Week 1 was crazy as I picked the wrong Indianapolis backup receiver and the wrong Chargers running back. I also assumed that any elite tight end would do anything. We also heard from you. You asked for the player’s projection tables back, so we brought them back.
Recommended DFS lineups
*Note: Both FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate
DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($5.9k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.7k), RB J.K. Dobbins ($5.4k), WR Mike Evans ($7.5k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.6k), WR Wan’Dale Robinson ($4.3k), TE Jordan Akins ($3.0k), FLEX Jordan Mason ($5.2k), DST Los Angeles Chargers ($3.4k)
FD Lineup: QB C.J. Stroud ($8.2k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($8.2k), RB J.K. Dobbins ($6.8k), WR Mike Evans ($8.0k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.7k), WR Malik Nabers ($6.4k), TE Hayden Hurst ($4.6k), FLEX Jordan Mason ($5.5k), DST Los Angeles Chargers ($4.4k)
FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($5.6k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.6k) RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($5.8k), WR Mike Evans ($7.1k), WR Nico Collins ($6.7k), WR/TE Cooper Kupp ($7.5k), TE Jordan Akins ($3.0k), FLEX Jordan Mason ($4.2k), SUPERFLEX C.J. Stroud ($7.3k)
*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.
| Quarterback | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | $7,700 | $8,800 |
| Patrick Mahomes | $7,000 | $8,700 |
| Anthony Richardson | $6,800 | $8,500 |
| C.J. Stroud | $7,300 | $8,200 |
| Dak Prescott | $6,700 | $7,700 |
| Kyler Murray | $6,600 | $8,000 |
| Jared Goff | $6,400 | $7,800 |
| Joe Burrow | $6,300 | $7,400 |
| Jayden Daniels | $6,200 | $7,900 |
| Brock Purdy | $6,100 | $7,300 |
| Matthew Stafford | $6,000 | $7,500 |
| Aaron Rodgers | $5,900 | $7,100 |
| Baker Mayfield | $5,900 | $7,400 |
| Justin Herbert | $5,800 | $7,600 |
| Trevor Lawrence | $5,700 | $7,200 |
| Deshaun Watson | $5,600 | $7,100 |
| Geno Smith | $5,500 | $7,300 |
| Justin Fields | $5,400 | $7,000 |
| Russell Wilson | $5,400 | $7,000 |
| Daniel Jones | $5,300 | $6,900 |
| Caleb Williams | $5,800 | $6,900 |
| Derek Carr | $5,300 | $7,200 |
| Sam Darnold | $5,200 | $6,800 |
| Will Levis | $5,200 | $6,700 |
| Bryce Young | $5,100 | $6,500 |
| Gardner Minshew II | $5,100 | $7,000 |
| Bo Nix | $5,000 | $6,700 |
| Jacoby Brissett | $5,000 | $6,600 |
| Malik Willis | $5,000 | $6,800 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – This week, every QB matchup feels very midrange. When that happens, it is hard to chase a value play. The safe move here is to spend up for one of the top four. If I pivot, it will be with Jayden Daniels, Matthew Stafford, or Baker Mayfield (who may outperform the higher-priced options). If you want to join me in the value loony bin, take a flier on Daniel Jones.
Fantasy four-pack
Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. LV ($7,700 DK, $8,800 FD) Jackson threw the ball 41 times in Week 1. That is 12 more than Baltimore’s average from last year. He also piled on 122 rushing yards. The rushing gives him a safe floor, but the passing keeps him elite.
Anthony Richardson, Colts @ GB ($6,800 DK, $8,500 FD) Jordan Love’s (knee) injury should put the game script firmly in the camp of Indy. Richardson will dominate on the ground and add 200-2 through the air.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. CIN ($7,000 DK, $8,700 FD) In four career home starts versus Cincy, Mahomes is averaging 301-2.5.
C.J. Stroud, Texans vs. CHI ($7,300 DK, $8,200 FD) Only available on FD, Stroud will dissect a Chicago defense that was bottom-10 in passing yards allowed and bottom-five in passing TDs allowed last season.
Sleepers
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers @ DET ($5,900 DK, $7,400 FD) Detroit allowed the second-most passing yards per game last season (257), and they started this season allowing the second-most passing yards per game in Week 1 (304). Expect a repeat of Mayfield’s playoff performance of 349-3.
Daniel Jones???, Giants @ WAS ($5,300 DK, $6,900 FD) Am I on to something, or am I on something? Jones legitimately is playing for his NFL starting career this week. Washington was the worst in the league against the pass last year, and it just gave up four TDs to Tampa last week, along with losing last year’s first-rounder cornerback to injury. So if he cannot do it here, he deserves the bench.
| Running back | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | $8,700 | $10,300 |
| Jonathan Taylor | $7,700 | $8,200 |
| Breece Hall | $7,400 | $8,500 |
| Joe Mixon | $7,100 | $8,100 |
| Travis Etienne Jr. | $7,200 | $7,300 |
| Alvin Kamara | $7,000 | $7,800 |
| Isiah Pacheco | $6,900 | $7,400 |
| Kyren Williams | $6,800 | $8,000 |
| Derrick Henry | $6,700 | $7,500 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | $6,600 | $7,900 |
| Josh Jacobs | $6,500 | $7,100 |
| James Conner | $6,400 | $6,500 |
| D’Andre Swift | $5,800 | $6,400 |
| Kenneth Walker III | $6,300 | $7,700 |
| Rachaad White | $6,300 | $7,600 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | $6,200 | $6,900 |
| Aaron Jones | $6,100 | $7,000 |
| David Montgomery | $6,000 | $7,200 |
| Jerome Ford | $5,900 | $6,300 |
| Tony Pollard | $5,900 | $6,700 |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | $5,800 | $6,200 |
| Zach Charbonnet | $5,800 | $6,300 |
| Austin Ekeler | $5,700 | $5,900 |
| Devin Singletary | $5,700 | $6,100 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | $5,700 | $6,200 |
| Zack Moss | $5,600 | $6,300 |
| Zamir White | $5,600 | $6,000 |
| Javonte Williams | $5,500 | $6,000 |
| Najee Harris | $5,500 | $6,600 |
| J.K. Dobbins | $5,400 | $6,800 |
| Jaylen Warren | $5,400 | $5,600 |
| Alexander Mattison | $5,300 | $5,800 |
| Chuba Hubbard | $5,300 | $5,900 |
| Ty Chandler | $5,300 | $5,300 |
| Gus Edwards | $5,200 | $6,100 |
| Jordan Mason | $5,200 | $5,500 |
| Justice Hill | $5,200 | $5,100 |
| Miles Sanders | $5,200 | $5,100 |
| Tank Bigsby | $5,100 | $5,500 |
| Tyjae Spears | $5,000 | $5,600 |
| Bucky Irving | $4,900 | $5,300 |
| Antonio Gibson | $4,800 | $5,400 |
| Jamaal Williams | $4,800 | $5,800 |
| Rico Dowdle | $4,800 | $5,300 |
| Blake Corum | $4,700 | $6,000 |
| Chase Brown | $4,700 | $5,400 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| Samaje Perine | $4,500 | $5,100 |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | $4,400 | $4,500 |
Running back
Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey’s (calf) absence threw the fantasy world into a tizzy Monday night. Even if he plays this week, he may be on a snap count. If McCaffrey is ruled out, Jordan Mason should see 100% ownership at RB2. Jonathan Taylor is a low-ownership lock at your RB1. Pivots include Isiah Pacheco, Kyren Williams, and Derrick Henry. If Kenneth Walker III (abdomen) cannot go, Zach Charbonnet makes a solid RB2. Otherwise, go with J.K. Dobbins, Brian Robinson Jr., or one of the Steelers.
Fantasy four-pack
Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ GB ($7,700 DK, $8,200 FD) I am advocating stacking a QB and RB. Both Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley punished this defense last week. Expect a similar outcome from this pair.
Kyren Williams, Rams @ ARI ($6,800 DK, $8,000 FD) What split backfield? Williams handled 21 of 23 RB touches for Los Angeles in Week 1. With no Puka Nacua (knee) Williams even may see a few more targets.
Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs vs. CIN ($6,900 DK, $7,400 FD) Cincinnati allowed just under 150 combo yards to the Patriots’ backfield. Pacheco had a mediocre Week 1, but he has scored in two of his three career meetings with Cincy.
Derrick Henry, Ravens vs. LV ($6,700 DK, $7,500 FD) Henry lacked the snap percentage I expected in Week 1. A better game script against a defense that allowed 167 total yards to the RB position last week set him up for a gigantic game.
Sleepers
J.K. Dobbins, Chargers @ CAR ($5,400 DK, $6,800 FD) I chose the wrong Charger RB last week. I’ll admit it. The team promises to ride “the hot hand.” Well, Dobbins’ digits are registering at 425 degrees. Meanwhile, Carolina just gave up 180-2 on the ground to New Orleans.
Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders vs. NYG ($5,800 DK, $6,200 FD) Robinson scored and out-touched Austin Ekeler 15-to-6. Last week, the Giants allowed Aaron Jones to average nearly 7 YPC. If Jayden Daniels shares the TD rock, Robinson will easily return 3x value.
| Wide Receiver | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| CeeDee Lamb | $8,800 | $9,100 |
| Justin Jefferson | $8,300 | $8,900 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | $8,100 | $9,000 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | $7,800 | $8,700 |
| Cooper Kupp | $7,600 | $7,700 |
| Nico Collins | $7,000 | $7,600 |
| Stefon Diggs | $6,800 | $7,500 |
| Mike Evans | $7,500 | $8,000 |
| Davante Adams | $7,300 | $7,100 |
| Garrett Wilson | $7,100 | $8,100 |
| DJ Moore | $6,500 | $6,800 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | $6,900 | $6,500 |
| Deebo Samuel Sr. | $6,800 | $7,300 |
| Rashee Rice | $6,700 | $6,900 |
| Keenan Allen | $6,400 | $6,500 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | $6,600 | $6,400 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | $6,500 | $7,000 |
| Chris Olave | $6,400 | $6,700 |
| Zay Flowers | $6,300 | $6,300 |
| Amari Cooper | $6,200 | $6,300 |
| Xavier Worthy | $6,100 | $6,200 |
| Chris Godwin | $6,000 | $6,200 |
| Rome Odunze | $4,100 | $5,900 |
| Jayden Reed | $6,000 | $5,800 |
| DK Metcalf | $5,900 | $6,600 |
| Malik Nabers | $5,900 | $6,400 |
| Tee Higgins | $5,900 | $6,700 |
| Calvin Ridley | $5,800 | $6,100 |
| Tank Dell | $5,500 | $6,100 |
| George Pickens | $5,800 | $6,600 |
| Romeo Doubs | $5,700 | $5,100 |
| Terry McLaurin | $5,700 | $6,000 |
| Brandin Cooks | $5,600 | $5,600 |
| Marquise Brown | $5,600 | $6,000 |
| Mike Williams | $5,600 | $6,100 |
| Christian Kirk | $5,500 | $6,000 |
| Courtland Sutton | $5,400 | $5,400 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | $5,400 | $5,600 |
| Jameson Williams | $5,300 | $5,700 |
| Tyler Lockett | $5,300 | $6,000 |
| Adam Thielen | $5,200 | $5,300 |
| Jordan Addison | $5,200 | $5,700 |
| Diontae Johnson | $5,100 | $5,500 |
| Jakobi Meyers | $5,100 | $5,200 |
| Jerry Jeudy | $5,100 | $5,800 |
| Christian Watson | $5,000 | $5,700 |
| Joshua Palmer | $5,000 | $5,600 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | $4,900 | $5,400 |
| Ladd McConkey | $4,900 | $5,700 |
| Brian Thomas Jr. | $4,800 | $5,800 |
| Josh Downs | $4,800 | $5,500 |
| Dontayvion Wicks | $4,700 | $4,100 |
| Xavier Legette | $4,700 | $4,700 |
| Greg Dortch | $4,600 | $4,900 |
| Rashid Shaheed | $4,600 | $5,500 |
| Alec Pierce | $4,500 | $5,600 |
| DeMario Douglas | $4,500 | $4,900 |
| Gabe Davis | $4,400 | $5,900 |
| Tyler Boyd | $4,400 | $5,000 |
| Jauan Jennings | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| Josh Reynolds | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| Michael Wilson | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | $4,300 | $5,400 |
| Darius Slayton | $4,100 | $4,800 |
| Quentin Johnson | $4,100 | $5,100 |
| Adonai Mitchell | $4,000 | $5,300 |
| Demarcus Robinson | $4,000 | $5,200 |
| Jalen Nailor | $3,900 | $5,300 |
| K.J. Osborn | $3,900 | $5,100 |
| Rashod Bateman | $3,900 | $4,800 |
| Andrei Iosivas | $3,800 | $5,200 |
| Ja’Lynn Polk | $3,800 | $4,700 |
| Luke McCaffrey | $3,800 | $4,300 |
| Trenton Irwin | $3,700 | $4,500 |
| Jalen McMillan | $3,600 | $5,200 |
| Nelson Agholor | $3,600 | $4,300 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | $3,500 | $4,300 |
| Kalif Raymond | $3,500 | $4,900 |
| Devaughn Vele | $3,400 | $4,700 |
| Van Jefferson | $3,400 | $5,000 |
| Allen Lazard | $3,300 | $4,500 |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | $3,300 | $4,400 |
| Tyler Johnson | $3,300 | $4,000 |
| Dyami Brown | $3,200 | $4,100 |
| Jalin Hyatt | $3,100 | $4,600 |
Wide receiver
Weekly strategy – Use Amon-Ra St. Brown, Cooper Kupp, or Mike Evans as your WR1. You also may consider any Houston WRs at WR1 or WR2 on FanDuel. I’m still fading CeeDee Lamb and Ja’Marr Chase. Each starting WR for Kansas City and San Francisco is in play at WR2. At WR3, consider Malik Nabers (knee), Terry McLaurin, or Brandin Cooks. Wan’Dale Robinson, Allen Lazard, and the Colts’ and Rams’ secondary WRs are punt choices or potential flex plays.
Fantasy four-pack
Cooper Kupp, Rams @ ARI ($7,600 DK, $7,700 FD) Kupp only saw 21 targets and 14 receptions. The Lions had no answer for him. Guess what? The Cardinals’ pass defense is arguably worse than Detroit’s.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. TB ($8,100 DK, $9,000 FD) I did not expect 38 WRs to see more targets than St. Brown. The Lions will remedy that miscue. This game projects as a shootout, so expect a point gusher. Stack big here.
Mike Evans, Buccaneers @ DET ($7,500 DK, $8,000 FD) Evans’ matchup isn’t as juicy as last week, that said Detroit was rolled through the air by Los Angeles. As mentioned above, stack this game and even consider Chris Godwin and Jameson Williams, too.
Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. SF ($8,300 DK, $8,900 FD) Jordan Addison (ankle) is on the wrong side of questionable. This means that Jefferson and Jalen Nailor will be the primary targets for Sam Darnold in his revenge game against San Fran. He will see more than the six targets he garnered in Week 1.
Sleepers
Brandin Cooks, Cowboys vs. NO ($5,600 DK, $5,600 FD) Given the questionable status of Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), New Orleans’ secondary will struggle with both CeeDee Lamb and Cooks. If Lattimore doesn’t play, both WRs and Dak Prescott get a boost. Plus, they will see a bump in targets with Jake Ferguson (knee) likely out.
Malik Nabers, Giants @ WAS ($5,900 DK, $6,400 FD) Washington picked up where it left off as one of the most abysmal teams against the pass. Nabers (knee) will be the top beneficiary as long as his injury doesn’t limit him. Also, consider Wan’Dale Robinson here. Both should eat.
| Tight End | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Sam LaPorta | $6,300 | $7,900 |
| Travis Kelce | $6,200 | $7,400 |
| Trey McBride | $6,000 | $6,200 |
| George Kittle | $5,500 | $6,400 |
| Evan Engram | $5,400 | $5,900 |
| Mark Andrews | $5,000 | $6,800 |
| Isiah Likely | $4,800 | $5,800 |
| Jake Ferguson | $4,700 | $5,600 |
| Dalton Schultz | $2,500 | $5,500 |
| Brock Bowers | $4,400 | $5,300 |
| Pat Freiermuth | $4,100 | $5,400 |
| Chig Okonkwo | $4,000 | $5,200 |
| Taysom Hill | $3,900 | $5,200 |
| Cole Kmet | $3,900 | $5,100 |
| Hunter Henry | $3,800 | $5,000 |
| Juwan Johnson | $3,700 | $4,900 |
| Cade Otton | $3,600 | $4,900 |
| Noah Fant | $3,600 | $4,800 |
| Tyler Conklin | $3,500 | $4,800 |
| Zach Ertz | $3,500 | $4,800 |
| Josh Oliver | $3,400 | $4,700 |
| Luke Musgrave | $3,400 | $4,800 |
| Tucker Kraft | $3,300 | $5,000 |
| Johnny Mundt | $3,200 | $4,700 |
| Colby Parkinson | $3,100 | $4,800 |
| Mike Gesicki | $3,100 | $5,000 |
| Austin Hooper | $3,000 | $4,900 |
| Hayden Hurst | $3,000 | $4,600 |
| Jordan Akins | $3,000 | $4,700 |
| Greg Dulcich | $2,900 | $4,600 |
| Kylen Granson | $2,900 | $4,800 |
| Luke Schoonmaker | $2,900 | $4,800 |
Tight end
Weekly strategy – Every stud TE bombed last week. That cannot possibly happen again. If you can afford it, spend up for one of the Big 3. If you can’t consider one of the injury replacements (Luke Schoonmaker or Jordan Akins), or choose a bargain-priced veteran like Pat Freiermuth, Zach Ertz, Hayden Hurst, or Colby Parkinson.
Fantasy four-pack
Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. TB ($6,300 DK, $7,900 FD) Last season, Tampa allowed the third-most yards and the second-most receptions to the position. In this shootout, LaPorta will make up for his Week 1 mediocre output.
Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. LAR ($6,000 DK, $6,200 FD) The Rams held Sam LaPorta in check last week, but they gave up the second-most TE scores in 2023. Last week, McBride posted only 5-30, but only 10 individuals at any position saw more targets than he did.
Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. CIN ($6,200 DK, $7,400 FD) Kelce posted a Week 1 dud. That will be rectified this week. Cincy allowed the second-most receiving yards and the most receptions to the position last season.
George Kittle, Niners @ MIN ($5,500 DK, $6,400 FD) Minnesota has been solid against the position for several years now. Still, Kittle should repeat his 5-78 from last year, especially if Christian McCaffrey (calf) is out.
Sleepers
Pat Freiermuth, Steelers vs. DEN ($4,100 DK, $5,400 FD) With George Pickens facing a shadow from Patrick Surtain, Freiermuth should see an uptick in targets. As long as Arthur Smith doesn’t decide to give those targets to MyCole Pruitt.
Colby Parkinson, Rams @ ARI ($3,100 DK, $4,800 FD) Last season, Tyler Higbee, saw a bump in targets and receptions when Cooper Kupp was out. That role currently falls on the shoulder of Parkinson with Puka Nacua (IR – knee) out. Against an atrocious TE defense, Parkinson should be a top play.