Week 8 Flex Targets DraftKings 2017

By Armando Marsal

Using the flex position wisely can allow you to differentiate and create unique lineups, more so in weeks like this one. There are six teams on bye, so the main slate only has just nine games this week and when you also take injuries into consideration, the player pool is thinner than it is in most weeks. Now that we know where we stand in Week 8, let’s take a look below at some players who could find their way into my flex slot this week.

Running Back

James White $4,900 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
White continues to be a big part of the Patriots passing game, averaging 6.7 targets per game and seven targets per game over his last three. He accounts for 17 percent of the Patriots target share, 22.2 percent of the red zone rushes, and 18.4 percent of the red zone targets. The Chargers are yielding 123.4 rushing yards, 5.1 receptions, and 39.6 receiving yards per game to opposing backs and are giving up over 20 fantasy points per game. The Patriots are 7.5 point favorites in this contest with an implied team total of 28 points. His price is just too cheap considering his role on this offense and the potential game script, along with the matchup.

Alvin Kamara $5,900 vs. Chicago Bears
Kamara’s price is creeping up, but that goes hand-in-hand with his production. He has been peppered with 39 targets this season, averaging 6.5 targets per game and accounting for 17 percent of the team’s target share. He faces off against the Bears who have allowed 37 receptions for 234 yards to opposing backs, with a 79 percent catch rate. In addition, this defense has given up five rushing touchdowns to the position. Kamara has scored double-digit fantasy points in four consecutive games, eclipsing 15 fantasy points twice during that stretch. He has played in over 40 percent of the snaps since returning from the bye week and now with Adrian Peterson gone, he should continue to see an increased role. In addition to the volume and consistency, he also offers big play ability, giving him a nice ceiling.

Wide Receiver

Nelson Agholor $5,500 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Agholor has found the pay dirt in three consecutive games and has scored a touchdown in five of the Eagles seven games. He accounts for 29 percent of Carson Wentz touchdown passes and 15 percent of the team’s target share, averaging five targets per game. This matchup sets up well for him against K'Waun Williams who Agholor has a 62 percent advantage rating against, per Pro Football Focus. The 49ers have allowed 84 receptions for 1,102 and seven receiving touchdowns to receivers this season, with a 62 percent catch rate, while giving up over 30 fantasy points per game. Agholor is over $5K for the first time this season, but he is still affordable enough to warrant consideration given the matchup and how well he has played this year.

Mohamed Sanu $4,900 at New York Jets
Sanu returned to action against the Patriots last week and caught 6-of-10 targets for 65 yards. He faces off against a Jets defense that is giving up 11.1 receptions and 135.6 receiving yards per game to opposing wide outs, with a catch rate of 56 percent. In addition, they have surrendered eight receiving touchdowns. Sanu has received at least six targets in every game he has played this season, for the exception of the Bills game where he left early due to an injury. His upside is not that high, but he does offer a steady floor and at this price should have no trouble paying off his salary.

Tight End

Tyler Kroft $3,000 vs. Indianapolis Colts
This could be one of those weeks where playing two tight ends might make sense and if that is the case, Kroft is your guy. In fact, even if I do not take that approach, Kroft will likely make a lot of my lineups this weekend, assuming roster construction allows me to. In his last three games, he is averaging 5.3 targets per game and has scored three touchdowns. Since Week 3, he has a catch rate of 85 percent and has caught three or more passes in each of those games. This is a favorable situation as he has a 26 percent advantage rating in this matchup, the highest of all tight ends. Kroft has also displayed upside in recent games, eclipsing 20 fantasy points in Week 4. He should continue to play well and exploit favorable situations like the one at hand and he also comes at a very fair price.

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