DFS Flex Targets DraftKings week 16 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

Marlon Mack $5,500 vs. New York Giants

Mack is coming off of a nice performance against the Cowboys rushing for 139 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. This week he draws a great matchup against the Giants who are allowing over 100 rushing yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry to opposing backs, while yielding 17 total touchdowns to the position. The game script should also play into Mack’s favor this week, as the Colts are 10 point favorites at home. I know the production was not great for multiple weeks, but he did draw some tougher matchups, which is not the case this week. So long as the volume is there against the Giants, Mack should have himself a productive performance. He is one of my favorite point per dollar play this week.
 

Sony Michel $4,900 vs. Buffalo Bills

Michel was handed the rock just 13 times last week, after receiving at least 17 rush attempts in three straight games. That said, the game environment was not a favorable one for him in the last contest. This week, however, Michel should go back to receiving a decent amount of work, as the Patriots are favored in this contest by a good amount. The Bills have been extremely generous to opposing backs since Week 7, allowing at least one rushing touchdown in all but one of those games and a total of eight rushing touchdowns in that stretch. In that timeframe, running backs have averaged 93.4 rushing yards and 27.7 fantasy points per game, while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. With Josh Gordon out now, I can see where the Patriots lean a bit more on their backfield and this is a great situation for Michel to exploit. At this price, he becomes very intriguing, especially in tournaments.
 

Wide Receiver

Demaryius Thomas $4,700 at Philadelphia Eagles

Thomas has seen 14 targets in the last two games and although he has not done much with them, it is good to see this type of volume. He draws a great matchup this week against the Eagles who are giving up the second most fantasy points per game to wide outs, allowing the most receptions, most receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns to the position. His one-on-one matchup against De'Vante Bausby is phenomenal, as Bausby ranks well below average on Pro Football Focus and Thomas has a 20 percent advantage rating. Thomas no longer offers the upside he once did and is past his prime, but he still displayed his ability for nice performances and multi touchdown games. At this price, that would be a great investment.

Robby Anderson $4,500 vs. Green Bay Packers
We are finally seeing the Robby Anderson we were expecting at the start of the season. As they say, better late than never. In his last three games, Anderson has been peppered with 25 targets, catching 15 of them for 220 yards and two touchdowns. This is a good matchup for him, as the Packers have been very generous to opposing receivers this season. Green Bay has allowed 179 receptions for 2,393 yards (9th most) and 20 receiving touchdowns (2nd most), while yielding the fourth most DKFP per game. The Jets should be chasing points in this contest, so they will likely have to air it out and given Anderson’s recent volume, he should be in for another busy Sunday. At this price and considering his upside, he makes for a very appealing option this weekend.
 

Tight End

Austin Hooper $3,700 at Carolina Panthers

Hooper is dealing with knee and ankle injuries, so make sure to keep an eye on his status. That said, if he gives it a go, which I expect him to, he makes becomes very appealing. The Panthers rank 28th in DVOA against opposing tight ends. They are giving up the seventh most fantasy points per game to the position and have surrendered eight receiving touchdowns, which is tied for second most. In addition, they have allowed 73 receptions (7th most) for 800 yards. Hooper faced off against this defense earlier in the season and had a productive outing, catching all five of his targets for 59 yards and a touchdown. Julio Jones seems highly questionable for this contest, if he misses, Hooper becomes even more appealing.

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