NFL DFS: Week 1 Cash Game Strategy

If you’re new to DFS Cash Games, these contests are typically referred to as 50/50s, double ups, and head-to-heads. Unlike tournaments, where you need to finish in the top 20% to win money, cash games require you to beat just 40-50% of the field. Another key advantage of cash games is that payouts are the same regardless of where you finish, unlike tournaments, where prize money is heavily skewed toward the top 3-5 finishers.

Playing cash games requires patience. You’re unlikely to win thousands in a single day, but over the course of a season, steady profits are possible. Personally, I use cash games to maintain and build my bankroll. On a typical Sunday, I allocate 70% of my funds to cash games and 30% to tournaments. This approach helps me weather bad weeks and steadily grow my bankroll.

When building cash game lineups, we prioritize players with high floors rather than those with high ceilings, which are more valuable in tournaments. Consistency is key, with the goal of scoring around 140 points. Stacking players isn’t necessary, and ownership percentages matter less. In fact, “chalk” plays (popular, highly-owned players) are encouraged in cash games.

For quarterbacks, I prefer those with rushing upside, as their floors are generally higher due to the additional rushing yards. For running backs, we’re looking for high-volume players with receiving abilities. For wide receivers, we want players who consistently see a high number of targets.

Each week, I’ll provide a list of players I’m targeting for my cash lineup. I build just one cash lineup and use it for all my entries. The goal is to minimize volatility, and sticking to a single lineup helps achieve that consistency.

Week 1 Players Pool

Quarterbacks

Anthony Richardson, $6300
In three games last year, Richardson posted DraftKings point totals of 21.9, 17.7, and 30.6. He’s healthy and averages 10 rushing attempts per game, giving him a strong floor. This week, he’s at home against a Houston defense ranked 28th against opposing quarterbacks. At just $6,300, he’s a steal, and it’s unlikely you’ll ever see his price this low again.

Kyler Murray, $6200
This week, Kyler Murray, like Richardson, is priced far too low to overlook. His rushing ability adds significant value, and with such a discounted price, he’s an ideal play that frees up cap space for top-tier options at positions like wide receiver and running back.

Running Backs

James Cook, $6900
Kenneth Walker III, $$6100
Rachaad White, $6300

I am lumping all these running backs together.  They are all great mid-tier priced players, the primary ball carrier for their team and they are all going up against terrible run defenses. My preference is Cook and Walker.

Wide Receivers

Tyreek Hill, $8700
Hill has a knack for delivering big performances in Week 1, and with Waddle dealing with a lower-body injury, his target share could be even higher. Facing Jacksonville’s pass-funnel defense, Tyreek is a lock for my lineup this week, as he’s poised for a massive game.

Andrei Iosivas, $3000
Iosivas impressed during training camp, and with Tee Higgins ruled out and Ja’Marr Chase potentially sidelined, he instantly becomes a top target in the Bengals’ pass-heavy offense. At his price, he’s as close to a “free square” as you can get in cash games, making him a must-play in my lineup this week.

Drake London, $6000
With Kirk Cousins stepping in as the new quarterback, Atlanta is expected to significantly increase their pass rate. This shift makes the talented Drake London the clear top target in the offense, positioning him for a major role in the passing game.

Chris Godwin, $5800
Godwin is a target machine, and his return to the slot should only boost his already high target volume. He’s also going up against Washington’s 31st-ranked pass defense, making him an even more appealing play this week.

Tight Ends

Evan Engram, $5500
Tight end is a tough position this week, with prices unusually high for Week 1. However, Engram presents solid value as a mid-range option, averaging 9 targets per game. He provides a reliable floor at a reasonable cost, making him a strong play.

Kyle Pitts, $4600
Like Drake London, I expect Atlanta’s pass rate to increase, which could finally unlock Kyle Pitts’ true value. Additionally, with Kirk Cousins at quarterback—a player known for utilizing tight ends—Pitts could see a boost in targets. That said, I wouldn’t recommend playing Pitts and London in the same lineup. While I personally lean toward Engram, if you’re looking for salary savings, Pitts is a solid alternative.

Defense

Carolina Panthers, $2400
The New Orleans’ offensive line is terrible and you should easily get 6-8 pints from the Panther’s defense, which is all you need. Pay up for a better defense if you can, but don’t sweat paying down.