Fantasy Football, Week 1: Last-minute DFS bargains on DraftKings
By Drew DeLuca
Running Backs
Dalvin Cook, MIN (vs. ATL), $6,000: It’s hard to fathom why Cook is priced so low at home against a mediocre-to-poor defense. Hop on one of the week’s best fantasy football running back values now if you haven’t already.
Kerryon Johnson, DET (at ARI), $5,800: If Stafford isn’t the biggest fantasy producer in the Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals tilt, Johnson will be. Expect him to see at least 20 touches, log over 100 total yards and score at least once.
Austin Ekeler, LAC (vs. IND), $5,500: No one benefits more from Gordon’s holdout in PPR formats in DFS. Ekeler’s target volume alone will be worth the price.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Matt Breida, SF (at TB), $4,000: Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman were simultaneously productive for Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta. With Breida’s tremendous skill set and athleticism, there’s no reason he can’t step into the Freeman role and rack up video game numbers against that Bucs defense. Sign me up for $4,000.
Wide Receivers
Tyler Lockett, SEA (vs. CIN), $6,000: I have Lockett in my top 12 for season-long rankings due in part to his eye-popping efficiency metrics. Good thing it’s a home game, as Lockett will do things to the Cincinnati Bengals defense that might be illegal in the State of Ohio.
Josh Gordon, NE (vs. PIT), $5,500: Gordon truthers, rejoice! It’s happening! His presence in the New England Patriots lineup with a Hall of Fame quarterback slinging him the rock makes this potential Top Five talent an attractive mid-range option this week. Rob Gronkowski has retired, and Antonio Brown won’t suit up until next week, leaving a bigger slice of pie for Gordon. Of all weeks, this is the one to start him.
Dede Westbrook, JAX (vs. KC), $4,800: Unless the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ defense channels the 2017 version of themselves, the Chiefs’ offense should force the Jags to play from behind for much of this contest. Nick Foles‘ new favorite weapon should finish among the league leaders in targets this week.
Jamison Crowder, NYJ (vs. BUF), $4,100: Sam Darnold‘s slot receiver should be busy today against a better-than-advertised Buffalo Bills defense. The ceiling isn’t high, but the floor should be.
Hunter Renfrow, OAK (vs. DEN), $3,600: The departure of Antonio Brown leaves a ton of potential targets on the table for this newly-minted starter. The rookie from Clemson has earned his chance with an impressive summer.