NFL DFS Week 1 Quarterbacks

Note: I planned to combine QB and RB into a single article, but Spectrum is having issues today. Look for RB later tonight.

Each week Mark will give a range of players, placed in tiers, to help you construct different lineups. He will also give you his feelings on the slate and his favorite players. All salaries and points are based on DraftKings.

Week 1 is always a challenge to pick out which players to add to your lineups. You have to look at off season moves, last year’s stats and make a few gut calls along the way. I think Quarterbacks are pretty straightforward and I will build most of my lineups around the mid-range players.

Josh Allen $8000

Allen seems to be the top quarterback recommendation across the board this week and also carries the highest price tag on DraftKings. While I anticipate ownership levels to be fairly balanced, his steep salary is a concern. Buffalo is facing Arizona at home, and the Cardinals have struggled significantly against the run. Given this, it might not be necessary to stack Allen with a receiver, as he could accumulate additional rushing yards and potentially a rushing touchdown. However, his high cost may restrict your lineup flexibility.

Anthony Richardson $6300

This is a high-risk, high-reward pick. When healthy, Richardson has delivered impressive DraftKings scores of 21.9, 17.7, and 30.6 points. However, his running style and the frequent designed running plays make him inherently risky. Despite this, I’m excited about his price and potential upside, especially since he’s involved in the second-highest scoring game of the week. While stacking him with a receiver isn’t essential, incorporating a runback option with a Houston player would be a smart strategy.

Trevor Lawrence $6200

Lawrence seems notably underpriced this week, especially given that he’s in the game with the highest implied total. With Jacksonville likely playing from behind for much of the game, expect a heavy volume of passing. For stacking options, consider Evan Engram, who has averaged over 8 targets per game, and rookie Brian Thomas Jr., who impressed in camp and is priced at just $4,700. Given the favorable circumstances and his value, Trevor Lawrence will be my most rostered quarterback.

Baker Mayfield $5600

The Commanders’ pass defense was dreadful last year, finishing last in passing yards allowed and giving up a league-high 39 passing touchdowns. On average, they allowed over two passing touchdowns and 272 passing yards per game. Given this Baker Mayfield stands out as my favorite budget quarterback this week, and I plan to stack him with Mike Evans.