DFS Flex Targets DraftKings 2018 Week 9

By Armando Marsal
Armando Marsal

The flex position really adds a unique dynamic to lineup construction as you can plug in a receiver, running back, or even a tight end. Using the flex position wisely can allow you to differentiate and create unique lineups. Every week calls for different situations, so depending on what the slate gives you and pricing, will determine on how you utilize this position. As usual, I’ll go over some players that I am targeting in the main slate this weekend that can be plugged into the flex spot.
 

Running Back

Kerryon Johnson $5,600 at Minnesota Vikings

Johnson has at least 14 touches in three consecutive games, and although he struggled to run between the tackles last week – rushing for 22 yards on eight carries – he displayed his ability to be a threat catching passes out of the backfield – hauling in six of eight targets for 69 yards. This is not the easiest of matchups for Johnson, but it is one that can be exploited. The Vikings have allowed 451 receiving yards (6th most) and three receiving touchdowns (3rd most) to opposing backs, while ranking dead last in DVOA against the position. Johnson’s explosiveness and ability to catch passes out of the backfield, make him an appealing option in tournaments this week. I also think that with Golden Tate out of the picture, the Lions intend to run more, increasing his potential touch opportunity.

Kenyan Drake $5,300 vs. New York Jets

Drake is still not a high volume running back, but he has been far efficient as of late, and has seen a big boost in his role as a pass catcher. Through the first four games of the season, he received 14 targets, however, in the last four games he has been peppered with 27 targets and has two receiving touchdowns. During that last four game stretch, he has also rushed for two touchdowns. This week, he draws a nice matchup against the Jets who have allowed 41 catches for 372 yards and two touchdowns to opposing backs, while yielding seven rushing touchdowns and a healthy 4.2 yards per carry. The potential game script also plays into his favor, as the Dolphins are minor favorites in this contest. Drake is likely going to go completely overlooked this weekend, but makes for a very enticing option.
 

Wide Receiver

Cooper Kupp $6,000 at New Orleans Saints

Kupp is on track to return this week, after missing the last two games with an MCL sprain. This is a situation where monitoring his practices and the results of those practices will play a key role in the decision making process. For now, I will assume he is a full-go this week and that is how I will approach it, unless there is a setback. What I do know is that this is a great matchup for Kupp against P.J. Williams, who grades out very poorly on PFF, and it is a matchup that Kupp has a 42 percent advantage rating in. Aside from the plus one-on-one matchup, New Orleans has also been generous to receivers all season long, giving up the most fantasy points per game to the position (50.8), while also yielding 1,516 receiving yards (4th most) and 12 receiving touchdowns (2nd most). Prior to suffering the injury, Kupp had scored at least one touchdown in three consecutive games and has been as efficient as they come when he is on the field. This should also be a good game environment for him, making this a great
verall situation. I am hoping the “Q” tag stays by his name through Sunday, so that we could possibly get lower ownership here.
 

D.J. Moore $4,300 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Moore has seen a slight boost in volume, with 16 targets in his last three games, after seeing just eight targets through his first four games. Not to mention, he has at least one rush attempt in all but two games, so there are multiple ways he is being utilized, increasing the upside. Last week, Moore had his best game in the NFL, catching five passes for 90 yards and rushing for 39 yards. The matchup against the Bucs is arguably the best matchup a receiver can ask for. This unit has surrendered 115 receptions (4th most), 1,380 receiving yards (9th most), and 13 receiving touchdowns (most in the NFL) to opposing wide outs, while surrendering the second most DKFP per game. His one-on-one matchup against Brent Grimes, who grades out below average on PFF, is a favorable one, as Moore has a 26 percent advantage rating (top five this week). You would like to see more volume for him, but Moore is fairly priced considering the situation and makes for solid option in all formats.
 

Tight End

O.J. Howard $4,300 at Carolina Panthers

This matchup between the Panthers and Bucs is expected to be a high scoring game, so both offense should produce plenty of fantasy goodness. Howard has been playing really well as of late, and although there is a quarterback change, I do not expect much of a dip in production this week. After all, the averaged over four targets per game the first three games when Ryan Fitzpatrick was under center. This is a favorable matchup for Howard, as the Panthers are ranked 28th in DVOA against tight ends. In addition, this unit is yielding the fourth most DKFP per game to tight ends, while allowing 45 receptions (4th most), 497 receiving yards (11th most), and four receiving touchdowns (tied 2nd most) to the position. The game environment sets up nicely for Howard and he certainly has the upside to smash this price tag.


Good luck to all this week. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me on the Twitter machine: @Armando_Marsal