It’s finally here- Week 1 of the 2022 season (more importantly we have meaningful DraftKings contests!) After rosters and coaches changed during the offseason, we can start to see how things are truly going to pan out this season.
This season, we are back offering you DFS advice to try and help you navigate your way to victories throughout the season. The players selected here are based on their price, their ability to hit value and likely ownership.
The selections are leaning more towards GPP slates, rather than cash (50/50) slates. But let’s get into it
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Jalen Hurts @DET ($6,800)
Hurts comes into Week 1 with alot of people having high expectations on him for fantasy. It’s easy to see why. He has true dual-threat ability which helps for fantasy, as well as improved receivers with the addition of A.J. Brown.
The Eagles are expected to score points against Detroit, and with Hurts throwing and rushing the ball, he is at the center of it all
Derek Carr @LAC ($5,900)
Carr was a target for me in draft season, last season he was among the best in the league with 4,804 yards. Then the team went out and acquired one of the best receivers in the league, Davante Adams.
In a game that should have plenty of points, he is a solid addition if you want to spend down a little bit.
Jameis Winston @ATL ($5,300)
Winston is cheap this week, probably because there was uncertainty over the starter for the Saints when the slate was released, but this is a great money-saving option.
The Saints have all of their weapons ready to go, with Michael Thomas set to return alongside new additions Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave. Against a Falcons defense that has shown itself to be full of holes, at home, and he is a decent option at the helm of a solid offense.
Also consider Matt Ryan @HOU ($5,500)
Joe Mixon v PIT ($7,100)
Mixon looks to be set to be a great DFS play against the Steelers. Cincinnati are favored to win by around a TD, which leans towards Mixon being used heavily.
Last season, in two games he had 255 yards and two TDs on the ground against the Steelers, as well as some receptions for minimal gain. The Steelers defense hasn’t really addressed how to stop the run either, after struggling last season.
Saquon Barkley @TEN ($6,100)
Barkley is one player that really has mixed opinions for his outlook on the season, I even wrote about him during the off-season. I’m of the opinion that he performs behind an improved offensive line, and with better coaching/ playcalling.
If the Titans offense performs, Barkley would still be on the field as a receiving option out of the backfield- there isn’t alot on the roster to push him off the field. If Barkley recaptures some of the magic of his rookie season, and breaks a big run or a key tackle, he could really break the slate.
Elijah Mitchell @CHI ($5,400)
Mitchell looks like he is likely to be able to get out on the field for Week 1. His salary is only likely to be down at this level after he was forced to sit for parts of training camp and preseason. A matchup against Chicago is a good one to target too, after they gave up 4.5 yards per carry last season.
Dameon Pierce v IND ($4,800)
Pierce is likely to find himself on alot of lineups this week, as his pricing was based on him not being the starting RB for the team. But after the team let Marlon Mack go, he is likely to be given a number of touches. The issue will be whether Pierce is game-scripted out against a tough Colts defense, but the price makes it so tempting- and allows you to spend up elsewhere.
Also consider Chase Edmonds v NE ($5,200)
Justin Jefferson & Adam Thielen v GB ($7,800 & $5,400)
The Vikings offense is primed to take a step forward with a new playbook, so it’s hard to look past their two primary receivers. The Packers secondary has struggled for a while, and both Jefferson & Thielen are accomplished receivers.
Jefferson is the more expensive, but has been given more targets on the field, and crucially in the redzone. Thielen is a good pivot away from Jefferson if you don’t have the salary to spend up while also giving you a good amount of upside.
Hunter Renfrow @LAC ($5,800)
This is a play I’ll only really make if Darren Waller is likely to have a limited role in the offense. If that where to happen, then Renfrow is likely to be given plenty of targets in the offense.
Last season, Renfrow had at least 8 targets in 10 games. With a target hog like Devante Adams, as well as Waller, he might struggle to hit that this season- but to start the season he could rack up those PPR points.
Chris Olave @ATL ($4,500)
Especially on teams where I’ve gone for Winston, I’ll pick up Olave. The Saints receivers are going to be matchup nightmares for defenses this season, assuming Michael Thomas returns to somewhat near his best.
It’s not a selection without risk, but in large tournaments I’m going to have some exposure to him. At the price tag, you don’t need that much from him to hit value.
Wan’Dale Robinson @TEN ($3,000)
I don’t know how many times I’ll be recommending a Giants player this season, but for Week 1 I am. Robinson was announced as the starting slot receiver, and should see action as a result. Robinson showed his ability to make plays in college, and should be able to do the same in the NFL. At the stone minimum, he has great upside.
Also consider Michael Pittman @HOU ($5,500), Sammy Watkins @MIN ($4,700), Nico Collins v IND ($4,200) & Jahan Dotson v JAX ($3,400)
Dallas Goedert @DET ($4,500)
All offseason, I’ve said that Goedert is my ‘line in the sand’ TE. To start the season, a matchup against Detroit- it’s an ideal game. Goedert is used more as a receiver than a tight end, which is perfect for fantasy. As I mentioned at QB, I like Hurts, so I’ll go for a nice Eagles stack here.
Zach Ertz v KC ($4,400)
The Cardinals and Chiefs game is looking like a shootout, and for that reason Ertz is worth considering here. When you mix in the fact that the team are without De’Andre Hopkins, Ertz is likely to see a bump in targets.
Evan Engram v WAS ($3,500)
If you are looking to create an expensive stack, or spend up at other positions, you need a cheap TE. Engram feels to me to the be the best option at this level. A mix of poor coaching and injury during his time with the Giants has thrown him out of people’s minds for fantasy.
Equally, this offense is unknown, that leads to opportunity. Given Doug Pederson’s importance to mixing in TE’s and the struggle Washington have had in defending the position, I’ll give it a whirl.
Also consider Pat Freiermuth @CIN ($4,200)
San Francisco 49ers @CHI ($4,100)
I’m not normally one to pay up for defenses, but this week I may just do it. The 49ers defense is among the best in the league, and the Bears offense isn’t. With the lack of offensive line talent especially, this could be a long day for Justin Fields.
Indianapolis Colts @HOU ($3,900)
The Colts defense equally is a pricy option this week. The Colts have a good matchup against a Houston offense that lacks playmakers, and protection for their QB. With the Colts back to health, and with a new focus on defense, the Colts are a (slightly) cheaper option than the 49ers.
Washington Commanders v JAX ($2,500)
Need a cheaper option? Washington are a prime candidate. The defense is a decent unit, with a number of playmakers in the starting lineup. The Jacksonville offense has questionmarks all over it, and how it is going to function. At the price, you don’t need too much to hit value here.
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