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DraftKings NFL 2022: Best lineup for Week 1

By Frankie Licausi

Aug 25, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter gainst the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter gainst the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts as the offense leaves the field in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants fall to the Cowboys, 21-6, on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Dal
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts as the offense leaves the field in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants fall to the Cowboys, 21-6, on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Dal /

Running Back 1: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants ($6,100)

My early favorite for comeback player of the year is Giants stud running back Saquon Barkley. A fully healthy offseason and a new offensive-minded coaching staff gives him a solid chance of returning to his rookie season form, where he amassed over 2,000 yards from scrimmage.

Barkley comes at a relatively low cost compared to other upper-tier runners who have the same upside. I love Barkley at this price, even in a matchup that isn’t entirely favorable, as Tennessee has had a formidable run defense as of late. However, plug him in and watch him perform like his rookie self again.

Running Back 2: Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars ($5,600)

Travis Etienne makes his regular season debut this week with the Jaguars in a solid matchup against the Commanders, who were a very average run-stopping unit in 2021. Not only will he take carries out of the backfield, but he’ll likely be a pass catching threat as well, which is why I love his value here.

Both of our running backs have huge upside for a price that still allows us to go hard at wide receiver. If Barkley is truly fully healthy, he has top-five upside. If Etienne is the offensive weapon he was drafted to be, he’ll have a wild PPR day.