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NFL DFS: Monday Night Football Showdown Week 1

MNF DFS Showdown
New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers (-4)
O/U 43

Week 1 wraps up tonight with Monday Night Football featuring the New York Jets taking on the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers. Both teams boast elite defenses, which suggests a low-scoring game with an over/under set at 43.

Navigating DraftKings and FanDuel pricing for this matchup is a challenge, as top players come with premium costs. Here’s how I’m approaching tonight’s slate:

Garrett Wilson is my top pick. I’ll be using him as both Captain and Flex where possible. Wilson is on the field for over 90% of offensive snaps and has consistently surpassed 1,000 yards each season despite playing with less-than-stellar quarterbacks. With a healthy Aaron Rodgers and his high usage, Wilson offers a solid, reliable option.

Christian McCaffrey, the highest-priced player tonight, will be the most owned. While I typically avoid rostering the priciest player in the Captain spot due to roster constraints, McCaffrey is a must-have in Flex across all lineups. Concerns about his injury status are often overstated; even with a reported snap count, McCaffrey usually gets his usual workload and remains a key goal-line option.

Mike Williams, the new Jets wideout, is a fade for me. Reports indicate he’s not fully recovered from his ACL injury and will be limited, making his $6,600 price tag too steep for anticipated limited production. Instead, I’m taking a chance on Allen Lazard in Flex. At just $2,000, Lazard, a favorite target of Rodgers, provides both value and flexibility for roster construction.

For value plays, I like both defenses and Jake Moody, the 49ers’ kicker. There’s buzz around Ty Conklin, but I’m pivoting away from him in larger tournaments.

My Favorites

Garrett Wilson, WR (CPT)
Christian McCaffrey, RB
Breece Hall, RB (CPT)
Deebo Samuel, WR (CPT)

Great Flexes

Brock Purdy, QB
Aaron Rodgers, QB
Brandon Aiyuk, WR
George Kittle, TE

Values

Allen Lazard, WR
Jake Moody, K
Jets Defense
49er Defense

Sample Build

Garrett Wilson, WR (CPT)
Christian McCaffrey, RB
Aaron Rodgers, QB
George Kittle, TE
Jake Moody, K

Recent News

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reports that Eagles OG Landon Dickerson (knee) is "trending toward playing" in Week 1 against the Cowboys.
Dickerson recently underwent surgery to address a meniscus injury. It appears as though his rehab has gone very well. The three-time-defending Pro Bowl blocker should play a pivotal role as the Eagles likely attempt to ground-and-pound their way to victory in the second half.
(Aug 31 -- NBC Sports)

Eagles S Andrew Mukuba (groin) was seen in pads and is "ready to practice in some form today."
The Eagles drafted Mukuba in the second round this year. He was competing with Sydney Brown for one of the starting safety roles when he suffered a shoulder injury in late July. He later picked up a groin injury upon returning. Mukuba is likely slated for a backup role early in the year, but his draft capital should get him more opportunities to take over as a starter as the year progresses.
(Aug 31 -- NBC Sports)

Eagles signed OG Kenyon Green to a contract.
Green's promotion coincides with OG/C Willie Lampkin being placed on injured reserve. Lampkin was waived by the Rams with an injury designation after suffering a preseason knee injury. Lampkin will be eligible to return after four games missed.
(Aug 31 -- NBC Sports)

Landon Dickerson Moving Toward Week 1 Return; G Kenyon Green On Eagles 53-Man Roster
Undergoing meniscus surgery in mid-August, Landon Dickerson was viewed as a candidate to come back early in the season. But missed time was still squarely on the radar for the Eagles’ Pro Bowl left guard. That may not end up being required. After the defending Super Bowl champions kept Dickerson on their active roster — […]
(Aug 31 -- Pro Football Rumors)

Cowboys sign cornerback DaRon Bland to 4-year, $92 million contract extension
Days after shipping Micah Parsons to the Packers in a blockbuster trade, the Cowboys signed cornerback DaRon Bland to a contract extension.
(Aug 31 -- Yahoo Sports)