Draftkings Week 2 Pricing Early Look

This is the first look at DraftKings prices and some situations that stood out. A more detailed analysis will be up later this week.

Quarterbacks:

Kyler Murray ($7,500):

It was a poor performance for Murray in week 1, but he can bounce back in what could be another shootout game against the Raiders. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Murray at his best, but when he’s on he can outscore anyone. I wonder if his ownership will be depressed given the poor game he’s coming off of. If so I will like him even more.

Derek Carr ($6,200):

The interceptions were a problem in week 1, as were some of the passes in the Red zone that were just out of the reach of his receivers. Carr came very close to a 300+ and 3 or 4 TD day last week. He now faces a Cardinals secondary that was burned badly by the Chiefs. I like Carr at a reduced price in a game that should be one of the highest scoring of the day.

Carson Wentz ($5,800):

Wentz was one of the highest scoring QBs on the slate, and has another quality match-up versus the Lions’ defense. The Commanders’ offense is filled with play-makers right now, and if Washington is smart they will continue to let Wentz throw the ball at a high rate. His receivers were getting opened constantly and they are going to pose a problem for even some of the better defenses in the league. This is a game that could see a lot of points scored, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Wentz puts up another 25-35 point game.

Tua Tagovailoa ($5,400):

Tugovailoa’s fantasy day wasn’t that impressive with just 270 yards and 1 TD, but they weren’t pushed much by New England’s inept offensive showing. Playing against the Ravens, this game could be a bit of a high-scoring affair. If Miami continues to pass at this rate, Tua will have some big fantasy days ahead. In a week with most of the top QBs off the slate, it’s a good time to take a shot at an upside QB.

Running Backs:

Saquon Barkley ($7,300):

Barkley had a fantastic week 1 and gets an amazing week 2 match-up versus the Panthers’ defense that could stop any of the Browns running backs. Barkley will see massive ownership, but he is probably pretty good chalk this week.

Joe Mixon ($7,200):

Mixon’s fantasy line was just above average, but his usage was spectacular in week 1. He unfortunately was just a bit unlucky in not getting the bonus or a TD or two. In week 2 that could change, particularly if the Bengals build a lead versus the Cowboys who will be without Dak Prescott.

D’Andre Swift ($7,000):

This game is one of my favorites to target because I think both defenses have some serious questions. The Commanders lost their top rotational defensive tackle for the season, and starter Jonathan Allen is dealing with a groin injury and might not be 100% (if he plays). Swift tore through a very tough Eagles defensive front and could have a better opportunity here. Even with Jamal Williams stealing two goalline TDs, Swift was one of the top RBs of the week.

Antonio Gibson ($6,200):

Gibson should continue to be Washington’s primary back and a weapon out of the backfield. He gets to face a Lions defense that gave up 216 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. Gibson has a chance to put up a 25-30 point day if he can get the bonus and maintain his passing game involvement.

Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5,100):

If you want to save some money, Jeff Wilson will probably be the 49ers’ lead back at a pretty low price. It’s risky because San Francisco will use Trey Lance and Deebo Samuel in the backfield, but you also could get 18-24 touches at $5,100 here. Seattle’s run defense didn’t look strong in week 1, so if the 49ers get a lead Wilson could rack up the carries.

Wide Receivers:

Davante Adams ($8,600):

Adams is just as much an Alpha WR in Vegas as he was with the Packers. He had 17 targets in week one and now faces a Cardinals secondary that has some major concerns. Regardless of price or ownership, you should look to get him in your line-ups.

Tyreek Hill ($7,100):

The Dolphins were pretty aggressive throwing the football in week 1, which is very promising for both Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Tua looked pretty good, and in a game versus the Ravens, Hill could be one of the top plays of the week. This game could have some shootout potential, and Baltimore’s secondary already has some injury concerns.

Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6,500):

St. Brown had a nice day versus the Eagles which have one of the better secondary’s in the league on paper. He now faces a Washington defense that just gave up over 100 yards to the Jaguars slot receiver Christian Kirk. This game has sneaky shootout potential and the Commanders’ defense is missing some key players.

Courtland Sutton ($6,100):

Sutton’s first game with Russell Wilson wasn’t as good as expected, but Sutton made some nice plays on his 7 targets. I’d look for the Broncos to come out of the gate early attacking a questionable Texans defense.

Robbie Anderson ($5,300):

Anderson had the big play TD but also had a nice 8 targets. With a reasonable price and facing a weak Giants secondary, Anderson is the type of big play WR to target in tournaments.

Jahan Dotson ($4,200):

Though Curtis Samuel led Washington in targets, Dotson (and McLaurin) were on the field more. Dotson got limited targets, but that is likely to change going forward. In addition to proving himself with two great TD catches, he was consistently getting open. One play early in the game Wentz overthrew him and he was wide open for a big gain. With a Lions team that got beat by a smooth route runner in A.J. Brown, I like taking a shot at an underpriced Dotson who has some similar talent.

Tight Ends:

Darren Waller ($5,600):

Waller will be the most popular TE on the slate, but this is probably pretty good chalk. The Cardinals were shredded in week 1 by Travis Kelce, and now they face another top TE in Waller. Waller was good in week 1, catching 4 for 79 yards on 6 targets. He also had an end zone target that was close. He might be 30% owned, but there is not a lot to love with TE this week.

Zach Ertz ($4,500):

Ertz only had 2 catches on 4 targets, but he found the end zone last week. He was dealing with an injury that was a bit of a game-time decision. Hopefully, he’s back to full health this week, as the Cardinals look to get right versus a Raiders team that has some holes in their passing defense. This game has some shootout potential, and Hopkins remains suspended. Rondale Moore may miss time again, which should help Ertz get more involved if he’s healthy.

Hayden Hurst ($3,600):

Not much value stands out at TE, but Hurst got 8 targets last week. With Tee Higgins may be out again, Hurst could remain highly involved in the passing attack. It’s not a great match-up and I wouldn’t expect the Bengals need to throw a lot, but 7-9 targets are possible if Higgins is out.

Defense:

Cleveland Browns ($3,700):

The Browns’ defense helped carry them to a win vs the Panthers, and they could be in line for another strong performance in week 2. Joe Flacco put up 300 yards passing, but for the most part, they were pretty empty. This Jets offense is still a work in progress, so the Browns could limit their production. I’d also expect multiple sacks and Cleveland’s front looked very strong versus the Panthers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3,300):

Tampa’s defense was one of the few bright spots from their Sunday Night Football game, and they face a match-up vs a Saints offense that struggled some week one. Jameis Winston took 4 sacks against the Falcons, so the Bucs’ defense could have a field day. New Orleans has some issues to work out along their offensive line, and Winston didn’t seem to move as well as he did before the injury last season.

Miami Dolphins ($2,300):

The Dolphins were the 2nd highest scoring defense in week 1 Main slate, but come in at a lower price with an expected tough match-up vs the Ravens. Lamar Jackson is a top QB, but he also takes a fair number of sacks and hasn’t been as good with protecting the football. I like the Dolphins’ defense as a cheap play in a game where Miami’s offense could put some pressure on the Ravens in a shootout.