What to do with Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf in fantasy football for Week 5 TNF

Editor’s update 8:00 p.m.: If you’re not quite sure what to do with time running out before Thursday Night Football kicks off, one option is to look at fantasy point projections. ESPN’s traditional leagues (0.5 PPR) project Tyler Lockett to have 12.7 points and DK Metcalf to have 8.4 points. Last week, Lockett had four receptions for 51 yards, while Metcalf had only one reception for six yards. One interesting note about Metcalf is that he leads the NFL in end zone targets with seven, so if you’re looking to roll the dice — especially in big touchdown leagues — Metcalf is worth a look.

The short answer to the above question is: No. I highly doubt Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf can put up numbers like Chris Godwin and Mike Evans did against Los Angeles last Sunday. But can one or both of them produce for your fantasy football team? Certainly.

Prior to Week 4 vs. the Cardinals, we had seen the type of production from Lockett that was expected heading into the season. He combined for 26 targets, catching 21 passes for 233 yards and a TD, most of that in a 11-154-1 line vs. the Saints. So with that game in mind and the fact Lockett operates out of the slot, we could see him put up GODwin type numbers on Thursday. Problem is I don’t think the Seahawks are capable of putting up 35 points, let alone 55 and we know Pete Carroll will commit some of the game plan to the run and Chris Carson.

As far as Metcalf, he’s a rookie. He’s going to go through growing pains and there will be weeks in which he struggles. Last week vs. the Cardinals was one of those weeks, but again, the game script favored the run game. Week 3 also. After catching seven passes for 150 yards and a TD through his first two NFL games, Metcalf has just three receptions for 73 yards the past two weeks. He’s ceding targets in the run game and to No. 3 wideout Jaron Brown and TE Will Dissly. Still, Metcalf is getting a decent amount of snaps (40 last week, 71 the week before). The issue is he’s clearly the No. 3 option behind Lockett and Dissly in the passing game, plus there’s Carson and RB Rashaad Penny (hamstring) who could vulture targets and touches.

Fantasy football analysis, Seattle Seahawks WRs Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf

Again, Lockett has as much upside as anyone heading into Week 5 considering how poorly the Rams defended the slot last week. I think Lockett is a fringe WR1, but definitely makes sense as a WR2 or FLEX in eight- and 10-team formats. I’ve been talking game script a lot and this one could play perfectly for Lockett and Russell Wilson. Metcalf is a riskier play, but you’ll find worse FLEX options for Week 5. He could pop if the game gets out of hand, plus you’d imagine the Rams will focus most of their attention to stopping Lockett, Carson and Dissly. But if you’ve read my TNF stuff before, you know I proceed with caution when it comes to locking someone in early in the week.

TNF fantasy football recommendation

Start Lockett, Sit Metcalf

“All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS contests.”