At the start of every season, we have to balance old memories of the prior year with new expectations. Of course, the easiest path to correcting flawed thinking is by paying attention to those who have changed roles — or teams.
For now, the one area we can’t fully adjust is the ranks of a team compared to the rest of the league. We know that some offenses and defenses will finish 2021 at a far different level than in 2020, and we will do our best to identify which teams are poised for such a move. That should help start the process of narrowing down our options for Week 1.
Sporfolio’s NFL Daily Fantasy Sports game-by-game analysis columns are driven by expected game flow. Based on a combination of our Week 1 NFL picks against the spread and our expectations for a given game, we project the actions necessary to make these picks come to fruition. We aim to pinpoint players integral to our predicted game flow for each game of the week. We also include high-scoring and low-scoring matchups that can be used for either DFS plays or over-under picks in our new Top Games to Target column.
Please Note: Our ‘Must-Owns’ are either players around which we are building our entire roster or the top target we want, not considering salary restraints. Which means that some ‘must-owns’ will not make it into our final lineups.
Luke May is our resident NFL DFS expert, and Mario Mergola operates Sporfolio as our expert for NFL Picks Against the Spread.
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The Week 1 “Battle of the Birds” is loaded with question marks in my eyes. The biggest question I have is, “How will this Eagles offense look behind the young Jalen Hurts who will be relying heavily on a bevy of young wide receivers?” Add to that situation the fact that both teams are rolling out entirely new coaching staffs, and it is hard for me to feel comfortable. I am going to choose to lean on the few constants in this game: Matt Ryan and Miles Sanders. The Eagles should look to lean on Sanders early on this season as the rest of their offense continues to get up to speed with the NFL game. With Mike Davis the only established running back likely to play in Atlanta — until Wayne Gallman gets some more time with the team — I would expect them to let Matt Ryan go out and try to win games through the air.
Targets: Miles Sanders, Matt Ryan, Calvin Ridley, and Russell Gage
Fades: Eagles passing game and Falcons tight ends — I want to hold off on Kyle Pitts until I see how involved the Falcons plan to keep Hayden Hurst
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: While I doubt the Atlanta Falcons will revert to their high-flying offense we saw years ago under quarterback Matt Ryan in the prime of his career, I am convinced that we will see some positive correction from the offense after it ranked just 18th in yards gained last year. I’m also looking for the Philadelphia Eagles to show off some weapons, highlighted by wide receiver Devonta Smith reuniting with his quarterback from college in Jalen Hurts. The only concern is that the point total is modest, which suggests that we may not get fireworks. Still, I’m fine using players from either team on my roster.
Targets: Both quarterbacks, Calvin Ridley, Kyle Pitts, and Devonta Smith
Fades: Both defenses
Must-Owns: None
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The concerns surrounding Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers’ offensive line are definitely valid, but my faith in the Steelers’ defense is as high as ever. After a stellar showing last season, they have made moves to improve further and should be talented enough to make up for mediocre offense all year. The Bills are likely to be one of the better teams in the league again this year, but I could see them stumbling out of the gate a bit here against a high-end defense. My overall expectations from this game are low from a fantasy perspective.
Targets: Najee Harris, Steelers Defense, Josh Allen, and Dawson Know
Fades: Steelers passing game and Bills wide receivers
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense remains one of the most dominant forces in the league, although it will have its hands full against a Buffalo Bills’ offense that surged toward the end of last year. We did see the Bills slow down in the playoffs — especially compared to their impossibly great pace — so there is a blueprint for it. If I can afford it, I would use someone from either team, but only in moderation and for the sake of gaining exposure to the matchup.
Targets: Josh Allen, Gabriel Davis, Ben Roethlisberger, and Najee Harris
Fades: None, but I am definitely not going overboard
Must-Owns: None
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: While I understand the excitement and hype around a first overall pick who was expected to be a franchise-altering player, I am still not overly high on Joe Burrow. His numbers last season were fine before the injury, but he succeeded on tremendous volume. With him now making his return from his significant knee injury, I think it will take some time for him to fully feel comfortable again. As much as I am not a Kirk Cousins fan, I see the Vikings being better this year on defense, and that will allow Dalvin Cook and the running game to control the ball. All of that sets up for a game in which the Vikings are in control throughout and make a big statement to kick off the new season.
Targets: Tyler Conklin, Vikings Defense, and Joe Mixon
Fades: The rest of the Bengals Offense
Must-Owns: Dalvin Cook
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: People have a tendency to underrate the Minnesota Vikings’ offense as a whole. Indeed, there is a general acceptance running back Dalvin Cook is one of the best in the game, but the same argument can be made about quarterback Kirk Cousins in terms of fantasy numbers — he almost always delivers. I’m buying into that misunderstanding, and I’ll probably use more than one player from Minnesota in my lineup. The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense has an opposite reputation than what I just wrote about regarding the Vikings. Cincinnati generally has to throw, which is where quarterback Joe Burrow’s counting numbers grow. That should be the case on Sunday, and it means that both offenses are worth a look.
Targets: Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen — as long as he’s healthy — and Joe Burrow
Fades: Both defenses and Justin Jefferson — I prefer Thielen at a discount
Must-Owns: None, but Cousins or Cook is probably going to make it into most of my lineups
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: This game features two of the teams that I have a strong opinion on for the season. I am very high on the 49ers, just one full year removed from their Super Bowl loss. Last season is 100% excusable given the endless string of major injuries. For the Lions, I am far less optimistic. Their talent level leaves a lot to be desired, and new Head Coach, Dan Campbell’s ideology of “biting kneecaps” doesn’t inspire a lot of faith. This game feels like a typical 49ers game in which they run the ball every play and let their defense dominate. I am all in on a blowout here even with the travel and time issue of San Francisco traveling East.
Targets: Raheem Mostert, Trey Sermon, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and T.J. Hockenson
Fades: Jared Goff and Lions Wide Receivers
Must-Owns: 49ers Defense
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: There are always surprises in the National Football League, but I would be quite stunned if the Detroit Lions stifle the San Francisco 49ers on Opening Day. That means that San Francisco will lean on its beloved rushing attack and probably never take to the air. Raheem Mostert is the easy play from this game, but I’m actually targeting Trey Sermon as a ‘must-own.’ Mostert has a long history with injuries and may not need to shoulder the entire workload against Detroit. Sermon is extremely likely to get carries at one point in the game, and his low price tag makes him one of the best targets of the weekend. On the other side of the matchup, I would expect quarterback Jared Goff to try to make a statement with his new team — both by design and necessity — but we shouldn’t forget that his opponent is familiar with him by virtue of Goff playing in the 49ers’ division for his career up until now.
Targets: Jared Goff, T.J. Hockenson, Raheem Mostert, and San Francisco’s defense
Fades: Jimmy Garoppolo and Detroit’s running backs
Must-Owns: Trey Sermon
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: It is hard to not like the changes that these two teams made over the offseason, but to me, the Titans may be the most improved team in the league. Their already elite offense added Julio Jones, and their middle-of-the-road defense added a number of talented players as well. The only downside for Tennessee this season is their brutal schedule, and they need a win in Week 1 against a solid opponent to get the ball rolling immediately. I like both offenses in this game, but both teams are full of talented players, so settling on the correct players may be tricky here. The one thing that feels certain is that we should see the Cardinals lean on the aerial attack and the Titans lean on the ground game.
Targets: Cardinals Wide Receivers, Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown, and Julio Jones
Fades: James Conner and Chase Edmonds
Must-Owns: Kyler Murray
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The obvious snap judgment reaction is that the game between the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans will be full of offense, and there’s certainly a valid reason for such an explanation. Still, I’m concerned the offense may be too widespread to look at anyone besides Kyler Murray from Arizona and Derrick Henry from Tennessee. The two are the focal points of their respective offenses, where Henry usually doesn’t even lose touches if the Titans are trailing. I won’t go as far as using a defense in this game, but I will limit my exposure to the matchup.
Targets: Kyler Murray and Derrick Henry
Fades: Both defenses
Must-Owns: None
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: I am as big of a Russell Wilson believer as there is, but I have a gut feeling we see a down year from the Seahawks this season. They have the talent to grind out somewhere around nine wins, but given the strength of their division, and their tough schedule, I can see them being on the outside looking in come playoff time. It begins this week with a near cross-country 1:00 ET game against arguably the most solid team in the entire league. Just how good the Colts can be will depend on what they get from Carson Wentz this season, but the sky’s the limit for this team. This game likely comes down to the wire, but I see the home team celebrating come the final buzzer.
Targets: Russell Wilson, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Gerald Everett, Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, and Jack Doyle
Fades: Seahawks Running Backs
Must-Owns: Michael Pittman Jr.
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: As of this writing, we are expecting quarterback Carson Wentz to play on Sunday. While I normally don’t buy into injuries — even to quarterbacks outside of the elite — the Indianapolis Colts playing without Wentz would likely be a problem. Regardless, the Colts are not built to win a high-scoring, back-and-forth game against a team like the Seattle Seahawks, so it would probably be via a methodical attack that relies on the running game. Seattle has its usual upside led by superstar quarterback Russell Wilson, but again, the Colts’ best route to a victory is by playing a defensive game.
Targets: Jonathan Taylor and Seattle’s defense
Fades: Everyone else
Must-Owns: None
Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Let me start by saying this: the love surrounding Washington is understandable. Their defense should be elite once again, and who doesn’t love Ryan Fitzpatrick? With that all said, do I really have faith that Ryan Fitzpatrick is suddenly going to be able to lead a team to and through the playoffs at this stage of his career? The answer to that is a fairly confident no. My expectations are much higher this season for the Chargers, who boast tons of talent on both sides of the ball, and are led by the incredibly promising young arm of Justin Herbert. This week will be a major test for the young quarterback, and I think he comes through and breaks the curse the Chargers seemingly have carried around with them for years when it comes to one-point games. With that said, I am not expecting the offenses to shine here.
Targets: Austin Ekeler — if he plays — Jared Cook, Chargers Defense, Antonio Gibson, and Terry McLaurin
Fades: Justin Herbert and Ryan Fitzpatrick
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: I wrote about it in my picks article, but the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Football Team was probably the most difficult one to project. Thankfully, it’s more straightforward in terms of DFS than picks, where I fully expect the defenses of both teams to lead the charge. Quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Ryan Fitzpatrick have shown the ability to put up big numbers, but Washington’s defense was the key to last year’s success while the Chargers are getting back Derwin James to an already-stout defensive group. It’s a risk, but I’m generally fading offensive players from this game.
Targets: Both defenses and maybe Austin Ekeler if he’s healthy
Fades: All other offensive players
Must-Owns: None
New York Jets at Carolina Panthers
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Maybe I’m crazy or maybe I’m a hater, but I didn’t like the Zach Wilson selection from the moment it was rumored, and I am not going to be swayed by preseason football. I will happily admit I am wrong should he prove he was worthy of that pick, but so far, my expectations for him and the Jets simply are not high. Add in the perfect scheduling by the NFL to have Sam Darnold be the Jets Week 1 opponent, and I am high on the Panthers this week. The Panthers impressed last season and should show improvement on both sides of the ball this year with Christian McCaffrey back and with Darnold expected to provide more firepower than Teddy Bridgewater did.
Targets: Corey Davis, Tyler Kroft, Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, and Panthers Defense
Fades: The rest of the Jets’ Offense
Must-Owns: Sam Darnold and Robby Anderson
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Can you believe how amazing this scheduling is?! We get Sam Darnold against his former team on Opening Day! Not only Sam Darnold against the New York Jets but Sam Darnold against his replacement and the New York Jets. If — and this is a big “if” — Darnold is ever going to be capable of sending a message, then Sunday would be the day to send it. He has to be on our radar, as well as his former teammate from New York, Robby Anderson. Of course, if the Carolina Panthers are moving the ball, then the Jets will probably be forced to throw as well. Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson is an option, although it’s hard to argue using him over some other options this week.
Targets: Sam Darnold, Christian McCaffrey, Robby Anderson, Carolina’s defense, and Zach Wilson
Fades: Everyone else from New York
Must-Owns: None, but obviously McCaffrey if there’s excess salary cap space
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: I do believe that Trevor Lawrence is going to be very good, but the talent the Jaguars have throughout their lineup is limited, and the entire offseason and preseason storylines out of Jacksonville have given me reasons to question Urban Meyer and the franchises’ decision making. Speaking of doubts, the Texans are likely to be one of the very worst teams in the league this season. While my expectations for the Texans are non-existent, I have a sneaky suspicion that they will come out and win this game, much like the 1-15 Jaguars of last year. In order for that to happen, the offense will have to have a decent game, because their defense hasn’t made many improvements after being one of the worst groups in the league last year.
Targets: Trevor Lawrence, DJ Chark Jr., Tyrod Taylor, Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, and Jordan Akins
Fades: David Johnson and Phillip Lindsay
Must-Owns: James Robinson
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: As much as I’d love to see a rookie quarterback selected first overall — and with such a pedigree as Trevor Lawrence has — step onto a professional football field and seamlessly leave behind his college days with equivalent numbers, I can’t accept it happening right away. Lawrence remains arguably the best quarterback prospect of the last decade, but he will be taking on a division opponent that is not likely to win many games this year. Said division opponent — the Houston Texans — will also run the ball with quarterback Tyrod Taylor and limit Jacksonville’s offensive time-of-possession. Ultimately, if I’m not trusting Lawrence on Sunday, then there are few options I’d be willing to throw into my lineup.
Targets: Both defenses
Fades: Both offenses
Must-Owns: None
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: It goes without saying that I think the Chiefs are one of the best teams in the league. What may not be quite as obvious is that I have found myself really expecting a lot from the Browns this season. The Browns have returned every member of their league-best offensive line last season. With them in place, the offense should continue to be one of the most efficient rushing attacks while allowing Baker Mayfield to play under minimal duress. Their defense was average last season, but they added a lot of talent this offseason and could give teams some serious trouble. I’m not sure if they have it in them to upset Kansas City on the road in Week 1, but I think they put up a really good fight this week and show they are for real.
Targets: Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Austin Hooper, Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Demarcus Robinson, and Travis Kelce
Fades: Baker Mayfield
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: The game between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs is being viewed as a potential playoff preview, but I think it’s better to look at it as the remnants from last year’s excellent campaigns. What this means is that the Browns and Chiefs might hit respective roadblocks in the coming weeks, but they should have their best efforts on display in Week 1. That would mean a relentless rushing attack for Cleveland and a high-powered passing game for Kansas City. The usual suspects are in play.
Targets: Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Nick Chubb, and Jarvis Landry
Fades: Both defenses
Must-Owns: None
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: To say that I am skeptical of the Dolphins this year would be putting it mildly. Tua Tagovailoa did not do much to impress me last season, and his Ryan Fitzpatrick-shaped crutch is gone this year. Their talent at running back leaves a lot to be desired, and they are projected to have one of the worst offensive lines in the league this season. Their defense last season thrived on takeaways, but if they regress in that area, this entire team is destined to struggle this season. The Patriots on the other hand look like an entirely improved team heading into this season as they should be better at almost every position on the field thanks to offseason additions and players returning from last year’s opt-out option. I am expecting a good season from the Patriots, and it will begin with a statement victory against a division rival.
Targets: DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, and Patriots Defense
Fades: Tua Tagovailoa and Myles Gaskin
Must-Owns: Damien Harris
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: I’m always looking for a ‘contrarian’ view of a matchup to see if there is an edge, but it’s hard to envision a scenario where both quarterbacks thrive in the game between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa will be playing against New England for the second time in his young career after posting his second-worst quarterback rating in his first attempt. Conversely, New England’s Mac Jones will be making his first career start against a Miami team that allowed the sixth-fewest points-per-game in 2020. I’m sure someone can break through in this matchup and deliver, but I find it hard to trust anyone with conviction.
Targets: Mike Gesicki, Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, and New England’s defense
Fades: Both quarterbacks
Must-Owns: None
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Ask me a few weeks from now and I may deny this, but as of right now, I am painfully high on Jameis Winston for this season. He had his struggles in Tampa Bay, but those struggles were never the result of a lack of talent. That talent that led him to be the number one overall draft pick has now had a chance to learn behind Drew Brees for a season, learn and prepare under Sean Payton, and he will have a chance to play behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. If there were ever a chance for Winston to thrive, it is going to be this season. We loved Aaron Rodgers all of last season because it felt like he was playing with something to prove to the world. After this crazy offseason, I don’t see how he isn’t going to be playing with that same chip on his shoulder. I am having a hard time seeing how this game is anything but high-scoring and an even harder time imagining how Rodgers could possibly not force a touchdown to Randall Cobb.
Targets: Aaron Rodgers, Devante Adams, Randall Cobb, and Alvin Kamara
Fades: None
Must-Owns: Jameis Winston and Marquez Callaway
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Jameis Winston was recently named the starting quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, and it’s hard to ignore his past history of tossing the ball downfield. It gives him tremendous upside if he were to continue along that trend. That’s a big “if.” Saints head coach Sean Payton had previously used players like Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill under center in the absence of Drew Brees because they limited turnovers — as much as I argue against Hill as a quarterback, he only threw two interceptions last year. Winston has been a turnover machine in the past, and it’s difficult to imagine that Payton will allow such a risk. The good news is that the game flow should force Winston into throwing against the Green Bay Packers. Really, New Orleans’ best opportunity to win the game would be to somehow slow down quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It feels like an impossible task, but the Saints’ defense has improved over the years.
Targets: Both quarterbacks, Aaron Jones, Davante Adams, Alvin Kamara, and Marquez Callaway
Fades: None
Must-Owns: None, but in terms of salary, Marquez Callaway is probably a necessity
Denver Broncos at New York Giants
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Of every game on the Week 1 slate, this is possibly my least favorite for DFS purposes. The Broncos are going to be a team that I expect to ignore for much of this season, barring an unforeseen change. Their offense being run by Teddy Bridgewater really limits the upside of any of their playmakers, and their defense looks poised to return to being one of the elite units in the league this season. Combine that with the uncertain health of the Giants’ offense and their poor offensive line, and this game has all the making of a letdown.
Targets: Melvin Gordon III, Broncos Defense, Sterling Shepard, and Giants Defense
Fades: All other offensive players
Must-Owns: None
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: I continue to argue that we don’t actually know just how dominant the Denver Broncos’ defense will be in 2021. Many people are assuming that it will surge to the top of the standings, but it ranked in the bottom-third in yards allowed last year. Of course, there is reason to be concerned with the New York Giants’ offense on Sunday, but I find extreme value in how much the group is being overlooked. If running back Saquon Barkley can play, then he’s healthy enough to deliver. His receptions alone make him a ‘must-start’ for me. I also don’t find anything redeeming from the Broncos’ offense, so I’m looking elsewhere when filling out my lineup.
Targets: Daniel Jones, Kenny Golladay — as long as he is healthy — and Melvin Gordon III
Fades: Everyone else on Denver’s offense
Must-Owns: Saquon Barkley — obviously, assuming he is healthy enough to start
Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: With all of the information at their disposal, I’m having a hard time understanding the firm commitment the Bears have shown to Andy Dalton. Dalton was in a prime position to succeed with the Cowboys last season and was largely unremarkable — to put it mildly. Now he comes to a Bears team with far less supporting talent and is being tasked with a Week 1 matchup against the league’s best defense, on the road, for the Rams’ first game in their new stadium with fans. No thank you. I expect the Rams to win fairly easily, but I am not banking on fireworks from Matthew Stafford just yet. We see it every year, quarterbacks that don’t play at all in the preseason usually take a week or two to get up to full speed. My expectations for Stafford are sky-high this season, but I am holding off for now.
Targets: Darrell Henderson Jr., Sony Michel, and Tyler Higbee
Fades: The Bears’ offense and Matthew Stafford
Must-Owns: Rams Defense
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Sunday Night Football is full of storylines to open the year, and both take place at the quarterback position. The Los Angeles Rams brought in Matthew Stafford, and he fits perfectly into the team’s ‘win-now’ mode. The Chicago Bears added Andy Dalton but also drafted Justin Field and have not hidden the fact that he will eventually take over starting quarterback duties. Oddly enough, I probably won’t play any of the three quarterbacks in my Primetime lineups — obviously, Fields can’t be used, although I do think he takes some snaps and sparks the next wave of quarterback controversy. Stafford should be fine in terms of delivering over the course of the game, but the Rams tend to run the ball when approaching the goal line — they were tenth in rushing touchdowns last year and 26th in passing. There is certainly offense to be targeted, but the storyline plays are not exactly the fantasy plays.
Targets: Both Rams running backs — but if Sony Michel is inactive because he isn’t ready to play with the Rams yet, then Darrell Henderson, Jr. becomes a ‘must-play’ — Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Rams defense, and Allen Robinson II
Fades: Both quarterbacks, David Montgomery, and Chicago’s defense
Must-Owns: None, but my above note about Henderson applies here
Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders
Luke’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: For most people, this is an easy game to look at and say that the Ravens should pummel the Raiders. While I can’t rule that out, I think the Raiders compete, and possibly even win this game. Playing for the first time in front of their fans in their new stadium should give them a boost, and they have the talent on offense to control the ball and keep pace with the Ravens. The addition of Sammy Watkins seems unlikely to be a big boost to the Ravens’ passing game, so they should continue to lean on their ground game which is now in the hands of essentially just Lamar Jackson. I’m sure the Ravens will figure out how to make their offense work, but with their personnel changes and injury to JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, I could see them taking a little time before being at the level we are used to seeing from them.
Targets: Lamar Jackson, Derek Carr, and Henry Ruggs III
Fades: Ravens passing game
Must-Owns: Darren Waller
Mario’s DFS Take
Storyline/Notes/Thoughts: Sometime between the initial phase of this article and when it was published, news broke that the Baltimore Ravens lost Gus Edwards to an injury, and they fear that it will knock him out for the season. In terms of Monday Night Football, Edwards was an option, but he wasn’t the main target. The Ravens’ offense still runs — literally — through quarterback Lamar Jackson, and that won’t change. He just has fewer weapons to divert the defense’s attention. On the other side of the ball, the Las Vegas Raiders will have their hands full trying to break through against a solid Baltimore defense, but I am buying into Las Vegas’ offense in 2021, and we could have tremendous value with it as a ‘sleeper’ for a DFS contest. The Raiders finished eighth in the league in yards gained last year, and have a nationally-televised matchup with their first game in their new stadium in front of a crowd. Expect the team’s best strengths to be on full display.
Targets: Mark Andrews, Derek Carr, and Henry Ruggs III
Fades: Both defenses
Must-Owns: Lamar Jackson and Darren Waller