FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 1

Welcome to the FanDuel NFL Lineups for the first week of NFL action.  We’re a Daily Fantasy Football column focused on top picks and best value for your weekly FanDuel NFL lineups.  We arm you with information for a big FanDuel NFL payday each week.

Preseason is over and teams have settled on their depth charts, sort of.  There has been a lot of NFL transaction activity since roster cuts were final, and several teams made meaningful roster moves, adjusting big pieces of their depth chart, over the last several days.

So, keep an eye on each teams most likely active players as we head into the first week of football. It’s possible we could see some newly acquired players sit this weekend, as they’re getting more acquainted with their new playbooks.  However, some of these new depth chart pieces could offer great FanDuel NFL value.

The Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots will kick off the season this Thursday, in Foxborom MA, at 8:30pm.  Thirteen games will be played throughout the day on Sunday, followed by two games on Monday night, concluding the first week of NFL football this season.

FanDuel is offering several slate options, including a Thursday through Monday slate covering all 16 games.  We’re going to review the top players for all 16 games, but discuss several great options, for different reasons, at each position.  Hopefully this helps you cover the slates you’re targeting this weekend.

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Before we start with the Quarterback position, keep in mind the game between the Buccaneers and Dolphins is either being postponed until week 11, or will be played in a neutral site.  So it’s possible we could only see 15 teams this weekend.  Also, if the Dolphins and Bucs play in a neutral site, that is a unique situation and I would recommend fading that game for FanDuel NFL play this week.

Now, let’s get starting with the Quarterbacks…

FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 1 – Quarterbacks

Top Pick

It might seem lazy to pick Aaron Rodgers ($8,300) for the top pick this weekend.  After all, Rodgers lead all quarterbacks with 24.19 FanDuel NFL points-per-game, over two more than Matt Ryan ($8,500) who landed second on the list.  Aaron only had four games with less than 20 FanDuel NFL points last season, his worst outcome in Chicago against the Bears, who Ryan and the Falcons are facing this week.

But the reason I like this pick, is value.  Rodgers is facing a tough Seattle Seahawks defense, making him only the fourth most expensive passer.  Cam Chancellor is one of the elite safeties in the NFL, and Earl Thomas is above average.  At the corners, the Packers should have Sherman, an above average corner last season, covering Devante Adams.

That means Jeremy Lane, graded as a ‘Poor’ corner last season by Pro Football Focus (PFF), will have the task of covering Jordy Nelson, who we’ll get to later, and Randall Cobb in the slot.  That presents some intriguing options for Rodgers, who has one of the better pass-blocking lines in the NFL.

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Also, Rodgers was ranked third (92.1) among all quarterbacks last season, according to PFF’s 2016 grades.  So, we’re getting an elite quarterback for a reasonable salary, which includes a 21.24 FanDuel NFL point result against the Seahawks.  While also able to afford top options at other positions, with Rodgers in a better situation than many realize.  Grab Rodgers in any slates including the 4pm eastern games.

Other Top Options

Matthew Stafford ($7,600) – Like Rodgers, Stafford is a top ten quarterback facing a tough passing defense.  The Cardinals have an above average cornerback in Patrick Peterson and OLB Markus Golden on Stafford’s right side.

But if they can contain Jones on the left side, the field will open up for Matthew against the Cardinals.  Stafford is a cheaper version of Rodgers this week, allowing you to load up on tight end, more high-end receivers, and defense.

Tom Brady ($8,900) – The 40-year-old is still an elite fantasy football quarterback and historically performs well in his first month of football.  The Chiefs Eric Berry is one of the best safeties in the NFL, but the left side of the field will struggle against Brady on Thursday.  The only problem with this pick, Tom limits your options at running back and wide receiver.

Fade 

Dak Prescott ($7,800) – Elliott is likely playing this Sunday night, and the Giants have struggled, at times, against the pass.  But don’t be fooled by either component.  Prescott struggled against the Giants each time they played last year, and the Giants quietly have one of the better defenses in football.

FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 1 – Running Backs

Top Picks

While David Johnson ($9,400) was a fantasy football beast all year, in 2016, Le’Veon Bell ($9,300) averaged 23.32 FanDuel NFL points-per-game, more than any other running back.  And with the salary application for week one of the 2017, both Bell and Johnson are in play for many great combinations of quarterbacks and wide receivers.  Also, Bell and Johnson both play at 1pm eastern, making them available for the majority of the FanDuel NFL slates offered.

More than just their fantasy football dominance, but we can’t avoid getting an opportunity to play two of the elite running backs in today’s game, against some of the worst run defense in the game.  The Steelers are visiting the Browns in Cleveland this week.

The Browns have been in re-build mode, but are better than people realize heading into this season.  Still, they’re ranking in the bottom ten of the NFL in run defense heading into this season. If the Steelers can contain a very good Danny Shelton at right tackle, the rest of the Browns defense ranks poorly against the run, and Bell should have a massive fantasy day this Sunday.

For the Cardinals offense, Lions cornerback Darius Slay could provide some problems for Carson Palmer.  But the left and middle sides of the field are going to be open for Palmer, with only the safeties to worry about outside of Slay.

The defensive line and linebackers grade out as some of the worst in the NFL, which bodes very well for David Johnson, who can break throw holes, but will also have plenty of receiving targets throughout the game.

It will be quite easy to stack the top two running backs for FanDuel NFL this week, and you should do it regardless how the rest of your lineup looks.  If you’re looking for a more creative mix, especially for GPP’s, we have some other options.

Other Top Option

Melvin Gordon ($7,000) – The Chargers are playing in Denver against the Broncos.  But while the Broncos are a top passing defense, they’re left side of the line ranks very poorly against the run. The last time the Chargers were in Denver, Gordon got the ball 23 times for 111 yards, and saw seven targets for four receptions and 44 yards.  No touchdowns, but that’s 17.5 FanDuel NFL points without a touchdown.  Melvin could be in for a big day Monday Night.

Fades

LeSean McCoy ($8,500) – New York Jets are a terrible football team, but their run defense is better than you think.

Ezekiel Elliot ($8,700) – Zeke gets to play one game, against one of the best run defenses they’ll see all season.

Any Rookie Running Back – Let’s see them play in a regular season NFL game first.

FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 1 – Wide Receivers

Top Picks

It’s not necessary a rule you need to play with every week, but when I find my quarterback, I always look to tie them with either his top receiver or most likely top target that week.

Jordy Nelson ($7,700) will be all over the field for the Packers, play each side and fitting into the slot as well.  Nelson could avoid several of the Seahawks top defensive backs while still getting the ball in open space.  We may also see Nelson run the ball a few times.

Jordy is a versatile high-quality receiver who took seven targets against the Seahawks last season, for six receptions, 41 yards, two touchdowns, and 19.1 FanDuel NFL points.  I’m stacking my top receiver with my top quarterback.

FanDuel set their week 1 NFL lineups earlier in the preseason, and several receiving options have risen in value as teams settled on their depth charts.  Torrey Smith ($5,100) graded poorly as a receiver for the 49ers last season, after starting his career well in Baltimore.  But the 28-year-old is now in Philadelphia and developed a very good rapport with the Eagles QB, Wentz.

The Redskins Josh Norman will move around the field, so he’ll likely line up with Smith during three wide receiver sets.  But in the two-sets, Smith has an opportunity to eat up Breeland, and we know Carson will look his way.  Torrey is a likely 10 FanDuel NFL point option, with greater upside if he and Wentz connect for a touchdown.

Jermaine Kearse ($5,100) is another wide receiver who graded poorly and is likely off many FanDuel NFL players radars.  I wasn’t interested in Kearse until the Seahawks recently traded him to the struggling Jets.  Now Jermaine is probably the top receiver on the Jets offense, and they’re playing a Bills team who appears to be selling everyone for draft picks.

It seemed Jermaine may need time to learn the playbook, but he recently commented it was similar to his college playbook.  Given how terrible the Jets look this season, that’s not surprising. Still, it’s now expected Kearse will play this weekend, and he should be the top target of McCown.

Other Top Picks

Ted Ginn Jr. ($5,600) – Ginn was an average receiver last season, but he’s now on a team with an elite quarterback, and Ted still has some great speed.  Ted won’t be Brees top target, but he’s a home run threat and could bail Drew out a few times throughout the game.

Doug Baldwin ($7,500) – Baldwin saw eleven targets against the Packers in Green Bay last season.  He should see that and more this week.  Doug has some tough safeties roaming the field, but will line up against two poor corners.

Kelvin Benjamin ($6,500) – Kelvin is becoming a favorite target in a crowded receiving corps for Newton.  Against the 49ers, Benjamin could see one to two touchdown targets, on top of his targets before the end zone. At $6.5K, these feels like a steal against the 9ers.

Fades

Dez Bryant ($7,800) – As we already mentioned with Prescott’s fade recommendation, the Cowboys have not passed well against the Giants lately.  Last season, in two games, Bryant had a combined 0.7 FanDuel NFL points in two games against the giants, with 14 targets.  That’s terrible!  Dez will spend a lot of time with a high-quality Janoris Jenkins on Sunday night.

DeAndre Hopkins ($7,100) – I realize Hopkins may be attractive against the Jaguars.  But Hopkins struggled with many targets against the Jags last season, and will be target by their top defensive back all game.

Devante Adams ($6,800) – Yes, we love Rodgers this week.  But Adams gets to spend the most time with Sherman, making him a less than ideal option this week.

FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 1 – Tight End / Kicker / Defense

With the exception of a small list of elite tight ends, many TE’s are hard to pick as they can be a hit-or-miss for your FanDuel NFL lineups.  However, one affordable option facing a struggling defense is Jimmy Graham ($6,200).

Unlike most tight ends, the Seahawks target Graham often, pile up just under six per game in the 2016 season.  The Packers have great safeties, but their corners and linebackers have struggled to stop to pass.

For kicker, we’re going to grab a future hall of famer, and approaching oldest player in NFL history, 44-year-old Adam Vinateri ($4,800).  The Colts may struggle on offense in L.A., but that likely gives Vinateri several shots at field goals of the three-point variety.  And Adam rarely misses, at 93% of his attempts.

Do not waste your salary on an expensive defense.  The Jacksonville Jaguars ($4,100) are facing probably the worst offense this weekend in Houston, the Texans.  They have a great receiver in Hopkins, but Jalen Ramsey is a high-quality corner who should be all over Hopkins.  Shutting him down will really limit the Texans against a solid run defense.

So after reviewing all the options, we put together our favorite lineup for the week.  Here’s a look at our Final FanDuel NFL Week 1 lineup:

QB – Rodgers (GB $8,300)

RB – Johnson (ARI $9,400)

RB – Bell (PIT $9,300)

WR – Nelson (GB $7,700)

WR – Smith (PHI $5,100)

WR – Kearse (NYJ $5,100)

TE – Graham (SEA $6,200)

K – Vinatieri (IND $4,800)

D – Jacksonville Jaguars

This leaves us with $0 left, maximizing our picks using value in two receiver positions and defense, and loading up on some big point potential at quarterback, running back, and receiver.

Next: FanDuel NFL Picks and Pivots for Week 1

Good luck with your FanDuel NFL plays week 1, and stay tuned to Fantasy CPR on Twitter for all the late breaking lineup news and roster updates!