Week one of the NFL season was underway Thursday with the Bills taking it to the Rams. Now with the main slate of games about to kick off here are Steve’s Week 1 Start Ems, the Must Starts.
Sammy Watkins –
Okay I know this isn’t a sexy pick but hear me out. Aaron Rodgers lost his top target from a season ago in Davante Adams. He also lost Marquez Valdez-Scantling who albeit wasn’t a huge target but had chemistry with the former MVP. Factor in this week that the new number one receiver Allen has been ruled out and will have an inexperienced group of receivers around him Watkins will be Rodgers go to guy. If you’re a DFS player he’s valued at just $5,500 on Fanduel and could help win you some money.
Elijah Mitchell –
Mitchell a season ago finished as the RB26 in season long leagues while only playing in 11 games. I know Kyle Shanhan will be looking for Eli’s complimentary piece this week in what should be a big San Francisco win but he’ll still have a big week. He could finish as a top 12 RB this week and should be set up to have a big season overall. Another DFS value pick coming in at $6,700 he’ll out produce that easily.
Marquise Brown –
Hollywood is back with his college QB in a big time passing offense. He’s the number one option in Arizona until DeAndre Hopkins six week suspension is up. Rondale Moore was ruled out earlier this week with a hamstring injury and opens the door for Brown against a bad Chiefs secondary who lost Tyrann Mathieu in the off season. Valued at $6,900 in DFS it won’t break the bank to play him this week.
Brandin Cooks –
First off Cooks isn’t just a one week play, he’s a season long guy. He’s the guaranteed number one receiver with almost no competition behind him. He and Dameon Pierce will be hyper targeted and utilized this season. Look for Cooks to finish the year as a top 24 receiver if not higher. He’ll cost you $6,600 in DFS for you this week but expect that number to rise after the next few weeks.
Jonathan Taylor –
I know what a crazy thing to say. Why wouldn’t you start the RB1 and consensus first overall pick this year? This is more for DFS players, if you can afford to pay up the $10,200 price tag then absolutely do so. He finished the two games against Houston a year ago with 143, and 145 yards respectively. This game should have Indy jump out to a cushion early on and lead to JT running the rock a ton down the stretch.
There it is, Steve’s Start Ems for week one. These are my top five plays for the week in both season long and DFS players. For weekly Start Ems come back every Sunday for the week’s go to’s.