There are some weather concerns for this game, so we need to monitor the wind/rain leading up until lock. If there is going to be severe winds, that would be a pretty big boost to the defenses and we would want to get some exposure to them in our lineups.
Studs/MVP candidates
Saquan Barkley
Barkley has a huge role in the passing game which makes him a threat to be the highest scoring player on this slate. If the weather is bad as predicted, Manning could be looking to dump the ball even more. With 21 targets behind the LOS and 13 of his targets within 10 yards of the LOS, the weather should lead Barkley into another heavy workload.
Zach Ertz
Ertz is one of only three players who have gotten 10+ targets in all 5 of his games this season. That volume is huge especially for a tight end. The best thing about Ertz is he’s not your prototypical NFL tight end. He is basically a wide receiver, and you get him at a tight end price despite 50% of his snaps coming at wide receiver.
Odell Beckham Jr
He’s my least favorite of the 3 but I have to mention him because he is a high volume guy going up against a defense that has been torched by outside WR1s. Jalen Mills is allowing the third most yards in the NFL currently, setting up for a perfect matchup for Odell if Manning can get the ball to him.
Both QBs
They are always in play because of the safe floor they provide. If you have the money and you like your cheap plays, I would grab Wentz first and then Eli but I would still rather have Barkley Ertz and OBJ before them because it looks like the weather will cause a low scoring game.
Mid Tier
Sterling Shepard
Since Evan Engram as been out Shepard has been heavily involved in the offense seeing 7+ targets in each game. He is one of the top slot WRs in the league right now as he ranks 6th in yards out of the slot and 4th in catches.
Jay Ajayi is done for the year, which opens up significant playing time for both Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement will try to take on that lead back role. This will probably end up being a split backfield with Josh Adams grabbing some usage as well, but there is going to be value to be had here. You’ll want to try to get at least one of these guys into your lineups with the weather concerns. I would lean Clement on both sites but I could also see a route playing both RBs on DK because they are so cheap.
Kickers/Defenses
Kickers and Defenses are always an interesting play and provide a great edge on a small slate. They are normally low-owned and can give you a nice floor especially if the game ends up being low-scoring. Tonight I’m looking at the Eagles D/ST over the Giants. I love playing defenses vs the Giants because of their poor offensive line making for nice sack upside. The Giants are giving up the 14th most sacks in the league so far in 2018. This fits perfectly for the Eagles who are able to apply pressure to the QB and should have no issue getting to Manning. They could be a nice contrarian play as well with them struggling on defense to start the season.
If you are playing a lot of lineups, I would look at potentially stacking both defenses then running it back with high-volume guys that will get you yards and catch upside.
Dirt Cheap DraftKings plays
Cody Latimer
He’s coming back from injury tonight and should have a decent role in the offense, before his injury he was running a route on close to 50% of the offensive snaps. For just a $1,000 price tag you have the potential for 5-6 targets and if he happens to find the end zone you will have a huge edge on the field.
Josh Adams
I’m still waiting for the Eagles to unleash him, and I strongly believe he has a future in the NFL if he is given the opportunity to play.. The Eagles have used a RBBC without Ajayi, and with Sproles also out he should be able to get on the field for a few snaps.
