DraftKings NFL picks, Week 5: Best DFS bargains this week

Tight Ends

Travis Kelce KC (vs. IND, $7,300): I know, I know: you didn’t get this far to have someone tell you to start the league’s best tight end. However, this is no ordinary week: with Darius Leonard out, along with both starting safeties, the stage is set for Kelce to post an insane stat line. Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson were unstoppable in Weeks 1 and 2. Expect Kelce to exploit a Colts defense that already ranks 27th against the TE position. The injuries simply make video game numbers more likely.

Evan Engram NYG (vs. MIN, $5,800): Golden Tate‘s return should result in fewer balls thrown Engram’s way, but the team should move the chains with more efficiency. This will increase not on the quality of targets thrown to the New York Giants tight end, but the volume of red zone looks, as well. Engram should capitalize on his opportunities against a Minnesota Vikings defense ranked 19th against tight ends.

George Kittle SF (vs. CLE, $5,300): Few options are enticing this week as the tight end ranked as the league’s best by Pro Football Focus. Kittle has had at least two touchdowns called back due to penalties so far this year, so it’s not like Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t looking his way in the red zone. The touchdowns will come, and when they do, they’ll come in bunches. Kittle is overdue for a breakout game, and a home slate in primetime on Monday night offers the perfect setting.

Mark Andrews BAL (at PIT, $4,800): Andrews doesn’t have as great of a matchup as the others on this list, but he carries no injury designation into his game for the first time in weeks. Marquise Brown will see plenty of attention from an improving Pittsburgh Steelers secondary, so Andrews should resume his role as Lamar Jackson‘s primary weapon.

Jimmy Graham GB (at DAL, $4,300): As we analyze the returns of Matt LaFleur’s impact to date, the only true “winner” from a statistical standpoint so far is Graham. LaFleur, as he did when calling plays for the Tennessee Titans, continues to make the tight end a focal point of the offense.

Graham’s Rip Van Winkle act caught many fantasy football analysts off guard, but no one’s sleeping on him now that he commands Aaron Rodgers‘ attention. The Dallas Cowboys, ranked 29th in the league against tight ends through one-quarter of the season, will have their hands full with Graham.

Dawson Knox BUF (at TEN, $3,100): This freakish, underutilized talent has averaged almost four targets per game over the past three weeks, catching at least three for 50 or more yards in his last two contests. Knox is just scratching the surface of his potential and has a great matchup against a Titans defense ranked 24th against the tight end.

A few riskier but enticing options abound this week at what’s usually a thin position. These include Jack Doyle IND (at KC, $3,700), who keeps seeing his target volume increase. If T.Y. Hilton is ruled out, get Doyle into a lineup. Jared Cook NO (vs. TB, $3,400) is off to a rough start, but should see plenty of looks from Bridgewater, and is too talented to stay this quiet for much longer.

Tyler Eifert CIN ($3,300) looks to capitalize on a favorable matchup against a Cardinals defense that has been destroyed by the tight end position all season.  Cameron Brate TB (at NO, $3,000) hasn’t seen many targets to date, but his touchdown last week was a reminder of the history of chemistry he has established with Jameis Winston, especially in the red zone.

Defense/Special Teams

New England Patriots (at WAS, $4,300):  The Patriots are an expensive chalk play against Colt McCoy and the pathetic Washington Redskins. However, they are highly likely to yield a return on the investment.

Chicago Bears (at OAK, $3,800): This Khalil Mack revenge game is so very enticing from a fantasy football standpoint. It will be fun to see how many sacks and tackles he compiles against his former team. A pricey fantasy option, but one that’s hard to top.

Philadelphia Eagles (vs. NYJ, $3,700): It seems bold to recommend starting a defense ranked dead last in the league against wide receivers due to injuries in the secondary and an under-performing pass rush. However, the Eagles have one of the staunchest run defenses in the league and the Jets are not well-tailored to take advantage of the Eagles’ weaknesses behind a third-string rookie quarterback.

Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. BAL, $2,100): This is a riskier play given the explosiveness of Lamar Jackson, but the Steelers defense is improving. They are averaging 12 points per game over the last three weeks and will continue to progress as Minkah Fitzpatrick gains familiarity with the defensive scheme and his new teammates. This bargain-basement price allows cap dollars to be spent more wisely at other positions.