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FantasyDraft NFL: Week 1 DFS picks

By Dominic Cintorino

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14), left, and wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) smile during player introductions prior to the start of the regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings on October 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14), left, and wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) smile during player introductions prior to the start of the regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings on October 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 20: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to throw the ball during the NFC Championship Football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints on January 20, 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 20: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to throw the ball during the NFC Championship Football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints on January 20, 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

FantasyDraft NFL: Week 1 QB picks

Paying up at the quarterback position is difficult because of the number of options that are out there. Especially in Week 1 of the NFL. On FantasyDraft this week, I don’t see a quarterback priced above $12,000 that makes much sense at all.

Mahomes ($13,600) is going up against a tough Jaguars defense. Russell Wilson ($13,300) is a large favorite in an offense that is expected to be run-heavy. Both Tob Brady ($12,900) and Ben Roethlisberger ($12,800) face off Sunday night in a game where both offenses have a new look. Their projected point total is intriguing, as it’s the fourth-highest on the slate, but it’s tough to pick just one side.

That being said, I cannot justify paying over $12,000 for a quarterback this week. Spend your money elsewhere.

Jared Goff, LAR ($11,400)

The story of the offseason when it comes to the identity of the Los Angeles Rams has been the health of Todd Gurley.  His arthritic knee has been the talk of camp, and the concern is real. We saw first hand in the playoffs that Gurley’s health is an issue and the Rams are not afraid to hold him back.

That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rams come out with a pass-first approach. Not just in Week 1, but throughout the season (if Gurley is truly limited). Jared Goff has the best three wide receivers at his disposal in Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp. The Rams are favorites on the road vs the Panthers in a game that features the third-highest point total on the slate. $11,400 is the most you should consider paying for a quarterback this week.

Jameis Winston, TB ($11,100)

In just nine games started last season, Jameis Winston had five games in which he surpassed 300 passing yards. When considering him for DFS, especially on FantasyDraft, this is an automatic boost (given the bonus points). Winston averaged over 40 pass attempts in these games last season and should see similar numbers in 2019.

The Buccaneers host the 49ers in a game that has the second-highest projected point total. I’d expect this game to be a shoot-out and potentially be the highest-scoring game of the week. Winston is a great value this week on FantasyDraft at just $11,100.

Alternate Options: Nick Foles ($11,400), and Matthew Stafford ($10,300).