DraftKings NFL: Week 1 lineup

By Joe Romano | Sep 10, 2017

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) /

3 of 6

TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 26: Running back Isaiah Crowell

Running Back

Best Value: Isaiah Crowell $5300

Crowell and the Browns get the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. There are two reasons Crowell gets the nod here, outside of his price.

For starters, the Browns spent big in free agency on their offensive line, bringing in OL J.C. Tretter and OL Kevin Zeitler. The two additions will work with Joe Thomas to form a top-five unit in the league this season. The talented line gets a Pittsburgh Steelers front seven that finished 26th against opposing RBs a year ago.

The Browns are also starting a rookie quarterback and have a new number one wide receiver. Coach Hue Jackson has already talked about being committed to the run. Look for the Browns to slow the game down and put the ball in Crowell’s hand the majority of the time. Deshone Kizer may struggle in his first outing but Jackson is committed to the rookie. Crowell will need to be the work horse if the Browns have any chance of keeping this game close.

Runner-up: Johnathan Stewart $5000

The Christian McCaffrey hype is real but Stewart is still the starter in Carolina and people forget that. Stewart will likely get the majority of goal line looks and be out there an equal number of reps as the rookie RB.

The 49ers gave up the most points to opposing RBs in 2016. First round picks Soloman Thomas and Reuben Foster should help in that area but they’re still rookies playing in their first NFL games. Stewart and QB Cam Newton will look to rebound from their Super Bowl hangover a year ago.

San Francisco may not be as bad defensively as they were a year ago but they will not be a good unit either. Look for the Panthers to take advantage of that and come out of the gates running the ball with Stewart. The fact he is the starter and still cheaper than McCaffrey makes this play even more appealing.