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 one-point PPR.
Running Backs
Latavius Murray
Murray works in a crowded backfield with Ty’Son Williams, Devonta Freeman, and Lamar Jackson. However, he has been solid even with a lack of carries. Murray has only 19 attempts in two contests and hasn’t done much with them 64-yards (3.3 ypc). What he has done are score touchdowns. Murray has one in each game, and those numbers should improve against a weak Lions defense. Detroit gives up 113.5 yards per game to the running backs, which is 15th. Murray is the RB36 through two weeks.
J.D. McKissic
McKissic was invisible in Week 1 as he had just one carry for eight yards. He also was targeted once, and it didn’t result in a reception. However, that was with the strong-arm of Ryan Fitzpatrick. In Week 2, McKissic looked like he did last season as he caught five balls for 83-yards and got a cheap touchdown. His quarterback in the contest was dump-off specialist Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke returns, and I suspect McKissic’s pass-catching role continuing.
Kenneth Gainwell
The rookie has surprised many and is eating into the volume of Miles Sanders. Gainwell has pushed Boston Scott to the curb, is third among rookie running backs in points through two weeks (17.5), and might move to second if Elijah Mitchell is not active. At this point, Gainwell is the RB39 overall.
Wide Receivers
Devonta Smith
Smith was outstanding in Week 1 when he caught six passes for 71 yards and a touchdown on eight targets against Atlanta. Week 2 was a different story as his production dropped to two receptions for 16-yards, but he was still targeted seven times. In sum, that is an 8-87-1 stat line and good enough for a WR35. He is fourth among rookie wideouts. Smith faces the Cowboys in a tasty matchup on Monday Night Football.
Kenny Golladay
Golladay hasn’t been spectacular or even solid in his first two weeks. In Week 1, he caught four passes for 64-yards on six targets and followed that up with three catches for 38-yards. He hasn’t scored a touchdown, but that will come, and this may be the week that he does. The Giants face Atlanta, and they are the 24th worst defense in the NFL against the pass. Golladay is the WR66 on the season.
Rondale Moore
Moore has looked solid as a rookie. In Week 1, he caught four passes for 68 yards, but his Week 2 contest saw him go for a 77-yard touchdown but also caught seven balls for 114-yards on eight targets. Moore is the highest-producing rookie wide receiver with 35 points and is currently the WR17 and faces the Jaguars. Jacksonville is 18th overall against the pass.
Tim Patrick
Patrick’s volume hasn’t been the greatest, but Patrick has done well with what he is given. Patrick has scored in each game and has brought in seven of his eight targets for 76-yards. He is a WR36 on the season and should continue to get work as long as Jerry Jeudy is on the mend. Denver faces the Jets this week, and they are third in passing defense. However, that is due to teams having the lead and running on them than their actual strength.
