How are we all doing? Don't forget about today's London game. That usually messes with at least a few sleepy managers. Anyway, here's my DFS 50/50 Lineup of the Week. As some of you brave people observed, last week's lineup hit big: #2 on my slate, #1 on some of yours. Three of my picks were huge busts. But the key was hitting the jackpot on five 23+ point scorers, including breakout-waiting-to-happen Tyreek Hill. Remember, DFS isn't about settling for "good" players. We want as many high-floor, high-ceiling options as possible. Yesterday I offered six, plus three dart throws. This week it's more of the same:
QB Kirk Cousins ($7,500) -- Simply safe. Cousins has a great floor against a sub-par Detroit defense and should rebound after last week’s tough slog against the must better Cleveland defense.
RB Derrick Henry ($10,400) -- I have warned readers repeatedly about the historical impact of 350+ touches on RBs the following season (23% average productivity decline). Henry is on pace for 540 touches this year, which would smash the NFL record. But in Week 5, fire him up despite his hefty price tag. And in regular leagues, please sell high before it’s too late.
RB Leonard Fournette ($6,400) -- This feels like a three-TD day for Fournette, doesn’t it? Miami has been reeling since Jacoby Brissett took over for the injured Tua Tagovailoa early in their second game. No doubt, the Bucs will be merciless, and Fournette still hasn’t reached the endzone. That will change soon.
WR Davante Adams ($8,200) -- Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s injury removes one obstacle to Adams flooding the box score with catches, yards, and touchdowns. Not that he needs it. Adams can dominate at any time. Last week was Randall Cobb's turn. Today it's Adams'. I’d bet on an 11-125-2 line.
WR Laviska Shenault Jr. ($5,800) -- Two days ago I traded Kenny Golladay for Shenault in a deal that could go either way. But I need a win this week, and Shenault has a much higher floor and a comparable ceiling. At this DFS price, he’s a highly probable bargain.
WR Jaylen Waddle ($5,400) -- Back to the Bucs-Dolphins game: Miami will be playing catch-up, and Waddle is arguably their most talented receiver. He’s caught an incredible 25 of 30 targets (83%), which has shades of vintage Michael Thomas. His target share should improve with Will Fuller sidelined could reach epic proportions if DeVante Parker (questionable) is forced to sit.
TE Mike Gesicki ($5,600) -- See “Anthony Waddle.” Gesicki is finally getting the QB attention he deserves. 20 targets between Waddle and Gesicki is not a farfetched expectation.
WR Jakobi Meyers ($5,900) -- 26 targets in his last two games. I like his odds with the Patriots' running game struggling.
DST Buccaneers ($4,800) -- A slight hedge after taking two Dolphins. But realistically this unit could net three turnovers and six sacks. They might end up being the highest-scoring DST of Week 5.
Good luck today.
QB Kirk Cousins ($7,500) -- Simply safe. Cousins has a great floor against a sub-par Detroit defense and should rebound after last week’s tough slog against the must better Cleveland defense.
RB Derrick Henry ($10,400) -- I have warned readers repeatedly about the historical impact of 350+ touches on RBs the following season (23% average productivity decline). Henry is on pace for 540 touches this year, which would smash the NFL record. But in Week 5, fire him up despite his hefty price tag. And in regular leagues, please sell high before it’s too late.
RB Leonard Fournette ($6,400) -- This feels like a three-TD day for Fournette, doesn’t it? Miami has been reeling since Jacoby Brissett took over for the injured Tua Tagovailoa early in their second game. No doubt, the Bucs will be merciless, and Fournette still hasn’t reached the endzone. That will change soon.
WR Davante Adams ($8,200) -- Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s injury removes one obstacle to Adams flooding the box score with catches, yards, and touchdowns. Not that he needs it. Adams can dominate at any time. Last week was Randall Cobb's turn. Today it's Adams'. I’d bet on an 11-125-2 line.
WR Laviska Shenault Jr. ($5,800) -- Two days ago I traded Kenny Golladay for Shenault in a deal that could go either way. But I need a win this week, and Shenault has a much higher floor and a comparable ceiling. At this DFS price, he’s a highly probable bargain.
WR Jaylen Waddle ($5,400) -- Back to the Bucs-Dolphins game: Miami will be playing catch-up, and Waddle is arguably their most talented receiver. He’s caught an incredible 25 of 30 targets (83%), which has shades of vintage Michael Thomas. His target share should improve with Will Fuller sidelined could reach epic proportions if DeVante Parker (questionable) is forced to sit.
TE Mike Gesicki ($5,600) -- See “Anthony Waddle.” Gesicki is finally getting the QB attention he deserves. 20 targets between Waddle and Gesicki is not a farfetched expectation.
WR Jakobi Meyers ($5,900) -- 26 targets in his last two games. I like his odds with the Patriots' running game struggling.
DST Buccaneers ($4,800) -- A slight hedge after taking two Dolphins. But realistically this unit could net three turnovers and six sacks. They might end up being the highest-scoring DST of Week 5.
Good luck today.