Each week, I’ll create a cash game lineup for DraftKings. Since this is usually posted by Wednesday, the cash game lineups may change slightly by Sunday.

 

In cash games, you should always look for each player to reach at least 3x value.

DraftKings Points/(Player Salary/1000) = Value

Example: If Carson Wentz has a $5,000 salary and scored 15 DraftKings (DK) points, Wentz would reach 3x value based on the formula below.

15 DK Points/($5,000/1,000) = 3x Value

 

I will also present a 3x stat line. The 3x stat line is not a projection, but a hypothetical stat line that would allow the player to reach three times his value. When creating your own cash game lineup, choose players who you believe can reach the 3x stat line. If you look at a player and don’t think he can reach the 3x stat line, consider choosing a different option in your own lineup.

DraftKings Cash Game Lineup – Week 1 (Main Slate – 13 Games)

QB – Dak Prescott (DAL) vs. NYG – $5,000

Dak Prescott lit up the preseason throwing for 454 yards and 5 TDs while rushing for 2TDs as well. With Tony Romo injured, the team will likely lean on Ezekiel Elliot, but at $5,000, Prescott doesn’t need a huge stat line to return value in week 1.

3x stat line: 225 passing yards, 1 pass TD, 20 rushing yards = 15 DK Points 

RB – Lamar Miller (HOU) vs. CHI – $7,000

Lamar Miller joins the Texans in a great spot. The Texans are favored at home and Miller looks like a good candidate to receive 20 carries. Miller caught 54 passes last season, so the Texans should look to get him involved in the passing game as well. To top it all off, Chicago was 32 in rush defense DVOA last season.

3x stat line: 17 carries, 79 rushing yards, 4 catches, 31 receiving yards, 1 total TD = 21 DK Points 

RB – Spencer Ware (KC) vs. SD – $4,400

With Jamaal Charles likely out, Spencer Ware should get the starting nod. Ware converted 3 rushing TDs in the preseason without Charles in the lineup. Additionally, San Diego was 31 in rush defense DVOA last season (all DVOA stats from Fantasy Outsiders).

3x stat line: 16 carries, 57 rushing yards, 1 catch, 5 receiving yards, 1 total TD = 13.2 DK Points 

WR – Julio Jones (ATL) vs. TB – $9,400

Julio Jones dominated Tampa Bay in the two meetings last season totaling 20 catches for 255 receiving yards and 1 TD. He faces a pass defense that ranked 26th in pass defense DVOA last season. The Falcons own the 8th highest team total on the board and should do most of their damage through the air as Tampa Bay had the 9th ranked defense in rush DVOA last season.

3x stat line: 8 catches, 112 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD = 28.2 DK Points

WR – DeAndre Hopkins (HOU) vs. CHI – $8,800

DeAndre Hopkins failed to score double-digit DK points only twice in 2015. Hopkins had below-average QB play last season and still finished with 111 catches on 192 targets. I believe Brock Osweiler is an upgrade for Hopkins so I expect Hopkins to benefit. With a team total of 25 points, I expect Hopkins to be a big part of the offense.

3x stat line: 7 catches, 104 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD = 26.4 DK Points

WR – Tajae Sharpe (TEN) vs. MIN – $3,000

Tajae Sharpe has impressed during the preseason and with Dorial Green-Beckham traded to the Eagles, the role of number one WR is up for grabs in Tennessee. While the Titans are a run-first team and Delanie Walker is the likely top target in the offense, Sharpe doesn’t need much to pay off his minimum salary.

3x stat line: 4 catches, 50 receiving yards = 9 DK Points

TE – Dwayne Allen (IND) vs. DET – $3,200

With the departure of Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen doesn’t have to compete for TE targets this year. The Colts have the highest team total on the board, and when selecting TEs, I want a guy who is on a high-scoring team, hoping he grabs one of the TDs. Allen comes at an affordable price in a game that should see a lot of passes.

3x stat line: 4 catches, 56 receiving yards = 9.6 DK Points

FLEX – Jarvis Landry (MIA) at SEA – $6,000

The Dolphins have the lowest team total on the board and are on the road against a tough Seattle defense. The good news is the Dolphins will likely play from behind leading to plenty of pass attempts. Also, DeVante Parker may not play creating more potential targets for Landry who was 3rd in the league in catches in 2015. To top it all off, Landry shouldn’t see much of Richard Sherman as Landry typically operates out of the slot.

3x stat line: 9 catches, 90 receiving yards = 18 DK Points

D/ST – Houston vs. CHI – $3,200

The bears have a team total of only 19 points and are 6.5 point road underdogs. They have an unproven RB and a QB who likes to turn the ball over. Any time teams play from behind and pass the ball more, opportunities for interceptions, sacks and forced fumbles increase.

3x stat line: 14-20 points against, 5 sacks, 2 turnovers = 10 DK Points

 

I want to lean on history a bit since it can be hard to predict the first week of the year. In my cash game lineup, I have the top three targeted players from 2015. I have running backs on teams who historically commit to the run and are home favorites by at least 6.5 points. I have a defense playing at home and projected to win. I’m rostering a tight end with a high team total, playing at home on a pass-first team.

If you choose to play the 16 game slate, consider DeAngelo Williams and Antonio Brown as top options as well!

 

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