Want to build some week 1 NFL DFS lineups, but aren’t sure where to start? A great starting point is identifying the top cash game plays. You can build around them in GPPs, or simply use them in actual cash games.
These are the top plays at each position at DraftKings when it comes to price and projection. As you may know, cash game contests aren’t as cut and dry as they used to be. You don’t want to go too far away from what makes sense, but throwing in a wrinkle or two to separate yourself from the field is still a smart strategy.
Who you choose is ultimately up to you, but I’d start with the following NFL DFS cash game plays at DK in week one:
Quarterbacks
Jayden Daniels ($7,000) – Way too cheap for Week 1. He offers the biggest rushing upside among QBs this week. The matchup against the Giants’ defensive line is a concern, but Daniels should still be one of the top-owned cash QBs.
Trevor Lawrence ($5,300) – Love him this week for both cash and tournaments. His price is far too low for his upside, especially with upgraded weapons and Liam Cohen now at HC. My favorite QB for cash this week, and ownership will reflect that.
Baker Mayfield ($6,600) – An interesting cash play. He likely won’t be heavily owned, but his price and the game environment make him a safe option for cash builds.
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey ($7,300) – Monitor his injury status after Thursday’s report. Never a good thing to hear about a random calf injury after what happened last year.
That said, if he’s good to go, he’s one of the best RB plays on the board. Expect phenomenal usage and strong reception upside.
James Conner ($6,100) – One of my favorite RB plays in all formats. His price is too cheap, and he provides flexibility for spend-ups elsewhere. The Saints are bad against the run, making him a near-lock in cash.
Chase Brown ($6,600) – The Bengals’ workhorse back. Strong usage in both the run and passing game makes him a safe cash option.
De’Von Achane ($6,900) – Carrying a questionable tag, but if active, he has a prime matchup against a weak Indy defense in what should be a higher-scoring game.
Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase ($8,100) – Bengals have one of the highest implied totals, and Chase remains one of the best WRs in football. An obvious high-ownership play.
Brian Thomas Jr. ($6,800) – My favorite overall play of the week in all formats. Price is way too cheap, and he stacks nicely with Lawrence. Carolina’s defense can’t stop anyone, making this a strong high-scoring environment.
Drake London ($6,500) – Another underpriced WR, especially if Mooney is out. Expect him to thrive in what should be a shootout.
Emeka Egbuka ($4,600) – With Godwin and McMillan out, he becomes the WR2 in a great offense and game environment. At this price, he should be the most popular WR on the slate.
Tet McMillan ($5,200) – With no real competition for targets, he’s in line for heavy usage against a vulnerable Jacksonville secondary.
Tight Ends
David Njoku ($4,700) – A smash cash play. Flacco’s favorite target last year, and the Bengals struggle against TEs. I prefer him over Bowers and McBride due to the savings. Expect high ownership.
Defenses
Denver Broncos ($3,800) – Usually I target cheaper defenses, but the Broncos are in a great spot at home against a rookie QB.
Houston Texans ($2,500) – One of the fastest defensive units in the league. They face a slow Matthew Stafford with back concerns. The price is right, making them a strong salary-saving option.
New York Giants ($2,300) – Worth mentioning due to their defensive line and cheap price tag. They held Daniels in check last season and improved as a unit. Not my favorite, but a viable punt option.
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