DraftKings Week 5 Slate Breakdown with Cash and GPP Picks

Oct 05, 2017

Each week, I’ll give my overall DraftKings cash game and tournament strategy thoughts, and discuss how players fit into these strategies. By offering a general approach to the week, along with a player pool to consider, you should walk away feeling well-equipped no matter your bankroll strategy or game selection process.

Main Slate Cash Game Strategy

The two major decision points in building cash games this week are where to punt and whether or not to jam in two of the stud running backs. Rostering more than one running back priced at $8,000 or higher looks to be the highest floor play, but it isn’t for the faint of heart. Trusting in this process means there will be at least one player on your roster who doesn’t fit the prototypical cash game, narrow range of outcome mold. On the other hand, a lineup with a “safe” play in every spot might look nice, but it could lack the firepower to keep up with competing DFS players who were willing to take a risk at one of the more volatile positions.

Quarterback

Dak Prescott ($6,800) is a home favorite in the only game on the main slate with an over/under of at least 50 points, making him the top-projected value at quarterback. Dallas passes at a below-average rate, but with over 20 yards per game on the ground himself, Dak offers some rushing floor and his 5.6% touchdown rate suggests added efficiency and consistency. While the Cowboys are a run-first team, Dallas has actually thrown more than the average once they reach the red zone. This may not be as much of a slam dunk spot as it looks, though—Green Bay has allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards in the league and they rank seventh in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. With a spread of just two in this game, Aaron Rodgers ($8,100) is the clear QB1 on the main slate, but his price may be too prohibitive to the overall makeup of an entire roster. His floor is almost impossible to match, though. Taking the biggest discount available at quarterback is always a viable option on DK and Brian Hoyer ($4,700) is the preferred play for anyone looking to pay down. The Colts have allowed the third-most yards per attempt to opposing passers and rank 27th in quarterback aFPA.