NFL FanDuel: Week 1 top plays (Early only!) Start with CMC
NFL FanDuel: Week 1 RB Targets – (Early Only)
Christian McCaffrey – $8,900 – (Cash)
Just like the title suggests this week, start your lineups with CMC. McCaffrey averaged over 20 FDP per game last year, and if you were a regular reader last year he was in this article nearly every week. The Panthers always seem to be on the early slate, and the breakout star will once again without a doubt be the focal point of this offense.
The Rams are a formidable opponent to have to go up against to start the season, but Carolina should at least be able to stay in this game being it is a home game. These teams did not meet last season, but it is fair to make some similar comparisons.
Against the Ravens stout defense in week seven last season, CMC didn’t do much from a yardage perspective but did find the end zone twice on his way to 19.6 FDP. Taking it a step further, the Seahawks would be an even closer comp to the Rams defense not only being division opponents but also in terms of statistically last season.
McCaffrey had his best game of the season last year against Seattle at home in week 11, as he rushed for 125 yards, and added 112 on 11 catches through the air. He found pay dirt twice, and when it was all said and done he notched a massive 41.2 FDP. The Rams do have some better talent across the front seven than the Seahawks do and they are obviously different so I am not putting too much into this. Just an interesting note.
This one is all about volume, and very few guys on this slate are guaranteed 25-30 touches on Sunday, and CMC is one of them. This game has the second-highest game total on the slate as it currently sits at 50 and has not moved yet since Tuesday. With the Rams being just two-point road favorites, Vegas is putting a lot in the Panthers offense here, and I expect a big day from McCaffrey because of it.
Dalvin Cook – $7,400 – (Cash/GPP)
Atlanta is getting some studs back on the defense that spent much of last year injured, but the prospects of a healthy Dalvin Cook against them still looks pretty tasty. All week I have considered Cook a cash lock as I think he will be used heavily in this week one matchup, however, recent news has broken that there will be no restrictions on Todd Gurley, and now what seemed like an easy fade all week seems like a very tough one.
Cook still appears to be my cash guy, but I think we need some Gurley exposure on this slate as well. Gurley will likely never be this cheap again and with his coach letting us know he is a full go I think it is hard to completely fade him here. For just a seven-game slate, we have a good stable of backs to choose from, but I think the Vikings will make a huge commitment to Dalvin Cook and this running game with assistant offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak helping his cause.
We saw his explosiveness with his 85-yard TD jaunt against the Cardinals in the preseason so we know he is finally healthy, and he easily has all of the tools to become one of the best backs in the league this season. I think Cook ends up a top-five DFS play this week as the Falcons look to slow Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.