Week 9 Flex Targets DraftKings 2017

By Armando Marsal
Armando Marsal Using the flex position wisely can allow you to differentiate and create unique lineups, more so in weeks like this one. There are six teams on bye and three primetime games, so the main slate only has just 10 games this week and when you also take injuries into consideration, the player pool is thinner than it is in most weeks. Now that we know where we stand in Week 9, let’s take a look below at some players who could find their way into my flex slot this week.

Running Back

Christian McCaffrey $6,500 vs. Atlanta Falcons McCaffrey is in a really good spot against a Falcons defense that has allowed 48 receptions for 384 yards and three receiving touchdowns to opposing backs, as well as a 75 percent catch rate. He leads the Panthers with 66 targets, which is good for 24 percent of the target share, averaging 8.3 targets per game. In addition, he accounts for 25.9 percent of the red zone targets and 13.8 percent of the red zone carries, which indicates that he is very much involved in the red zone as well, creating a higher touchdown upside. Lastly, Kelvin Benjamin was traded to the Bills and he averaged 6.4 targets per game, which are now up for grabs, and I could certainly see the case where a percentage of those go to McCaffrey. All the boxes check off for him and he is one of my favorite plays this week when taking everything into consideration.

Carlos Hyde $5,200 vs. Arizona Cardinals This is far from a good matchup for Hyde, but he continues to have a solidified role on this offense and has seen an $800 price decrease from last week. Hyde struggled last week, scoring just 8.7 fantasy points, but there are some positive things to take away from that game. The first is that he received nine targets and now has six or more targets in three straight games. Secondly he played in 68 percent of the snaps despite being blown out. Hyde is averaging 5.8 targets per game and has been peppered with 46 targets this season, which is good for 14 percent of the 49ers target share and tied for second most in the team. He is also there clear-cut red zone back, as he accounts for 72 percent of the red zone rushes and 12.8 percent of the red zone targets. To conclude, Hyde has been an efficient runner averaging a healthy four yards per carry. The only thing that holds him back is how bad his team is, but this week they face off against a Cardinals team that will not have Carson Palmer or David Johnson, so this game should stay close.

Wide Receiver

T.Y. Hilton $4,900 at Houston Texans I have been very selective on when I roster Hilton, but this appears to be one of those weeks where a solid performance is possible and his price has dropped way too low for a receiver of his caliber. The Texans are beat up defensively and it is pretty clear when you look at the numbers. They have surrendered 75 receptions for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns to receivers, with a 62 percent catch rate. Last week, they gave up 19 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns to the Seahawks receivers. Hilton has a 26 percent advantage rating against Johnathan Joseph who is projected to cover him, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite his struggles this season, Hilton is still seeing seven targets per game. The Colts are 13-point dogs in this contest, so they should be chasing points, which should create some extra target opportunities for Hilton. Between the solid matchup and this price, it is tough not to consider him this week.

Tyreek Hill $6,700 at Dallas Cowboys I typically try to give you two affordable options in this article, but I really like Hill this week and I think he is priced right for considering the matchup and potential game script. He has struggled in recent games, but he has had some tough matchup. The Cowboys, however, have been generous to receivers, allowing 96 receptions for 1,032 yards and nine touchdowns, with a 62 percent catch rate. He is projected to face off against Anthony Brown, who Hill has an 18 percent advantage rating against, per Pro Football Focus. Hill has been peppered with 55 targets this season, second on the Chiefs, averaging 6.9 per game, so the volume is certainly there. Recency bias could cause his ownership to be lower than it should be in this matchup, which could be a mistake.

Tight End

Jimmy Graham $5,000 vs. Washington Redskins Graham has been on a tear in recent games, averaging 7.2 targets, 4.8 receptions, 52 receiving yards, and 14.8 fantasy points per game in his last five. During that stretch, he has scored four touchdowns, all of which have been in the last three games. The Redskins have allowed 41 receptions for a league high 568 yards and three touchdowns to tight ends this season, with a 73 percent catch rate, while allowing over 15 fantasy points per game. He has a 10 percent advantage rating in this matchup and should continue to be productive. It is worth noting that he is dealing with an ankle injury, but it should not be something that limits him or keeps him out of this game, but it is worth mentioning and monitoring.

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