We’ve continued to write about it in one article after another, but Week 1 is all about finding the old opinions and replacing them with new expectations. Arguably the best place for this is in DFS, where salaries are partly driven by how a player is viewed.
Based on our expected Week 1 DFS game flow analysis and Week 1 Games to Target published earlier, we can carry our thoughts into actual lineup positions. The long list of players that fit the requirements set forth by the projected flow of the game was cut dramatically by the requirements set forth by salaries.
Below are Sporfolio’s DFS Week 1 Plays:
Quarterback
Matt Ryan – One of this past offseason’s acquisitions that is likely to fly under the radar is the hiring of Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. Smith was formerly the offensive coordinator of the Titans, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill thrived under him. Why wouldn’t Matt Ryan do the same in Atlanta? He may have lost wide receiver Julio Jones, but he still has Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage as well as the newly-drafted Kyle Pitts. There’s a route to Ryan being the highest-scoring quarterback of the weekend.
Kirk Cousins – Over the course of the week, we have grown more invested in the Minnesota Vikings and the potential offensive showcase they might unleash on Sunday. The Cincinnati Bengals were one of the league’s worst teams defensively in 2020, while the Vikings were quietly among the league’s best on offense. Much of the reasoning behind the latter was Kirk Cousins putting together arguably his best year as a passer. Minnesota generally prefers to run the ball, but Cousins gets his share of pass attempts and would likely be the reason the Vikings eventually lead in the game.
Sam Darnold – This is probably our favorite storyline play of Week 1, and it was beautiful scheduling by the NFL. Sam Darnold has the most ideal setup for sweet revenge that he could’ve ever wanted. The Jets are likely to have a mediocre at best defense this season, so there should be no concerns whatsoever over Darnold’s matchup. Darnold also has a tremendous group of weapons at his disposal in Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, and his old Jets teammate, Robby Anderson. Between the amazing storyline, great matchup, talented supporting cast, and his very cheap price tag, Darnold looks like a great Week 1 pick.
Daniel Jones – While the aforementioned Cousins and Vikings have developed into some of our favorite plays, Daniel Jones and the New York Giants started there and have since caused some level of concern. That concern comes from the status of running back Saquon Barkley, where his presence does wonders for Jones. Regardless, Jones is going to be extremely unpopular in DFS tournaments, but finally has some weapons around him. He’s a key target at his price range to vastly outperform expectations.