really do like this matchup for Cousins. He is somewhat of a risk, but I will probably use him in multiple formats because the Saints defense is very bad.
For your consideration: Andy Dalton ($6,500) vs. Houston; Joe Flacco ($5,500) vs. Jacksonville; Tom Brady ($8,600) @ New York
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Running-Backs
DeMarco Murray ($6,200) vs. Miami (PHI -6; O/U 50)- After a slow start and some heavy criticism, Murray has come back to fantasy relevance. Murray has just one 100-yard rushing performance this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from putting up at least 24 DraftKings points in three of his last four contests. Murray and the Eagles will face the Dolphins, who rank 23rd against running-backs, according to FootballOutsiders positional DVOA. The Dolphins are allowing 142 rushing yards per game this season–which is the second worst in football. Along with the overall total, the Dolphins are allowing 4.5 yards per rush. The Eagles are averaging 121 rushing yards per game this season. Since week five, Murray is averaging 24 touches per game–so the volume is definitely there. This could be a match-up that allows Murray to put up his best game of the season.
DeAngelo Williams ($6,500) vs Cleveland (PIT -5; O/U 41.5)- The Steelers may lost Ben Roethlisberger yet again last week. That will give a bump to Williams this week. In the three games that Williams has started, he has 68 rushing attempts for 374 yards. Not only is he running the ball well, but Williams has 12 receptions for 122 yards on the season. While the pass volume isn’t too high, Williams is making the most of the opportunities. On a point-per-dollar basis, Williams has been simply phenomenal when starting. In his three starts, Williams has put up no fewer than 17 DraftKings points. This week, Williams faces the Browns, who have allowed 147.6 rushing yards per game. Along with the league-worst per game rushing total, the Browns allow 4.7 yards per carry. At that price and against a bad defense, Williams is a must-play for me.
Darren McFadden ($4,900) @ Tampa Bay (TB -1; O/U 43)- Against the Eagles, McFadden ran for 117 yards on 27 carries. That was the type of production I pictured when selecting McFadden last week. Lets face it, the Cowboys aren’t a good football team at the moment. Matt Cassel isn’t getting the job done, so the workload is falling to McFadden. Since getting the starting nod, McFadden has averaged 28 touches per game. At an extremely cheap price, and a very high volume, McFadden is a very good play. The Bucs are allowing just over 108 rushing yards per game to opposing RB. The low total and Cassel being the starting QB, leads me to believe the workload will fall to McFadden yet again this week. If you’re looking to pay up at running-back, McFadden is a very safe play because of volume.
Todd Gurley ($7,300) vs. Chicago (STL -7; O/U 42.5)- The Gurley show returns home to face the Chicago Bears this weekend. Gurley has been extremely safe on DraftKings since making his debut this year. In his five games as a starter, Gurley has at least 18 DraftKings points in each contest. The Bears come into this contest allowing 121.6 rushing yards per game. The biggest challenge Gurley will face is getting into the end zone, as the Bears have allowed just two rushing touchdowns this season. According to FantasyLabs, Todd Gurley has the highest projected floor and ceiling this week, which would make his a great play in all formats. He is the most expensive running-back on the slate, but the Rams rely on Gurley to keep their offense moving. If you can fit him in your lineup, Gurley is a safe play in all formats.
For your consideration: Justin Forsett ($6,000) vs. Jacksonville; James Starks ($4,900) vs. Chicago
Wide Receivers
Allen Robinson ($6,700) @ Baltimore (BAL -5.5; O/U 47.5)- Robinson has emerged as a top-end wide receiver this year, and for good reason. The incredible consistency that he has put on this year is worth recognition. In each of his last four games, Robinson has at least 20 DraftKings points. The floor is pretty safe for Robinson, too. In seven of his eight games this season, Robinson has received at least nine targets. With Bortles looking to Robinson at least nine times per game, he is a good play at a mid-tier price. Robinson will face the Ravens secondary this week, and they aren’t good. Baltimore is allowing over 37 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. They’re also the 18th rank defense against WR1 this season. Part of Baltimore’s struggles is that they have allowed 16 receiving touchdowns this season–which is tied for seventh-most in football. He is going to be a popular play, but the volume and match-up are very good.
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Randall Cobb ($6,700) & Davante Adams ($4,200) vs. Detroit (GB -10.5; O/U 49)- I suppose that it would only make sense to like Rodgers’ receivers if I like him, right? Cobb and Adams both have very good match-ups this week in what should be a high scoring event. According to DVOA, the Lions rank 32nd against opposing WR2 this season. Adams returned to that role last and saw 11 targets, hauling in seven of them for 93 yards. The game script ended up going in Adams’ favor, too. While I picture a Green Bay win, I think both of these guys get a shot to make big plays. Cobb has the more interesting match-up as he typically lines up in the slot. This means that Detroit may not shadow Cobb and he could have the advantage. Cobb saw 12 targets last week, catching just four. Don’t worry about the catches, but the targets. Carolina is a tough match-up, and it gets easier facing Detroit this week.
Jarvis Landry ($6,700) @ Philadelphia (PHI -6; O/U 50)- Landry has been the ultimate cash play this season. In each game this season, Landry has double-digit DraftKings points. He isn’t a popular tournament pick because his floor and ceiling tend to be closer together than one would like it to be. In five of his eight games this year, Landry has been targeted at least ten times. The volume is there, and the match-up is favorable. The Eagles rank 31st in positional DVOA against opposing WR1. While the Eagles defense is improved, they may be without Malcolm Jenkins this weekend, and Landry lines up in the slot. If that happens, I would give Landry an additional bump up in my rankings. Landry is a very consistent and solid play this weekend. In what could be a high scoring game, Landry is safe in all formats.
Brandon LaFell ($4,100) @ New York Giants (NE -7.5; O/U 54.5)- It isn’t often that a WR2 in one of the NFL’s best offenses is listed at such a low price. Since his return in week seven, LaFell has been targeted 24 times. The Giants defense has allowed 17 receiving touchdowns this season, which is tied for fourth-worst in the NFL. According to DVOA, the Giants rank 26th in defending against opposing WR2. The biggest draw in this game is the total, which means that there should be plenty of opportunities for LaFell to get involved. In their projected plus/minus, LaFell ranks as the highest wide receiver on the slate.
For your consideration: Stefon Diggs ($5,100) @ Oakland; Jordan Matthews ($6,200) vs. Miami;
Tight-End
Jordan Reed ($4,600) vs. New Orleans (NO -1, O/U 50)- As stated above in the Cousins portion, Rob Ryan defenses stink. Particularly, they stink against the tight-end position. According to DVOA, the Saints rank dead last in football in defending the tight-end position. Health, not talent, has been the biggest issue for Reed. In his six games this season, Reed has seen no fewer than six targets in a game. Along with the targets has come production. In those six games, Reed has hit double-digits five times. For the season, Reed is averaging 16.3 DraftKings points per game. I really like the idea of stacking Cousins and Reed this weekend. We all love the Brady and Gronk stacks, but at a much cheaper price, Cousins and Reed is a very viable option.
Ben Watson ($4,300) @ Washington (NO -1, O/U 50)- On the other end of the game above, I like Watson. While some hate on Watson’s talent and age, this seems to be a system thing with New Orleans. Yes, Jimmy Graham is an elite talent, but it isn’t a coincidence that Watson is thriving in this offense. In his last five games, Watson has reached double-digit points in four, including two 30-point performances. The targets aren’t extremely high, but the production can’t be overlooked. Washington ranked 24th against tight-ends, according to DVOA. Watson is riskier than Reed because Brees spreads the ball around, but in tournaments, I think he is a good play.
Crocket Gillmore ($2,800) vs. Jacksonville (BAL -5.5; O/U 47.5)- Earlier in the season, Gillmore became a pretty popular play despite some mediocre results. This week, I believe that Gillmore could be prime for another big game. First off, you’ll have to watch the injury report as Gillmore is listed as probable with a shoulder injury. If he plays, it is a good match-up though. On the season, Jacksonville ranks 29th in DVOA against opposing tight-ends. Flacco doesn’t have a ton of options to throw right now, so Gillmore may see some more targets. He is a tournament play only, but Gillmore should be low-owned and has a favorable match-up.
Rob Gronkowski ($8,000) @ New York Giants ( NE -7.5; O/U 54.5)- Is this the week? Is the finally the week we see a 35-plus point game from Gronk? If you have played Gronk this season, you’ve been let down on multiple occasions. It isn’t because he is failing to produce, but the level of production has fallen a bit short of expectations. Paying $8,000 or more for Gronk, and getting under 20-points is upsetting. This week could be the week we see Gronk go bonkers. Gronk is getting 8.5 targets per game and faces the 25th ranked defense against the tight-end. According to FantasyLabs, Gronk has the highest ceiling this week at 23.7 DraftKings points. If you’re paying up, Gronk could be the guy to help you win a tournament–but he isn’t cheap.
For your consideration: Zach Ertz ($3,000) vs. Miami; Richard Rodgers ($3,000)
Defense/Special Teams
Carolina Panthers ($3,300) vs Tennessee (Car -4.5; O/U 44)- The Panthers defense didn’t perform well last week, but that isn’t a reason to shy away. They will face Marcus Mariota and the Tennesse Titans at home this weekend. The Titans aren’t particularly loaded with weapons and that always makes me cautious of backing them. The player that would draw the most fear from a production aspect is Delaine Walker, but the Panthers are fourth in DVOA against the tight-end position. The low line concerns me a bit and feels like a trap, but I still like the Panthers defense in this game
Philadelphia Eagles ($2,700) vs. Miami (PHI -6; O/U 50)- I am aware that Landry is a player who made this column this week, but that doesn’t mean I have to hate the Eagles defense. Philadelphia has the third-highest ceiling on FantasyLabs, which draw some intrigue. The Eagles have a very good special teams unit who is capable of breaking a big return at any time. Along with that, the Eagles defense has created 20 turnovers this season, including 12 interceptions. The Dolphins have thrown nine interceptions this season, so they’re averaging over one per game. The Eagles are a cheaper play and have huge upside.
Denver Broncos ($3,400) vs. Kansas City (DEN -5.5; O/U 41.5)- The Broncos disappointed their fantasy owners last weekend, but get a much better match-up this weekend. While they won’t have Aqib Talib or DeMarcus Ware, this is still an elite defensive unit. The Chiefs don’t have a lot of talent on offense, so that part shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Denver has the fourth-highest ceiling projection on FantasyLabs, too. The Broncos have generated 17 turnovers this season, which makes me interested. Overall, I just don’t think the Chiefs have much talent. The total in this game is low for a reason–the offenses aren’t very good.
For your consideration: Green Bay ($3,200) vs. Detroit; Cincinnati ($3,200) vs. Houston
If you have any questions, comments or concerns–please feel free to leave a comment below, or reach me on Twitter. Please make sure to keep an eye on the injury reports as a few players have been listed as probable. If a player gets downgraded to out, I will tweet out the pivot from that play. If you’re not on Twitter, please use the “for your consideration” plays if a player is out.
Best of luck!
Next: Semi-Coherent Philadelphia Eagles vs. Miami Dolphins Preview
Data Sources: RotoGrinders, FootballOutsiders, FantasyLabs, ESPN