Lets be clear, this is a listing of solid plays for the FLEX! You will not see OBJ, Fournette, or Adam Thielen on this list. This list also is not for those of you playing in 8 team leagues. This is not for the only 2 guys that did research in their home league where Tom Brady went in the first round. If you are playing in a competitive league with a deeper roster, this Bud's for you!!!
Without further ado, Flex Strong and Prosper!
Matt Breida @ Tamp Bay Buccaneers
In 2018 Matt Breida was 1 part electric, 1 dash of elusive, and a dallop of injured. While we may remember Breida for being about as consistent as Dennis Rodman's personality... He also averaged 4.8 YPC, almost 9% of his carries went for big runs, and had an 87% catch rate. The man is dynamic with the ball in his hands.
As of right now he is actually listed ahead of Tevin Coleman on the depth chart. Realistically though, they will probably have a close to equal opportunity share on the season. Week 1 against a Tampa Bay squad who will likely be scoring a ton of points coupled with a colander styled defense, I'm picking Breida as a top benefactor in the San Francisco offensive attack.
Jordan Howard Vs. Washington Redskins
The Eagles have to be in the conversation for most potent offense in the NFL. The Skins will likely be vying for the number one pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Look for Philly to gain a healthy advantage early, give J How a few shots at the goal line, and then lean on him to grind out the clock in the latter stages of the game.
Miles Sanders has the hype and will certainly get his chances, but I expect the veteran to get the mileage in what will be a high percentage pick in Survival leagues to start off the season. This is what Eagle's brass sought in obtaining Howard's services during the offseason. I am enthralled with Sander's talent as much as consensus. Still, I fully expect Howard to beat the over on the 15 touch mark and to make a trip past the pylons at home against Washington.
Michael Gallup Vs. New York Giants
Amari Cooper just resumed practicing after spending the better part of September nursing plantar fascitis. Jason Witten is 37 years old and fresh off retirement. Ezekiel Elliot has not participated in team activities for over 2 months. Randall Cobb is... a Cowboy.
Michael Gallup meanwhile has spent the offseason acquiring positive reviews and building rapport with Dak Prescott. With Cole Beasley out of the picture 87 targets are up for grabs and Gallup is fit to seize the lion share of those vacated looks. The giants were 23rd in points allowed and 24th in yardage allowed and lost their strongest asset in the secondary (Landon Collins) in the offseason.
Gallup will feast exploiting the likes of rookie CB Deandre Baker and Jabrill Peppers while Janoris Jenkins is occupied with Amari Cooper.
Dante Pettis @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Don't allow the offseason negativity and shrouds of cryptic negativity push you away from giving Pettis the green light for your flex spot. Despite Shanahan's preseason cynicism towards Pettis, less than a week before game time Dante is sitting as the number one on the San Francisco WR depth chart.
Pettis has elite, yes ELITE, separation ability and will be squaring up against a group of Buccaneers defensive backs that could only force 2 interceptions in 2018. Meanwhile, the Buc's offense was 12th in the league in scoring piling up over 6,500 total yards. This means the Kyle Shanahan led offense will need to stay aggressive and look towards the man they look to lead their corps of Wide receivers in 2019.
Emmanuel Sanders @ Oakland Raiders
The Defensive mind of Denver HC Vic Fangio lends itself to a run first, stout defense type of game plan. In 2 WR sets Emmanuel Sanders will be seeing a sweet matchup in PFF's 55.8 graded Daryl Worley, perhaps the weakest line of defense in the Oakland secondary.
After an impressive preseason performance I found myself buying Sanders shares in droves. Don't forget, Sanders was a top 10 WR fairly deep into the 2018 season before injuries derailed his high end of year trajectory.
The Raiders are a candidate for most improved offense in 2019. At some point Flacco is going to have to start chucking the ball in this contest. Look for him to lean on the veteran route runner as a safety blanket who still can occasionally take the top off of the defense.
DK Metcalf Vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Ok, to be fair, I view DK more of a guy to keep a close eye on this week. I do however have a league in which I refer to my unit as the "all risk team". It was a VERY early draft and now I am stuck with AJ Green and Melvin Gordon on the same squad. So, I do have a league where I am giving him the nod. If you are thin, I repeat... ONLY if you are thin, take a chance on Metcalf in week 1.
All it takes is one massive play for a guy to become a great play in the flex. With a 40 time, speed, and burst score all above the 97th percentile, Metcalf can absolutely be that man. Overcoming adversity with a minor offseason knee surgery to be named as a starter, Metcalf will have every opportunity to shine against 2018's 32nd ranked Bengals pass defense.
Rashaad Penny Vs. Cincinnati Bengals
YES! I am picking on the Cincinnati D! No doubt, Chris Carson is the starter and in line for the more robust week 1 stat line. In what may end up being the most run heavy offense in the league, Russell Wilson is likely to hand the ball off 30 to 40 times in competitive game scripts
Chris Carson only handled over 20 carries on 5 occasions last season and around 22 touches seems like a likely projection in his first week of action. I really believe this game will be closer than most prognosticators and say that Penny will see somewhere in the ballpark of 12 carries and 4 targets. Against a warm butter defense, Penny can easily turn that into a 12 to 16 PPR point event.
A poor showing in preseason can quickly make us forget Penny averaged almost 5 yards per carry in his inaugural season and that he may turn out be the better pass catching RB in this system.
Deep Options / Big rosters 14 Plus Leagues
- Greg Olsen: I know, I never flex TE's. But hes healthy and facing a Rams offense where the Panthers are going to need to have all their pass catchers involved. Even in an injury maligned year, in his few appearances, Cam leaned on Olson as a safety valve and redzone option in 2018.
- I like Tyrell William's. Chris Harris will likely be tasked more often with Antonio Brown. William's will be the recipient of single coverage from the less talented DB. Tyrell's big play ability makes him a savvy choice for your flex. (this one really isn't super deep).
- Justin Jackson. Sure, it's Not the greatest matchup. I actually have a healthy respect for Darius Leonard, Malik Hooker, and the colts D. But I think this is going to be much closer to a 50/50 timeshare with Ekeler than most believe. Jackson should get some early down work and in a competitive offense get some goal line opportunities.