The NFL season is finally underway and what an exciting week one we saw. There were fantastic Individual fantasy performances from the likes of Antonio Brown, Jameis Winston, DeAngelo Williams and almost everyone involved in both the Saints/Raiders and Colts/Lions games. Last week in our DFS “Buy or Leave Dry” we hit on a couple with Winston and Latavius Murray and we missed with Tyler Lockett and Gary Barnidge. It’s time to get back on track, so let’s take a look at some players to use and avoid when playing DraftKings and FanDuel this week.
QUARTERBACK
BUY: Eli Manning Giants VS Saints
Salary DraftKings $7,600 FanDuel $8,100.
Eli Manning and the New York Giants are coming off a very satisfying week one victory against the Dallas Cowboys. Manning completed 19 of 28 passes for 207 yards including three touchdowns to a healthy Victor Cruz and tight end Larry Donnell. In come the New Orleans Saints fresh off a shootout loss at home the Oakland Raiders. The Saints defense again showed that they can’t stop anybody as Derek Carr and the Raiders put up 486 yards of total offense in New Orleans. Look for Manning to be slinging the ball all day long to receivers Cruz, Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard in a game many would consider a fantasy football players dream.
LEAVE DRY: Andrew Luck Colts @ Broncos.
Salary DraftKings $7,700 FanDuel $8,500.
Andrew Luck looked like his old self week one against the Detroit Lions. Luck threw the football 47 times, connecting 31 times for 385 yards and four touchdowns. However this week Luck and the Colts travel to Denver to take on the Broncos. The Broncos physically beat up reigning MVP Cam Newton in the season opener and with the Colts suspect offensive line, Luck could face a similar fate. With the DFS salaries being so similar, Eli Manning is definitely your better option this week when playing DraftKings or FanDuel.
RUNNING BACK
BUY: Ezekiel Elliott Cowboys @ Redskins
Salary DraftKings $7,300 FanDuel $7,900
The Washington Redskins were absolutely dominated on the ground by DeAngelo Williams and the Pittsburgh Steelers on national television. Williams ran for 143 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. The Redskins defensive front was manhandled by the Steelers offensive line. In comes Elliott and the best offensive line in football. The star rookie was unable to get on track against the Giants week one. Look for that to change this week against the Redskins. Make sure Elliott is in most of your DFS lineups as this could be his signature breakout moment.
LEAVE DRY: Todd Gurley Rams Vs Seahawks
Salary DraftKings $7,500 FanDuel $8,400
Todd Gurley and the Los Angeles Rams looked absolutely horrid Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers made it a point to not let Gurley beat them by stacking the box and forcing quarterback Case Keenum to make plays. Gurley was held to 47 yards on 17 carries and Keenum completed less than 50% of his passes and threw two interceptions. This week against the Seattle Seahawks won’t be any easier, in fact it may get downright ugly. Seattle is coming off a very unimpressive 12-10 victory at home against the Miami Dolphins and will be looking to throw their weight around against the Rams. Historically the Rams play Seattle well, but after what we saw last week against San Francisco, this game might be over before it starts. If you don’t like Ezekiel Elliott other options should include Lamar Miller, Latavius Murray and Mark Ingram instead of Gurley.
WIDE RECEIVER
BUY: Willie Snead Saints @ Giants
Salary DraftKings $5,800 FanDuel $7,200
This is pretty simple here, Willie Snead caught all nine of his targets week one for 172 yards and a touchdown. It is pretty clear Drew Brees trusts Snead and that should make him a viable option each week. In a game that should be a shootout, Snead will be a popular DFS target. His salary will only rise from here, take advantage of this value and use him in your lineups.
LEAVE DRY: T.Y. Hilton Colts @ Broncos
Salary DraftKings $7,000 FanDuel $7,000
T.Y. Hilton caught six of 12 targets for 79 yards against the Detroit Lions week one. The targets were there, but with Andrew Luck throwing for nearly 400 yards, the production from Hilton was lower than expected. The Colts should have a tough time moving the ball against the Denver Broncos defense. This matchup presents a difficult challenge for Hilton who may be shadowed Aqib Talib all afternoon. Like Luck, Hilton is a player to avoid this week when constructing your DFS lineups. Better options include Golden Tate, Kelvin Benjamin and Amari Cooper.
