Weekly Kings: QB & RB
NFL is here! We’re in store for a big Week 1, as DraftKings has really pushed the limits of their guaranteed prizepool contests. I look forward to sharing my “Kings” with you each week; The top overall and value plays I’m considering at each position.
Before we get to that, a little background on myself. My name is Mike “Hoop2410” Petta, and I recently was able to quit my job as an accountant to pursue DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) full-time. I’m a contributor on RotoGrinders, and ranked 24th Overall in their Rankings. My number 1 tip to you while ‘grinding’ over on DraftKings this week, would be to practice good bankroll management.
Quarterback Kings (Overall)
Peyton Manning ($10100) – This play should come as no surprise. If you plan to pay top dollar for a QB in Week 1, Manning is your man. He is the best QB in the league and happens to have an enticing matchup against his former team. This game has an O/U set at 55, which means there should be some offensive fireworks. These same two met up last year and posted a final score of 39-33 in favor of the Colts. Peyton Manning will be seeking revenge Sunday night and I don’t see the Colts mediocre defense getting in his way.
Nick Foles ($8500) -The Philadelphia Eagles high-powered, up-tempo offense will be facing off against the lackluster Jacksonville defense. Jacksonville gave up the 7th most yards through the air and finished bottom 10 in Fantasy points against QB’s last season. I certainly do not see that changing this year. Nick Foles and company should have their way against the Jaguars defense on Sunday.
Jay Cutler ($7800) – My bold prediction for the 2014 season revolves around Mr. Cutler, I think he legitimately has a chance to be a top 5 fantasy quarterback for the upcoming season. Injuries have continuously hampered Cutler’s career, but if he can stay on the field, he’ll have the opportunity to put up some big numbers. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey might just be the best 1-2 punch in the NFL, and Cutler should have no problem connecting with these two big targets week 1 against the below average Buffalo defense.
Quarterback King (For Value)
Shaun Hill ($5000) – This play might end up being one of the most popular across the industry for week 1. Shaun Hill is priced as a reserve QB for week 1, however, he will be starting in place of the injured Sam Bradford. I do not view this as complete punt play as Hill has a couple things working in his favor. The Minnesota Vikings gave up the most fantasy points to QB’s in all of football last year. Also, when given the chance to start in this league, Shaun Hill performed at a serviceable level.
Quarterback King (For Tournaments)
Robert Griffin III ($8300)
When selecting players for GPP tournaments, it is important to get exposure to players that will have a low ownership. RG3 will certainly qualify as a low owned player week 1 after the disaster of a season he put up last year. RG3 has the ability to put a ton a FP’s in a hurry due to his running ability, which is a huge plus when selecting GPP players.
Running Back Kings (Overall)
LeSean McCoy ($8400) – McCoy emerged as top end RB1 during his 2013 campaign and should pick up where he left off in his week 1 match up against the Jaguars. Jacksonville gave up the 4th most yards on the ground last season, while dishing out the 10th most FP’s to opposing RB’s. As I mentioned in the Foles blurb, I expect the Eagle’s offense to have their way in this match up, and McCoy will definitely be a part of the onslaught.
Montee Ball ($7000) – Knowshon Moreno is no longer with the Broncos, which means that Montee Ball will be the main man for Denver. He has some large shoes to fill as Moreno finished with the 5th most FP’s among RB’s in the NFL last season. I must admit I was somewhat surprised when I heard that stat. Ball will have a prime opportunity to produce some big numbers within the league’s most potent offense. This will most likely be the cheapest price tag on Ball this season, therefore, Week 1 is a great opportunity to roster him.
Running Back Kings (For Value)
Andre Ellington ($6000) – Many analysts, including myself, became very frustrated with the leash that was apparently placed around the neck of Ellington last season. He is an explosive player that has great hands out of the back field; however, he was on some type of snap count last season. According to Head Coach Bruce Arians, the training wheels will be coming off. He has stated that Ellington will be a 3 down back due to his ability to “do it all”. DFS players and coaches have been butting heads for years, but it’s nice to see them agree for a change.
Bernard Pierce ($4800) – Pierce will be filling in for the suspended Ray Rice and is expected to carry the full RB load for Week 1. The matchup is less than ideal; however, he should be able to provide value solely based on the increased workload that he will receive.
Running Back King (For Tournaments)
DeMarco Murray ($6800) – This GPP play is based on the low ownership criteria discussed in the RG3 write up. Murray faces the normally stout defense of the 49ers, but Vegas has set a high O/U of 51.5 points. This means they expect the Cowboys to score some points and Murry could be at the center of it. Murray is a multi-faceted RB that has shown his ability to produce in tough matchups. This is strictly a GPP play; so do not consider Murray for cash games.
Best of luck this week!