FantasyDraft NFL: Week 1 DFS picks and preview

FantasyDraft NFL: Week 1 DFS picks

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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Evan Engram, Fantasy Football, New York Giants

Evan Engram: INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 23: New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs to the outside after making a catch during the NFL game between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts on December 23, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

FantasyDraft NFL: Week 1 TE picks

Evan Engram, NYG ($8,300)

With Odell Beckham Jr. now out of the picture in New York, Evan Engram will take on a bigger role in this offense. In the four games Beckham missed at the end of last year, Engram was the TE2 behind just George Kittle. In this stretch, he caught 22 passes on 31 targets. Jordan Raanan from ESPN reported this week that Engram will be playing a “massive role” in the Giants offense.

Golden Tate is serving his suspension the first four weeks of the season, which is also a bonus for Engram. If I’m paying up at the tight end position and don’t have the cap space for Kelce, Engram is a nice pivot at just $8,300.

Austin Hooper, ATL ($5,900)

In terms of overall value this week at tight end, nobody compares to Austin Hooper. He is priced on FantasyDraft as the TE20 and provides a very safe floor when it comes to DFS. Hooper had the eighth-most targets amongst tight ends a season ago and the Falcons have a similar-looking offense.

As of Thursday night, Julio Jones is still not sure if he is going to suit up. If that is the case, and Jones is in fact sidelined, Hooper becomes a cash-game lock. Calvin Ridley would most likely draw the coverage of Xavier Rhodes. This could lead Matt Ryan to focus in on Hooper as a safe check-down option. It’s difficult to pass up Hooper priced below $6,000.

Alternate Options: Vance McDonald ($6,200), Will Dissly ($5,300)