Week 7 Flex Targets DraftKings 2017

By Armando Marsal
Armando Marsal

Running Back

Christian McCaffrey $6,100 at Chicago Bears
McCaffrey continues to be a big part of the Panthers offense, especially in the passing game as he leads the team with 50 targets which is good for 24 percent of their target share. He has also accounted for 33.3 percent of the red zone targets and 17.4 percent of the red zone rushes. He has found the pay dirt in each of his last two games and has topped 14 fantasy points in three of his last four games, including two 20+ fantasy point outings during that stretch. The Bears have done well at limiting yardage to running backs, but they have given up five touchdowns to opposing backs and a catch rate of 79 percent. There is a good chance McCaffrey goes overlooked in this spot and at this price, which could be a mistake.

Jay Ajayi $6,200 vs. New York Jets
This has certainly been an underwhelming season for Ajayi through the first five games and when you look at his YPC, it is concerning. That said, the volume remains high as he has three games with over 20 touches this season. Last week’s performance was a good one for Ajayi and maybe he can carry that momentum over into this week. The Jets have struggled against the run, allowing over 100 rushing yards per game to opposing backs and four rushing touchdowns. In addition, they have given up 34 receptions for 315 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He is far from safe due to his rocky start to the season, but this is still a favorable situation and the game script sets up nicely for him. Do not be concerned about his struggles against this defense several weeks back, because the Dolphins offense finally showed some life last week and could be heading in the right direction, at least for this week.

Wide Receiver

Cooper Kupp $4,600 vs. Arizona Cardinals
In previous years you’d be questioned for considering a receiver against the Cardinals defense, however, this unit has struggled against wide outs this season. They have allowed a 59 percent catch rate, while giving up 12.2 receptions and 175.8 receiving yards per game to opposing wide outs, as well as the second most receiving touchdowns (9). Tyrann Mathieu is expected to cover Kupp, which is a matchup that Kupp has a 43 percent advantage rating in. He has been quiet in the last two games, but has also drawn some tougher matchups. This is a perfect bounce back spot for him and his price is very appealing, making him even more intriguing.

Pierre Garcon $5,800 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Garcon leads the Niners by a wide margin with 56 targets, which is good for 23 percent of their target share. Garcon has 10 or more targets in four of his six games, while being targeted fewer than eight times just once this season. He also accounts for 15.2 percent of the red zone targets and has played in 85 percent of the snaps. This is a favorable matchup, as the Cowboys have been very generous to receivers this year, surrendering 66 catches for 687 yards and eight receiving touchdowns in five games, while allowing a 65 percent catch rate. He has a 28 percent advantage rating against Anthony Brown who is projected to cover him. Garcon has displayed 20+ fantasy points upside this season and has also showcased a solid floor, making him a viable option at this price tag. The Niners should be chasing points in this contest, so Garcon should receive plenty of looks.

Tight End

Kyle Rudolph $3,800 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have a good pass defense, in fact they rank second against opposing receivers. However, they have shown vulnerability against tight ends this season, yielding 23 receptions for 323 yards and six touchdowns, allowing a 66 percent catch rate. Rudolph has received nine targets in each of his last two games and is responsible for 16 percent of the Vikings target share. I expect him to see decent volume once again this week as the receivers will likely have trouble getting open.


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