Moving onto Week 5 of the 2023 season, and we are going to give you some DraftKings bargain bin plays for the week. These are plays that are on the ultra-value/ GPP contrarian side. So generally avoid these plays in cash game lineups, but in GPPs- especially big fields go for it!
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Joshua Dobbs v CIN ($5,200)
Entering the season, Arizona were a consensus favourite to “win” the race for USC QB Cabel Williams and be the first team on the clock in the 2024 NFL Draft. On the same day Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon confirmed Kyler Murray would remain on the PUP and miss at least 4 games, the organisation cut ties with veteran play-caller Colt McCoy, the man who had taken almost all first-team reps through the pre-season – leaving only career back-up Joshua Dobbs and 5th round rookie Clayton Tune in the QB room. Five weeks later and Joshua Dobbs has firmly established himself as the team’s top option under centre as well as a viable fantasy asset for your lineups. Dobbs faced off against Dallas in week 3 and the 49ers last week, two of the top three defenses in the NFL, and over the two contests Dobbs put up 454 yards for 3 TDs and no INTs as well as adding 93 yards on the ground. He gets to face off against a much friendlier Cincinnati Bengals unit this week at home. At only $5200, Dobbs could return excellent value against a Bengals team who bled 400 total yards to the Titans in week 4.
Zach Wilson @DEN ($4,900)
Can I interest you in the best performing quarterback from last week’s Jets v Chiefs game for under $5000? No, I’m not talking about Patrick Mahomes, but Zachary Kapono Wilson of the New York Football Jets. Wilson could consider himself unfortunate to be on the losing side last week, and despite taking accountability for the loss, it wasn’t on him. That said, do I think the No.2 overall pick from 2021 will be the saviour of the Jets’ Rodger-less season; no…but can he be an excellent option at QB this week for DFS; oh yes. Wilson passed on the Chiefs for 245 yards, 2 TDs and ZERO INTs – this week he goes against the 32nd ranked Denver Broncos, and although those numbers are still skewed by the brutal week 3 loss in Miami, the Broncos are a favourable matchup for quarterbacks. At $4900, rostering Wilson allows so much cap to pay up at WR on a strong slate – he’s a potential great value play.
Jaleel McLaughlin v NYJ ($5,000)
The stage was set perfectly for Javonte Williams last week as the 0-3 Broncos got to travel to Chicago to face a Bears team, also winless, who had been decimated for 375 yards and 8 total touchdowns by Miami’s backfield the week prior. Despite Williams leaving the game early due to a hip injury, the math checked out as undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin totalled 104 total yards and a score in replacement of the injured starter. Samaje Perine will be in the mix, and there’s a chance Williams may still suit up for week 5, but at $5000 McLaughlin could find himself as the starter against a Jets defense who surrendered 157 total yards and a TD to Isiah Pacehco on Sunday night.
Jaylen Warren v BAL ($4,900)
The Steelers running back position hasn’t been the most bountiful of options for fantasy managers so far this season, with neither Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren managing to find the end zone through 4 games. Whilst Warren continues to see modest opportunities on the ground – with 8 in each of his last 2 outings – it is his consistent involvement in the passing game that gives him a weekly edge over Harris, particularly in PPR formats. Warren has seen 22 targets on the season, hauling in 17 of those for 122 yards, and with starting QB Kenny PIckett potentially missing out this week, Warren could see an even greater number of looks coming his way from backup Mitchell Trubisky if the former No.2 pick looks to check down under pressure.
Ronnie Rivers v PHI ($4,600)
This is a “break glass in case of emergency” pick, with said emergency being the possibility of Kyren Williams not playing as the Rams host Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon. Williams has dominated the LA backfield since Cam Akers headed to Minnesota, with the sophomore back rushing for 103 yards and 2 TDS on 25 carries in his latest outing, last week in Indianapolis. The workload may be taking its toll on Williams however as he was held out of Wednesday’s practise as a “precaution”, according to coach Sean McVay. Back-up Ronnie Rivers’ usage increased from 0% in week 3 to 27% in week 4, with the second-year back totalling 47 yards on his 9 carries, as well as bringing in both his targets for 10 yards. Should Williams miss out, or see a limited workload, Rivers stands to be the main beneficiary – even against a stout Eagles defense. At only $4900 he is a sneaky steam at the position this week.
Michael Wilson v CIN ($3,700)
Since week 2 against the Giants, Cardinals rookie wideout Michael Wilson has caught 100% of his targets from Joshua Dobbs, resulting in 12 catches for 218 yards and 2 TDs. Encouragingly over 50% of those receptions came in last week’s defeat in San Francisco, with Wilson proving he is more than simply a “big play” guy, hauling in TD grabs of 16 yards and 8 yards either side of half-time to bring the Cards to within a score of the impressive 49ers. Marquise Brown remains the WR1 in this better-than-expected Cardinals passing game, however Michael Wilson clearly has established a rapport with Dobbs and will look to continue to capitalise on his increasing role in this offense as Arizona hosts the struggling Bengals this weekend.
Braxton Berrios v NYG ($3,600)
There are a number of reasons to be wary of Berrios after coming off his impressive week 4 showing against the Buffalo Bills:
– Jaylen Waddle wasn’t 100% healthy in that game and will be more like his normal self come Sunday
– Berrios himself is tending to a knee injury and is a limited participant in practise
– With 6, Berrios somehow led the team in targets ahead of both Waddle and Tyreek Hill
And of course, probably the biggest indictment on the former Jet…
– He wears the No. 0 jersey (insert vomit emoji).
All of the above aside, the former Miami Hurricane is the clear wide receiver 3 for the Dolphins with River Cracraft currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and Robbie Chosen yoyo-ing on and off the practice squad. The competition for targets from Tua Tagovailoa is fierce, but there should be plenty of looks to go around as Miami hosts the Giants in week 5. Berrios is a major dart throw, but at only $3600, he is a great option to roster a part of this explosive Dolphins offense.
Rashee Rice @MIN ($3,600)
A 2nd round pick from SMU, wide receiver Rashee Rice is already making an impression in Kansas with the rookie currently sitting as Patrick Mahomes’ 2nd favourite target behind some unknown TE who is dating Taylor Swift. Rice has seen 26.4% of the WR looks in the Chiefs’ opening 4 games but has only managed to turn that volume into 13 receptions and 140 yards. KC travels to Minnesota this week to take on a Vikings team that are ranked 32nd against WRs, allowing on-average over 220 yards to the position each week. Rice clearly has the trust of both Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, reflected in the number of opportunities he is receiving, even as a rookie. Expect the former Mustang to exploit Minnesota’s generous secondary for a breakout day this weekend.
Wan’dale Robinson @MIA ($3,000)
After suffering a season-ending ACL tear in week 11 of his rookie season, Wan’dale Robinson has quickly picked up where he left off in the Giants passing attack, seeing games of 5 and 6 targets from Danny Dimes since his return in week 3. The G-Men are struggling in the absence of Saquon Barkley, and a trip to Miami, who torched Denver for 70 points in week 3, is the last thing Brian Daboll would be wanting to face in their attempt to avoid a third consecutive defeat. In that game however we did see Marvin Mims tote an impressive 73 yards on only 3 receptions, as well as adding a 99 yard kickoff return TD. Miami can be beaten with speed and elusiveness, something Wan’dale has in spades; for a position minimum of $3000, he’s a high upside dart throw.
Tyler Conklin @DEN ($3,200)
“Sit down son and let me tell you the story of how a Zach Wilson and Tyler Conklin stack won me $1 million on DraftKings back in 2023”. Ok, that may be a little far fetched, but Conklin is Zach Wilson’s second favourite target behind only Garett Wilson, seeing over 16% of all passing attempts from the Jets backup QB. Conklin recorded a respectable stat line of 4 receptions for 58 yards in Sunday’s loss to Kansas City and will look to improve on that in a favourable matchup against the Broncos at Mile High on Sunday. Anyone outside of Kelce, Hockenson and Andrews feels like a risky play on this slate and at $2300 cheaper than the lowest priced of those 3, Conklin is worth rostering…especially in a Jets stack.
Jonnu Smith v HOU ($2,900)
Every target the former Titan and Patriot receives from Desmond Ridder feels like a personal attack on Kyle Pitts’ fantasy managers. After registering 0 receptions on 0 targets in week 1, Smith has since seen 20 in the following three weeks compared to fellow tight end Pitts’ 18. In Smith’s defence, he is far more productive with his looks than the former No.4 pick, amassing 179 yards through weeks 2-4…over 100 yards more than Pitts. Arthur Smith loves Tight Ends, so it should come as no surprise the former TE Coach for the Titans is rather fond of namesake Smith, his former TE for the Titans. Rostering any Falcon outside of Bijan is not an attractive proposition, but at only $2900, Jonnu is a nice play in PPR formats with TD upside.
Arizona Cardinals v CIN ($2,800)
What’s wilder than a Zach Wilson/Tyler Conklin stack? How about a Desmond Ridder/Michael Wilson/Cardinals DST triple stack? The Bengals have been awful thus far in 2023; Joe Burrow is clearly still suffering from the calf injury he re-aggravated in week 2 against the Ravens, and the entire offense is suffering because of it. In 4 games this season, the No.1 pick in 2020 has eclipsed 250 yards only once…just. I’m not looking too much into the 35 points given up to the 49ers last week, CMC and co have put up at least 30 against everyone this season so that seems the benchmark against San Fran…Arizona can bounce back here at home and confine the Bengals to a 1-4 start.
Tennessee Titans @IND ($2,400)
The Titans are fresh off a week 4 performance that saw them hold the above-mentioned Joey B and the Cincinnati Bengals to only 3 points and 211 total offensive yards. How much of that was down to the Titans defense, and how much was down to the Bengals offense could be debated. Whilst it is entirely possible to pass on Tennesse, this is a unit ranked 3rd against the run which could cause problems for Zach Moss and free-wheeling QB Anthony Richardson. There are whispers that star RB Jonathan Taylor could see snaps in this one after his stint on the PUP; could that disruption to the backfield aid the Titans in some way…those rostering at $2400 will hope so.
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Image Credit: Jay Biggerstaff – USA TODAY Sports
