Mario’s Optimal DraftKings DFS Lineup: Week 5
12-game Sunday Slate
*Note: Christian McCaffrey is trending up, but it is still unclear as to whether he will suit up and play this Sunday vs the Eagles. As a bonus this week, I have produced another lineup with CMC included in the event that he does play. This lineup will be posted without analysis at the bottom of this article.*
START/SIT ASSIST | TRADE CALCULATOR
QB Kirk Cousins vs Detroit Lions
$6,500
BOOM target: 19.5 pts
We can expect for most DK lineups this week to include either Dalvin Cook or Alexander Mattison to exploit the Lions’ league worst run defense. The thing is, Detroit is nearly as bad against the pass. I want to take it the other way and use the QB/WR stack as opposed to the RB. In the two games vs the Lions last season, Cousins averaged 313 yards passing on 68% completions, 7 passing TDs, 0 turnovers, and a 27.6 pt fantasy average. With that high of a floor vs Detroit, Captain Kirk has an excellent chance to hit his BOOM target. You like that?!
RB Derrick Henry @ Jacksonville Jaguars
$9,000
BOOM target: 27.0 pts
Once again King Henry graces our DK lineup with his presence. We may be happy to see Derrick’s name up here, but the Jaguars sure won’t be happy seeing #22 line up across the field from them. The last time Henry carried the rock vs the Jags, he rushed for 215 yards and 2 TDs. Since a slow Week 1, Henry has been electric, and we continue to ride the hot hand. 120 yards and 2 TDs will be what is needed to hit the BOOM target, and that seems very feasible for the king.
RB Saquon Barkley @ Dallas Cowboys
$7,300
BOOM target: 21.0 pts
Barkley has seen increased usage each game this season, and can expect a heavy workload this week against Dallas in a game where the Giants’ offense will have to keep pace with a Cowboys’ offense that is top 5 in the NFL in most categories. The Cowboys’ defense may lead the league in takeaways, but don’t be fooled. They still are in the bottom third of the league in yards allowed. Even if the game script pushes the Giants away from running the ball, Saquon will be heavily targeted in the passing game like last week against New Orleans. It’s possible that even without a TD, he could still hit his BOOM target with his receiving prowess.
WR Adam Thielen vs Detroit Lions
$6,600
BOOM target: 19.8 pts
Thielen is the second piece to the Vikings stack this week vs the Lions. Thielen had his touchdown streak broken last week in a surprisingly low scoring affair against Cleveland, but he should be right back to his normal self vs the lowly Lions, who are near the bottom of the league in every defensive category. With the Lions focusing the little defensive talent they have on the running game and Justin Jefferson, Thielen should have plenty of field to work with.
WR Hunter Renfrow vs Chicago Bears
$4,900
BOOM target: 14.7 pts
I could not pass up Renfrow at this price. He has at least 5 receptions in each game this season, and has found the endzone each of the last two weeks. The former Clemson WR is nearly uncoverable out of the slot, and Carr looks his way often, especially on 3rd downs. Renfrow should be able to sit in the open area in the middle of the field while Carr picks apart this Chicago defense. He is averaging 14.9 fantasy points this season, so hitting the BOOM target shouldn’t be a problem.
WR Laviska Shenault vs Tennessee Titans
$4,800
BOOM target: 14.4 pts
I suspect this is the last week that Shenault will be priced this low. It was only one game, but after the early departure of Chark with an ankle injury, Shenault took advantage of the extra looks from Lawrence. The Jags’ do-it-all WR put up 6 receptions for 99 yards, his highest receiving total to date, and still maintains his weekly rushing touches. The Titans are the worst defense in the NFL vs the pass, and it’s entirely possible that even the rookie Lawrence (who is looking better each week) can carve up the defense in front of the home crowd.
TE Dalton Schultz vs New York Giants
$4,400
BOOM target: 13.2 pts
Schultz is the other side to Barkley of the DAL vs NYG game stack. I am appalled to find the Cowboys’ TE at this low of a price considering his recent production. He has become a favorite target of Prescott, putting up at least 6 receptions in three of four games this season, and 3 TDs the last 2 games. Schultz continually finds himself open with defenses having to focus on Dallas’ other weapons. Fire up Dalton with confidence.
FLEX WR Quintez Cephus @ Minnesota Vikings
$4,300
BOOM target: 12.9 pts
Cephus is the other side of my game stack between MIN and DET. The 2nd year WR has been hit or miss this season, but is coming off of a 4 reception for 83 yard game last week vs Chicago. The Vikings will most likely put up points in bunches, and Cephus should get plenty of opportunities with Goff having to sling it to keep up.
D/ST Philadelphia Eagles @ Carolina Panthers
$2,200
BOOM target: 6.6 pts
With the salary left, I fire up an Eagles D that has given up 42 and 35 points in the last 2 weeks, respectively. However, Cox and Hargrave have been a wrecking crew in the middle of the line, and the Panthers gave up 5 sacks and 2 interceptions to the Dallas defense last week. We can hope for similar production from the Eagles D this week.
*Alternate Lineup if CMC plays*
QB Kirk Cousins
RB Derrick Henry
RB Christian McCaffrey
WR Adam Thielen
WR Hunter Renfrow
WR Laviska Shenault
TE Dalton Schultz
FLEX WR Curtis Samuel
DST Jacksonville Jaguars
RANKINGS | WEEK 5 | DYNASTY |
