The 2016 National Football League season – and, with it, the DFS season – begins with a rather typical split between positions – at least, typical for the uncertainty that Week 1 brings. The list of running backs to target is short, as gameplans appear to be set for the first week of action. Wide receivers are much more erratic, however, as we have little on which to base the assumption that targets will be predictable on Opening Day.
Based on our expected Week 1 DFS game flow analysis performed 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
Jameis Winston – Six rushing touchdowns in 2015 and playing in a game where his team should be trailing, Winston is a dual threat who will either thrive in garbage time or help give the Buccaneers a lead. His mid-level price makes him the perfect upside play that won’t kill your roster.
Philip Rivers – San Diego loves to throw the ball – second-most passing attempts in the league in 2015 – and with Keenan Allen back in the lineup, Rivers has a key target in his wideout. Even his running backs get involved in the passing game, as Danny Woodhead is one of the premier pass-catching running backs in the league.
Joe Flacco – It seems like every big name from Baltimore had his 2015 season cut short. Joe Flacco is no exception, and, with no clear running game on which to rely, Flacco should air it out against a Bills defense that tends to be more bark than bite.
Robert Griffin III – Arguably the risk-reward play of the day, Robert Griffin III would almost certainly need to shine in order for the Browns to complete an Opening Day upset. For once, it looks like Cleveland’s management might have a real plan in place, which should mean more calculated risks from RGIII. With that, he is a prime candidate for running the ball, himself, near the goal line.
Blake Bortles – A solid passer at a somewhat decent price, Blake Bortles will almost certainly be called upon throughout Sunday’s contest. The best-case scenario for Bortles’ owners is a quick start by Green Bay that causes Jacksonville to pass more. Then again, with the amount of weapons in the Jaguars’ offense, it is just as likely that Bortles starts hot and thrives.
Kirk Cousins – The high-upside, contrarian play for the Primetime slate. Washington has a proverbial chip on its shoulder in an attempt to prove that last year was not a fluke. This is personified by Kirk Cousins, himself. Expect the signal-caller to have a heavy workload.
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