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NFL FanDuel Roundtable: Week 1

By Dylan Bernstein

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Sep 3, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) talks in the huddle during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Hello all, and welcome to our first FanDuel NFL roundtable. Several of our writers offer up their favorite picks for the week, and why they think these players can put your team over the top. First, lets meet the table!

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Dylan Berstein, Fantasy CPR writer
Andrew Evemy, Fantasy CPR writer
Robert Townsend, Fantasy CPR writer
Mike Marteny, Fantasy CPR editor
Dave Fuqua, Fantasy CPR editor

Quarterback Picks

Dylan-Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins ($8,000): All offseason long we have heard the rave reviews of Tannehill’s development during the offseason and this is the perfect opportunity to showcase it against a weak Redskins secondary.

Dave-Sam Bradford, Eagles ($7,500): Sam Bradford probably has a sore spot with most regular season fantasy football players. Most of the daily fantasy league players are all playing in regular season fantasy leagues. My guess is that most people will shy away from Bradford until he proves himself on a regular basis. Not this guy, I think Bradford is going to be a great play, particularly in daily leagues. In a daily league you somewhat minimize the injury risk that he poses. In this offense Bradford could possibly toss four to five touchdowns a game. Against the Falcons I am expecting it to be a high scoring game, so sign me up for that.

Mike-Sam Bradford, Eagles ($7,500): Bradford is a perfect fit for a Chip Kelly offense. I’m buying in during week 1 while the price is still right.

Andrew-Marcus Mariota, Titans ($7,100): Mariota would appear to be risky business, however he faces Tampa Bay. Touchdowns will be scored and Mariota is the guy to get it done.

Robert-Tyrod Taylor, Bills ($5,000): Taylor may seem like an odd choice for a cash game play because he is so unproven. But he actually has a very high floor thanks to his running ability. A proficient running quarterback, even if he’s not great in the passing game (see: Tim Tebow), he is guaranteed a certain level of fantasy production.

Next: Running Backs

Nov 4, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) breaks a tackle by Chicago Bears safety

Chris Conte

(47) for a 57-yard run in the 3rd quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back Picks

Dylan-Eddie Lacy, Packers ($8,500): The Packers’ offense has fallen apart this offseason with the injuries to Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. Look for Eddie Lacy to get a lot of work in the running and passing game.

Dave-Justin Forsett, Ravens ($7,800): Forsett is coming off of a somewhat surprising year as the lead back for the Ravens. In what I believe should be a fairly high scoring game Forsett will serve for the Ravens as the three down back and should be in line for plenty of touches. I am also expecting a large share of red zone looks and plenty of opportunities to find the end zone.

Mike-Adrian Peterson, Vikings ($9,200): Peterson pretty much had a year off from the beating he was taking behind the Vikings’ line. He is eager to get back into action, and we are eager to have him!

Andrew-Jeremy Hill, Bengals ($8,600): Oakland vs. Cincinnati is the easy choice for RB Jeremy Hill. The last time these two teams met was 2012 and the Bengals walked all over the Raiders 34-10. Jeremy Hill was not the RB at the time, but, the RB (Benjarvus Green-Ellis) did have 19 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown, so we can expect the same from Hill.

Robert-Matt Forte, Bears ($8,800)/Eddie Lacy, Packers ($8,500): These two players are on opposing teams in the game with the 5th highest projected total of the week. While usually it would seem counterintuitive to play competing running backs, both Lacy and Forte are three down backs who can effectively run and catch, meaning that they will be part of the game plan regardless of game script.

Look at the receiver depth chart for both teams. They both got fairly shaken up. No Nelson, injured Cobb for the Packers; no Marshall, injured Jeffery for the Bears. I see more reliance on the running backs for both teams. There’s no way Forte will catch as many passes as he did under Trestman last year, but I think he will still get enough action to gain yards and touchdown opportunities.

Next: Wide Receivers

Aug 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) tries to avoid the tackle of Carolina Panthers middle linebacker

Luke Kuechly

(59) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver Picks

Dylan-Jarvis Landry, Dolphins ($6,700): The whole Dolphins offense looks like it could break out this year. This preseason, they have focused on feeding Landry in the red zone. He is a versatile threat with the potential to make a bunch of catches. With Tannehill already on the roster, Landry makes a pretty good stack against a weak Washington secondary that gave up the second most fantasy points to wide receivers last season.

Dave-Golden Tate, Lions ($7,100): Tate is coming off of a great year where he really stepped up in the extended absence of Calvin Johnson. He developed some nice chemistry with Matthew Stafford and will look to take a load of pressure off of Stafford and keep the coverage balances with Johnson entering the season healthy. I am expecting a big year for Tate and a big opening week.

Mike-Davante Adams, Packers ($5,500): Adams is the easiest pick of week one with Jordy Nelson out, and Randall Cobb possibly missing the game as well. Fortunately for us FanDuel players, the game was released and the salaries set before the Nelson injury. Take Adams while he is a bargain this week!

Andrew-Cole Beasley, Cowboys ($5,000): With a devastated secondary in the New York Giants, and Dez Bryant sure to grab most of the attention Sunday night, look to the next receiver. Cole Beasley was a diamond in the rough last year against the Giants and in the playoffs. He has the chance this year to be the Cowboys shining golden hero.

Robert-Julio Jones, Falcons ($9,000): Julio Jones is the play of the week for me. The Falcons-Eagles matchup has a projected point total of 55, which is the highest, and I wouldn’t bet against the over. Both teams have incredible offenses and the Eagles love running plenty of plays, which means Julio will get plenty of opportunity as well. And as an added bonus, it gives you something to root for on Monday night, which is always fun.

Next: Tight Ends

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End Picks

Dylan-Greg Olsen, Panthers ($5,500): Olsen has played with Cam for a few years now and that has provided Olsen with a number of opportunities in fantasy. Cam has a tendency to overthrow to receivers which is a reason the Panthers prefer bigger targets like Olsen. With Kelvin Benjamin out and the Panthers without a true number one wide receiver, look for Olsen to get targets all over the field.

Dave-Delanie Walker, Titans ($5,400): This pick is one that is sort of gut feeling. I am thinking with a rookie QB that a veteran tight end with good hands should quickly become a favorite target. We don’t have much to go on here, but I like this pick.

Mike-Travis Kelce, Chiefs ($6,000): Alex Smith loves his tight end. Jeremy Maclin will help the hapless receiving corps some, but Kelce won’t just disappear. If anything, Maclin’s speed could draw some of the coverage away from Kelce.

Andrew-Jimmy Graham, Seahawks ($6,900):  Jimmy Graham, obvious choice, needs no explanation.

Robert-Travis Kelce, Chiefs ($6,000): With Kelce, it clearly isn’t about his matchup (Houston was great against tight ends last year), or his price, but it’s simply about my blinding fandom of him. Last year he became my favorite player to root for, especially when he won me games over opponents who never see it coming. Fantasy football should be about having fun over anything else, and when you get the chance to play a player you love cheering for, do it. It doesn’t hurt that Kelce is going to get a lot of the quick passes that Smith will throw while being chased down by Watt, and has an incredible YAC.

Next: Defense

Aug 11, 2015; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defense tackle

Ndamukong Suh

(93) during training camp at Doctors Hospital Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Defense Picks

Dylan-Dolphins ($4,700): Kirk Cousins? Robert Griffin III? Colt McCoy? It doesn’t matter. Anything the Redskins put on the field will be a mess. The Dolphins added Ndamakung Suh to their already formidable defense and look to dominate Washington.

Dave-Cleveland Browns ($4,600): I will be honest here, there is not a lot of research or science behind this pick. I went with the Browns based on the simple fact that they are playing the Jets. They are also cheap and Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the best QB in the world.

Mike-Dolphins ($4,700): No matter who is playing where, the Redskins are a dysfunctional mess on both sides of the ball.

Andrew-Seahawks ($5,000): In Seattle, it would appear that the 12th man is actually on the field the way that this defense shuts down even the most potent offenses. With a shattering Super Bowl loss, this Seattle team has more to prove this year than ever before.

Robert-Dolphins ($4,700): Miami’s defense has possibly the scariest front in football with Suh and Wake, and the secondary isn’t a push over either. Combine that with a low point total (43.5), being a favorite, and playing interception-king Kirk Cousins, and there’s no way I can pass them up.

Next: Kickers

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker

Justin Tucker

(9) kicks a field goal as Ravens punter

Sam Koch

(4) holds the ball during the third quarter against the New England Patriots in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker Picks

Dylan-Cody Parkey, Eagles ($5,000): The Eagles should have another high scoring season. Parkey is likely to put up some points in Chip Kelly’s scheme, especially in week 1 vs. Atlanta.

Dave-Adam Vinatieri, Colts ($5,000): Once again I did not put a ton of research into this pick either, but how can you go wrong with quite possibly one of the best kickers to have ever played the game. He also happens to be in one of the better offenses in the league. Sign me up for this guy as well.

Mike-Blair Walsh, Vikings ($4,700): The Vikings should see plenty of field goal opportunities against San Francisco. At least I hope they do.

Andrew-Justin Tucker, Ravens ($5,200): While the Ravens are going to be a tough team to beat later in the season, expect their offense to be a little shaky at the start of the season meaning.

Robert-Brandon McManus, Broncos ($4,500): McManus is frustrating because he tends to kick way more extra points than field goals, but with the changing offensive scheme and potentially less big plays, field goals may become more frequent. Regardless, I’ll take the sure-thing extra points over the incredible variance of other similarly priced options.

Good luck out there this weekend! Did we miss one of your favorite picks? Let us know in the comments below!

Next: Tight Ends to Avoid

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