Week 1 Flex Targets DraftKings

By Armando Marsal

Week 1 Flex Targets – DraftKings By: Armando Marsal
The NFL season is finally here. On DraftKings, there is a flex spot which allows you to take different approaches in your lineup construction. Our goal every week is to find you some solid options that fit in the flex position and provide some nice upside. I know I am excited for the start of the season and I am sure you are too, so let’s dive right into some flex targets for Week 1.

Running Back

Theo Riddick $4,000 at Indianapolis Colts Riddick should be very involved in this game if you take potential game flow into consideration. Currently, Vegas has this contest at a 51.5 over/under, which is the highest total of the slate (keep in mind it opened at 49 points). Both of these defense are below average and both offenses can score points. Last season, Riddick averaged 6.2 targets per game. He also accounted for 21.7 percent of the Lions red zone rushes, 16.1 percent of the red zone targets, and 15.8 percent of the teams targets. In addition, he is a small underdog and backs that receive over four targets per game as dogs exceeded value by an average of 2.55 points, per FantasyLabs. They were also usually low owned. This is the type of game and situation that you want to have Riddick in your lineups.

Ryan Mathews $5,700 vs. Cleveland Browns I was far more interested in Mathews prior to the Sam Bradford trade, but I still think he is a really solid play. For starters, he is at home and is a four point favorite. Typically running backs playing at home and are favorites do well a higher percent of the time. Secondly, this is a really good matchup for Mathews. The Browns surrendered 108.9 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs. He has always been a decent yards per carry back, but has either dealt with a committee or an injury. He should receive the bulk of the carries in this contest and even have some opportunities for some catches out of the backfield. He is capable of getting you that 100+ rushing yard two point bonus and could sneak in to the end zone. It is worth noting that he received 59.3 percent of the Eagles red zone rushes last season in a more crowded backfield. A lot of attention will be on Latavius Murray this week, rightfully so, which could cause Mathews ownership to be lower than it should.

Wide Receiver

Willie Snead $4,800 vs. Oakland Raiders This is one of three games with a 50 or more implied point total. In this contest, there is only a one point spread. Vegas expects this to be a shootout and I kind of do too. Despite an improved Raiders defense, the Saints offense plays much better at home. This is a good situation for Snead who is expected to lineup up against D.J. Hayden which is a favorable matchup. Snead averaged 6.7 targets and nearly five catches per game last season. Brees looked Snead’s way often last season and we can see that again in Week 1. The Saints defense was awful last year and will likely have trouble stopping the Raiders offense in the season opener, so the Saints offense will likely be passing the ball a decent amount to keep up. Between volume and potential game flow, Snead should not have any trouble hitting value at this price.

Michael Crabtree $5,500 at New Orleans Saints There is a positive correlation when stacking receivers that are facing each other and this would be a great spot to do it in. As I mentioned above, this game should be high scoring. Crabtree led the Raiders in receptions, touchdowns, and targets last year. He also accounted for 23.2 percent of the Raiders red zone targets. The matchup is also one that he should be able to exploit as the Saints were one of the worst defenses in the league last season. They surrendered 27 touchdowns to opposing receivers which was the league highest and 159.7 receiving yards per game. Lastly, this is a good price for Crabtree given that he $5,700 or more from Week 10 on in 2015.

Tight End

Clive Walford $3,000 at New Orleans Saints Walford is not a high volume guy by any means, but he is a red zone threat. In addition, this is a dream matchup for him. He faces the Saints who surrendered six receptions and 80.6 receiving yards per game to opposing tight ends last season. Not to mention 11 touchdowns, which was the second most allowed by a defense. Walford averaged 3.2 targets per game last year, but saw an uptick towards the end of the season as he averaged 5.2 targets per game in the last five games. The 6 foot 4 second year tight end should have his way with this defense. He is one of the few tight ends in this price range with his type of touchdown upside.

Dwayne Allen $3,200 vs. Detroit Lions As you may have noticed, I am looking to save my money at this position this week. Allen is reasonably priced and has a very good matchup. The Lions were amongst one of two teams that surrendered 12 touchdowns to opposing tight ends, which was the most allowed by a defense last season. Now that Coby Fleener is no longer with the team, Allen is the primary option at tight end. This contest has the highest projected point total of the slate. Much like Walford, Allen is a cheap tight end in a great spot that offers touchdown upside.

Good luck to all this week. For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me on the Twitter machine: @Armando_Marsal