Here to provide you with the best matchups and players as you set your Fantasy Football DFS lineups for Week 1.
Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) catches a pass for a touchdown over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL and fantasy football are back and will get underway in a few long (8:30 pm EST is going to take forever to get here) hours. With so many players changing teams, dealing with injuries and playing in different schemes it can be difficult to gauge who is a “good play” for DFS lineups. With that said, difficult does not mean impossible.
This week and every week we will breakdown each position into three separate categories using both FanDuel and Draft Kings pricing.
At the end, I’ll provide you with two lineups (one for FanDuel and one for Draft Kings) and give you the best teams to stack.
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) carries the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterbacks
High-tier
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $8,500/DK $7,900) – In seven out of the Seahawks final nine games in 2015 (including playoffs) Wilson managed to throw three touchdowns or more. Miami’s secondary is weak and their No. 2 cornerback, Xavien Howard, is a rookie who missed the entire preseason with an injury. By the end of this one, Dolphin fans will be crying the name “Wilson” like Tom Hanks in Castaway.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $9,000/DK $8,000) – After a so-so 2015 season, the Packers offense is poised to bounce back. Green Bay will see the return of wide receiver Jordy Nelson, the addition of TE Jared Cook and Eddie Lacy’s body is now more brawny than blubbery. The Jaguars added a lot of young and talented pieces to their defense during the offseason but it’s going to take awhile for them to gel.
Mid-Tier
Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $7,700/DK $7,300) – Last season the Saints defense gave up the most touchdown passes in the NFL and the second-most passing yards. Carr on the other hand, threw multiple touchdown passes in 11 out of 16 games in 2015. He also threw over 275 yards in nine out of 16 games. I shouldn’t have to rattle off any more stats to make you feel good about this one.
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts (FD $7,400/DK $7,200) – People may forget or not even know Stafford was stellar during the second half the 2015 season. In the Lions final six games, he threw 17 touchdowns to just one interception. In 2015, the Colts defense finished 24th in passing yards per game and that was with All-Pro cornerback Vontae Davis. Unfortunately for the Colts (and lucky for you) Davis will miss Week 1 with an ankle injury.
Low-tier (Value)
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants (FD $5,000/DK $5,000) – In case you’re new to DFS and need to know how inexpensive Presott is, he costs the same as quarterback Jake Coker. If you didn’t know, Coker doesn’t even even belong to a NFL team. The Giants upgraded their defense during the offseason so it’s hard to say he has a good matchup. However, playing with Dez Bryant and behind the best offensive line in the NFL, he’s worth the gamble at this price.
Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs after a pass reception against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Running Backs
High-tier
Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $8,900/DK $7,800) – In 13 games last year, Gurley ran for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns which was good enough to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The 49ers finished 2015 giving up the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL.
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans (FD $8,200/DK $7,600) – At the moment, the Vikings aren’t sure who their starting QB will be on Sunday. Peterson has scored 102 total touchdowns in 120 career games. When you combine these two factors, should you expect Peterson to get in the end zone while he flirts with 30 total touches.
Mid-tier
DeAngelo Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins (FD $7,100/DK $7,000) – Williams is kind of a mid-to-high tier player. However, he was one of the best fantasy football RBs last season when Le’Veon Bell was out and on Monday, Bell’s out. This makes him great value.
Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $6,600/DK $5,600) – I already told you how bad the Saints pass defense was but did you know the run defense was just as bad? They allowed the second-most rushing yards in the NFL last season. They drafted Alabama’s DT Sheldon Rankins to fix that problem. However, he was put on IR with a broken fibula. Just like Rankins fibula, this defense is broken. Attack it.
Low-tier (value)
Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers (FD $5,400/DK $4,400) – Jamaal Charles is likely to miss Week 1 while he still recovers from his torn ACL. The Chargers defense gave up the sixth most rushing yards in 2015 and the first most during the preseason. Ware is backend RB1 but at the cost of a backup RB.
Christine Michael, Seattle Seahawks vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $4,800/DK $3,700) – Even though Michael blew up during the preseason, there was some doubt about his Week 1 workload. However, it now appears as if Thomas Rawls is going to receive limited snaps and touches. Michael should out-touch Rawls by a large margin. At this price, there’s a lot of upside.
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 29: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson
Wide Receivers
High-tier
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins (FD $9,300/DK $9,800) – You ever hear the term “matchup proof”? That’s Brown. He can single handedly help you win some money. If you don’t have him in your lineup, it could end up costing you. With that type of upside, you find a way to get a guy like that in your lineup.
DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans, vs. Chicago Bears (FD $8,400/DK $8,800) – Hopkins is an elite talent in a great matchup. The Bears upgraded their defense during the offseason but their secondary remains suspect. Not to mention, starting CB Kyle Fuller does not appear likely to play in this one.
(Note: No I do not believe Odell Beckham Jr. is worth the price (FD $9,100/ DK $9,300) of admission. In two games last season, Beckham combined for nine receptions for 79 yards against the Cowboys. I’m not saying he can’t or won’t go off but If I’m paying top money for a guy, I want a little better track record.)
Mid-tier
DeSean Jackson, Washington Redskins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (FD $6,600/DK $6,100) – Jackson appears to be 100% healthy after battling a hamstring injury last season. He takes on a Steelers secondary that is questionable at best. if QB Kirk Cousins picks up where he left off in 2015, these two could do some serious damage on Monday Night Football.
Amari Cooper (FD $7,100/DK $7,200) & Michael Crabtree (FD $6,100/DK $5,500) vs. New Orleans Saints – I love both of these guys going up against the Saints. This might be a situation where you “get what you paid for” as I anticipate Cooper having a bigger game. With that said, if you can’t afford Cooper, Crabtree makes for a excellent play at his price.
Low-tier (value)
Marvin Jones Jr., Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts (FD $5,500/DK $4,600) – As I told you before with Matthew Stafford, the Lions have a great matchup against a poor Colts secondary. Jones is a lot cheaper than teammate Golden Tate but in all honesty, I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t outperform Tate in terms of value and on the stat sheet.
Tajae Sharpe, Tennessee Titans vs. Minnesota Vikings (FD $4,800/DK $3,000) – Even as a fifth-round rookie, Sharpe is a real threat to lead all Titans WRs in targets, receptions and receiving yards. The Titans traded away Dorial Green-Beckham, released Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright is going to miss the game. Don’t be shocked if sees double-digit targets on Sunday.
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 26: Coby Fleener
Tight Ends
High-tier
Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (FD $7,400/$6,600) – In four of the Redskins final five games (including playoffs) Reed manage to score a touchdown and totaled six during that span. The Steelers had just as much trouble covering tight ends as they did wide receivers last season. The Cousins to Reed connection should be in full effect on Monday.
Mid-tier
Coby Fleener, New Orleans Saints vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $5,400/DK $4,900) – ESPN’s Mike Triplett reported Fleener is still adjusting to the Saints playbook and offense. However, any tight end who is catching passes from Drew Brees has the ability to go off any week. At his cheap price tag, he’s worth taking a chance on.
Low-tier (value)
Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins (FD $4,500/DK $3,400) – No Martavis Bryant, Le’Veon Bell, Heath Miller or Ladarius Green. Somebody has to catch the passes in the Steelers pass-heavy offense. James is well worth the gamble and plus, you don’t ever turn your back on a guy named “Jesse James.”
Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) runs with the ball after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
D/ST
High-tier
Seattle Seahawks vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $5,000/DK $3,900) – Miami has to travel to Seattle to take on their swarming defense and the 12th Man. Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey and 2015 first-round pick WR Devante Parker don’t look like a good bet to play. Ryan Tannehill‘s protection and weapons are downgraded in this one. Also, don’t be surprised if Tyler Lockett takes one to the house on a punt return.
Mid-tier
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $4,800/DK $3,300) – The Eagles defense is off to a promising start under new DC Jim Schwartz. During the preseason, they forced the most interceptions and allowed the fewest rushing yards. The Browns are…well, the Browns. So yeah…
Low-tier (value)
Cleveland Browns vs Philadelphia Eagles (FD $4,000/DK $2,3OO) – Let’s get crazy. The Eagles are starting a rookie QB who is coming off an injury. Peyton Manning threw three interceptions in his first NFL start so will anyone be shocked if Carson Wentz does the same?
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) celebrates 22 yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Reed (86) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Lineups
FanDuel
QB – Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks ($8,500)
RB – Spencer Ware, Kanas City Chiefs ($5,400)
RB – DeAngelo Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers ($7,100)
WR – Marvin Jones Jr., Detroit Lions ($5,500)
WR – Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders ($7,100)
WR – Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers ($9,300)
TE- Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins ($7,400)
K – Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers ($4,700)
D/ST – Seattle Seahawks ($5,000)
Remaining Money – $0
Draft Kings
QB – Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders $7,300
RB – Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs $4,400
RB – Todd Gurley, LA Rams $7,800
WR – Marvin Jones Jr., Detroit Lions $4,600
WR – Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders $5,500
WR – DeAndre Hopins, Houston Texans $8,800
TE – Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers $3,400
FLEX – Christine Michael, Seattle Seahawks $3,700
D/ST – Seattle Seahawks $3,900
Remaning Money – $600
Stacks
Oakland Raiders (Derek Carr, Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree)
Detroit Lions (Matthew Stafford, Golden Tate, Marvin Jones Jr.)
Houston Texans (Brock Osweiler, Lamar Miller, DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller)
Seattle Seahawks (Russell Wilson, Christine Michael, Doug Baldwin)
Washington Redskins (Kirk Cousins, Jordan Reed, DeSean Jackson)
Pittsburgh Steelers (Ben Roethlisberger, DeAngelo Williams, Antonio Brown, Jesse James)
*I don’t recommend starting all of the players in the same stack but instead, recommend you use a combination of them at your own discretion.
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