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DraftKings NFL: Best lineup for Week 1

By Joe Romano

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tom Brady
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tom Brady /
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CANTON, OH – AUGUST 02: Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kamalei Correa (51) celebrates after he intercepts a pass during the National Football League Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens on August 2, 2018 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohi0.(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defense/Special Teams

Baltimore Ravens-$3800 vs Buffalo Bills

It was an easy decision for the DraftKings price setters this week for the defenses. The Baltimore Ravens welcome the Buffalo Bills and Nathan Peterman to town. Buffalo is a run first team against one of the league’s best run defenses with an offensive line that lost three of it’s best blockers. When the game falls on Peterman’s shoulders he may replicate his five interception half form from a year ago. Baltimore is an opportunistic defense that will jump on the errant passes thrown by Peterman. This is an easy decision if you are going high priced with the defenses in Week 1.

Jacksonville Jaguars-$3700 vs New York Giants

The best defense from a year ago was far and away the Jacksonville Jaguars. They are loaded at every position and may be getting better. It is a rare mix of young talent and established veterans. They get the New York Giants offense in Week 1. Despite adding two talented offensive lineman in the offseason, the Giants will have trouble blocking the best defensive line in football. Calais Campbell and company can dominate this game. Even the return of Odell Beckham and addition of Saquon Barkley will not be enough to make the Jaguars a bad play. Jacksonville will wreak havoc on Eli Manning and make life miserable for the entire offense.

Value Defense/Special Teams

Denver Broncos-$3300 vs Seattle Seahawks

The Denver Broncos are a different team from when they were the dominant defense leading the team to the Super Bowl. This is still a very talented unit featuring tough corners and elite pass rushers. The Seattle Seahawks are the opening opponent and makes Denver a solid choice for those trying to save money on a defense. Seattle’s offensive line is in shambles, meaning Von Miller, Shane Ray and Bradley Chubb can take over the game. Doug Baldwin will find it tough with Chris Harris likely drawing shadow duty. Russell Wilson will need to be magical if the Seahawks plan on doing anything this entire season. Week 1 will be a big test and Denver looks poised for a strong defensive week.

Cincinnati Bengals-$2700 @ Indianapolis Colts

An overlooked defensive unit for most of last season was the Cincinnati Bengals. Featuring star defensive lineman Geno Atkins and rising stars in Carl Lawson on the edge and William Jackson at corner, the Bengals are a unit that can dominate a game. The Indianapolis Colts were a target for many fantasy players a year ago. Andrew Luck returns and the Colts strengthened their offensive line. That still will not be enough to make the Bengals a bad play. Cincinnati is a good bet as a defense outside the top five to finish inside of it.