DFS Flex Targets DraftKings week 15 2018

By 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

Dalvin Cook $6,500 vs. Miami Dolphins

Cook gets a great matchup this week against a Dolphins defense that is giving up 113 rushing yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry. This unit has also allowed 70 receptions for 644 yards and 13 total touchdowns to opposing backs. In addition, they are yielding the seventh most DKFP per game to the position. Last, Miami ranks 24th in DVOA against opposing backs. As you can see, this defense is terrible against the run and Cook should be able to take complete advantage of the matchup. His volume is not as high as we would like to see consistently, but he now has at least 17 touches in two consecutive games and has scored at least 16 DKFP in three straight. His role in the passing game really provides him with a nice floor and when you consider his talent, as well as the matchup this week, the ceiling is pretty significant and he comes at a reasonable price.

Joe Mixon $6,100 vs. Oakland Raiders

Mixon is coming off of a strong performance last week, rushing for 111 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries, while adding five catches for 27 yards, scoring 27.8 DKFP. This week, he has a good chance to have another strong performance as he draws a favorable matchup and should have a positive game script. The Bengals take on the Raiders who rank 20th in DVOA against opposing running backs. This unit is allowing 119 rushing yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry to the position. They have also allowed 13 total touchdowns. The Bengals are surprisingly favored and are at home, which bodes well for Mixon. This just seems like a great spot for such a talented back and the price is right. When taking everything into consideration, he becomes a very enticing option this week.

Wide Receiver

Randall Cobb $4,400 at Chicago Bears

Cobb has been limited in practice with a hamstring injury, but is expected to give it a go this week. He faces a stingy Bears defense this weekend, so this is not an ideal matchup for him. That said, I really liked what I saw out him last week, catching 5-of-6 targets for 43 yards and a touchdowns. I am expecting him to continue to see a solid role down the stretch with the coaching changes. In the season opener, Cobb had himself a game against this very same defense catching 9-of-10 targets for 142 yards and a touchdown. I am not expecting that type of performance, but I do think he offers a solid floor with some upside at a very low price tag, in an offense that will likely be passing.
Tyler Boyd $5,700 vs. Oakland Raiders

Boyd has seen consistent volume with A.J. Green off of the field and even though he has been up and down during that stretch, he does get one of the more favorable matchups a receiver can ask for this week. According to Pro Football Focus, he will draw coverage from Nick Nelson who grades out well below average and it is a matchup that Boyd has a 42 percent advantage rating in, which is the highest of any receiver this week. Oakland is giving up over 30 DKFP to opposing wide outs and have surrendered 19 receiving touchdowns to the position, which is tied for second most. Boyd has displayed some nice upside throughout the season and with consistent volume in this matchup, he is in a good position to outperform his price tag. He is viable in all formats this weekend.

Tight End

Rob Gronkowski $5,800 at Pittsburgh Steelers

Gronkowski has caught 14-of-19 targets for 189 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games, averaging 15.9 DKFP per game. He is coming off of a nice performance against Miami and now draws a great matchup, in a potential positive game environment, against Pittsburgh. The Steelers have allowed 73 receptions (tied 4th most), 853 receiving yards (8th most), and seven receiving touchdowns (tied 3rd most) to opposing tight ends, while yielding the third most DKFP per game. This unit ranks 31st in DVOA against the position as well. This is a smash spot for Gronk, in a game with so much at stake.

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