DraftKings NFL Daily Fantasy Cash Game Picks Week 1
Contents
Quarterbacks
Josh Allen ($6,500) vs Jets- Josh Allen was a very solid fantasy play last season and even though he wasn’t throwing for 300 yards a game he was still very solid because of his ability to run the ball. In his last full game vs the Jets he scored 20 FPTS and the Bills scored a big offensive addition with Stefon Diggs during this past offseason. That gives Allen another much needed weapon which is why I think he should have a great day vs the Bills in their first home game of the season.
Philip Rivers ($6,000) vs Jaguars- Rivers will be making his first start for the Colts on Sunday and this is probably the first time in his career where he has had a competent offensive line in front of him. He had turnover issues last year but I am expecting a bounce back year from the veteran quarterback. History shows Rivers likes to throw more shorter routes which should be good for Jack Doyle, as it was for Hunter Henry in his time with the Chargers. I think getting a QB that is this proven to throw for big games is worth a look at $6,000.
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey ($10,000) vs Raiders- Christian McCaffrey is the best running back in the league and that is why are willing to pay this price for his services this week. He only rushed for over 100 yards a handful of times last year but he is so deadly in the passing game and in a PPR format that is what puts him over the top. The Raiders defense is improving but is still very suspect and with Teddy Bridgewater at QB for the long haul I expect them to have good chemistry from the jump. It is understandable if people don’t roster him because of his price but I have no issues with it for week 1.
Marlon Mack ($5,300) vs Jaguars- There is a lot of hype around rookie running back Jonathan Taylor, but at least for week 1, I still like Marlon Mack to lead the running attack for the Colts. Mack has proven that when healthy he can be a lead back and there have been reports he has greatly improved in the passing game. This will be great with a QB like Philip Rivers who threw to running back Austin Ekeler in bunches during his time in LA. There is risk because of the unknown around playing time, but at $5,300 I think it is fairly safe.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams ($7,300) vs Vikings- The Packers will be an interesting team to watch this season and one of those reasons will be the play of Davante Adams. Adams is easily the best WR in Green Bay and he has proved it by getting more than 10 targets in 10 of the last 11 games last season. Rodgers is healthy and in Adams last game vs the Vikings he caught 13 balls on 16 targets with 116 yards on the day. Adams may not have the upside of players like Michael Thomas, but he is still great value at this price with Aaron Rodgers under center.
Terry McLaurin ($5,600) vs Eagles- Terry McLaurin broke out last season for Washington and he is hoping to continue that success with new starting quarterback Dwayne Haskins this year. Haskins started the last time Washington took on the Eagles and it led to Terry’s biggest receiving game of the season when he caught 5 balls for 130 yards and a touchdown. No matter the QB last season McLaurin seemed to get open so I don’t have any issues with him against a suspect Eagles secondary on Sunday afternoon.
Tight End
Hunter Henry ($5,300) vs Bengals- Hunter Henry doesn’t have Philip Rivers at QB anymore but I don’t think his production should drop off much with Tyrod Taylor under center. Tyrod is known for being “safe” and usually dumping it down to TE’s and RB’s so that should fit right in for the Chargers TE. Henry is one of the best receiving TE’s when healthy and in week 1 he is an facing a Bengals defense that is nothing to be afraid of at the moment. Henry as the 6th highest priced TE this week is a steal.
Defense
Los Angeles Chargers D/ST ($2,800) vs Bengals- Despite the news that Derwin James will miss most if not all of the season the Chargers still have a very good defense from top to bottom. They have one of the best secondaries in the NFL and with Joey Bosa & Melvin Ingram causing havoc on the line this could be a recipe for success. The jury is still out on Joe Burrow and I don’t think he will be able to get going right away without some early season growing pains.
