SteemKings
Each week I'll roll out two lineups and talk about the reasons why I selected some of the players here:
QB: Derek Carr (Raiders)
New Orleans may have improved its defense a bit, but I'll believe it when I see it. Last year, they gave up over 410 yards a game through the year, and ranked at or near the bottom in just about every significant defensive category. I'm rolling with Carr in both lineups.
RB: Eddy Lacy (Packers), Lamar Miller (Texans), Ezekiel Elliot (Cowboys), Spencer Ware (Chiefs)
The top three running backs are all in the $7k range and deservedly so. We'll see how Ezekiel operates without Tony Romo behind center, but I expect good things against the Giants. Lamar Miller is filling some big shoes in Houston, but they needed to be filled and Lamar seems poised to have a big, big year given Bill O'Brien's offense. I also see a big bounce-back year for Eddy Lacy in Green Bay. Spence Ware is a bit of a sleeper as he'll be in a time share against the Chargers, but I'm hoping he has a huge game as he tries to wrestle away the top job.
WR: Keenan Allen (Chargers), John Brown (Cardinals), Michael Crabtree (Raiders), Amari Cooper (Raiders), DeAndre Hopkins (Texans)
DeAndre Hopkins is hedged against Lamar Miller, in case he has the big day, instead. Keenan Allen may get a lot of touches, but the Chiefs defense is always scary. Crabtree and Cooper should be a big part of Carr's huge day and are must starts, in my opinion. Finally, the Patriots typically take away a team's top option, in this case Larry Fitzgerald, so Brown should get some serious opportunities against my team.
TE: Martellus Bennett (Patriots)
At only $3400, Bennett is a no-brainer with Gronk on the sidelines. He should play a big role in Jimmy G's offense this week.
Flex: Travis Benjamin (Chargers), Charcandrick West (Chiefs)
We don't really know how Benjamin will look on the Chargers, but I have a feeling that he will become Philip Rivers' new best friend. Rivers has a cannon for an arm and I think Benjamin is the perfect player to fit this team's need for someone who can stretch the field. Benjamin has slick hands and runs quick, short routes, as well. I'd be disappointed with anything less than 12 pts this week. West should be in the mix with Ware, since Charles looks to be ruled out, so he's hedged alongside Spencer just in case he's the one with the big day.
Defense: Packers, Titans
Tennessee is at home, against Minnesota. I like their chances to have a decent enough game. The Pack is at home against Jacksonville, not really too much concern there.
Good luck out there! Don't gamble what you can't lose.
Post your picks below if you think I'm gonna get rekt.
