Are you looking for the perfect flex to put into your lineup? Do not worry, as I have you covered with the top-five flex plays each week. The formula is simple. I look at running backs and wide receivers starting with the RB25/WR25 and dig deeper. I use FantasyPros ADP and its PPR.
Running Backs
James White
We saw what White did last week against the Jets when he caught six passes for 49 yards and finished as the RB25. Now, White has a tastier match-up with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville allowed four receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown to the Houston Texans running backs on eight targets.
AJ Dillon
The Packers cleared the road for Dillon when they released Jamaal Williams. Expect Dillon to fill that role and perhaps even more. Last week, he got four carries, and Aaron Jones received five. Dillon also received two targets and caught a pass. None of these numbers are representative of the Packers offense. Expect a heavier role for all running backs against the Lions. The 49ers ran on them for a total of 131 yards, two scores on 28 carries.
Latavius Murray
The running back in Baltimore is a tricky one. Not only have they rotated out their backs over the last few seasons, but things haven’t changed even though JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards are lost for the year. The Ravens went out and brought in Devonta Freeman, Latavius Murray, and Le’Veon Bell. They also have Ty’Son Williams. Murray out-carried Williams and Murray just signed on September 10th. Williams seems to be the big-play guy. The one you want to get into space while Murray is carrying the heavier load. What is missing is what role Bell will have? He should be minimal, and Murray will be relied on. The Chiefs didn’t support the run very well and gave up 153 yards to the Browns.
Wide Receivers
Jarvis Landry
He led the wide receivers in receptions and tied for targets. He caught all five of them for 71 yards. Seems as those are typical numbers for the annual 80+ receptions wide receiver. Now, he has the Houston Texans, and they gave up 319 yards to rookie Trevor Lawrence. Landry may not have the ceiling you will want out of the starters, but he gives you a safe floor at your flex spot.
Nelson Agholor
Agholor has a reputation for dropping passes, but many don’t know that he has been a top-35 WR in two of the last three seasons. Against a tough defense in Miami, Agholor caught five of seven targets for 72 yards and a touchdown. He now has the Jets, who allowed six receptions for 80 yards to DJ Moore and a 57-yard TD to Robby Anderson.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
There won’t be many weeks I recommend putting MVS in your lineup. Still, it’s nearly automatic when the Packers face the Lions. Interestingly, the deep threat that Valdes-Scantling is caught three passes for 17-yards against the Saints. Surprisingly, he didn’t drop eight of those eight targets. Green Bay’s offense was off-sync against New Orleans. Still, the Packers should rebound against the Lions, especially since DB Jeff Okudah is out for the season with a torn Achilles.
Tim Patrick
Unfortunately, Jerry Jeudy suffered an injury and will be out for several weeks. Patrick was active last week against a good secondary of the New York Giants. He recorded four receptions for 39-yards and a touchdown. Now, the Broncos have the Jaguars this week. Expect some fireworks from the deep threat as Jacksonville allowed 291 yards to the Texans wide receivers in Week 1.
