It is finally time for NFL! We've been waiting since the end of last season for this, and I'm sure everyone feels no one is as excited as them. FantasyDraft is kicking off the NFL season with a bang, as they have a few great tournaments to be a part of.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy football lineup picks for FantasyDraft for Week One. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @BalesSJustin.
FantasyDraft - DFS Quarterback Pick
Matthew Stafford - vs ARI ($11,400)
Stafford is surprisingly cheap to open the season, specifically for this matchup. This game is set at 49.5 total points, and the Lions are small underdogs, suggesting game script will be on Stafford's side this week. The Cardinals have a solid group of defensive backs, but the Lions have multiple options in the passing game, including outstanding tight ends and running backs, which will open more opportunities for Stafford in the passing game. He simply is too cheap for the upside he possesses.
FantasyDraft - DFS Running Back Picks
Le'Veon Bell - at CLE ($18,600)
Bell is going to be highly owned this week, but it would be a mistake to avoid him, specifically in cash games. He gets an elite matchup against the Browns, who ranked second last in the NFL against the run. In five career games against Cleveland, Bell has totaled 697 yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers have one of the best offenses in the NFL, and Bell is as safe of an option on this slate.
Dalvin Cook - vs NO ($9,100)
Cook has been named the starting running back for the Minnesota Vikings this season. He performed well in the preseason, totaling 105 yards on 23 touches. Most importantly, he recorded six receptions, displaying the potential to be a three-down back. He gets a great matchup against the Saints, who ranked 30th in the NFL against running backs last season. Cook comes with a reasonable price tag, and he will be the workhorse running back for Minnesota. He can be used in all leagues.
FantasyDraft - DFS Wide Receiver Picks
Golden Tate - vs ARI ($12,300)
Tate is an interesting option this week. He comes with plenty of risk if he is shadowed by Patrick Peterson. With that being said, Tate is expected to move into the slot in three-receiver sets, and Peterson is expected to stay outside this season. Tate will play the majority of his snaps in the slot, meaning he will likely avoid Peterson for the most part. He's a high upside option to pair with Stafford this weekend.
Kendall Wright - vs ATL ($6,300)
Wright is expected to start for the Bears this season. He is also expected to see plenty of targets due to the lack of options in Chicago. The Bears Offensive Coordinator is currently Dowell Loggains, who was the Titans Offensive Coordinator in 2012 and 2013. Between those two seasons, Wright recorded 160 receptions for 1,705 yards and six touchdowns. The Bears will likely be losing the majority of this game, forcing them to throw the ball early and often. Wright is extremely cheap and should be used in all leagues.
FantasyDraft - DFS Tight End Pick
Zach Ertz - at WAS ($7,000)
Ertz was one of the biggest winners of the offseason, as he will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Philadelphia trading Jordan Matthews. Ertz is a receiving tight end that could be featured in the red zone. He had at least six receptions in four of his last five games, including two games with double digit receptions. He gets a good matchup against the Redskins, who struggled against the tight end last season, and Ertz is an elite option this week.
FantasyDraft - DFS Defense Pick
Buffalo Bills - vs NYJ ($7,700)
The Bills are not going to come cheap, so they are not a defense to use if you are looking to punt this position. They are an elite defensive option on this slate, though. They get a matchup against the New York Jets, who possess one of the worst offenses in the NFL. The Bills are far from an elite defense, but the Jets have the lowest team total on the slate. The Jets will be starting Josh McCown at quarterback, and he has only 10 more career touchdowns than interceptions. The Jets will be an offense to attack each week, and the Bills are the lucky defense to open the season.