At long last, our first taste of non-preseason NFL football in seven months. A big shoutout to the Lions for showing the world they’re no longer “the same Lions” (Philly lost a good one in C.J. Gardner-Johnson by the way). I don’t care that the Chiefs didn’t have Travis Kelce and Chris Jones, they’re the defending Super Bowl champs for crying out loud!
Thankfully, the full NFL slate is ahead of us, with 15 matchups to go in Week 1. Starting today, I’ll be here every week giving you guys the best bargains when setting your DFS lineups to help give you the best bang for your buck! (all salaries courtesy of DraftKings)
QB: Sam Howell, Washington Commanders ($4,900, QB24 at cost)
The second-cheapest QB you can possibly plug into your lineups, Howell and the Commanders have the best possible matchup against a Arizona Cardinals team that’s expected to be the worst in the NFL.
After trading 25-year old Isaiah Simmons – who still has his best football in front of him – for the measly cost of a 7th-round pick to the Giants, it’s obvious the Cardinals are “tanking.”
With star WR Terry McLaurin expected to play (toe), Howell will have his full allotment of weapons, and you can’t forget his legs! With his mobility, his upside is a lot higher than what his price tag would indicate. Start the former UNC star with confidence.
RB: Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks ($4,800, RB40 at cost)
With fellow RB Ken Walker nursing a groin injury and having been limited at practice this week, Charbonnet should have ample opportunity in his rookie debut if Seattle opts to play it safe with Walker’s workload.
Being that the Hawks are a 5.5-point favorite at home against the Rams, the game script could be in favor of Seattle, meaning more potential opportunities for Charbonnet. He also offers more value in his ability to catch passes out of the backfield.
One more nugget to note: Intra-division matchups between the Rams and Seahawks typically result in lower-scoring slugfests. Do with that what you will.
WR: Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders ($5,000, WR33 at cost)
Although fellow receiver Terry McLaurin is expected to play in Week 1 despite having suffered turf toe a few weeks ago in the preseason, I don’t expect him to be at 100 percent. If that’s the case and Washington builds a commanding lead (no pun intended) early, I’d expect Washington to play it safe and preserve his long-term health by sitting him out the remainder of the game.
With that being a likely scenario given that Arizona’s roster is in shambles, Jahan Dotson should absolutely FEAST as Howell’s bonafide No. 1 WR. Having got off to a hot start in his rookie season last year with Carson Wentz at quarterback (4 TDs in his first 4 games), Dotson has shown a tendency to get open in the red zone and has showcased plenty of chemistry with Howell. I’m starting Dotson in ALL FORMATS of fantasy, daily or not.
WR: Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos ($5,200, WR29 at cost)
Injuries to fellow teammates seem to be a theme here, and I promise that was unintentional. In a matchup against a Raiders secondary that statistically speaking was one of the worst in the NFL last season, Courtland Sutton will be Russell Wilson’s No. 1 target whether or not Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) plays. (Jeudy won’t be at 100% and the chances of re-injury are real given the nature of lower body injuries like that).
While divisional matchups tend to be lower-scoring, Sean Payton, Russell Wilson and the Broncos have something to prove. Expect Sutton to be the primary beneficiary of that as he’s also been reportedly having the best training camp of his career.
Maybe we were all just a year early on Sutton? People forget that Sutton compiled a 1,000-yard receiving season in just his second season in the NFL in 2019, so the talent has always been there. Now he has both the talent, situation and head coach/play-caller.
TE: David Njoku, Cleveland Browns ($4,200, TE11 at cost)
With an over/under line of 47.5, there will be a lot of points scored between Cincinnati and Cleveland in an AFC North showdown. Typically, I love rostering/starting players that are expected to partake in shootouts, and Njoku should reap the benefits of such.
At 6-4, 246 pounds, with a 4.64 40-yard dash, Watson has never had such an athletic target at tight end. Also a guy that’s expected to receive plenty of volume in the red zone, I’d be surprised if Njoku didn’t finish at the top 10 at his position this week.
FLEX/BONUS: WR Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams ($3,000)
With a salary at just 3K, this rookie wideout should have ample opportunity with a team who runs 11 personnel more than any other team in the NFL!
Factor in the fact that Cooper Kupp will not be playing in Seattle, Nacua should be able to outplay his cost. If you’re looking for a dart throw at receiver, look no further than Nacua (just ask Matthew Stafford).
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