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DraftKings NFL: Week 1 lineup

By Joe Romano

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 19: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass and scores on a thirteen yard play against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 19: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass and scores on a thirteen yard play against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 26: Carson Palmer

Quarterback

Best Value: Carson Palmer $6000

Carson Palmer is being criminally undervalued to kick off the season. He had a down year and is up there in age but the talent is still there.

Arizona returns top-pass-catcher Larry Fitzgerald (a great stack option) and opens the season against the Detroit Lions. The Lions finished last season ranked in the bottom-10 in interceptions, forced fumbles, sacks, and tackles for loss.

According to ESPN the Lions’ defense is projected to again sit towards the bottom of the league. The back-end of the defense has talent led by Darrius Slay but given time, Palmer can torch this secondary. Ezekiel Ansah is the only pass rusher that should worry the Cardinals offensive line.

The Cardinals added talent to their defense this offseason and is coming off what is considered a down year. The team still finished in the top 10 in points and yards a season ago. With David Johnson in the backfield, John Brown stretching the field and Larry Fitzegerald creating match-up nightmares, look for Palmer to outperform his $6000 price tag.

Runner-up: Marcus Mariota $6300

Mariota gets the nod as the next best value due to his slightly higher price tag. The match-up with the Oakland Raiders should have Titans fans excited.

The game features this highest over/under (51.5) of the week, which means Vegas expects a shoot-out. This bodes well for both quarterbacks in this game.

The Titans spent the offseason bringing in weapons for Mariota on offense. They drafted Corey Davis with the fifth pick in the draft and Taywan Taylor in the third round at pick No. 72. Eric Decker was also brought over in free agency.

The Raiders were one of the league’s worst defenses a year ago against the pass. The addition of first round pick Gareon Conley will not be enough to buck that trend. The talented offensive line of Tennessee should have no problem with Oakland’s front seven outside of Khalil Mack as the Raiders were last in sacks a season ago.

Mariota and his new weapons will have plenty of time to prove themselves and rank towards the top of the fantasy football rankings at the end of the week.