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Week 1 Daily Fantasy Football Tournament Stacks

Andrew Lovell's daily fantasy football stacks and lineup sleepers for DraftKings, FanDuel. DFS tournament stacks & GPP picks for Week 1 of the 2017 NFL season.

Football. Is. Back. And, wouldn't you know, it's just as unpredictable as ever. The Kansas City Chiefs opened the 2017 season with a 42-27 romp over the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. Just like everyone predicted, right? If Thursday's outcome was any indication of what's to come in Week 1 and beyond, we should be in for a wild ride this season.

The goal of this weekly column is to help find the most profitable DFS stacks, while avoiding the duds. Stacking, or pairing multiple players from the same NFL team, is an ideal way to maximize your point production, which is crucial in larger GPP (guaranteed prize pool) tournaments.

Let's take a look at some of the top DFS stacks for Week 1, loosely sorted by salary.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

High Priced Week 1 DFS Stacks

Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Antonio Brown at Cleveland 

New season, same old Browns. Sure, Cleveland has some nice young pieces in place, but the likelihood of that translating into wins in 2017 is slim to none. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is a legitimate Super Bowl contender. This matchup should play out accordingly.

Roethlisberger and Brown have bullied the Browns for years, and while that's hardly earth-shattering analysis, it's all you need to know. Look for Brown to catch somewhere around 10 passes, finish with 100 yards, and score at least one touchdown.

Carolina QB Cam Newton and TE Greg Olsen at San Francisco

Make sure to monitor Newton's status prior to kickoff. He's listed as questionable, but all indications point to him starting. As long as that's the case, he makes for a solid play against an improving, but still below-average defense.

Olsen torched San Francisco for 122 yards and a touchdown on five receptions in last season's meeting, so he's a solid stacking option. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who caught a pair of touchdowns against the 49ers last season, is also worth a look.

Seattle QB Russell Wilson and WR Doug Baldwin at Green Bay

Wilson enters the 2017 season after battling a multitude of injuries in 2016. Baldwin, well ... he's still Baldwin: dependable, consistent and productive. With some uncertainty in the ground game, Wilson and Baldwin stand out as a strong Week 1 stack against a beatable Packers secondary.

Baldwin tallied at least five receptions in 10 games last season, and should be in line for another 90-catch season. His touchdowns predictably dipped, from 14 in 2015 to seven in 2016, but he's a good bet to find the end zone in what should be a high-scoring game against Green Bay.

 

Moderately Priced Week 1 DFS Stacks

Oakland QB Derek Carr and WR Amari Cooper at Tennessee 

The Titans surrendered the third-most passing yards in the NFL last season. Offseason additions Logan Ryan and Jonathan Cyprien should help, but Tennessee still looks to have an exploitable secondary.

That's great news for Carr and Cooper, the Raiders' dynamic young duo. Cooper has been solid in his first two professional seasons, but could be truly special in his third season. Look for Oakland to get him involved early and often in Week 1.

Washington QB Kirk Cousins and WR Terrelle Pryor vs. Philadelphia

Cousins tossed two touchdowns in each meeting with the Eagles last season, a trend that should carry over into 2017. Pryor is coming off a breakout campaign with Cleveland last season, and he'll immediately step into the No. 1 role in Washington.

Neither the Eagles or Redskins have dependable ground attacks, so this matchup could turn into an aerial shootout. If that's the case, Cousins and Pryor represent solid value.

Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green vs. Baltimore

This stack is more about Green than it is about Dalton. Green, who was limited to just 10 games last season, didn't face the Ravens in 2016. But in 2015, the six-time Pro Bowler absolutely abused Baltimore to the tune of 14 receptions for 261 yards and three touchdowns in two games.

Baltimore's defense is traditionally solid, but Green is matchup-proof. Expect Dalton to look his way often in the opener against an AFC North rival. Dalton's relatively cheap DFS price tag also helps offset Green's premium price.

 

Bargain Week 1 DFS Stacks

Philadelphia QB Carson Wentz and WR Alshon Jeffery at Washington

Is Jeffery the best wide receiver in the NFL? Of course not, but you couldn't fault Wentz for possible thinking so. Wentz put together a respectable rookie season with no dynamic threats at wide receiver. Jeffery, a free-agent acquisition from Chicago, represents a major step up.

Expect Wentz to target Jeffery heavily against Washington, particularly if the Eagles' running game stalls. If Wentz is to take a major step forward in his sophomore year, Jeffery will be a big reason why.

Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff and WR Sammy Watkins vs. Indianapolis

Warning: This stack is not for the faint of heart. Watkins, and to a lesser degree Goff, have frustrated fantasy owners over the years. Goff was largely ineffective in his rookie season and Watkins, though productive when healthy, is virtually never healthy.

However, at home against a banged-up and porous Colts defense, there is upside for a long Watkins touchdown or two. This stack is a major roll of the dice, but sometimes you need to lightning to strike to win big in a GPP.

Houston QB Tom Savage and WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Jacksonville

Hopkins was a major fantasy disappointment in 2016, as his receptions dropped by 33 and his receiving yards plummeted by 567 yards. No one is going to mistake Savage for Drew Brees, but he's certainly an upgrade over Brock Osweiler.

The Jaguars defense is improved, but Hopkins remains the Texans' top target by a wide margin. With Will Fuller injured and Jaelen Strong suspended, Houston should lean heavily on Hopkins in the opener. He's worth some exposure in GPPs.

 

More Week 1 Lineup Prep




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
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Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
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CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

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