NFL DFS Picks for Week 1 - FanDuel Top Plays, Value Picks for Daily Fantasy Football Lineups (2025)

September 5, 2025

Dennis' top NFL DFS picks for Week 1 (2025) and FanDuel lineup sleepers for the main slate. His top FD plays and value picks to target for Week 1 DFS lineups.

After an eventful offseason, the 2025 campaign began with an NFC East clash between the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. On Friday, it’s an extra day of football, with the Kansas City Chiefs meeting the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil.  

For those who aren’t into single-game DFS contests, the 12-game FanDuel slate on Sunday is sure to deliver. As usual, there are more than a few injuries to consider right out of the gate, so fantasy managers must monitor things throughout the weekend heading into the 1 pm (Eastern) lock time. In this article, I will be providing you with my Week 1 daily fantasy football lineup picks for FanDuel and the 2025 NFL season. These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel.

Be sure also to check out our weekly DraftKings DFS lineup picks and lots of other great NFL DFS articles and NFL DFS tools to help you win big!

Week 1 FanDuel Quarterbacks - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Baker Mayfield – at ATL ($7,900) 

Statistically speaking, Mayfield had the best season of his lengthy career in 2024. Yes, he tossed 16 picks. Yet, he made up for it by throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns off 71.4% passing, all career-highs.  

The 30-year-old has played well versus Atlanta over the years. However, he was even more productive last season, throwing three touchdowns in each of his two encounters with the Falcons to combine for 50.7 fantasy points. Jalen McMillan (neck) is already ruled out. The same will likely be true for Chris Godwin (ankle).

With that said, Mayfield should still be considered one of the top fantasy quarterbacks going in Week 1.  

Trevor Lawrence – vs. CAR ($7,000) 

Lawrence may not be the safest cash option in Week 1. On the other hand, the signal-caller appears to have a nice upside for those participating in tournament formats. Without a doubt, he had a horrendous 2024 campaign. Granted, Lawrence was limited to only 10 games, although it’s safe to say he wouldn’t have made the Pro Bowl had he stayed on the field.

It’s a new era in Jacksonville, with former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen now the Jags’ new head coach. With the hiring, some believe Lawrence will take a step forward in 2025. He’ll get a chance to show his stuff on Sunday versus a Panthers defense that isn’t expected to give opposing offenses any problems.  

Also Consider: Jayden Daniels ($8,500), Joe Burrow ($8,000) 

Week 1 FanDuel Running Backs - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Chase Brown – at CLE ($6,900) 

The Bengals offense had no issues putting points on the board last season. Led by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase was the best wideout in the NFL, and Tee Higgins played well when he was healthy. Even Andrei Iosivas and Mike Gesicki had some productive showings. Having said that, Brown may not get enough credit for his role in the team’s success on the offensive side of the ball.

He began the year playing second fiddle to Zack Moss. However, that changed as the season went on, with Brown finishing with 11 total touchdowns while nearly hitting the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Samaje Perine will likely get most of his work as a pass-catcher, and rookie Tahj Brooks will get the leftovers.

Still, it will be Brown getting plenty of work, giving him a higher ceiling than most in Week 1 when the Bengals take on the Browns.  

Christian McCaffrey – at SEA ($8,100) 

Entering last season, McCaffrey was a top fantasy option for many. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old battled multiple injuries, limiting him to only four games. It’s unknown how much juice he has left in the tank. With that in mind, the $8,100 rostering cost is too good to pass up, especially when factoring in his success versus the Seahawks over the years.  

49ers are listing RB Christian McCaffrey as limited at today’s practice due to a calf issue.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 4, 2025

In six games in McCaffrey’s career dating back to his time with the Carolina Panthers, he’s run for 658 yards off 116 attempts for an impressive 5.7 yards per carry while adding seven total touchdowns and 35 catches. Deebo Samuel Sr. is now a Washington Commander, and Brandon Aiyuk remains out with a knee injury.

In addition, it’s unknown how potent Jauan Jennings (calf) will be even if he plays. As a result, there aren’t many familiar faces on the offensive side of the ball outside of George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall, so McCaffrey will likely provide some security and familiarity for Brock Purdy in the opener.

Of course, that's assuming he plays after popping up on the injury report. If McCaffrey isn't out there, the natural pivot for DFS managers would be Brian Robinson Jr., who was recently traded from the Washington Commanders. 

Also Consider: Jonathan Taylor ($8,300), James Conner ($7,500), Ashton Jeanty ($6,400), TreVeyon Henderson ($4,700) 

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Week 1 FanDuel Wide Receivers - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Ja'Marr Chase – at CLE ($9,200) 

There aren’t many players who frightened opposing fantasy managers in the same way Chase did last season. Fortunately, everyone can have him on their fantasy roster, although there isn’t anyone on the slate with a higher rostering cost. There’s a good reason for that, considering the former LSU Tiger did some damage on the statistical end in 2024.

Chase would go on to finish the year with 1,708 yards on 127 receptions. He was also targeted 175 times, while finding the end zone 17 times. Additionally, his 767 YAC was also the highest mark in the league.

The Bengals are on a mission to at least make the playoffs. To accomplish this, the team will continue to rely on the offense to do most of the heavy lifting, meaning Chase and company should be busy in the Week 1 AFC North battle with the Cleveland Browns.

Drake London – vs. TB ($7,000) 

London was decent in his first two seasons in the National Football League. In 33 games in 2022 and 2023, he had 141 catches for 1,771 yards and six touchdowns. However, the 2022 No. 8 overall pick finally emerged last season, finishing with 1,271 receiving yards off 100 receptions while finding the end zone nine times. He was also targeted 158 times, the third-highest total at the position. 

Will London be even better in his fourth year in the league? Or is he bound to take a step backward? Without question, Bijan Robinson will get his share of playmaking opportunities on the run and through the air.

At the same time, London should easily get more attention from Michael Penix Jr. compared to the other wideouts on the roster. As far as Sunday is concerned, his ceiling should be even higher in a contest that’s projected to feature plenty of scoring. On a side note, London caught 12 of his 13 targets for 154 yards and a score when these clubs last met in October 2024.  

Also Consider: Brian Thomas Jr. ($7,700), Mike Evans ($7,500), Tee Higgins ($7,100), Tetairoa McMillan ($5,600), Emeka Egbuka ($5,000) 

Week 1 FanDuel Tight Ends - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Kyle Pitts Sr. - vs. TB ($5,200) 

After four seasons in the NFL, Pitts' fantasy stock can’t get much lower. While he had a career-high four touchdowns in 2024, he had only 47 catches, his fewest in the three seasons where he played all 17 games. There is some optimism regarding Pitts' chances of turning things around.

Reports out of training camp have been positive, although only time will tell if that will make a difference in what could be his final year in Atlanta. With that said, the 24-year-old performed well in two games versus the Buccaneers last season, combining for 11 grabs (13 targets) for 179 yards and two scores.  

Also Consider: Brock Bowers ($7,000), George Kittle ($6,500), Trey McBride ($6,300), Hunter Henry ($5,000), Brenton Strange ($5,000) 

More DFS Analysis and Lineup Picks