DFS Week 1 Flex Targets DraftKings 2018

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

Joe Mixon $6,100 at Indianapolis Colts It is only a matter of time before we see an increase in price for Mixon in my opinion, as I am expecting him to have a very productive season this year, so buying in on him early at a fair price makes sense. In addition to that, this is a very good matchup for him against the Colts who allowed 25.4 DKFP per game to running backs last season. Indianapolis also surrendered 105 rushing yards per game to the position, as well as 12 rushing touchdowns to the position. Mixon faced off against the Colts last season and was unable to get much going on the ground, but did catch three passes for 91 yards, which was good for 12.9 DKFP. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him have another productive performance against them in the first game of the season.

Alex Collins $5,600 vs. Buffalo Bills Collins is expected to receive the bulk of the workload for the Ravens this season and draws a lovely matchup in Week 1. He faces off against the Bills who yielded 1,796 rushing yards and 18 (most in the NFL) rushing touchdowns to opposing backs last season, to go along with 86 receptions for 633 yards and two receiving touchdowns. The Bills also gave up 29.1 DKFP per game, which was the most allowed by any defense last year. Collins got a shot as the team’s starter towards the end of last year and scored at least 17 DKFP in four of his last seven games, including two 20+DKFP games. Not to mention, he scored in double-digit points in all but one of those games. Lastly, the Ravens are seven point favorites in this contest and are receiving a lot of the betting action, so the game script should really favor Collins. There are plenty of reasons to like Collins, including his price.

Wide Receiver

Larry Fitzgerald $6,600 vs. Washington Redskins Fitzgerald makes for an interesting play for me this week because he’s lumped in with several of other good options in this price range and could garner fewer ownership. He draws a very good one-on-one matchup against Fabian Moreau of the Redskins, who grades out poorly on PFF and a matchup that Fitzgerald has a 38 percent advantage rating in (second highest of the weekend). There is a new coaching staff in Arizona and a new quarterback under center, however, I am still expecting the best receiver on this offense to see plenty targets this week. I prefer targeting Fitzgerald early in the season when he is fresh and in this matchup he is even more appealing.

Danny Amendola $4,200 vs. Tennessee Titans Amendola may not offer a ton of upside, but in PPR formats like it is on DraftKings, I have interest. He has a good shot to carve up a big role on this offense playing out of the slot because as we saw with Jarvis Landry, Ryan Tannehill likes to throw to the slot receiver. Amendola and Tannehill appear to have built a nice rapport this offseason, so I expect them to connect often on Sunday. The Titans were one of the more generous defenses last season when it came to the receiver position as they allowed 34 DKFP per game. In addition to that, they surrendered over 2,200 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns to the position. If you’re looking for a high ceiling, then this is not the way to go, but a safe floor at this price tag seems very likely.

Tight End

Jordan Reed $4,000 at Arizona Cardinals The Cardinals were once a defense to attack with a tight end, but that was not the case last season as they improved. However, they were still middling when it came to defending tight ends, allowing 11.4 DKFP per game to the position. Reed can be considered one of the top tight ends in the league, but often battles injury, keeping him off the field, which is why it is tough to love him in season-long formats. That said, this is DFS, so rolling him out when healthy makes a lot of sense, especially at this price. At this time, he is dealing with a toe injury, but is fully expected to be on the field with no restrictions to kick off the season. That being the case, he makes for an intriguing option in all formats due to the ceiling he offers, as well as the consistent production. He averaged a little under six targets per game last season and could be in for another active season with Alex Smith under center for the Redskins, who likes to check it down in the middle of the field. According to PFF, Reed has one of the most favorable matchups this week, with an 18 percent advantage rating, being the fourth highest of any tight end.


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