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DraftKings NFL 2021: Best lineup for Week 1

By Nick Villano

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs for yards during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs for yards during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen (13): (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

Wide Receiver: Keenan Allen $6,900

This is going to be the last superstar on this list, but to put out a lineup with Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and Keenan Allen is hard to beat on a weekly basis. Allen is one of the most reliable receivers in the league, and he’s going into year two with Justin Herbert. Herbert is expected to make a major jump after a great rookie season. The Chargers want their offense to dominate the day, and they will need to against the Washington Football Team.

WFT has a really good defense, so the matchup is a little scary, but Allen has been matchup proof in the past. Allen scored touchdowns in eight of his 14 games last season. He was remarkably consistent at getting into the end zone. Now with Herbert looking to make a jump, Allen can show he still has plenty in the tank.

Michael Pittman Jr. $4,100

Here is where we start to feel the effects of the star power at the top of the lineup. Michael Pittman Jr. is not a guarantee in fantasy, but there’s a chance the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver could have a huge week. He is the clear WR1 with T.Y. Hilton out injured. Carson Wentz is looking to prove himself as the once MVP caliber player he was what seems like years ago.

Pittman has all the intangibles to be a great wide receiver. He stands at 6’4 and 225 lbs. He can get positioning on cornerbacks, and he can get open in the red zone. Wentz will learn he can get open and trust him in all situations. Will he trust him in Week 1? He might not have a choice. The Seattle Seahawks are going to come out throwing against them, and the Colts will need to keep pace. Pittman is the best possible option to help them stay in the game.

Marquez Callaway $3,400

When playing in the big leagues, some major risks must be taken. That’s New Orleans Saints receiver Marquez Callaway. He surprisingly made a lot of noise in the preseason. In his second season with the Saints, he’s established himself as one of the most popular sleepers in the league. The Saints are looking for a WR1 with Michael Thomas out for an undistinguished amount of time.

Callaway was an undrafted rookie last season, but now he’s expected to be an impact player for a Saints team that is going into a new era. Jameis Winston is taking over for Drew Brees, and he expects to sling it when not handing the ball off to Alvin Kamara. The Saints literally just cut Latavius Murray, so the run game is slightly in flux.

The passing game needs to show up against the Green Bay Packers, and Callaway could turn this week into a fantasy breakout. Get him for this bargain basement price while you still can.

Other Options: Najee Harris $6,300, Antonio Gibson $5,900