👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

FanDuel Picks for Daily Fantasy Football Week 1: DFS Lineup Advice and Sleepers

Welcome to RotoBaller's daily fantasy football FanDuel article. In this article, I, Justin Bales, will be taking you, the reader, through the best plays of the week for this upcoming Sunday. These recommendations are based on matchup, recent performance, overall upside and talent level, and other factors, such as Vegas odds, home field advantage, and more.

FanDuel DFS Quarterback

Matthew Stafford (at IND, $7,400)  

Stafford is an interesting fantasy option early in the season. He flashed great upside at times last year, but he is far from a sure-fire fantasy producer. This season, the Lions are expected to run at a much faster pace after ranking near the bottom of the NFL in pace last season. That means Stafford is going to be throwing the ball more this season, and he gets a great matchup against the Indianapolis Colts this week. The Colts are dealing with multiple injuries in their secondary, and Stafford is the type of quarterback that can take advantage of that. This game has one of the higher over/unders on the slate, and the Lions are underdogs. Stafford should be throwing the ball early and often, and his price tag is only going to stay this cheap for so long.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

FanDuel DFS Running Backs

Todd Gurley (at SF, $8,900)  

Gurley is a running back that I have no problems paying up for this week. He’s a huge part of the Rams offense, and he was a fairly consistent option with elite upside his rookie season. He’ll be looking to take a jump this year, and he starts with a great matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. They were one of the worst defenses in the NFL against the run last season, and that likely is not going to improve this year. They hired Chip Kelly as their head coach, which means they will be playing at a lightning fast pace, which will allow Gurley more opportunities as the game progresses. Another major reason to use Gurley is game script. The Rams are small favorites in this game, which means Gurley will be the focal point of their offense from start to finish. They likely are not going to be forced to throw the ball, and Gurley is a safe option in all leagues this week.

 

DeMarco Murray (vs MIN, $6,500)  

Murray is a sneaky option this week. People may avoid him because of the threat of Derrick Henry, but the Titans have made it clear that Murray is the lead back; at least for the time being. He’s coming off a terrible season in an offense that didn’t fit his style of play. He’ll likely feel much more at home for the Titans, who are going to be a run heavy offense this season. He gets a decent matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who have a solid defense, but struggled at times against the run last season. Murray is far from a safe option, but he is oozing with potential, and he comes with a cheap price tag. It would be wise to use him before it skyrockets.

 

FanDuel DFS Wide Receivers

Sammy Watkins (at BAL, $7,300)

Watkins is a huge liability in season long leagues because of his injury risk, but that’s what makes daily fantasy football so much fun. When he isn’t injured, he’s an elite fantasy option, as he had two games with more than 150 yards and one touchdown last season. He will be the main target in the Bills passing offense, and while they are a run heavy team, Watkins should see more than enough targets to hit value. He gets a great matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and it’s going to be difficult for Jimmy Smith and Shareece Wright to handle him. Watkins has similar upside to some of the other elite wide receivers this week, but his price tag is more reflective on his injury history than his talents. Take advantage of that.

 

Marvin Jones Jr. (at IND, $5,500)

Jones will likely be owned by everyone and their mother, and for good reason. He’s one of the top targets for the Lions, who will be playing at a much faster pace this season. Jones looked outstanding in preseason and he should continue to be a huge part of the offense. His price tag is a bit ridiculous, as he’s cheaper than both Golden Tate and Anquan Boldin, and there is a real possibility that he outscores both of them. He gets a great matchup against the Colts, who are dealing with injuries in their secondary, and Jones is a great player to start your cash games out with.

 

FanDuel DFS Tight End

Clive Walford (at NO, $4,700)

Walford is a young player, who should continue to grow with one of the most promising offenses in the NFL. He gets a matchup against the New Orleans Saints this week, and this game should be a complete shootout. The Saints have terrible defense, and Walford is a cheap player that is playing for a team that should end up with one of the best offenses of the slate. Walford is a big target in the red zone, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him catch a touchdown this week. Keep in mind, there are other mouths to feed in Oakland, though, so Walford does come with a bit of risk.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Mac Jones

Is Mac Jones Worth Stashing in Dynasty Leagues?
Tez Johnson

Due for Touchdown Regression in Year 2
Jacoby Brissett

an Emergency Option in Dynasty Leagues
Jared Goff

a Steady Dynasty Option Despite Age, Lack of Rushing Upside?
Daniel Jones

a QB1 When Healthy?
NFL

Nicholas Singleton Cleared to Resume Running
Parker Messick

Flirts With No-Hitter in Latest Gem Against Orioles
Jock Landale

Hawks Plan to Re-Evalute Jock Landale in Two Weeks
Mike Trout

Hits Five Homers in Series Versus Yankees
Jonathan Isaac

Considered Questionable for Matchup Versus Hornets
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Listed as Questionable for Friday
Paris Johnson Jr.

Cardinals Pick Up Paris Johnson Jr.'s Fifth-Year Option
Joel Embiid

Expected to Miss Start of Playoffs
CGY

Arsenii Sergeev to Make NHL Debut Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Cleared for World Championship
New York Giants

Giants Want "a Lot" for Dexter Lawrence
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Dealing With Fractured Hand
Zach Whitecloud

Ready to Rock Thursday
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers, Derwin James Expected to Pick Up Contract Talks After Draft
Matt Coronato

Available Against Kings
Josh Manson

Expected to Return for Postseason
Nathan MacKinnon

Martin Necas Sit Out Regular-Season Finale
New York Jets

Jets Cancel Visit With David Bailey
NFL

K.C. Concepcion Visits With Chargers, 49ers
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals a Real Threat to Select Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 Overall
Cameron Ward

Should Throw at Minicamp
De'Von Achane

Spotted at Dolphins Training Facilities
Spencer Arrighetti

Fans 10 in Season Debut, to Remain a Focal Point in Rotation?
Nick Pivetta

Dealing With Flexor Strain, Could Miss Months
Nico Hoerner

Homers, Drive in Five in Win Over Phillies
Shota Imanaga

Strikes Out 11 in First Win of the Season
Sal Stewart

Continues to Hit, Goes Deep Twice on Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Strikes Out 10 in Win Over Mets
NFL

Can Zacharia Branch Actually Succeed for Fantasy Managers?
Cade Otton

Could be at Risk on Day 1 of NFL Draft
Connor Bedard

Has Two Assists in Season Finale
Claude Giroux

Sends Out Two Assists in Battle of Ontario Win
Tetairoa McMillan

It's Possible That Tetairoa McMillan Has Only Shown His Floor
Tye Kartye

Registers First Career Three-Point Game
T.J. Hockenson

Should Still Have More to Give
Owen Power

Records Two Assists Wednesday
Jordan Love

a Middle-of-the-Road Superflex Option
Esa Lindell

Tallies Two Points in Regular-Season Finale
Reilly Smith

Produces Three-Point Performance Wednesday
Shane Wright

Returns With a Goal Wednesday
Bennedict Mathurin

Leads Clippers in Scoring Wednesday Night
Kristaps Porzingis

Impresses in Play-In Win
Stephen Curry

Leads Warriors to Vital Victory With 35 Points
Desmond Bane

Scores Game-High 34 Points in Play-In Loss
Tyrese Maxey

Guides 76ers Into Playoffs With 31-Point Effort
LaMelo Ball

Receives $60,000 Fine for Tuesday's Actions
Thomas Bryant

Practices in Limited Capacity Wednesday
Spencer Jones

Limited at Wednesday's Practice
Peyton Watson

Limited to Non-Contact Work at Practice
Bam Adebayo

NBA Investigating LaMelo Ball's Trip of Bam Adebayo
Isaiah Jackson

Cleared for Wednesday
Terrance Ferguson

Can Terrance Ferguson Establish a More Consistent Role in 2026?
Dalton Schultz

Could See a Reduced Role in Houston in 2026
Immanuel Quickley

Remains Day-to-Day After Workout
Isaiah Jackson

Probable to Return for Play-In Game
Tyler Kolek

Returns to Practice Ahead of Playoffs
Trendon Watford

Active on Wednesday
Jonathan Isaac

Ruled Out for Play-In Game Wednesday
Dylan Harper

Expected to Suit Up for Game 1 on Sunday
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch on Wednesday, But Won't DH
Nick Pivetta

Confident he'll Pitch Again This Year
Alex Lyon

Expected to Miss Playoff Opener
Zach Hyman

Set to Return Thursday
Sam Steel

Back in Action Wednesday
Gustav Forsling

Sits Out Season Finale
Matthew Tkachuk

Rejoins Panthers Lineup Wednesday
TB

Max Crozier Available Against Rangers
Brandon Hagel

Returns for Regular-Season Finale
Trevor Story

Carries Red Sox With Five RBI on Wednesday
Sam Antonacci

Officially Called Up by White Sox
Jorge Soler

Suspension Reduced to Four Games
Harrison Bader

Giants Place Harrison Bader on 10-Day Injured List With Hamstring Strain
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Ketel Marte

Serving as Designated Hitter on Wednesday
Kevin McGonigle

Tigers, Kevin McGonigle Agree to Eight-Year Contract Extension
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Ryan Weathers

Allows Four Homers, Strikes Out 10 on Tuesday
Byron Buxton

Sets the Tone for Twins With Two Homers on Tuesday
Hunter Goodman

Homers Twice in Loss to Astros
JJ Wetherholt

Goes Yard Twice in Win Over Guardians
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Ketel Marte

Diamondbacks Expect Ketel Marte to Return on Wednesday
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar A Worthy DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be A Solid DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF