This article is part of our DraftKings NFL series.
A few weeks ago, we ventured into the PPR spectrum with an article called PPR specialists. The feedback was fantastic on that piece, so we wanted to build on that by evaluating some PPR sleepers for the opening weekend of play on DraftKings.
I have created two separate categories of sleepers based on DraftKings' salary cap. First, we'll focus on PPR sleepers in the $4,000-$5,000 range. For the latter half of the article, our focus will be deep PPR sleepers – These are the low-cost options you can plug in when taking a stars-and-scrubs approach with your DraftKings lineup.
PPR Sleepers ($4,000-$5,000)
Rashad Jennings ($5,000) - Jennings is facing a tough Lions run defense in the opening week, but his value won't come through the running game. After spending much of his career as a backup, Jennings has been handed the starting job for the Giants. He has been a solid backup for players like Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden, and Jennings done a decent job filling in when called upon, especially with Oakland last season. Jennings is good catching the ball out of the backfield, which is why he makes a solid sleeper choice on DraftKings this week. The first game he started in relief of McFadden last year, Jennings had eight receptions for 71 yards. He had at least two catches in eight of his ten games started and grabbed just short of 1,000 yards rushing on the season last year. With Eli Manning having that tough Detroit front attacking him all Monday night, he'll look to dump the ball off under pressure to his running back. Jennings is a prime candidate for 15 carries, five catches, and a touchdown making him a must use as the 27th ranked running back on DraftKings.
Emmanuel Sanders ($4,800) - DraftKings salaries were released around a month ago. At that time, Sanders was in the middle of the pack for wide receivers. A strong preseason showing and the absence of Wes Welker (suspension) has elevated Sanders to the No. 2 receiver spot for the Broncos. Sanders has the opportunity to catch at least six passes with 100 yards and a touchdown in what will be a high-scoring affair against the Colts. With a terrible Indy defense being focused on the Demaryius and Julius Thomas, Sanders will be looking at single coverage all night.
Deep PPR Sleepers ($3,000-$4,000)
Jordan Matthews ($3,800) - Matthews was fantastic last year while playing at Vanderbilt, and he has found himself in a great situation entering his rookie campaign with the Eagles. This elusive rookie will play the slot receiver role for one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. Over his final two seasons at Vanderbilt, Matthews recorded some astonishing numbers, totaling 206 catches for 2,800 yards and 15 touchdowns. Matthews should be a reliable source of receptions and contribute consistently in that category throughout the season. It remains to be seen if he'll get the multitude of snaps he needs. This opening game against the Jaguars is a good spot for him to get some early reps and possibly make an impact. As long as the snaps are there for Matthews, he'll be a solid source of production, especially at his current salary.
Andre Caldwell ($3,000) - There's a divide in the fantasy industry on whether it will be Andre Caldwell or Cody Latimer taking over the No. 3 wide receiver spot for Denver while Welker is suspended. I'm giving the edge to Caldwell. He has worked with Peyton Manning over the past two seasons, so there's more familiarity between the two than Latimer offers. The best part about Caldwell is that he is the cheapest value you can pay for a wide receiver on DraftKings.
Miles Austin ($3,800) – Injuries have caused Austin's stock to take a nosedive the past couple seasons. And while injuries remain a huge concern for his long-term outlook, Austin is currently healthy. He's not the same player we saw in Dallas during his heyday, but Austin will get the opportunity to serve as the Browns' No. 1 wide receiver while Josh Gordon is serving his suspension. This is bound to be the cheapest you'll ever see a No. 1 wideout listed, making him worth some consideration in Week 1.
Travis Kelce ($3,200) - Kelce's stock has risen astronomically since these prices were originally created about a month ago. This first week may be Kelce's breakout, as the Chiefs will be without suspended Dwayne Bowe for their opener. Kelce is one of those big-bodied (6-6, 260) tight end specimens that quarterbacks fall in love with. He faces off against a Tennessee defense that struggled against tight ends last year, ranking 27th in the league for fantasy points allowed at the position, and his size makes him a legitimate threat in the red zone. Consider Kelce for your tight end spot if you're looking to go cheap at the position.
