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Dennis Clausen highlights the top FanDuel NFL DFS lineup picks for Week 1 of the 2019 season, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.
After a long offseason, Week 1 is finally here. For those of you who didn't participate in preseason DFS contests, tournaments are open to get your season moving in the right direction. There are some big games with significant DFS ramifications on Sunday, including the Chiefs heading to Jacksonville to meet the Jaguars, with a slate leading projected overall score of 52 points. With the weather outside of rain not being an issue, locations shouldn't be a major factor in deciding your picks, at least for the home teams.
In this article, I will be providing you with daily fantasy football picks for FanDuel on September 8, 2019 (Week 1). These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. Be sure to also check out our premium section.
Follow me on Twitter @Den_Clausen. Good luck.
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FanDuel DFS Quarterbacks - Week 1 Picks
Jameis Winston - QB, vs. SF ($7,500)
After missing the first three games due to suspension while also battling Ryan Fitzpatrick for playing time, Winston is looking to put 2018 behind him. With Bruce Arians now at the helm, the former No. 1 overall pick has a chance to thrive in a passer-friendly system that will afford him plenty of opportunities to make some big plays to Mike Evans or Chris Godwin. Winston was much more efficient while playing at Raymond James Stadium last season, finishing the year with 10 touchdowns and just four interceptions, which included a two-touchdown, 312-yard performance against San Francisco in Week 12. Expect big things from him in Week 1 against a Niners team that didn't improve much on the defensive end this past offseason.
Lamar Jackson - QB, @ MIA ($7,400)
Jackson rushed for a record-setting 147 attempts in 2018 and even though coach Harbaugh wants to decrease that number, expect him to continue to be heavily involved in that area. Miami allowed the third-most rushing yards to quarterbacks last season (383), so you can bet that the sophomore quarterback will accumulate some serious yardage against a subpar defense. If he can complete some passes as well, expect Jackson to be one of the leading quarterbacks from a fantasy standpoint by the end of the night.
FanDuel DFS Running Backs - Week 1 Picks
Kerryon Johnson - RB, @ ARI ($7,000)
Expectations are high for Johnson as we head into the season. He was semi-productive in 2018 despite appearing in only 10 games, averaging 5.4 yards per carry to go along with 32 receptions. Though C.J. Anderson will be involved in some capacity, the team plans the highlight Johnson as the primary back, which is opposite of the committee approach that we saw last season. The Cardinals, who also didn't add much to their defense this past offseason, allowed a league-worst 30.38 fantasy points to opposing backs last season. Johnson could have a big day and will likely be priced higher at the start of Week 2.
Chris Carson - RB, vs. CIN ($6,600)
Not only were the Bengals one of the worst defensive units on paper last season, but they will also now be playing under the guidance of new head coach Zac Taylor and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. With the new regime making its debut in one of the worst places in the league to play, you can bet that Carson will be ready to roll through Cincy in Week 1. Carson is now the undisputed No. 1 back in Seattle after the team played musical chairs at that position last season. He will be a focal point of the offense, both on the ground and while also becoming more acclimated on the receiving end. While others may be looking to spend the big bucks on Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley, you can save some dough by rolling with Carson.
FanDuel DFS Wide Receivers - Week 1 Picks
Tyler Boyd - WR, @ SEA ($6,900)
Joe Mixon and Boyd are expected to virtually monopolize the team's offense until A.J. Green, who is projected to be out a few weeks, is ready to make his return. Though Seattle is not an ideal place to play, Boyd will get his looks based on the fact that the Bengals are sorely lacking options on the offensive end. The 24-year-old had his best season as a professional in 2018, accumulating 1,028 yards while also pulling in 76 receptions for seven touchdowns. It's not unreasonable to think that he will get around eight targets (at least) while also accumulating some serious yardage during Week 1. He is generously priced considering his ceiling so get him in your lineup.
Calvin Ridley - WR, @ MIN ($6,500)
When compared to his numbers at home, Ridley was nearly as efficient on the road last season, compiling 371 yards and four touchdowns. Though Julio Jones claims to be ready for Week 1 after battling yet another foot ailment, his price tag isn't as appealing considering that he may not see as much action, especially if one team goes up big. Ridley, who will begin his sophomore season in 2019, is expected to surpass his totals from last season, with no better time to start than during Week 1 against the Vikings.
FanDuel DFS Tight End - Week 1 Pick
Tyler Eifert - TE, @ SEA ($5,200)
In 2015, Eifert was arguably one of the best tight ends in the league, finishing the season with 52 receptions for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns despite appearing in 13 games. After injuries derailed him the following two seasons, the 28-year-old looked primed and ready to go in 2018, hauling in six of his eight targets for 74 yards in Week 3 against the Panthers. During the Week 4 encounter with the Falcons, he would pull in four receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown before suffering a gruesome ankle injury that ending his season early once again. Now back healthy, Eifert should be productive (if he stays healthy) as he has a proven rapport with quarterback Andy Dalton. Expect some extra red zone targets as well.
FanDuel DFS Defense - Week 1 Pick
Philadelphia Eagles - Def, vs. WSH ($4,600)
Already having one of the worst offensive lines in the league, the absence of Trent Williams will not work in the Skins' favor in Week 1. Factor that along with quarterback issues and one of the least-impressive receiving corps in the league, the Eagles should be on everyone's radar to start the season.
