After a successful venture into MLB Daily Fantasy Sports, I now turn my attention to the NFL. Over the course of the season I will give you two players from each position of your FanDuel lineup that could be considered “bargains” based on their price and matchup. These players could help you fill out a roster if you have a lot of higher priced guys. Here are my bargains for Week 1:
Quarterback
Tyrod Taylor ($5,000)
Opponent: vs. Colts
Who would’ve thought you would ever see Tyrod Taylor as an opening day quarterback on any team’s NFL roster other than an injury replacement? I sure didn’t. Taylor gets the first crack at what could be a fluid situation at quarterback for the Bills. The Colts defense isn’t the greatest and being at home could be a big boost for Taylor and the Bills offense. Buffalo normally plays well early in the season and with weapons such as McCoy and Watkins, Taylor could have a game well exceeding his price point.
Alex Smith ($6,600)
Opponent: at Texans
The Chiefs open up the season at Houston, and although the Texans have an excellent pass rush, they ranked 21st against the pass last year in terms of yardage and gave up the 9th most passing touchdowns last season. While Smith isn’t known for airing it out, he does have new receiver Jeremy Maclin to throw to and the always dangerous Jamaal Charles in the backfield. And don’t forget up and coming tight end Travis Kelce. Smith could make some noise early on this season.
Running Backs
Doug Martin ($6,900)
Opponent: vs. Titans
By all accounts Doug Martin has looked like his old Muscle Hamster self this preseason. And the Buccaneers first opponent is the Titans, who ranked 31st against the run last season. With rookie Jameis Winston at quarterback, the Bucs could be counting on a strong run game to help him out, especially early on in the season.
Alfred Blue ($5,800)
Opponent: vs. Chiefs
With Arian Foster out for the first few weeks of the season, the rushing load will fall mostly on Alfred Blue. Last season the Chiefs ranked 28th against the run and with injury concerns on their defensive line Blue could be in line for a very good game this weekend.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams ($5,500)
Opponent: at Bears
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Although he is quite possibly the worst kept value player secret in the league, I couldn’t write this article without mentioning Adams. With Jordy Nelson out for the season, Adams will step in at the #2 receiver spot. The Bears ranked 30th in pass defense last year, and when you combine that with Aaron Rodgers throwing you passes a big game is a strong possibility.
Marvin Jones ($4,500)
Opponent: at Raiders
If you’re a person looking for a receiver that will most likely be very low in terms of people having him on their roster, Marvin Jones is your guy. He had an injury plagued 2014 season but all reports are that he’s looking like his old self again and shaping up to be the Bengals #2 receiver. The Raiders were in the middle of the pack last year in pass defense and are a team on the rise, but Jones could be worth a flier in this matchup. His last healthy season (2013) he finished with over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Tight Ends
Marcedes Lewis ($4,900)
Opponent: vs Panthers
With Julius Thomas out for the first few weeks of the season, Lewis will see a bigger role in the Jaguars offense. When healthy, he is a very good receiving tight end. And with a young Blake Bortles at quarterback Lewis could see a lot of looks in this offense on Sunday with the Jags receiving corps still unproven.
Jordan Reed ($5,000)
Opponent: vs Dolphins
You could say Jordan Reed won the starting tight end position by default since he’s the only good tight end to finish the preseason able to play. Reed’s own health concerns are well documented, but when healthy he is a great option to have at tight end. Cousins won’t hesitate to throw it when given the chance, and Reed could get a lot of looks in short yardage and goal line passing situations.
Kickers
Kyle Brindza ($4,500)
Opponent: vs Titans
The rookie out of Notre Dame won the kicking job and has a very big leg. For owners looking for a mostly unknown kicker that can hit 50+ yard field goals this is your guy. With a rookie quarterback at the helm for Tampa Bay, there could be several stalled drives in field goal range, putting Brindza in position to cash in.
Chandler Catanzaro ($4,700)
Opponent: vs Saints
The Cardinals were ranked 8th in field goals made last year and face a Saints team this isn’t particularly well off on defense. With the Cardinals running game being a work in progress opportunities in the kicking game can present itself for Catanzaro.
Defense
Buccaneers Defense ($4,500)
Opponent: vs Titans
The Buccaneers are at home against a Titans team that will trying to find itself early on in the season with a rookie quarterback, inconsistent running game and below average receivers. Tampa could be in for a productive defensive game right out of the gates.
Jets Defense ($4,400)
Opponent: vs Browns
The Browns have a lot of new faces on offense, and many of those faces aren’t very good. The Jets defense should start off strong and hand the Browns offense the first of what will most likely be many frustrating Sundays on the offensive side of the ball.
There you have it for Week 1. Feel free to comment below with some of your personal bargains for this weekend’s game. Good luck everyone!
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