The only way to win daily fantasy leagues is to have a major amount of luck and pick the right week 1 sleepers.
That means you have to be proficient in grabbing the players destined to be under-the-radar and generate tremendous production. These players may not have any hype entering week 1, but they offer a solid chance at getting a leg up on the daily fantasy competition.
Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Everyone’s banking on Spencer Ware as the workhorse running back in Jamaal Charles’ place. That’s OK, but from the sounds of local reports, it appears there will be a three-headed monster approach at running back for the Chiefs.
That means West could get some reps and if Ware doesn’t prove to be productive, West could jump into that workhorse role.
The only reason it appears that West is in that second position is because of an injury that left him out for the majority of the offseason. I’m not convinced that should keep him sidelined for long.
West is a good long-shot play that has serious potential. He’s currently going off $3,500 at Draft Kings. In comparison, the top running back, Todd Gurley, is set at $7,800, and Ware, who is listed as the starter for the Chiefs this weekend, is at $4,400.
Robert Griffin III, QB, Cleveland Browns
I have RGIII as a potential starter in regular fantasy, so I’m jumping all over him for DFS.
The Eagles were statistically one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. Not much changed in the offseason and now they don’t have anything to count on offensively, meaning RGIII will have plenty of opportunities against that defense.
There’s not many people for RGIII to throw to, but I’m not too worried about that at least in week 1. The Browns will make a statement in a game they should have an opportunity to be competitive. RGIII will be a major player in making that statement and will be a solid performer for players in DFS.
Griffin III is going off at a cheaper price than Ryan Tannehill, who I have as one of my worst starts of the week. This is an easy sleeper candidate who has decent upside for this week.
Terrelle Pryor, WR, Cleveland Browns
We’re digging deep into the sleeper pool with Pryor. With DFS though, part of the plan is to find teammates who will succeed at a high level in one week that no one is talking about.
Pryor and RGIII fit the mold. Could this completely backfire and the Browns act like they’re supposed to in week 1? Sure. But let’s not forget about Tennessee last season in week 1. The Titans steamrolled through Tampa Bay in week 1 and then came out victorious in only two other games.
Sometimes teams come more ready to play in week 1 than their opponents. It doesn’t mean I believe the Browns will be a good team this season. It just means that I hate the Eagles in week 1 and everybody’s dismissing the Browns. If I’ve learned anything in the NFL, when everyone picks one way, usually the opposite happens.
For Pryor, he’s starting at wide receiver for the Browns, which does say a lot about where the Browns currently are in the NFL. But he’s a big-bodied receiver who could be a red-zone threat for the Browns. If RGIII plays well, Pryor may get some opportunities for touchdowns.
That will go a long way with a player worth $3,000 on Draft Kings, almost $7,000 less than top wide receiver Antonio Brown.
