NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 5 – TE & DEF/ST
The tight end position is already thin, but Week 5 is especially bad if you are playing the main Sunday afternoon slate in DFS. Travis Kelce and George Kittle both won’t be available, leaving us without two of the top options. With that in mind, here are some players who are still worth considering, as well as some defenses/special teams to target. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NFL Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
TIGHT END CASH TARGETS
Zach Ertz, PHI vs. NYJ
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,000
After posting eight touchdowns in back-to-back seasons, Ertz is still looking for his first score of 2019. On the plus side, he’s already received 38 targets, catching 24 of them for 255 yards. He’s going to remain one of their top receivers moving forward, so it’s only a matter of time before he finds his way back into the end zone. With the Jets having already allowed 70 points across three games, this is as favorable of a spot as any for Ertz to record his first touchdown. Even if he doesn’t, his target share still leaves him with a high floor.
Evan Engram, NYG vs. MIN
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,800
Evans had a relatively quiet performance by his standards last week, registering four receptions for 54 yards versus the Redskins. He still received seven targets, leaving him with 37 across four games. Golden Tate will return from his suspension this week, so he’ll eat into some of the targets for Engram and Sterling Shepard moving forward. However, with Saquon Barkley (ankle) still out, the Giants are likely going to lean enough on their passing game to leave Engram with another productive stat line.
TIGHT END GPP TARGETS
Dawson Knox, BUF at TEN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $3,100
The Bills selected Knox with the 96th overall pick in the 2019 draft, hoping that he can emerge as their tight end of the future. He’s been on the field for at least 53.9 percent of their offensive plays through each of their first four games, topping out at 65.1 percent in Week 4. While he doesn’t have any gaudy stat lines yet, he does have at least three catches and 58 receiving yards in back-to-back contests. Since he doesn’t cost much on either site, he’s at least worth considering in tournament play.
Tyler Eifert, CIN vs. ARI
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,300
It’s been an ugly 0-4 start for the Bengals that has been marred by injuries and poor play from their offensive line. Not only are they missing A.J. Green (ankle), but John Ross (shoulder) also went down last week and is now on IR. That could lead to an expanded role for Eifert, who has been able to remain healthy in the early going. The Bengals limit his snap count to try and keep him from going down again, but he has received five targets in three of their four games. With the Cardinals being destroyed by opposing tight ends this season, Eifert is a viable target.
DEF/ST CASH TARGETS
New England Patriots at Washington Redskins
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,300
This has the potential to be an epic blowout. The Patriots look poised to make another Super Bowl run while the Redskins are still just trying to settle on a starting quarterback. The Patriots’ offense isn’t the only part of the team to be excited about since they have only allowed 27 points through four games, not all of which were given up by their defense. Regardless of who starts at quarterback for the Redskins, the Patriots have arguably the highest floor of any defense on this slate.
Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,800
This might not be as crazy of a mismatch, but the Raiders are still facing an uphill battle in this game, especially on offense. The Bears have allowed the second-fewest points (45) in the league behind the Patriots, which is even more impressive when you consider two teams have already had a bye. They have also recorded the third-most sacks (17), which could spell trouble for Derek Carr and company.
DEF/ST GPP TARGET
Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,100
Even though the Bills lost to the Patriots last week, they held them to 16 points. In fact, the Patriots’ only touchdown came on a blocked punt that was returned for a score. The Bills have allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (196.5) and will now face one of the more erratic quarterbacks in Marcus Mariota. If you’re looking to fade the most expensive options, rolling with the Bills could be a risk worth taking.
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.