The long winter of the NFL offseason is finally over, and what better way to usher in a glorious football fall than with a daily fantasy vacation in sunny Miami?
I chose the Jaguars vs Dolphins game for my first stack this season because there's some great value, especially on the Jaguars' side.
Some players feel significantly underpriced at this early stage of the season. Some players I won't be using include Terry McLaurin ($6,200 on FanDuel), Devin Singletary ($6,300), Jerome Ford ($6,200), Javonte Williams ($6,100), Jake Ferguson ($6,000), Chris Godwin ($5,600), Dionta Johnson ($5,600), Chuba Hubbard ($5,600) and Courtland Sutton ($5,500).
While the roster we are building does not include any of these players, we are confident using all of them, as we expect a lot of volume in the cash games.
But our focus is narrowed by a desire to build around the Jaguars vs. Dolphins. Start by adding a pair of Jaguars pass-catchers in Christian Kirk ($6,100) and Evan Engram ($6,200). Throw in the affordable Trevor Lawrence ($7,400) and you're off to a run for the Sunshine State stack.
Of course, we want some exposure on the other side, and last year's touchdown leader, Raheem Mostert, is surprisingly cheap ($6,600) and has historically produced when healthy.
We’re off to a very frugal start, so we’ll add top option Tyreek Hill ($9,600) to the list, figuring there will be enough additional bargains down the line to justify his hefty salary.
The strong collection that makes up the Florida stack allows us to focus on another Target game: Bills vs. Cardinals. If this game was on Target's shelves, anyone with a price gun putting a $6,100 price tag on James Conner ($6,100) would be fired. No high-profile RB should go this cheap. He averaged nearly 18 PPR points per game with Kyler Murray last season. If he hits that average, the return would be tripled.
The Titans during a 2023 game. Getty Images
On the other side of this game, I expect this one to be a tight shootout as well, so I’ll go with Dalton Kinkaid ($6,800) in the flex spot. I like Kinkaid, but using him here also means I have to pass on Kenneth Walker III ($7,400) since the RB spot is gone, which is a sweet and sour mix, unfortunately.
With just two spots left, there's one more way to save money: the Giants bolstered their pass rush with the trade for Brian Barnes, and teaming him with Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeau suddenly makes Big Blue's D-line look pretty strong.
And here's another thing: You don't have to be otherworldly to unsettle Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. The former Jets, Panthers and 49ers quarterback has never been great under pressure, but we expect the Giants will handle it well. So we're going with the Giants defense ($3,800).
They have one WR spot, somehow still have $7,400 to spend, and no duds on the roster – they have quality players like Brandon Aiyuk, Nico Collins, Chris Olave, DK Metcalf, DJ Moore, Drake London, etc. – but we're going to pick Cooper Kupp's Comeback Tour ($7,000) to kick off Week 1.
With a lineup like the one we have constructed now, we are hopeful that big bucks will rain down on our merry team.
Big week
Jared Goff QB, Lions vs Rams (FanDuel $7,500/DraftKings $6,300)
He averaged 21.35 points per home game last season, a number that would rank him as QB4 behind Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts and Joe Flacco.
Zamir White RB vs Raiders/Chargers (FD $6,400/DK $5,700)
He'll get plenty of volume and I wouldn't be surprised if Vegas plays with a lead for most of the day here, helping the flow of the game in White's favor.
Zack Moss RB, Bengals vs. Patriots (FD $6,900/DK $5,800)
Simple. We think Chase Brown will still be better all season, but the Bengals should be able to overpower the Patriots, which means plenty of action for Moss to kill time.
Diontaie Johnson, WR, Panthers vs Saints (FD $5,600/DK $5,300)
Remember Adam Thielen's breakout performance as a starter last season? Johnson is looking to do the same this year, and hopefully continue that momentum for a while longer.
Small weaknesses
Brock Purdy QB, 49ers vs. Jets (FD $7,400/DK $6,200)
The Jets defense is no joke, and with Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey both dealing with calf injuries and barely practicing in preseason, this won't be the week San Francisco is at its best.
Najee Harris, RB, Steelers vs. Falcons (FD $6,700/DK $5,600)
Jalen Warren is expected to play, which means Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is confident he can't trust anyone in Pittsburgh's running game.
D'Andre Swift RB, Bears vs. Titans (FD $6,500/DK $6,000)
Swift didn't play well last season despite the Eagles' superior offense and offensive line, the Bears may have improved but are still inferior, plus they have more weapons in the backfield and more competition for touches.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Texans vs Colts (FD $6,800/DK $6,700)
Do you bet on the NFL?
I don't think Diggs will thrive in Houston, he may be stuck between Nico Collins and Tank Dell, hopefully Diggs will have a chance to prove himself before taking him.
Insanity's Daily Duel
Drew Loftis and Jarrad Wilk will submit rosters to compete in DFS contests.
site: FanDuel
slate: Sanmaine (13 matches)
type: Tournaments
Grand Prize: $1 million
pot: $3.3 million
Drew's Crew
Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence, Jack (Mia) $7,400
R.B.: Raheem Mostert, Mia (vs. Jack) $6,600
R.B.: James Connor Ali (Buffalo) $6,100
WR: Tyreek Hill, Mia (vs. Jack) $9,600
WR: Christian Kirk, Jack (Mia) $6,100
WR: Cooper Kupp, LAR (at Det) $7,000
Te: Evan Engram, Jack (vs. Mia) $6,200
flex: Dalton Kinkaid, Buffalo (vs. Arizona), $6,800
Defense: Giants, NYG (vs. Minnesota) $3,800
Wilk's Warrior
Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa, Mia (vs. Jack) $7,700
R.B.: Chuba Hubbard, Car (NO) $5,600
R.B.Joe Mixon, Houston (Indiana University) $7,300
WR: Tyreek Hill, Mia (vs. Jack) $9,600
WR: Ladd McConkey, LAC (vs. LV) $5,300
WR: Mike Evans, TB (vs. WAS) $7,900
Te: Pat Freyarms, Pitt (Atl) $5,300
flex: Alvin Kamara, NO (vs. Carr) $7,100
Defense: Giants, NYG (vs. Minnesota) $3,800
Last minute roster changes, check Translator X and Follow About threads
2024 season in jeopardy: $5
Losses in 2023: Drew -$98.44; Jarrad -$120.44
