DraftKings NFL Daily Fantasy Cash Game Picks Week 1
Contents
Quarterbacks
Cam Newton ($6,500) vs Rams– We all know the story about Cam’s shoulder and because of that he was really struggling down the stretch for the Panthers and eventually missed the final two games of the season. He went through a shoulder procedure this offseason and other than the mild foot injury he suffered in the preseason he looks good to go. When he was at full strength last year he was great only scoring less than 20 FPTS 3 times in the first 13 weeks of the season. The Rams lost some key pieces on the defensive side of the ball and knowing how high powered their offense is we are going to have to see a lot of Cam Newton as they try to keep pace with the Rams offense.
Jacoby Brissett ($4,400) vs Chargers– A lot of people have been really down on Colts QB Jacoby Brissett but I’m not one of them. He threw 12 TDs and 7 INTs in the last season he played significant time in, and that was with a team way less powerful than the one he has now. The Colts offensive line is strong and with targets like Jack Doyle, Eric Ebron, and TY Hilton he should have no problems finding some open receivers. He also was good running the ball in that season with 63 carries and 4 TDs so if you are looking for a dirt cheap QB option Brissett is very underpriced in my opinion, even against a very solid Chargers defense on the road.
Running Backs
David Johnson ($7,700) vs Lions– Johnson wasn’t his best last year for the Cardinals but a lot of that can be attributed to a very bad QB and offensive line issues. The line isn’t the best this year but in the new Kingsbury offense with Kyler Murray I think this will open things up for the back in the passing game along with the running game. A lot of plays are expected to be run in this offense which only gives Johnson more opportunities. The Lions were a middle tier run defense last year and at least early I think some teams will be caught off guard vs the Cardinals much like they were vs the Ravens with their unique offensive system.
Devonta Freeman ($5,300) vs Vikings– A lot of people have forgotten about Devonta Freeman but in my eyes he is still a very capable back in the running game as well as the passing game. He only played in 2 games this past season but in the season prior he was able to put up 865 yards and 8 total TDs in 14 games. Durability is always a question but in DFS week 1 we should have no issues and with Tevin Coleman moving on this should allow Freeman to get even more work in the running game.
Justin Jackson ($4,000) vs Colts– This is a bit of an interesting pick but with Melvin Gordon holding out with no end in sight a lot of people have looked toward Justin Jackson and Austin Ekeler. We saw Jackson run well in some big games when Melvin Gordon was out with an injury and he played better as the every down back for LA while Ekeler was more effective on 3rddown and in the passing game. However, there is a lot of uncertainty right now on how the carries will be distributed so there is some risk but if he does end up getting the bulk of the carries there is a lot of value to be had here even if the Chargers offensive line is questionable at best. He won’t be the bell cow back with 20+ touches a game but at this price I think he is worth taking a long look at.
Wide Receivers
Keenan Allen ($7,300) vs Colts– Sticking with the Chargers Keenan Allen in my opinion is one of the most underrated receivers in all of football. He is Rivers favorite target and without Melvin Gordon in the passing game Allen could be in a line for a lot more short yardage looks which is good for PPR players. Allen was already a superb PPR threat and with the absence of Gordon he only goes up in my eyes and with the Chargers offensive line issues they will be forced to get the ball out which means quick throws to Allen who is also one of the best route runners in the league. Roster Allen with confidence this week at home vs the Colts.
Brandin Cooks ($6,500) vs Panthers– Cooper Kupp is back in the Rams offense and that could actually mean good things for Cooks. He is targeted a heck of a lot and last year early in the season with Kupp in the lineup he was arguably better as he scored less than 16 FPTS only once in the season’s first 7 weeks. Carolina’s pass defense is questionable and we know how good the Rams offense can be. Gurley is also likely to be limited more this season which could mean more for Cooks. We won’t know anything for certain but with the amount of points the Rams put up he has a high ceiling and also one of the highest floors of all WRs in my opinion.
Sterling Shepard ($5,000) vs Cowboys– Let’s be honest here, the Giants offense is not viewed as one of the higher powered ones in the league. However, they still have some intriguing fantasy options especially since Odell is now in Cleveland. Sterling Shepard is now expected to move into the WR1 role and with Golden Tate suspended for the first 4 games of the season he should have the lock on that job. Shepard performed very solidly when Odell was out with injury last season and he has been with Eli Manning for multiple years. Somebody other than Saquon has to do something in this offense and for week 1 I am expecting that to be Sterling Shepard.
Tight End
Hunter Henry ($3,900) vs Colts– Hunter Henry missed pretty much all of last season due to a torn ACL in the offseason but he is excepted to be a 100% go as we start this year. Antonio Gates is no longer with the team so that gives Henry full reign on that spot in the explosive Chargers passing game. 2 seasons ago Henry was considered one of the best young tight ends and with the way Rivers throws to tight ends he got a lot more looks than other guys. He comes in at a very reasonable $3,900 price point in an offense that may or may not be throwing it a bit more due to Melvin Gordon not being with the team.
Defense
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST ($2,800) vs Jaguars– The Chiefs defense struggled mightily at times last season but they have made some additions with Frank Clark & Tyrann Mathieu that can take this team to the next level. We know they are going to score a lot of points but defense has always been the question. They aren’t priced very high among defense and will be going up against a Jaguars offense with a lot of question marks. How good will Nick Foles be as a full time starting QB??? Will Leonard Fournette get back on track??? There is just a lot of things we don’t know and this has never been an offense that we would have to be worried about. With a new QB for the Jags I think it is worth a shot to take this improved defense in this spot.
