Top DraftKings Football Values for Week 5

If you’ve never played weekly salary-cap fantasy games, you’re missing out on what’s quickly becoming the hottest new trend in fantasy football and a great way to make some quick cash. No longer are you locked into a team for an entire season (or longer) and subject to the pain of injuries and poor performance. Instead, each week you pick a new set of players to fill your lineup. This is an exciting format that takes away a lot of the stress that goes with season-long fantasy leagues.

For those not familiar with DraftKings’ format, you are awarded a total budget of $50,000 to fill a roster of nine players (QB, RB1, RB2, WR1, WR2, TE, FLEX (RB/WR/TE), K and DST). You must pick players from at least two different NFL teams that represent two different games that week. The scoring rules are similar to most PPR scoring leagues, but you can check out the details over at DraftKings for more information there.

Now that we’ve gotten the introductory information out of the way, here’s the most valuable DraftKings lineup for Week 5.

Quarterback

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers ($8,400)

I honestly never would’ve believed you if you had told me in August that Rivers would be the fourth best fantasy quarterback by Week 5. I’d probably even call you insane. But sure enough, Rivers is indeed the fourth best with an impressive 92.9 total points through four weeks, and is currently third in the league in points-per-drop back with 0.62.

This week, Rivers is lucky enough to face the Oakland Raiders and their -13.7 pass coverage grade, which is sixth worst in the league currently. So far this season, the Raiders are allowing 237 passing yards per game and have given up a total of 75 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, which is eighth most in the league. All of the writing is on the wall for Rivers to have a highly productive day.

Running Back

Darren Sproles, New Orleans Saints ($5,600)

Last week we saw Reggie Bush go to town against the Bears defense, which currently ranks fifth-worst in run defense with a -16.4 grade. Sproles is currently the 11th-best fantasy ‘back in standard leagues with 48.5 points and sixth in PPR leagues with 71.5 points. The Saints offense is starting to really click and Sproles has always been a dangerous and favorite weapon of Sean Payton, so look for him to be targeted early and often against the Bears’ lackluster defense.

Danny Woodhead, San Diego Chargers ($5,400)

Woodhead has been creeping up the fantasy standings slowly this season as the Chargers start to work him into the offense more and Ryan Mathews continues to struggle. Woodhead had his biggest week yet last week against Dallas, finishing as the sixth best fantasy ‘back with 20.6 points in standard-scoring leagues. He’s now ranked 19th-overall in standard-scoring leagues with 37.1 total points and 12th in PPR with 59.1. If the high-level production continues, Woodhead is a must-start, especially against the Raiders, who are giving up just under 13 points-per-game to running backs this year.

Wide Receiver

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions ($8,800)

What more is there really to say about Johnson at this point? He’s the fifth-best fantasy receiver so far this year with 55.2 total points and already has five touchdowns, which is more than he had all year last year.

Sunday Johnson goes up against the Green Bay Packers’ 28th ranked pass coverage unity, currently sporting a -14.5 grade and giving up the seventh-most receiver yards-per-game with 322. Green Bay has also surrendered 91 total fantasy points to opposing wide receivers so far this season, which is 14th most in the league. Plus, it’s worth noting that Sam Shields will be matched up against Johnson for most of the game, which doesn’t bode well for the Packers, as he’s currently ranked 65th in coverage with a -2.2 grade. Look for Johnson to eat, and eat well, this week.

James Jones, Green Bay Packers ($5,700)

Jones is averaging 8.9 fantasy points-per-game so far this season, and should be in for a big day against Detroit. The Lions are ranked fifth in pass coverage with a +4.1 grade, but there’s a very strong chance they will be without standout rookie corner Darius Slay, as well as free safety Louis Delmas, which will open up a lot of big play opportunity downfield for Jones. At just $5,700, he’s a great value as your WR2.

Tight End

Brandon Myers, New York Giants ($4,100) 

Myers is currently the 16th-best fantasy tight end, with a total of 23.3 points this season. The Giants are 0-4 and desperate to right the ship. Luckily for them, they play the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend. The Eagles currently rank second-to-last in pass coverage with an abysmal -24.7 grade and are giving up 325 passing yards-per-game. Look for everyone to get involved in this one, meaning Myers could break TE1 territory for the week.

Flex

Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders ($5,000)

With Terrelle Pryor good to go for this weekend’s matchup, Moore is a tremendous value at just $5,000. The Chargers are giving up 28 fantasy points-per-game to wide receivers this season, which is the fourth most in the league. They’re also ranked 30th in pass coverage with a -21.4 grade. With Darren McFadden hobbled by injury and possibly out for the game, Moore will see a ton of targets as the team’s No. 1 receiver.

Kicker

Greg Zuerlein, St. Louis Rams ($3,300) 

This one is kind of a no-brainer. The Rams play the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend, which means there will be a ton of opportunity for Zuerlein to put up points, and he’s a steal at $3,300.

Defense and Special Teams

St. Louis Rams ($3,700)

Basically the same reason I picked Zuerlein. The Rams defense is a great value at $3,700 and should have a field day against the Jaguars terrible offense.