We can roster the Jets’ QB Sam Darnold for $5,000 on DraftKings this week, but I’ll say no thanks to that. Instead – like we did last week – we’ll focus on running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends for our under $5K DFS value plays.
Josh Kelley, Chargers RB ($5,000)
Kelley looks to be ridiculously underpriced this week after carrying the ball 23 times and catching two balls last week against Kansas City. Rather than cede the spotlight to Austin Ekeler, it appears that Kelley will share the workload. This week, the Chargers face the Panthers and their terrible run defense.
Jerick McKinnon, 49ers RB ($4,900)
San Francisco’s running back corps gives off the appearance of a MASH unit, with Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman both out with knee injuries. McKinnon will take over this week and should easily be one of the best DFS value plays available as part of Kyle Shanahan’s run-heavy offensive scheme.
Curtis Samuel, Panthers WR ($4,000)
Samuel’s value may lay in the fact he’s equally talented as a rusher as he is as a pass-catcher. Although Mike Davis will start in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey on Sunday, Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady said he wants to get Samuel more involved in the offense. That could mean more carries for Samuel, who’s toted the ball 36 times in his three-plus seasons in the NFL, or catches out of the backfield.
Darius Slayton, Giants WR ($4,900)
I will go back to the well this week with Slayton, who disappointed in Week 2, catching three of five targets for just 33 yards. That game feels like an anomaly, as Slayton looks to be a bigger part of the Giants’ offense. This week’s opponent, the 49ers, surprisingly rank just 28th in the league against the wide receiver position in DFS.
Hayden Hurst, Falcons TE ($4,700)
Hurst’s Atlanta debut may have been uneventful, but his second game against Dallas showed more of his potential. He snagged five of eight targets for 72 yards and a TD for 18.2 DFS points on DraftKings. The Falcons play a Bears defense this week that has been weak against the tight end position the first two games of the season. Hurst should be one of the best DFS value plays on the slate.
