Fantasy: Week 5's top daily fantasy football value plays
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Every Friday for the balance of the NFL season, theScore managing editor James Bisson takes a comprehensive look at the best daily fantasy value plays. Values are based on DraftKings' DFS offering, in which players are given a $50,000 budget with which to build a nine-player team (1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB/WR/TE FLEX, 1 DST).
Quarterback
Peyton Manning, DEN (vs. ARI, $9,200)
It's amazing what an extra week of rest has done for Manning over the years. The future Hall of Famer has averaged 277 yards with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions over his previous four post-bye games - and the yardage total could have been higher had the Colts not run up the score in a one-sided win over St. Louis in 2009. Denver hosts an Arizona pass defense that is formidable, but should struggle to contain Manning and his well-rested arsenal of pass-catching weapons.
Others to consider: Eli Manning, NYG (vs. ATL, $7,500), Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (@ JAC, $7,400), Philip Rivers, SD (vs. NYJ, $7,000), Austin Davis, STL (@ PHI, $5,600)
Running Back
Bishop Sankey, TEN (vs. CLE, $4,700)
It appears the Titans - and head coach Ken Whisenhunt in particular - finally have faith in the highly touted second-round pick. Sankey has seen a steady increase in touches since the start of the season, and has responded with 95 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries over the past two weeks. With the passing game scuffling and Shonn Greene not the answer as the feature back, Sankey is a sneaky value play Sunday against a Cleveland defensive unit allowing a whopping 5.2 yards per carry.
Others to consider: Le'Veon Bell, PIT (@ JAC, $7,300), Rashad Jennings, NYG (vs. ATL, $5,500), Chris Ivory, NYJ (@ SD, $3,100), Ka'Deem Carey, CHI (@ CAR, $3,000)
Wide Receiver
Kelvin Benjamin, CAR (vs. CHI, $4,800)
The physically imposing rookie has posted three strong games so far this season, including five catches for 76 yards and a touchdown last time out against the hosting Ravens. Benjamin and quarterback Cam Newton clearly have a solid rapport - and with the Carolina run game in complete shambles, Newton knows he needs Benjamin more than ever. Expect another terrific showing Sunday against a suspect Bears secondary that has surrendered 1,001 passing yards and seven touchdowns through four games.
Others to consider: Antonio Brown, PIT (@ JAC, $8,100), Brian Quick, STL (@ PHI, $5,900), Keenan Allen, SD (vs. NYJ, $5,800), Emmanuel Sanders, DEN (vs. ARI, $5,100), Allen Robinson, JAC (vs. PIT, $3,000)
Tight End
Travis Kelce, KC (@ SF, $3,000)
Expect to see Kelce faded plenty this weekend depending on the kind of contest you're playing. But if you're looking for a locked-in budget-friendly tight end option, Kelce is your guy. Fresh off a sensational showing against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football, Kelce is expected to see plenty of targets against a San Francisco defense that will almost certainly look to stop the run - and has done so with great success this season. Those of you playing 50/50s should start Kelce without hesitation.
Others to consider: Martellus Bennett, CHI (@ CAR, $6,000), Jordan Cameron, CLE (@ TEN, $4,400), Delanie Walker, TEN (vs. CLE, $4,300), Austin Saferian-Jenkins, TB (@ NO, $3,000)
RB/WR/TE Flex
Jimmy Graham, NO (vs. TB, $7,600)
Graham is a must-add for anyone looking to hit a grand slam - and particularly those who already have Kelce in the tight end slot. Graham should feast on a Buccaneers secondary that has been decimated by opposing quarterbacks, who have completed 75.8 percent of their passes for 1,090 yards and eight touchdowns. The Saints have been one of the most dangerous teams at home over the years - particularly on the offensive end; Graham may not be the best play in daily fantasy Sunday, but he should be top-3.
Others to consider: DeMarco Murray, DAL (vs. HOU, $7,500), Giovani Bernard, CIN (@ NE, $6,700), Victor Cruz, NYG (vs. ATL, $5,800), Marques Colston, NO (vs. TB, $5,400), Andrew Hawkins, CLE (@ TEN, $3,500), Markus Wheaton, PIT (@ JAC, $3,300)
D/ST
Seattle Seahawks (@ WAS, $4,200)
Yes, the price is steep as far as Defense/Special Teams go. And no, the Seahawks haven't done much to warrant the valuation. But consider the facts that the defending-champion Seahawks are coming off a bye week, playing in the national spotlight Monday against a Redskins team that looked completely lost last week against the New York Giants, and Seattle suddenly becomes an attractive play. People have been waiting for the Legion of Boom's breakout game. Wait no longer.
Others to consider: Detroit Lions (vs. BUF, $3,800), Pittsburgh Steelers (@ JAC, @3,500), New Orleans Saints (vs. TB, $2,500)