Welcome to RotoBaller's daily fantasy football DraftKings' article. In this article, I, Jason Bales, will be taking you, the reader, through the best plays of the week for this upcoming Sunday. These recommendations are based on matchup, recent performance, overall upside and talent level, and other factors, such as Vegas odds, home field advantage, and more.
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott (vs NYG, $5,000)
Dak Prescott is the best quarterback option on DraftKings this week due to his low price tag. The Dallas Cowboys' star quarterback, Tony Romo, is currently dealing with a broken bone in his back, which means he will be forced to give way to the rookie for the first eight, give or take a week, weeks of the season. Prescott had a phenomenal preseason, and he will look to continue to build on his early success in the NFL this week against the New York Giants. The Giants are not one of the better teams in the league against the pass attack, and with the pace of their offense, Prescott should see plenty of snaps behind center. He is very likely to at least hit value. The Cowboys' backup can be used in both 50/50 contests and tournaments until DraftKings, who put their contests out too early, fix his price tag.
Running Backs
Spencer Ware (vs SD, $4,400)
Spencer Ware is another player that is starting due to injury, and DraftKings simply has him priced too low. In 50/50 contests, the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 1 running back is a must play. Last season, he rushed for almost 500 yards on 88 carries and found the end zone seven times, which is an impressive ratio. Jamaal Charles is currently dealing with a knee injury. Andy Reid stated that it would be a "stretch" for Charles to play Week 1, and even if he does return to action earlier than expected, it looks like running back is currently Ware's job to lose. The San Diego Chargers are not known for their defense. The Chiefs should win the game, and Ware should see around 20 carries, which is more than enough for him to hit value.
Darren Sproles (vs CLE, $4,200)
It was recently announced that Darren Sproles could receive a "Danny Woodhead-like role" for the Philadelphia Eagles this season, especially in the red zone. Woodhead is a very underrated fantasy running back, and if Sproles even has relatively close to the amount of fantasy production that Woodhead had last season, his price tag will be going way up. He gets a solid matchup this week against the Cleveland Browns, and the Eagles should win the game. Sproles is going to serve as a change-of-pace backup, third-down back, and receiving option, which will give him plenty of time on the field. New rookie quarterback Carson Wentz will be looking to check down when he gets in trouble, which could lead to multiple Sproles' receptions. Using the 33-year-old veteran in tournaments is a smart move week one.
Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant (vs NYG, $8,500)
Dez Bryant had a concussion scare in week three of the preseason, but he is fully ready to go this week against the New York Giants. Dak Prescott is starting for the Dallas Cowboys at quarterback, and he is going to be looking toward Bryant every chance he gets. Bryant really only needs someone who can get the ball near him to have a great game, and the Giants are not likely going to be able to cover him. Last season, Bryant dealt with injuries, but he will look to bounce back better than ever this season, making a statement week one. Talent wise, he is one of the best in the league; arguably top five. Pairing a quarterback with a wide receiver is a great way to increase a fantasy teams upside, as well.
Mike Evans (at ATL, $7,400)
Mike Evans had a fantastic season in 2015, aside from only catching three touchdowns. With 74 receptions and over 1,200 yards, he is officially a WR1 option in most fantasy leagues. Jameis Winston lost weight and has looked great in preseason so far, which is great news for Evans, who also lost quite a bit of weight, looking much faster and energy efficient. With his frame and renewed speed, Evans should have no problems finding the end zone. He is actually priced quite reasonably around the industry for week one against the Atlanta Falcons, making him a top wide receiver to target. One other person that will be targeting Evans heavily this week is Winston, which bodes well for fantasy owners.
Tight Ends
Dwayne Allen (vs DET, $3,200)
Dwayne Allen is a very high-upside tight end this season for the Indianapolis Colts. With Coby Fleener leaving for New Orleans, Allen should see a very extended role, and Andrew Luck loves looking toward the tight end, especially in the red zone. Allen is very cheap to start the season, and tight end is a great position to punt. Getting touchdown potential at his price tag is always a bonus, and his low price tag will allow for both of the above two expensive wide receivers. On top of all that, the Detroit Lions are horrible against the tight end defensively.