NFL FanDuel DFS Plays and Fades: Week 1
By Alvin Lange
Welcome to this week’s NFL FanDuel DFS Plays and Fades – a Daily Fantasy Sports column focused on setting the foundation for NFL Fanduel DFS lineups with the best plays and fades. The foundation of NFL FanDuel DFS lineups are structured around QB, RB, and WR plays as well as recognizing plays to fade.
NFL FanDuel DFS Plays and Fades: Quarterbacks
Top Play – Philip Rivers LAC vs KC
Philip Rivers is one of this week’s top plays as the Chargers are equipped with solid options on offense – most notably Melvin Gordon out the backfield and great receiving weapons including Keenan Allen. The Chiefs are now without their top CB Marcus Peters, whom they failed to adequately replace in an already suspect secondary. Rivers has to be licking his chops at this matchup – look for him to be a top QB play this week as a result.
Value Play – Andy Dalton CIN at IND
The Red Rifle has an elite matchup this week against one of last season’s worst defenses that does not expect to improve much this season. The Bengals will be debuting a new offense this season under new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor – which should be a positive for Dalton. Often underwhelming yet serviceable, Dalton has no shortage of weapons at his disposable that should be able to exploit a poor Colts defense indoors on a fast track.
Fade – Ben Roethlisberger PIT @ CLE
It is well documented in DFS circles about Big Ben’s struggles on the road. To add to Ben’s struggles – these are not your Grandfather’s Cleveland Browns, as they are poised to be improved on defense and should be able to get after the quarterback. Compounding Roethlisberger’s situation is the uncertainty around Le’Veon Bell – who sat the entirety of training camp and preseason.
NFL FanDuel DFS Plays and Fades: Running Backs
Top Play – Alvin Kamara NO vs TB
All the pieces are in place for Kamara to have a great game vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. Kamara’s running mate Mark Ingram is suspended for the first four weeks of the NFL season – leading to Kamara being the unquestioned leader of the Saints backfield. Look for Kamara to have success all over the field, as he did last season vs the Buccaneers with 4 touchdowns.
Value Play – Lamar Miller HOU @ NE
Lamar Miller is at a great price on FanDuel for a three-down running back. Another advantage in Miller’s favor is that one of his backups, D’Onta Foreman, will start the season on the PUP list – ruling him out for at least the first 6 weeks of the season. Furthermore, with the Texans improved offense led by Deshaun Watson, Miller is primed for many opportunities to succeed on both the ground and in the air.
Fade – Peyton Barber TB @ NO
The excitement around Peyton Barber – priced under 6K on FanDuel – is understandable. Proceed with caution if selecting Barber, as the Saints are an improving defense and considerable favorites this week. Look for the Saints to get out to a big lead over the Buccaneers, which will hurt the value of Barber.
NFL FanDuel DFS Plays and Fades: Wide Receivers
Top Play – Keenan Allen LAC vs KC
Keenan Allen is primed for another big season, and the possibility of more passes thrown his way with TE Hunter Henry out for possibly the entire season. Allen is one of the most versatile wide receivers in the game, as he can play outside and in the slot. As noted with Philip Rivers, the Chargers have a great matchup vs the Chiefs – so look for the Rivers to Allen connection to connect early and often.
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Value Play – Chris Hogan NE vs HOU
In addition to Rob Gronkowski, Hogan will enter the season as a top receiving option for Tom Brady. The Patriots will be without suspended wide receiver Julian Edelman for the first four games of the season. As a result, expect Hogan to be a leading receiver for the Patriots as he looks to replicate his 2 TD success from last season vs the Texans.
Fade – Sammy Watkins KC @ SD
Sammy Watkins faces many unfavorable factors this week. The top factor is that Watkins is facing the Chargers – which are solid vs the pass. Another unfavorable factor for Watkins is that he has typically been boom-or-bust, and this may be even more evident on a team stacked with great offensive weapons leading to potentially less volume to go around. Lastly, Watkins on a new team – has yet to show much chemistry with new QB Patrick Mahomes, which is concerning leading into Week 1.
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