Strap in, pigskin addicts. NFL kickoff is imminent!
Week 1 is about to hit us like a linebacker on a blitz. From Mahomes’ magic in KC to Rodgers’ rebirth in the Big Apple, we’ve got a smorgasbord of gridiron glory that’ll make your head spin faster than a flea-flicker.
Rookies like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. are ready to prove their worth, veterans are out to show they’ve still got it, and somewhere, a kicker is praying not to become this week’s meme.
Whether you’re riding the Bijan hype train or betting on Burrow to torch the Pats, this slate’s got more potential than a young Tom Brady at the combine. So grab your lucky jersey, set those lineups, and get ready for a week that’s as unpredictable as a Travis Kelce interview.
Football’s back, baby, and it’s time to make your significant other hate Sundays again!
Thursday, Sept. 5
Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs
Favorite: Chiefs -3
Over/Under: 46.5
DraftKings Slates: Thursday Showdown, Main
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Patrick Mahomes (QB, $15,600), Travis Kelce (TE, $14,400), Lamar Jackson (QB, $17,100)
DFS Analysis:
The offense in this year’s NFL opener should be hotter than a Patrick Mahomes’ haircut. We suspect Mahomes and Kelce will connect for a score faster than you can say “touchdown dance.” As for Lamar, he’s a dual-threat beast, but he needs to avoid turnovers. WR Zay Flowers could shine as a sneaky flex option, especially with Kansas City’s secondary potentially vulnerable. The Ravens’ defense might struggle to contain Mahomes at Arrowhead, making a Chiefs’ stack more tempting than free healthcare.
Friday, Sept. 6
Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles
Favorite: Eagles -2.5
Over/Under: 48.5
DraftKings Slates: Friday Showdown, Main
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Jalen Hurts (QB, $7,300), A.J. Brown (WR, $8,000), Jordan Love (QB, $6,400)
DFS Analysis: Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown are primed to feast on the Packers’ secondary like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet. Jordan Love’s continued breakout could lead to a high-scoring affair, but RB Josh Jacobs is merely a flyer mid-tier DFS option against Philly’s run defense. The Eagles’ D is strong, but they lose their home field edge in Brazil. If Love keeps it close, this one could be a fantasy bonanza. But good luck picking his targets.
Sunday, Sept. 8
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Atlanta Falcons
Favorite: Falcons -3
Over/Under: 41
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Bijan Robinson (RB, $7,700), George Pickens (WR, $5,700), Drake London (WR, $6,000)
DFS Analysis: The Falcons are going to run more than Charlie Sheen from alimony payments. That makes Bijan Robinson’s the main course in Atlanta’s offensive buffet. George Pickens offers contrarian value in GPPs, but expect the Falcons’ run-heavy approach to dominate the game flowGame flow refers to how a game is expected to unfold. If a team gains a big lead, for example, the flow of the game will generally see more rushing and less passing, and vice versa. Understanding potential game flow is essential if you want to draft the best value players. And it... More. Drake London’s target volume makes him a solid mid-tier option, especially against a potentially vulnerable Steelers secondary.
Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills
Favorite: Bills -5.5
Over/Under: 48
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Josh Allen (QB, $8,000), James Conner (RB, $6,200), Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, $7,200)
DFS Analysis: Josh Allen may treat the Cardinals like a game of Madden on rookie mode. He’s one of the top QB DFS plays of Week 1. On the Cardinals’ side, James Conner could see volume, but game script may limit his upside. Marvin Harrison Jr. offers boom-or-bust potential, but the Cardinals’ passing attack might struggle against Buffalo’s defense, reducing Harrison’s DFS appeal.
Tennessee Titans @ Chicago Bears
Favorite: Bears -4
Over/Under: 43
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Keenan Allen (WR, $6,900), Caleb Williams (QB, $5,900), Calvin Ridley (WR, $5,800)
DFS Analysis: Keenan Allen will be a security blanket for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The veteran wide receiver’s ceiling in his Chicago debut? Higher than Snoop Dogg at a Cypress Hill concert. Meanwhile, Calvin Ridley will be making his first appearance as a member of the Tennesee Titans. He should be the top option on their offense, especially if WR Hopkins doesn’t suit up.
New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals
Favorite: Bengals -9
Over/Under: 42
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Joe Burrow (QB, $8,400), Ja’Marr Chase (QB, $9,100)
DFS Analysis: Burrow and Chase should torch the Pats’ secondary like marshmallows at a campfire. Patriots’ RB Rhamondre Stevenson offers a respectable floor due to volume, but the Patriots’ offense could struggle to keep pace, so he may lose touches late in the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Miami Dolphins
Favorite: Dolphins -3.5
Over/Under: 49
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Tua Tagovailoa (QB, $7,000), Tyreek Hill (WR, $8,700), Trevor Lawrence (QB, $6,200)
DFS Analysis: This matchup has more shootout potential than a drug bust gone bad. If your cash gameA cash game refers to a DFS contest in which roughly half the field wins a prize. The last place winner wins the same prize as the first place winner. While the prize payouts aren't as sexy as tournament contests (GPPs), the probability of placing in the money is usually higher. ... More budget allows, you’ll want to stack Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill like IHOP pancakes. Trevor Lawrence will need to air it out, making him a solid DFS option as well. And don’t forget RB Travis Etienne, whose receiving skills could make him a PPRPoint per reception This is a DFS scoring system that awards offensive players (e.g., WR, RB and TE) one point for each reception. This is the standard scoring method of DraftKings. More sleeper.
Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
Favorite: Texans -2
Over/Under: 42
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: C.J. Stroud (QB, $7,500), Stefon Diggs (WR, $6,700), Michael Pittman Jr. ($6,800)
DFS Analysis: This Texans’ passing attack should be as explosive as cousin Eddie after his third burrito. C.J. Stroud’s connection with Stefon Diggs makes them an elite DFS stack against a rebuilding Colts defense. Jonathan Taylor’s availability and health could make or break the Colts’ chances. Michael Pittman Jr. offers solid mid-range DFS value, as Indy may be playing catch-up and revert to the pass.
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints
Favorite: Saints -3.5
Over/Under: 40
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Derek Carr (QB, $5,300), Chris Olave (WR, $6,600)
DFS Analysis: Chris Olave is set to be Derek Carr’s top target and a cost-effective Week 1 DFS play. Bryce Young may soil the bed and is too risky of an option. Miles Sanders will see double-digit touches, but the Saints’ defense—which is tougher than a two-dollar steak—could curb his upside. It may be best to avoid the Carolina offense altogether.
Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants
Favorite: Vikings -1
Over/Under: 41.5
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Aaron Jones (RB, $6,500), Malik Nabers (WR, $5,900)
DFS Analysis: Justin Jefferson is normally a top DFS play but with Darnold under center, it’s chancy at $8,400. Aaron Jones provides strong value as the lead back. WR Malik Nabers could be a high-ceiling option. Given his legs, Daniel Jones could be your contrarian ticket to DFS glory – or therapy.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers
Favorite: Chargers -3.5
Over/Under: 42.5
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Afternoon, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Justin Herbert (QB, $5,800), Ladd McConkey (WR, $4,700), Gardner Minshew II (QB, $5,300)
DFS Analysis: Herbert’s health is more questionable than Lindsay Lohan’s life choices. If he and his arm cannon are back to 100%, Herbert is the Chargers’ top DFS play. Although, that doesn’t say much as LA’s suspect receiving corps faces a solid Raiders defense. On the Vegas side of the ball, Davante Adams is a risky option with Gardner Minshew II under center. Consider Adams more of a GPPGPP stands for guaranteed prize pool. It is a daily fantasy sports contest where the prize money is guaranteed, regardless of how many players participate. The prize payouts are generally skewed heavily to a small number of winners who win a large share of the pot. GPPs are often... More play.
Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks
Favorite: Seahawks -5
Over/Under: 42.5
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Afternoon, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Geno Smith (QB, $5,500), D.K. Metcalf (WR, $6,200), Javonte Williams ($5,500)
DFS Analysis: Averaging 15.8 FPsFantasy points More at home last year, Geno Smith won’t win you any Super Bowls. Nonetheless, he’s got the targets to hit his 30+ FP ceiling on occasion. Metcalf is a matchup nightmare and a strong mid-tier WR play in DFS lineups. In Denver, Javonte Williams is another year removed from his injury. He’ll look to start his season on a high note against a rickety Seahawks run D.
Dallas Cowboys @ Cleveland Browns
Favorite: Browns -2.5
Over/Under: 43
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Afternoon, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: CeeDee Lamb (WR, $8,900)
DFS Analysis: CeeDee Lamb is the only blue-chip stock in this contest. Both QBs are more like investing in crypto – high risk, potentially high reward. Dak Prescott might struggle against a strong Browns defense, making him a risky option. Watson has played just 12 games in two seasons. And you know things are bad in Dallas when you have to re-sign Zeke Elliott. We’ll sidestep this contest.
Washington Commanders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Favorite: Buccaneers -3
Over/Under: 42.5
DraftKings Slates: Sunday Afternoon, Main, and Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Baker Mayfield ($5,600), Mike Evans ($7,300), Terry McLaurin ($6,000)
DFS Analysis: Mike Evans is a reliable mid-tier DFS option with Baker Mayfield providing solid value if the Buccaneers’ offense clicks. Washington’s Jayden Daniels-led offense has more questions than answers. The Bucs’ defense could limit his ceiling. Nonetheless, McLaurin offers a relatively safe floor as a relief valve for Daniels.
Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions
Favorite: Lions -3.5
Over/Under: 51
DraftKings Slates: Main, Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Jared Goff ($6,300), Amon-Ra St. Brown ($8,200), Puka Nacua ($7,400)
DFS Analysis: This game has shootout potential, making Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown DFS gold. Puka Nacua, if healthy, is a must-start, though his status should be monitored. Kyren Williams offers some value as an RB2, particularly if the Rams look to establish the run early.
Monday, Sept. 9
New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers
Favorite: 49ers -4
Over/Under: 44
DraftKings Slates: Main, Showdown
Projected Fantasy Leaders: Christian McCaffrey, ($8,600), Mike Williams (WR, $5,700)
DFS Analysis: Rodgers is back, and saltier than a pretzel factory. He presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario in his Jets “debut” (we won’t count last year’s four snaps). Wilson is the #1 WR but Rodgers likes his ends, which account for 18% of his career passes. Hence, TE Tyler Conklin should at least 3x his $3,000 salary. Meanwhile, McCaffrey’s the safest bet since gravity – he’s as versatile as a Swiss Army knife and scores more than a heartthrob in a rom-com.
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