Since making the switch to how we approach out game-by-game analysis articles — namely, focusing on the undervalued and overvalued players — we have been much more aggressive in how we build our lineups — and how they are analyzed in this particular column. With one-quarter of the season already behind us and a more firm grasp on what we could expect from players across the league, we have a solid set of targets for this week that hit across all levels of the salary scale.
Based on our expected Week 5 DFS game flow analysis and Week 5 DFS Overview published earlier, we can carry our thoughts into actual lineup positions. The long list of players that fit the requirements set forth by the projected flow of the game was cut dramatically by the requirements set forth by salaries.
Below are Sporfolio’s DFS Week 5 Plays:
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes – It goes without saying that Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense are not operating at the level we are accustomed to seeing. While that is clear to everyone, Mahomes is still averaging 250 passing yards, two touchdowns, and nearly 40 yards rushing per game for a solid 21.7 fantasy points per game. Show us another quarterback that is averaging that production while he and his offense are “struggling” — there are none. This week, Mahomes and the Chiefs get to take aim at a Vikings defense that has largely struggled in the early stages of the season. Add in the fact that the Vikings offense always has the potential to turn any game into a track meet, and this game is played indoors, and you are looking at possibly the highest scoring game of the main slate. People are understandably down on the Chiefs offense at the moment, but this is a great week to pay the premium for the league’s best quarterback.
Desmond Ridder – There’s no other way to put it. If Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is going to keep his job, he will have to start producing. To date, he has four games under his belt and has failed to break double-digit DraftKings points in three of them. That is unacceptable for his position. The good news, however, is that he has a salary that is equally unacceptable. The risk-reward with Ridder is outrageous, and his ceiling only rises when we consider that he can add fantasy points with his legs — he is not an elite runner, but his 22.38 fantasy point day involved ten rushing attempts and a rushing touchdown. The problem is that his floor is as shaky as anyone in the league, and it’s possible that he is removed from his position by halftime. Using Ridder in a lineup on Sunday is not for the faint of heart. That’s also why it could work.