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
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 1 DFS Cash Game Value Plays For FanDuel And DraftKings

Ben Rolfe analyzes optimal DFS cash game value plays for Week 1 of the NFL season. These players are worth considering on FanDuel and DraftKings daily fantasy sports cash games.

Week 1 is finally here! After a long offseason without football, it has been a pleasure to be digging into the prices for this first slate of the regular season. I have been over the slate a few times and the changing landscape of the NFL has led to this column moving in a couple of different directions.

The last few weeks have been even more active than usual. We had sudden retirements, holdouts, blockbuster trades, big-name cuts, and subsequent additions. All of this has presented plenty of opportunities for value this week, be that at quarterback, running back, wide receivers or tight ends.

This article will take a look at some of the value plays for each week of the NFL. However, usually when you look at value plays for GPP you are swinging for the fences somewhat. Here I will be focusing on cash games and the necessity for slightly more safety as you are just looking to finish in the top half or so of the competition. Therefore, we are looking for cheaper players who should see a decent workload, be that pass attempts, targets or carries. Let's take a look at the cash value plays for Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Week 1 Quarterback Cash Game Value Plays

Jacoby Brissett, IND @ LAC | DK: $4,400, FD: $6,000

Before his retirement, Andrew Luck was the second-highest priced quarterback on the slate. Between his incredible offensive line and beefed-up receiving corps, no one batted an eyelid at the price. However, his retirement has left us an opportunity in Week 1. Instead of Luck and his $6,700 salary, we get the opportunity to use Brissett and his $4,400 salary. The Chargers were 22nd against quarterbacks last season and head into the season without their premier safety in sophomore Derwin James. This game has the makings to potentially be a high scoring affair, and Brissett will reap the benefits of playing behind that offensive line as he looks to put down a marker after a tough 2017 season behind a less than stellar line. In terms of ROI, Brissett has ever chance to be the leader in that category among quarterbacks this week.

Nick Foles, JAX vs. KC | DK: $5,300, FD: $6,500

This is a fascinating one because Foles is walking into a potential shoot out in his first game as a Jaguar. The Jaguars are welcoming the Kansas City Chiefs to Jacksonville, and they have made very minor upgrades on the defense that ranked 31st against opposing quarterbacks last season. Foles also has a key element that previous quarterbacks have lacked in Jacksonville, a pass-happy offensive coordinator in the form of John DeFilippo. DeFilippo comes to Jacksonville with a little bit of a cloud over his head after the disaster in Minnesota next year but with a familiar quarterback at his disposal, he will be keen to show his offense can go toe-to-toe with the Chiefs high flying offense. The Jaguars may start a little slow as they build through Leonard Fournette, but as the game opens up so should the opportunities for Foles to take advantage of a Chiefs Defense which could still have plenty of holes in it this season.

 

Week 1 Running Back Cash Game Value Plays

Tony Pollard, DAL vs. NYG | DK: $4,500, FD: $5,200

Suddenly Pollard has gone from potentially being one of the most over-owned players on this slate to a value play. Yes, Ezekiel Elliott is back, but he is unlikely to see more than 25-30 snaps, which leaves plenty of time for Pollard to be on the field. Even if he only sees 15 touches this week that could be extremely good value at this price in that offense. The Giants Defense ranked 28th against backs last season, and they certainly are not better this season.

Adrian Peterson, WSH @ PHI | DK: $3,700 FD: $5,600

This feels like a ridiculous price to me, because for all intents and purposes Peterson is going to see a massive workload in this game from what I can see. Derrius Guice has seen a little action in the preseason, but it seems unlikely the Redskins are going to throw him in with a heavy workload in his first professional regular-season game. With the offensive line looking dreadful pass blocking in the preseason, I fully expect the Redskins to keep the ball on the ground and the man to do that is their old reliable workhorse Peterson.

Devin Singletary, BUF @ NYJ | DK: $3,600, FD: $5,300

The release of LeSean McCoy has opened up an opportunity for Singletary. Yes, they still have Frank Gore and TJ Yeldon on the roster but they did not release McCoy to have Yeldon and Gore carry this team. Singletary is unlikely to see 25-or-30 touches this season, but 15-to-20 is more than possible. The Jets made moves to improve their defense in 2019 but lost Avery Williamson which will hurt the middle of their defense a lot. Singletary could be another back who gives you a large ROI at this price.

 

Week 1 Wide Receiver Cash Game Value Plays

Dede Westbrook, JAX vs. KC | DK: $4,800, FD: $5,900

We should never read too much into the preseason, but something for the Jaguars in Week 3 was telling. Nick Foles threw the ball 10 times in that game, three of those were to Leonard Fournette, one was intercepted and the other six were all in the direction of Westbrook. Westbrook had a 65% catch rate last season and should be someone Foles relies on a lot out of the slot this season. That will never be more of the case than in this potential shootout against the Chiefs.

Randall Cobb, DAL vs. NYG | DK: $4,200, FD: $5,000

This one was simple for me. There is at best a limited Elliott in the backfield, and Amari Cooper is hobbling back into practice after missing time. That leaves three names in this offense that the Cowboys can rely on, Jason Witten, Michael Gallup and Randall Cobb. Cobb has proven himself to be an often reliable pass catcher in this league and will take the Cole Beasley role. The Cowboys made a conscious decision to let Beasley walk and bring in Cobb this past offseason. That a more than good enough reason for me to gamble on him at this price.

Damion Willis, CIN @ SEA | DK: $3,000, FD: $4,500

Willis has come out of the blue to be a name to consider this week. The young receiver has stepped up in practice and is now expected to start opposite Tyler Boyd in Week 1. Willis comes into the NFL with 856 yards and 10 touchdowns on 56 receptions for Troy in college last season. He has earned the right to be on the field for the Bengals in Week 1 and they may be chasing the game at some point this week against a strong Seattle rushing offense. He only needs a few catches to return you solid value on this price, and if he hits a touchdown then he could be a big winner for you in all sorts of formats this week.

 

Week 1 Tight End Cash Game Value Plays

Greg Olsen, CAR vs. LAR | DK: $3,200, FD: $5,200

The Olsen/Newton combination has been very successful for the Panthers over the past few years. When Olsen is on the field he makes headline plays over and over for this team. He has a career 62.4% catch rate in Carolina, which got as high as 71% last season. He has also averaged 12.4 yards per reception and 56 yards per game in Carolina, and now he faces a Rams team who ranked 20th against the tight end last season. The Rams do not appear to have got significantly better in that realm and Newton and Olsen will be crucial for the Panthers to stay in this one.

Mark Andrews, BAL @ MIA | DK: $3,000, FD: $5,400

It was a strong start to his career for Andrews. He caught 68% of his targets last season and really took off with Lamar Jackson under center. Four of his five games over 50 yards came with Jackson throwing the ball, and that confidence should only grow this season. This matchup against a now very young and inexperienced Dolphins Defense presents all kind of opportunities for Andrews to offer real value at a low price.

More Weekly DFS Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy With Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Zack Wheeler

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
George Springer

Exits Early Monday With Neck Injury
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Hunter Goodman

Likely Headed to Injured List
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF