Aaron Rodgers
DraftKings: $8,600 | Fan Duel: $9,700
Even Jordy Nelson’s injury can’t dethrone Rodgers as fantasy QB king. Packers’ most efficient offense wants to play at “faster pace” against one of the worst secondaries in the league. They will jump on Bears early and keep the pedal down behind Rodgers arm.
Adrian Peterson
DraftKings: $7,700 | Fan Duel: $9,200
Angry Adrian is well rested and takes advantage of reshuffled 49ers D. Norv Turner’s vertical pass game will open up plenty of space for AP, and he will get plenty of carries as they put the 49ers away in the second half.
Julio Jones
DraftKings: $9,100 | Fan Duel: $9,000
The Eagles have a terrible secondary that Julio will dominate as the “X” receiver in Shanahan’s system. Eagles new CB Byron Maxwell will shadow Julio… which is horrible news for the overrated product of the Seahawk system. Expect Julio to get 12+ targets as the Falcons will have to throw to keep the game close.
Greg Olsen
DraftKings: $5,300 | Fan Duel: $5,900
Kelvin Benjamin accounted for 142 targets and 72 receptions last year. With him out, Olsen is the only legitimate pass threat in Panthers offense against a depleted Jags D. Expect 10+ targets while the Panthers move the ball, with lots of Red Zone opportunities for the RZ-target-monster Olsen.
Texans
DraftKings: $3,000 | Fan Duel: $4,500
Adding Wilfork and Kevin Johnson to the elite duo of Watt and Clowney makes this group the best in NFL. Look for Watt and Clowney to get pressure on Smith, and cause multiple turnovers. This is their second year in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 scheme, so if they stay healthy expect a bump in overall defensive ranks.
Carson Palmer
DraftKings: $6,500 | Fan Duel: $7,700
Palmer looks fully healthy, and has extra zip on the ball. Look for him to show this off against a Saints D that is down it’s 2 best players in the secondary (Byrd and Lewis). We expect the Cardinals to be trailing, and his pass attempts to be high.
Mark Ingram
DraftKings: $5,600 | Fan Duel: $7,800
With the addition of elite-run-blocking center Max Unger, look for the Saints to move the ball easily. He’ll destroy the young Cardinals interior for Ingram all day. coach Payton’s new offense will be ground based, and the injury to Spiller will mean extra work for Ingram and a couple goalline plunges.
Davante Adams
DraftKings: $4,200 | Fan Duel: $5,500
No Jordy, Cobb still not 100%, bad Chicago secondary, and he has chemistry with Rodgers… all that for minimum price. Packers want to pick up the pace, which will bode well for Adams as Green Bay pours it on early and often. Thursday night we saw what can happen in a D-coordinator’s debut with a new team, don’t be surprised if it happens again here to Fangio.
Tyler Eifert
DraftKings: $3,500 | Fan Duel: $5,000
Finally healthy and #1 TE option for the Bengals. They’ll have plenty of opportunity to move the ball against a young Raiders defense. There are a lot of mouths to feed in Cincy, but we think Dalton will establish Eifert as a red zone nightmare on Sunday.
Vikings
DraftKings: $2,800 | Fan Duel: $4,400
The 49ers offense experienced a lot of turnover, and the staff is inexperienced. Zimmer’s defense is loaded with young talent in their second year in his system. We expect them to be prepared to overwhelm Kap and his o-line. If the Vikings can force a lot of pass attempts…. there will be turnovers.
Tyrod Taylor
DraftKings: $5,000 | Fan Duel: $5,000
The Bills will be pounding the ball, trying to keep Luck and the high-octane Colts offense off the field. Watkins, Harvin, and McCoy are gamebreakers who could boost his throwing stats with YAC off of quick passes, and screens. Even if he doesn’t do much through the air, multiple rushes and scrambles could boost his fantasy score. OC Roman loves designed QB-runs, and won’t try to “protect” Tyrod like he did Kaepernick. This could all be the recipe for Taylor to crush his minimum salary.
Ameer Abdullah
DraftKings: $3,700 | Fan Duel: $5,900
The Lion’s coaches know they have a special talent. Look for him to line up all over the place and get plenty of work in a shootout. We expect a lot of plays from scrimmage in this game, and if he makes a couple catches in space, we like his chances of breaking one.
Cecil Shorts
DraftKings: $3,500 | Fan Duel: $5,400
An injury to the Chiefs best DB, Sean Smith, means their 3rd stringer will be on Shorts. We expect Hoyer to move the Texans with short/intermediate routes, while they struggle on the ground without Foster. This is where Shorts shines, and when healthy he’s been a good Fantasy option. If Hopkins draws coverage, look for Shorts to break free.
Crockett Gillmore
DraftKings: $2,500 | Fan Duel: $4,700
The Broncos have elite corners to shut down Flacco’s primary options. This could leave the 6’6″ Gillmore as the only mismatch on the field. When Denver DC Wade Phillips turns up the heat, look for Crockett to chip/delay routes for easy dump offs.
Ravens
DraftKings: $2,700 | Fan Duel: $4,100
Suggs and Dumervil are still an elite pass rush duo, and the Broncos O-line is bad. This could mean pass rush opportunities, and potential turnovers. Denver wants to ground and pound, and while the Ravens won’t shut it down, we don’t expect a shootout.
Peyton Manning
DraftKings: $7,300 | Fan Duel: $9,100
The combination of a new offense, and a shaky offensive line are a concern. In effort to preserve Manning, getting away from the spread will limit Manning’s fantasy potential. Expect a second half lead, and a run heavy scheme with limited pass attempts.
Marshawn Lynch
DraftKings: $6,600 | Fan Duel: $8,600
The Rams have an elite front four, so I’m fading any RB against them… even Beast Mode. Plus, the Seahawks lost their anchor up front in re-vamped offensive line. Two elite defensives could spell disaster for fantasy output in this game.
Mike Evans
DraftKings: $7,000 | Fan Duel: $8,300
With two rookie QBs squaring off, look for safe play calling and lots of ball control. We expect the Bucs to struggle moving the ball against a LeBeau defense that will confuse Jameis and co. If Evans is going to play up to his salary he is going to have to take advantage of very few opportunities. If that weren’t bad enough, he may not even be 100% with an iffy hamstring.
Jimmy Graham
DraftKings: $5,600 | Fan Duel: $6,900
The Seahawks run a much more methodical offense than the Saints pass-happy approach. That could affect Jimmy’s fantasy value. In this game especially, we expect two elite defense to force low fantasy output.
Cowboys
DraftKings: $2,800 | Fan Duel: $4,200
Losing Scandrick kills Dallas’ ability to shut offenses down. Greg Hardy may help when he returns, but that won’t matter this week. We expect the Giants to torch them in their second season under OC Macadoo. This will be an absolute shootout, don’t expect much defensive fantasy output.
