Hunter Report Week 14 2017

By Dave Hunter

Let’s get right to this week’s suggestions. Keep in mind that I use the DraftKings.com as the basis of my write-up and do not include Thursday, Sunday night or Monday games. Good luck!

Week 14:

QUARTERBACK

Top Level

None - Usually there are a couple of QBs that I’d be willing to pay up for in the right lineup, although the salary at QB has really changed at DraftKings. There are a bunch of solid mid-range QBs to snag this week and there really isn’t anyone that you must pay up for anyway. So, that means we’re moving along.

Mid-Range

Derek Carr, OAK @ Kansas City Chiefs ($6,400) – I love what Carr did to the Chiefs last time they squared off, passing for 417 yards and 3 TDs. The Chiefs pass defense has been quite awful this season and Carr is getting Michael Crabtree back after his one-game suspension. Amari Cooper may also return as he passed concussion protocol, although he did miss practice on Wednesday due to his ankle injury. I’m betting Cooper finds a way to gut it out, bumping up Carr’s value even more in Week 14. I’d settle for 300 yards and 2 TDs through the air, but there’s decent potential for more.

Other choices: Philip Rivers, LAC vs. Washington Redskins ($6,800); Jared Goff, LAR vs. Philadelphia Eagles ($6,600); Alex Smith, KC vs. Oakland Raiders ($6,500)

Value

DeShone Kizer, CLE vs. Green Bay Packers ($4,900) – You’re not rostering Kizer for his wonderful downfield passing skills. Nope, you’re rostering him due to his running ability and that he’s been playing darn well of late. Over his last four games, Kizer has averaged over 17 PPG. If he reaches that number, which I expect him to, he’ll completely outplay his $4.9K price tag. I dig Kizer a ton if you’re playing down at QB. Also, consider the Packers pass defense – it’s stinking up the house, allowing 6 TDs through the air over their last two games. Yuck.

Other choices: Dak Prescott, DAL @ New York Giants ($5,600)

Over-Value

Jameis Winston, TB vs. Detroit Lions ($5,900) – The game seems attractive from a matchup standpoint, but Winston’s inconsistencies have been maddening this season. I’m not willing to take a chance on him at this price, when there are so many other options that I feel confident about. You can do better than Winston.

RUNNING BACK

Top Level

Melvin Gordon, LAC vs. Washington Redskins ($7,800) – Gordon’s getting the touches still, even though he’s slowed down from his earlier hot run. I see Gordon as an excellent cash play and he’ll be a solid option in tournaments as well, with the Chargers expected to lean on his shoulders heavily once again. The matchup is enticing, as the Redskins have allowed 150+ yards on the ground to RBs in three of the last six games. Chances are good Gordon gets into the end zone and gets close to 100 yards on the ground.

Other choices: LeSean McCoy, BUF vs. Indianapolis Colts ($7,200)

Mid-Range

Lamar Miller, HOU vs. San Francisco 49ers ($5,800) – This should be Miller’s best game of the season, with the Texans handing him the ball often. Miller can be used for either cash or tournament play. The Niners will likely make this a competitive game with Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm now, so I do expect the score to be a decent total overall with enough offensive production for Miller to make a significant difference.

Other choices: Samaje Perine, WAS @ Los Angeles Chargers ($5,600); Alfred Morris, DAL @ New York Giants ($5,500)

Value

Derrick Henry, TEN @ Arizona Cardinals ($4,900) – Henry is a risky pick, only for tournament play in my book. There’s going to be a split in touches of course with DeMarco Murray, although Henry will get enough action facing the Cardinals this week to be worth the chance.

Other choices: Aaron Jones, GB @ Cleveland Browns ($4,700); Peyton Barber, TB vs. Detroit Lions ($4,500)

Over-Value

Jerick McKinnon, MIN @ Carolina Panthers ($5,300) – Counting on McKinnon to find the end zone is not the best strategy, but I don’t see him filling out salary value unless he scores. I’d avoid McKinnon this week, with the inconsistencies that follow his game now that Latavius Murray is the main rusher for the Vikings. McKinnon may see some looks out of the backfield as a receiver, however, I don’t see him scoring.

WIDE RECEIVER

Top Level

DeAndre Hopkins, HOU vs. San Francisco 49ers ($8,500) – What’s not to like about Hopkins this week facing the Niners? Okay, well, I guess if you don’t have any faith in Tom Savage; however, he’s been able to get the ball to Hopkins if you weren’t aware. Hopkins has seen 63 targets from Savage over the last five weeks of play. That’s a little over 12 targets per game. Insane, right? Hopkins has been beast-like as well in his end-game production. There’s no reason for you to shy away from him here, even at the $8.5K price point. With the value at QB, you can afford to pay up at WR in Hopkins for cash and tournament play.

Other choices: Keenan Allen, LAC vs. Washington Redskins ($8,300); A.J. Green, CIN vs. Chicago Bears ($7,300); Adam Thielen, MIN @ Carolina Panthers ($7,200)

Mid-Range

Michael Crabtree, OAK @ Kansas City Chiefs ($6,700) – Boy, did I mess up with my Jared Cook and Seth Roberts expectations last week, eh? With the miserable failure of Cook and with Roberts putting up underwhelming numbers, you must figure that the Raiders brass is happy to have Crabtree back. We should see good target numbers, catches and even a TD from Crabtree this week. The price isn’t wonderful or anything but it’s reasonable enough for cash play considering Crabtree’s consistency this season from week-to-week. Don’t be surprised if we see one of Crabtree’s best games in Week 14.

Other choices: Robby Anderson, NYJ @ Denver Broncos ($6,500); Cooper Kupp, LAR vs. Philadelphia Eagles ($6,200); Stefon Diggs, MIN @ Carolina Panthers ($5,800); Josh Gordon, CLE vs. Green Bay Packers ($5,500)

Value

Dede Westbrook, JAC vs. Seattle Seahawks ($4,200) – There’s a special kid in Jacksonville, and I’m not talking about Leonard Fournette. Westbrook is someone to watch over the rest of the season and beyond. The youngster is highly talented, confident and has excellent speed. Aer returning from injury a few weeks ago, his production has increased nicely each week. Will this be the week Westbrook explodes? The matchup isn’t bad, although Seattle has been playing better ball overall on the defensive side. Still, I think Westbrook slides under the radar and easily fulfills value at $4.2K. Don’t expect his ownership percentage to be very high, which is fantastic for tournament play assuming he booms it out for you.

Other choices: Marquise Goodwin, SF @ Houston Texans ($5,100); Demaryius Thomas, DEN vs. New York Jets ($5,000); Corey Davis, TEN @ Arizona Cardinals ($4,200)

Over-Value

Tyreek Hill, KC vs. Oakland Raiders ($7,100) – Hill is far too inconsistent this season to roster at $7.1K this week. On paper things look good for Hill, however, I just don’t see Hill earning his salary. Hill has been the epitome of boom-or-bust in 2017.

TIGHT END

Top Level

Travis Kelce, KC vs. Oakland Raiders ($7,400)

Mid-Range

Evan Engram, NYG vs. Dallas Cowboys ($6,000)

Value

Jack Doyle, IND @ Buffalo Bills ($4,900)

Cameron Brate, TB vs. Detroit Lions ($4,100)

Overvalue

Jimmy Graham, SEA @ Jacksonville Jaguars ($5,000)

Good luck in Week 14! Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter: @TheRolyPolyBoy