It’s 10:00pm on the eve of the 2016 NFL Season. You put the kids to bed, enjoyed a nice dinner with your spouse. Now it’s time to open your DraftKings app and build your week one lineup. You have done your homework, taken notes and recorded stats. Week one can be the most unpredictable because the stars rarely play in the preseason anymore.
Week 1 DraftKings Top 3 Skill Position Targets
QUARTERBACK
Russell Wilson Seattle Seahawks vs Miami Dolphins
DraftKings Salary $7,900
Russell Wilson is poised to become the number one quarterback in fantasy football in 2016. Week one against the Miami Dolphins will get him well on his way to the top. Wilson was on fire down the stretch in 2015 averaging 28.4 fantasy points per game (FPPG) from Week 11-17 on DraftKings. Miami will play right into that streak boasting a defense that was 21st against the pass in 2015 and 25th in total yards against. There are big questions at corner for Miami so look for Wilson to use the big play ability of Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett to expose that secondary.
Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts vs Detroit Lions
DraftKings Salary $8,300
Andrew Luck is healthy at home with a great week one matchup. The Detroit Lions are looking for answers at the cornerback position with the retirement of Rashean Mathis. With Mathis in the lineup the Lions gave up 24.6 points per game (PPG) which as 25th last season. The Indianapolis Colts went out and finally improved the offensive line which will give Luck time to stand in the pocket and hit his playmakers. Fans expect T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett to be catching passes all day long from Luck.
Jameis Winston Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons
DraftKings Salary $6,600
I love this spot for the Buccaneers and 2nd year quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston threw for 22 touchdowns last season good for fourth best in NFL history by a rookie. In two games against Atlanta last season Winston averaged 19.55 FPPG throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for two. Winston has had nice chemistry with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson his two big wide outs this preseason and fans should look for them to carry that in the regular season. Winston’s salary week one gives him the potential to be a great value play.
RUNNING BACK
Latavius Murray Oakland Raiders @ New Orleans Saints
DraftKings Salary $5,600
Latavius Murray opens his 2016 season against the New Orleans Saints and fantasy owners should be salivating at thought of his production week one. It’s no secret the Saints defense is not good, they were 30th against the run in 2015 and gave up a robust 129.4 rushing yards per game. CSN Bay Area reported Head Coach Jack Del Rio stated “I want Murray to have more touches” in 2016. The salary on Murray week one may be his low mark of the 2016 season. He is a must use in the 2016 opener.
Jamaal Charles Kansas City Chiefs VS San Diego Chargers
DraftKings Salary $7,100
Jamaal Charles at home against the 27th ranked defense against the run in 2015 is a great play to start your DraftKings season. Yes, Charles is coming off a torn ACL last season, however when healthy he is the focal point of the Chiefs offense. Kansas City has played it safe by sitting him out this preseason but all reports lead to him being a full go week one. As long as he is on the field he needs to be in your lineup.
Lamar Miller Houston Texans VS Chicago Bears
DraftKings Salary $7,000
The Houston Texans gave Lamar Miller $14 million guaranteed to be their number one running back in 2016. Miller severely under utilized with the Miami Dolphins will get every shot to put up big numbers this season. Miller and the Texans open the season home against a Bears defense vulnerable to the run. According to the Houston Chronicle, Lamar Miller will have a “versatile role as an inside and outside running presence” with the Texans and “figures to be a healthy part of the passing game.”
WIDE RECEIVER
Julio Jones Atlanta Falcons VS Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DraftKings Salary $9,400
Julio Jones is as close to a sure bet to produce each week. When healthy he is a top three wideout every week. Jones averaged 26.7 FPPG in 2 games against the Bucs in 2015, including 12 catches on 13 targets for 162 yards and a TD at home. Jones is the highest priced player on DraftKings week one so you will need to find values elsewhere if you are going to use him.
T.Y. Hilton Indianapolis Colts vs Detroit Lions
DraftKings Salary $7,500
Since Andrew Luck is a big pick this week, naturally so is one of his wideouts. T.Y. Hilton has a great matchup week one against the Detroit Lions and he gets his star QB back. According to http://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/ty-hilton/, Hilton had a snap share of 89.5% highest among the skill position players. Luck missed nine games last season, despite that Hilton cracked the 1000 yard mark (1,124) for a third straight year. Hilton is the perfect mid-price alternative to Julio Jones.
Tyler Lockett Seattle Seahawks vs Miami Dolphins
DraftKings Salary $5,000
Tyler Lockett is the steal of week one and therefore he will be a huge part of your success. Down the stretch in 2015 (Week 13-16) Russell Wilson gained trust in Lockett targeting him 28 times and connecting 21 times. Lockett converted three of those for touchdowns. Ultimately Lockett becomes a huge sleeper week one at an unbelievably low price. End Result, take advantage of his potential and watch the fantasy points rise.
The Bottom Line
Finding the perfect mix blend of stars and sleepers is tough when making a DraftKings lineup. Sometimes its good to go with your gut, other times you need to do your homework. Whatever your method always remember, “you gotta be in, to win it!”
