NFL is back! In this article, we take an early look at some Week 1 selections. The opening week, more than any other gives some tremendous values. DraftKings released the salaries for Week 1 early in the preseason. So let’s take a look at the options for the main slate ahead of the final round of games.
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Quarterbacks
Players To Avoid
The Kansas City Chiefs were one of the most effective offenses last season. Given that there is no surprise to see Patrick Mahomes, valued at $7,200 at the top of the position. Mahomes has the ability to win a slate with his performances each week. Demonstrated by finishing at the top of DraftKings scoring last season. With the Chiefs traveling to Jacksonville in Week 1- this is an easy avoid for me.
Value Picks
There is an obvious selection if Andrew Luck isn’t able to suit up in Week 1. Backup Jacoby Brissett is valued at $4,400, and even though the Indianapolis Colts travel to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, is a great option. However, savings here allow you to spend up elsewhere.
Running Back
Running back is an area where owners need to keep on top of the news- specifically holdouts. Ezekiel Elliott and Melvin Gordon are two players that need monitoring. If they continue to miss regular-season action, then their backups are tremendous values. Tony Pollard is available for just $4,500 and is the lead back if Elliott doesn’t play.
For the Los Angeles Chargers, the duo of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson are priced at $5,500 and $4,000 respectively.
Players To Avoid
Apart from the two elite options mentioned above, the only other player that I am actively avoiding is Leonard Fournette. Being priced at $6,100 is not restrictive. However, the game script could be an issue for the running back. The Jaguars start Week 1 against the Chiefs, who are expected to score points.
Fournette has previously not been involved as a pass catcher, and so is likely to find his role limited.
Value Picks
Again, depending on the status of Elliott and Gordon there are great handcuff values in Week 1. Looking past those there are still plenty of options.
Mark Ingram is a great option. The Baltimore Ravens starting running back is priced at $5,100 in a run-heavy offense. A match-up against the Miami Dolphins, who are going to be one of the worst teams in the league, make the selection a no-brainer.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position has been affected by injury some extent- meaning that there are lots of value picks. Conversely, it affects the production of others.
T.Y. Hilton currently looks to be without his star quarterback Andrew Luck for the opening matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
A.J. Green is going to miss the opening weeks of the season, and therefore shouldn’t be considered for selection.
Players To Avoid
Week 1 matches up the Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns. Wide receiver Corey Davis is one player that I’m not keen on starting. The Titans lead receiver priced at $4,900 on the face of it might seem like great value- but it isn’t. At the end of the season, the Titans discovered the best way to play was to rush the ball and kill the clock. The quarterback situation is murky- with either the inconsistent Marcus Mariota or Ryan Tannehill throwing the ball. Given the values presented elsewhere, its an easy pass.
Value Picks
The most obvious selection is Tyler Boyd. Boyd benefits from primary receiver Green missing the opening weeks of the season.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. ($4,800) is my favorite selection. The Arizona Cardinals are struggling for cornerback options, with Patrick Peterson missing the opening six games due to suspension. Kenny Golladay is the lead receiver and will attract attention from the defense. That should allow the field stretching Jones to wreak havoc.
Tight End
Tight End is one of the area’s that I’m spending up on, due in part to the savings I’m able to make elsewhere. As well as that, the top tier of the position gives such an advantage. Take either of Travis Kelce, George Kittle or Zach Ertz and your lineup will look great.
DST
My favored option here is the Baltimore Ravens, they are priced at $3,800 which is the most expensive of all of the options. However, the Ravens unit is one of the better ones in the league. Combined with Miami Dolphins being one of the least effective rosters in the league, this is a great option. While I wouldn’t normally recommend spending big on DST- with the value picks available throughout the slate, you can afford to this week.
That’s the end of our early look at the Week 1 selections- agree? disagree? Get in touch and let us know.
Image credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
