Daily fantasy football continues to climb in popularity as jackpots have risen consistently and more fans are joining sites every week. Our weekly article showcases players to target at three general levels of value: The big dollar talent (Heavy Hitters), the average-priced contributors (Average Athletes), and the guys very questionable players at the bottom of the cost charts (Sneaky Sleepers). Our selected players are based on DraftKings values as that is our daily fantasy site of choice, but the values should translate fairly well to any other sites you may use. We don’t share specific lineups or optimized computer rankings, but we will give you some great .for you to consider. We set this breakdown up that way because while winning is great, a big part of the fun draw of daily fantasy is mixing and matching your lineups to see how you can maximize your team. That and the fact that we are trying to win the same way that you are, and quite frankly, we don’t want our readers to all have the same exact lineups.
NFL Week 1
Week number one in the NFL is probably the most exciting for fantasy football players who have waited anxiously for another run at glory. The BetCrushers wrapped up the 2020 campaign with a 45% increase on DraftKings daily fantasy football, which exceeded our target goal of a 30% increase. The only downside is at one point in the season we were near a 70% increase, and gave a little back down the stretch. As we head into week one of the 2021 season, it’s important to recognize that no matter how much handicapping has been done in the offseason, it might take a week or two to full understand how the fantasy landscape may shake out this year. We’ll be dipping our toe during week one and would recommend easing into the fantasy season. Without further delay, let’s get started with our Star of the Week.
For those of you who are new to the BetCrushers DFS breakdowns, just a reminder that our Star of the Week is designed to provide someone potentially explosive who is not an obvious selection. In simple terms, it doesn’t take a lot to suggest Patrick Mahomes or Derrick Henry as a star. Consider our Star of the Week, and then build your roster around them.
STAR OF THE WEEK:
Throughout his career you’d be pressed to find anyone who has been more critical of Baker Mayfield than the BetCrushers. Mayfield has put up quality numbers during his time in the league, but has never really consistently shown the ability to be a top level quarterback. His star power has never been in question, from being a top draft pick, to starring in national commercials. Having a star as the face of your franchise is fantastic, having a winner is even better.
So why is Baker Mayfield our Star of the Week to open week number one of the 2021 season? There really are a few reasons why we expect the youngster to perform in his matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. First, we want to bring out that opponent in Kansas City. The Chiefs are in line once again to have an explosive offense, and even against an improved Browns defense should have no trouble hitting the 30 point mark. That means the Browns are going to need to try to keep up, and ultimately they’ll need to throw the football. Even though Cleveland’s game plan will center heavily around Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, unless they can build a large lead early, throwing is going to be unavoidable. We’re discussing the Chiefs offense, but ultimately the Browns will be attacking the Chiefs defense. Kansas City was a middle-of-the-pack defense against the pass last season, and it looks as though they will be without Tyrann Mathieu in their secondary. All of this brings us back to the Cleveland Browns offense, which is as sound position by position as any team in the league. Mayfield has the luxury of playing behind the best offensive line in the league, so he should have time to throw when he needs to. Odell Beckham, Jr. returns to action giving him a full compliment of wide receivers, and let’s not forget they have three viable options at the tight end position. The previously mentioned running backs will also be viable options in the passing game. When it’s all said and done, this is shaping up like a shootout, and Mayfield should have a very good statline.
PLAYERS WE’RE TARGETING:
Quarterbacks:
Patrick Mahomes – $8,100 vs. Browns
Aaron Rodgers – $6,800 vs. Saints
Running Backs:
Dalvin Cook – $9,100 vs. Bengals
Alvin Kamara – $8,600 vs. Packers
Wide Receivers:
Tyreek Hill – $8,200 vs. Browns
Calvin Ridley – $7,900 vs. Eagles
Tight Ends:
Travis Kelce – $8,300 vs. Browns
T.J. Hockenson – $5,800 vs. Bengals
Defense / Special Teams:
San Francisco 49ers – $4,200 vs. Lions
Quarterbacks:
Ryan Tannehill – $6,500 vs. Cardinals
Jalen Hurts – $6,400 vs. Falcons
Running Backs:
James Robinson – $6,400 vs. Texans
Raheem Mostert – $5,800 vs. Lions
Wide Receivers:
Deebo Samuel – $5,900 vs. Lions
Robby Anderson – $5,700 vs. Jets
Tight Ends:
Kyle Pitts – $4,400 vs. Eagles
Austin Hooper – $4,000 vs. Chiefs
Defense / Special Teams:
Philadelphia Eagles – $2,600 vs. Falcons
Quarterbacks:
Tyrod Taylor – $5,300 vs. Jaguars
Sam Darnold – $5,000 vs. Jets
Running Backs:
Melvin Gordon – $5,300 vs. Giants
Philip Lindsay – $4,700 vs. Jaguars
Wide Receivers:
Mecole Hardman – $4,800 vs. Browns
Tee Higgins – $4,700 vs. Vikings
Tight Ends:
Chris Herndon – $3,300 vs. Bengals
Jack Doyle – $3,200 vs. Seahawks
Defense / Special Teams:
Indianapolis Colts – $2,300 vs. Seahawks
If you play Daily Fantasy Football, we love talking sports and we’d love to hear your take and who you like each week. Find us on Twitter @TheBetCrushers and let us know. Good luck and enjoy the weekend!
