QB Case Keenum, Denver Broncos
Any upgrade at quarterback is great news for the Broncos offense and Keenum is certainly a better option than the uninspiring three-headed committee of last year. He completed 25 of 39 passes in Week 1 against a still dangerous Seahawks secondary, tossing 3 picks and 3 touchdowns in the process. Keenum is a safer option at home this week against a talent-deficient Raiders defense that only played well in the first half of Monday night’s opener due to adrenaline. Oakland was pantsed by the Rams receivers on crossing patterns and Keenum should find Emmanuel Sanders all afternoon on similar routes.
RB Matt Breida, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers couldn’t keep rolling under Jimmy Garoppolo on the road against an elite Vikings defense, but should turn things around in a hurry at home against the lowly Lions. Detroit was abysmal in Monday night’s opener against the Jets, making rookie Sam Darnold look like a seasoned veteran. The Lions ranked 28th in DVOA run defense and coughed up the fourth-most receiving YPG (51.7) to opposing RBs last season. Uninspiring plodder Alfred Morris drew the Week 1 start with Jerick McKinnon (knee) done for the year, but managed just 38 yards and lost a fumble on 12 carries. Breida turned 12 touches into 51 yards and is by far the more dynamic back and a better pairing with Jimmy G in a pass-heavy approach.
RB Philip Lindsay, Denver Broncos
Heading into the season, many speculated whether rookie Royce Freeman or third-year RB Devontae Booker would lead the Broncos backfield. Well, Philip Lindsay came out of nowhere to 17 touches into 102 yards and a TD in a narrow win over the Seahawks to complicate matters. The undrafted product of Colorado College is a priority waiver wire add and a great value option in DFS contests against a porous Raiders defense that coughed up 140 rushing yards to the Rams in Week 1. Oakland ranked 27th in DVOA pass defense against opposing RBs last season and Lindsay has separated as the Broncos best receiving back after a stellar training camp and impressive NFL debut.
WR Ted Ginn Jr., New Orleans Saints
The Saints are always an offense to target at home and they’re very likely to exceed their expected team total of 29.25 points against the Browns weak defense. Cleveland ranked 26thin DVOA pass defense and coughed up the sixth-most passing touchdowns (28) last year. After catching 5-of-6 targets for 68 yards and a TD, while seeing 78 percent of offensive snaps, Ted Ginn Jr. is clearly entrenched as the Saints No. 2 WR and that’s a role that should continue to bear fruit as defenses sell out to try and stop Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas.
WR Quincy Enunwa, New York Jets
Rookie quarterbacks often target tight ends and in the case of Sam Darnold, the Jets hybrid TE/WR has become a security blanket. Quincy Enunwa led the Jets with 10 targets during Monday night’s beatdown of the Lions, and he secured six of those looks for 63 yards and a touchdown. Miami was solid in pass defense on the perimeter last season, but ranked 23rdin DVOA pass defense against slot receivers and 28th against tight ends. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Enunwa is a bigger target than many interior receivers and that makes him a reliable option.
TE Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
This is a deep sleeper to consider if you have essentially no options at TE heading into Week 2. While Dallas Goedert failed to impress in the box score with one catch for nine yards in his NFL debut, he made a great grab in the end zone on a ball that was out of bounds and therefore uncatchable. The 6-foot-5, 256-pound size/speed freak has already become a favorite of the Eagles coaching staff and he could find room to operate against Tampa Bay’s loose Cover 2-based scheme. With Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) and Mack Hollins (groin) doubtful, the Eagles should run a lot of “12” personnel featuring multiple tight ends in this matchup.
