With Week 2 kicking off with 12 games, fantasy players should target the obvious stars, but with winning lineups, players should target lower-cost players that could break out against weaker opponents for the Top NFL DFS lineups this week. DraftKings has certain edges and mispriced players with value that you can start to help cash in this week.
These recommendations are designed to give you players we feel will be low-owned and good value, and help you create a unique DFS build. We want a DFS lineup different from the masses and most likely made with an optimizer. Look for single or smaller slates to build your DFS bankroll. Expecting to hit the Sunday million jackpot regularly is not statistically sound. The fantasy point-per-game averages referenced are those across FanDuel scoring rules.
TOP NFL DFS Quarterback
Mac Jones ($4k DraftKings)
At a minimum $4k, Mac Jones might be a must-play for cash, as he had a great finish to the season with the Jacksonville Jaguars by feeding Brian Thomas Jr. He could do the same with Ricky Pearsall, as the 49ers are down George Kittle and potentially Jauan Jennings in this game. Although the Saints’ defense might be better than people thought coming into the year, they aren’t world beaters, so Kyle Shanahan should be able to put Jones in favorable situations to be a decent fantasy quarterback with his price.
Additional Options: Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Jared Goff, Justin Fields, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye
TOP NFL DFS Running Back
Derrick Henry ($8,200k DraftKings)
It is rare that I pick the player at the top of the position, but man, the Cleveland Browns defense gave too much bulletin board material in stopping Derrick Henry to ignore. It is the highest team point total projected for the Baltimore Ravens, as the last time Henry faced this team, he had 20 carries for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns. I expect nothing less this time in their home opener, as the King could have a repeat of Week 1.
Additional Options: Christian McCaffrey, Jahmyr Gibbs/ David Montgomery, James Conner, Breece Hall, Kyren Williams, Javonte Williams, Travis Etienne Jr.
TOP NFL DFS Wide Receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($6,000k DraftKings)
With Joey Porter out on Sunday, the Steelers’ secondary could reshuffle with Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey as the other corners. Although it’s more of a neutral matchup and they still have a good pass rush, we saw Sam Darnold hyper-target Jaxon Smith-Njigba last week with 13 targets. Cooper Kupp was on the back burner, as JSN’s price at just $6K is too good to pass up on.
Additional Options: Ja’Marr Chase/ Tee Higgins, CeeDee Lamb/ George Pickens, Garrett Wilson, Tyreek Hill/ Jaylen Waddle, AJ Brown/ DeVonta Smith
TOP NFL DFS Tight End
Mark Andrews ($4,700k DraftKings)
After a miserable showing in Week 1 with just a single catch, historically, Mark Andrews normally has big games against the Cleveland Browns. In the last two games vs. their divisional rival, he’s had at least a touchdown and 4 targets in both games. With Isaiah Likely out again, I expect Andrews to return to form in Week 2. Andrews finished strong last year with multiple games in the end zone so the connection between him and Lamar Jackson should return in this game at home for their opener.
Additional Options: Trey McBride, David Njoku/ Harold Fannin Jr., Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith
TOP Defense/Special Teams
Los Angeles Rams ($3,100k DraftKings)
Cam Ward wasn’t bad but the rest of the team struggled around him against the Denver Broncos with their pass rush. I expect a similar thing with Rams who have a young quad group with Jared Verse, Byron Young, Braden Fiske, and Kobie Turner that could make Ward’s day miserable on Sunday.
Additional Options: Ravens, 49ers, Cardinals, Cowboys
DFS Tournament Stacks (Inexpensive to Expensive)
Mac Jones- Ricky Pearsall- Jake Tonges; Joe Flacco- Jerry Jeudy/ Cedric Tillman- David Njoku/ Harold Fannin Jr.; Drake Maye- Stefon Diggs/ Kayshon Boutte/ Demario Douglas- Hunter Henry; Aaron Rodgers- DK Metcalf/ Calvin Austin III- Jonnu Smith; Trevor Lawrence- Brian Thomas Jr./ Travis Hunter- Brenton Strange; Jared Goff- Amon Ra St.Brown/ Jameson Williams- Sam LaPorta; Jalen Hurts- AJ Brown/ DeVonta Smith (Dallas Goedert Out); Lamar Jackson- Zay Flowers/ Rashod Bateman- Mark Andrews; Josh Allen- Khalil Shakir/ Keon Coleman/ Josh Palmer- Dalton Kincaid
Conclusion
Fantasy players, after one week of data, will have to not overreact to some things, but then pay attention to other trends at the same time if they want to cash in this week. The recent injury news to a few players has changed things and given us value on the Main Slate.
