When Sunday hits, many fantasy football players won’t care beyond week 1. It’s all about the daily fantasy leagues for them, so we’re giving you our best week 1 fantasy football lineup.
The team was constructed with a $200 budget, with each player representing a specific value. Quarterbacks are valued higher, while defenses go for the smallest maximum at $14.
The team isn’t all about the best player at each position. In the daily fantasy football leagues, it’s all about finding the players who are cheap that will maximize their potential.
These fantasy leagues allow people to square off against other people for actual money. A specific budget is given to each fantasy football owner and they construct their best lineup for each week.
Our lineup
QB – Matt Ryan ($46) – Atlanta should pass the ball up and down the field against Philadelphia. Ryan is expensive (remember, you have to pay to enter the contest, but the budget is pretend money), but he’s worth the extra money. Ryan will scorch the Eagles and should tally multiple touchdowns.
RB – Chris Ivory ($17) – The New York Jets are going to run a lot against Cleveland. Ivory isn’t always a great play, but he’s one of the best options this week. He’s also cheaper than several options, and should produce at a top-tier level.
RB – Eddie Lacy ($28) – We like Lacy’s potential against Chicago. The Bears’ defense likely didn’t get much better in the offseason, so Green Bay should move the ball at will. Without the top options at wide receiver, Lacy could get more targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
WR – Eddie Royal ($19) – At this price level, it’s hard to argue Royal’s value in week 1. Quarterback Jay Cutler has to throw to someone. Royal should get several targets against the Packers, and if the score is as bad as we believe it could be, the Bears will pass often.
WR – Nelson Agholor ($19) – Much like the Falcons going up and down the field, the Eagles are poised to match that level of offensive prowess. Agholor is the No. 2 wide receiver for the Eagles and his ability to break open plays should be on full display against Atlanta’s porous defense.
WR – Devante Adams ($19) – Once again, his value can’t be argued. The Packers should be really good against the Bears and with Adams as the No. 2 for the Packers, he should see several targets.
TE – Greg Olsen ($17) – Well, we missed Rob Gronkowski, so we’re going with another tight end we’re high on this year. Carolina quarterback Cam Newton has to throw to somebody. Olsen is the best receiver on the field for the Panthers, and Jacksonville shouldn’t offer much resistance.
Flex – Jonathan Stewart ($23) – Two Carolina people on the same team? The reason is Olsen and Stewart are the best options to move the ball for the Panthers. Stewart should experience a big game, with him being the lone back and the Panthers needing him to step up to help move the chains.
Defense – Seattle Seahawks ($13) – With the amount left over, we still have enough to pick arguably the best defense in the NFL. The defense should do well against St. Louis, which is breaking in new quarterback Nick Foles.
