NFL Playoffs Round 2 Flex Targets – DraftKings 2017

By Armando Marsal
Armando Marsal

Using the flex position wisely can allow you to differentiate and create unique lineups. Every week calls for different situations, sometimes pricing favors having a receiver at the flex, while other times it favors having a running back. Then there are weeks where playing two tight ends makes sense. It is really dependent on how you construct your rosters, but as usual, I will talk about players from each position that can be plugged into your flex spot.


Running Back


Dion Lewis $6,600 vs. Tennessee Titans


In the second half of the season, Lewis averaged 19.3 DK points, 18 touches, and 97.6 yards per game. In addition, he scored seven total touchdowns during that stretch. The Patriots were dealing with injuries at the running back position towards the end of the season, which created more opportunities for Lewis, however, he is still the back I’d want out of this backfield. The matchup is far from elite as the Titans did well against the run this season, limiting running backs to 74.8 rushing yards per game. However, they were generous against pass catching backs allowing 99 receptions for 967 yards and five touchdowns to the positon, which bodes well for him. The Patriots are by far the biggest favorites on the slate, so the potential game script also plays into Lewis’ favor.

Le'Veon Bell $9,600 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars


There is no rocket science here, Bell is the best back on the slate. Despite the high price tag and subpar matchup, he makes total sense. The Jaguars limited running backs to seven rushing touchdowns this season, but they did allow 95 rushing yards per game and also gave up 84 receptions for 659 yards and four touchdowns. Bell played against the Jaguars in Week 5 and rushed for just 47 yards on 15 carries, but he did add 10 receptions for 46 yards. Even in games where he is not running efficiently, he is catching passes out of the backfield, which increases both his floor and the upside. He led all running backs in receptions this season with 85 and finished with the third most rushing yards, which really displays how dynamic Bell is. There is a lot to like about Bell and regardless of ownership, he is someone I would want plenty of shares of.


Wide Receiver


Dede Westbrook $4,400 at Pittsburgh Steelers


Westbrook remains reasonably priced despite receiving seven or more targets in six of his last seven games, including in last week’s Wild Card game against the Bills. During that stretch, he has scored double-digit fantasy points four times. He draws a nice matchup against the Steelers who allowed an average of 150 receiving yards and 9.9 receptions per game in their last eight games, yielding 12 receiving touchdowns during that stretch. The Jaguars are seven point dogs in this contest, so they could be forced to pass a tad more than they would like to, potentially creating opportunities for Westbrook. He displayed his 19 fantasy point upside and at this price that would be a great return on investment. If the volume remains consistent, he should be able to have a productive day and payoff his salary.

Julio Jones $7,900 at Philadelphia Eagles


Jones is coming off of a nice game, catching 9-of-10 targets for 94 yards and a touchdown. He has been peppered with 10 or more targets in six of his last eight games and has topped 20 DK points in three of his last seven games, including a 50+ fantasy point game. This is a great matchup for him as he is expected to see plenty of coverage by Ronald Darby who Jones has a 46 percent advantage rating against. In addition, the Eagles allowed the eighth most fantasy points per game to opposing wide outs. Jones is dealing with an ankle injury, but it should not slow him down this weekend. The Falcons are road favorites this week and are projected to score over three touchdowns, and it would not be surprising to see Jones have something to do with that.


Tight End


Rob Gronkowski $7,100 vs. Tennessee Titans


Gronkowski was not a big part of the Patriots game plan in Week 17 as they did not need his services to get by the Jets, but prior to that week, he had scored 17 DK points in four consecutive games, including three 25+ DK point outings. The matchup is one that favors him as he has a 16 percent advantage rating this week, the second highest of any tight end. The Patriots should roll this week against a subpar Titans pass defense that will unlikely have an answer for Gronk. I expect him to pick up where he left off in Week 16 and have another productive outing. While he does not offer the safest of floors, no other tight end offers the upside that Gronk does.


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