FanDuel NFL 2021: Best lineup for Week 1

Wide Receiver: Calvin Ridley $8,100

The reason the Atlanta Falcons were so easily able to trade away Julio Jones, the best receiver to ever play in Hot’Lanta, is because Calvin Ridley proved he was ready to be a number one. The Falcons are putting together a new offensive system under head coach Arthur Smith that analysts seem to be excited about. With Kyle Pitts playing tight end, it’s not like teams can’t just double team Ridley or they’d get killed underneath.

Ridley is poised for a monster season in Atlanta this year. Matt Ryan is looking to prove he is still a top-ten quarterback, and he will need his top receiver to ball out in order for that to be true. They will lean on the passing game with Mike Davis as their top running threat. Ridley is going to get at least 10 targets this game, and it could go as high as 15 against the Eagles.

DK Metcalf $7,700

By going for a cheaper option at QB and second running back, this gives us the option to go for two superstars at the wide receiver position. Russell Wilson had an interesting offseason that almost saw him talk his way out of Seattle, but if he’s going to have the suitors he hopes to have next season, he needs to dominate on the field. The key to that is DK Metcalf.

The third-year receiver is now firmly in his prime, and he will look to take a step towards being one of the best receivers in the entire NFL. The speedster proved he can be someone to take the top off a defense, but now he has to prove he can be an every down wide receiver. That starts in Week 1 when he takes on the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are in flux, and the offseason has been a mess.

The Seahawks passing game can take advantage of a team that is messy heading into this matchup.

Brandin Cooks $6,300

So they can’t all be superstars, but Brandin Cooks is a really intriguing cheap option in Week 1. The Houston Texans are taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars, so it’s not like they are taking one of the top teams in the AFC. The Jags allowed 264 passing yards per game last season. They also allowed more than two passing touchdowns per game.

Tyrod Taylor is not Deshaun Watson, but he is a competent NFL quarterback who can at least get the ball to his receiver. The Texans could be stuck with a much worse option. Cooks will be Taylor’s main target as he tries to make something out of nothing. Don’t be surprised if the Texans surprise everyone in Week 1. A bad team always comes out with a win in this week every season.

Other options: Terry McLaurin $6,900, Chase Claypool $6,000