Week 5 of the NFL season is underway, and there are six matchups in the early Sunday window.
DraftKings is offering an early slate DFS contest for the chance to win $50,000. I’ve gone through all the contests and highlighted three under-the-radar options that can help give you a critical advantage.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $250K Early Only Rush [$50K to 1st] (Early Only)
DraftKings Value Picks
Josh Downs ($5,100)
After suffering a high ankle sprain in training camp, Josh Downs quickly was lost in the shuffle of a crowded receiver room. Two weeks after returning to the lineup, the 23-year-old showed his solid rookie season was a sign of things to come. Against the vaunted Pittsburgh defense, the former Tar Heel corralled eight catches for 82 yards and a score.
His production came in various ways, but primarily on quick hitters across the middle of the field. Like a top-end NBA point guard, his first step gets him downhill in a flash, which helps him create instant separation on slants, drags, hitches, and other quick hitters.
With Joe Flacco ($5,500) at the helm, the passing attack should be more refined than with the erratic Anthony Richardson. Jacksonville has been a disaster on the back end, with a pass rush that hasn’t played up to its standard. If Michael Pittman Jr. ($6,000) continues to struggle, don’t be surprised if Downs becomes the de facto WR1 in Indy. I’m all over the second-year pro in both PPR and DFS formats.
Antonio Gibson ($5,100)
I promised myself this wouldn’t happen. Even after a flukey Week 1 victory, I knew better. Even while typing this, my stomach was churning, and it had nothing to do with the fast food I had just devoured. I’m just going for it—I’m putting stock in a New England skill position player.
I don’t blame you if you rolled your eyes so hard they got stuck in the back of your head. The Patriots‘ offense has been physically demanding to watch. Certain college units would garner pressure on this makeshift offensive line—the pass catchers can’t get open, and the rushing attack is inept unless the backs can break five tackles a carry.
With Rhamondre Stevenson benched, Antonio Gibson slots in to be the unfortunate player to line up in the backfield. The former third-round pick has shown some more life than his counterpart in recent outings and has flashed big-play ability. This play is all about the matchup.
Miami’s defense is on a short week, where they put together a middling effort against Tennessee. The ground game was never efficient, but they were able to rip a few massive gains. Take away star defensive end Jaelin Phillips, and this thin unit might’ve suffered more damage than it can withstand. The stars are aligned, and this might be New England’s best chance in the foreseeable future to have an excellent offensive outing and sneak into the win column.
Roschon Johnson ($4,900)
There are more than a few backup running backs that should be atop their depth charts, and Roschon Johnson is firmly in that conversation. The shifty 23-year-old isn’t filling up the stat sheet, but is a decisive runner who can lower the shoulder when needed. He hasn’t fully tapped into his pass-catching prowess in the Windy City, but he has sticky hands and is dangerous with the rock outside the numbers.
D’Andre Swift ($5,700) is one 36-yard burst last week away from being lumped with Rachaad White as the most ineffective playmakers in the sport. With this offense yet to fully get out of the blocks, Swift should be on a short leash. Johnson has the floor as the change of pace option but offers a nice ceiling with hopes of greater volume.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $250K Early Only Rush [$50K to 1st] (Early Only)
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is xaiver-aguiar and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
