Hunter Report Week 19 2017

By Dave Hunter

As we head into the NFL Divisional playoff weekend, I’m going to list my favorite picks regardless of salary while also listing my value picks.

So, let’s get right to this week’s suggestions. Keep in mind that I use DraftKings.com as the basis of my write-up. Good luck!

Divisional Playoffs

QUARTERBACK

Favorites

Case Keenum, MIN vs. New Orleans Saints ($6,100) – I’m obviously a Tom Brady fan this week for DFS play, although Keenum is my favorite of the QB bunch for tournament play. I love his weapons in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, and expect the Vikings to score at least three TDs on the day. Keenum will have two of those TDs, plus I’ve got him pegged for 250 yards. Not a magnificent day by any means, but I don’t expect any QB to really go nuts this week. Keenum and the Vikings at home are extremely attractive, and I really don’t expect Keenum’s ownership to be very high.

Other choices: Tom Brady, NE vs. Tennessee Titans ($7,000); Marcus Mariota, TEN @ New England Patriots ($5,900)

Values

Nick Foles, PHI vs. Atlanta Falcons ($5,200) – I’m sure you’ve read by now that the Eagles want Foles to open up the passing game, not be hesitant, and just take control of the game overall. Is this something that Foles can do? Foles is a big risk, which is why he only makes my tournament lineups; however, there are many prognosticators expecting the Eagles to tank against the Falcons and I really like Foles to step up as a contrarian play. He’s got the weapons to take advantage of and his price tag is worth taking a chance on.

Other choices: None

RUNNING BACK

Favorites

Le’Veon Bell, PIT vs. Jacksonville Jaguars ($9,600) – Logic would dictate that the Steelers will use Bell heavily as the Jags secondary is second to none in the NFL right now. It only makes sense to think that, right? Bell gets used heavily as it is, so it’s nothing new I’m revealing; however, I could see Bell being used more in the passing game, or more than he already is used. What I’m getting at: feel free to lock Bell into your cash game lineups and don’t worry about the $9.6K price tag – he will more than earn it this weekend.

Other choices: Derrick Henry, TEN @ New England Patriots ($7,300); Leonard Fournette, JAC @ Pittsburgh Steelers ($6,900)

Values

Mark Ingram, NO @ Minnesota Vikings ($5,600) – The Vikings are the best in the league at defending against the run, only allowing 7 TD on the ground all season long. So why Ingram this week? His price is just too low with what he has done this year for the Saints. He’s a risk, no doubt, considering the matchup, although in the right tournament lineup he’s a very interesting play. Alvin Kamara will share touches, so that’s something to consider as well, but I like Ingram’s chances at finding the end zone in goal line situations.

Other choices: Dion Lewis, NE vs. Tennessee Titans ($6,600); Latavius Murray, MIN vs. New Orleans Saints ($5,400); Tevin Coleman, ATL @ Philadelphia Eagles ($4,400)

WIDE RECEIVER

Favorites

Adam Thielen, MIN vs. New Orleans Saints ($7,200) – Even though Thielen slowed down over the last few weeks of the season, he’s going to be Case Keenum’s primary target this weekend. I won’t be surprised if Thielen is targeted 10 times, with a good guesstimate of 5 receptions on the day. Will Thielen find the end zone? That’s the key. If he scores, he earns value with the receptions and yardage I expect him to rack up. The Saints are mightily improved on defense this year, with Marshon Lattimore leading the charge in the secondary. It will be interesting to see if Lattimore is attached more to Stefon Diggs or Thielen. Still, I like Thielen to be the more heralded receiver this weekend. I’m happy using him in any capacity this week but mainly for cash play.

Other choices: Antonio Brown, PIT vs. Jacksonville Jaguars ($8,100) – I’m not crazy about the matchup Brown has, although I think he gets close to earning salary. There aren’t many receivers I feel “safe” about, but Brown is certainly one of ‘em, even coming off the calf injury; Julio Jones, ATL @ Philadelphia Eagles ($7,900); Brandin Cooks, NE vs. Tennessee Titans ($7,000); Stefon Diggs, MIN vs. New Orleans Saints ($6,200); Ted Ginn, Jr., NO @ Minnesota Vikings ($5,800)

Values

Dede Westbrook, JAC @ Pittsburgh Steelers ($4,400) – I love Westbrook as a tournament play. It’s a shame that he dropped an easy TD catch in last week’s game, which really would have given him a nice overall DFS day. I like the evolving chemistry between Westbrook and Blake Bortles and we should see more of it this weekend. If the Jaguars are going to upset the Steelers, Westbrook won’t be able to get away with easy TD drops. Now, the real question: will Bortles throw for more than 87 yards facing the Steelers? No matter how many yards he throws for, Westbrook should still be on your radar as a value play.

Other choices: Nelson Agholor, PHI vs. Atlanta Falcons ($4,800); Rishard Matthews, TEN @ New England Patriots ($4,500); Corey Davis, TEN @ New England Patriots ($3,400)

TIGHT END

Favorites

Rob Gronkowski, NE vs. Tennessee Titans ($7,100)

Zach Ertz, PHI vs. Atlanta Falcons ($5,800)

Delanie Walker, TEN @ New England Patriots ($5,000)

Values

Austin Hooper, ATL @ Philadelphia Eagles ($3,200)

Josh Hill, NO @ Minnesota Vikings ($2,600)

Good luck this week! Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter: @TheRolyPolyBoy