The Houston Texans head to the Kansas City Chiefs to open the NFL season Thursday night in a game expected to have a lot of offensive firepower. That should make for some high-scoring DFS teams during Thursday night contests on DraftKings and FanDuel. Obviously, you must play the QBs, Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Let’s look at five payers who could provide good value for lower salaries to help round out your rosters.
Sammy Watkins, Chiefs WR ($5,800 on DK, $9,000 on FD)
Watkins proved very volatile in 2019, usually enjoying monster games or seeming to disappear on the field. He gained less than 50 yards receiving nine times in 17 games. But it’s hard to forget that opening game against the Jaguars in which he caught nine balls for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Granted, Watkins benefited from Tyreek Hill being hurt, but he showed in the playoffs he could still put up nice DFS numbers, averaging more than 14 DFS points per game in the postseason.
Mecole Hardman, Chiefs WR ($5,200 on DK, $7,500 on FD)
While Hardman only caught 30 balls for 567 yards and six TDs in 2019, averaging just 6.7 DFS points per game on DK, experts anticipate more from him in 2020. The second-year player is expected to improve upon that rookie campaign by being involved in more two-receiver sets, and seeing the field more as a third wideout.
Randall Cobb, Texans WR ($4,200 on DK, $8,500 on FD)
Cobb looks to be Watson’s primary slot receiver this season, which should provide him ample opportunity for receptions, particularly key on DraftKings and its point-per-reception format. The former Cowboy could roll up a high DFS score Thursday night if the Texans pass frequently, as expected.
Jordan Akins, Texans TE ($3,200 on DK, $5,000 on FD)
While Akins usually blocks, he surprisingly led Houston in tight-end targets in 2019 with 55. That likely makes him a better value than fellow Texan tight end Darren Fells, who is priced slightly higher.
Darrel Williams, Chiefs RB ($1,800 on DK, $6,000 on FD)
While Clyde Edwards-Helaire will likely handle the bulk of the rushing duties for Kansas City, it’s possible the coaching staff will choose instead to give Williams more-than-expected carries in a platoon situation. At the very least, if the Chiefs dominate as anticipated – oddsmakers favor them by 9.5 points – then Williams could get decent time on the field late in the game on Thursday night, even if he doesn’t split carries with Edwards-Helaire.