This article first appeared on RotoBaller.com
Below, you’ll find a running list of our expert’s top players to avoid for this week.
We’re looking at the matchups, injury situations and weather (among other factors) to make sure you’re thoroughly informed before you start building your lineups for FanDuel, DraftKings and Yahoo.
Must Avoids – Week 1
Dez Bryant vs New York Giants
Bryant is a sexy pick because of his ability to score from anywhere on the field. While that is great for most weeks, this is a week to avoid him. He gets a tough matchup against the Giants, who will use a combination of Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to slow him down. In the same situation last season, Bryant totaled two receptions for 18 yards against New York. Dallas scored only 30 total points against New York last season, and this game should be another low scoring affair.
Leonard Fournette at Houston Texans
Fournette is an interesting option because he is a big name rookie that comes with a reasonable price tag. Some believe they can take advantage of his pricing early in the season in a similar way many did with Ezekiel Elliott last year. That would be a mistake, though. The Jags listed three running backs as co-starters (Fournette, Chris Ivory, T.J. Yeldon). While Fournette will lead the backfield in touches, it is worrisome that the Jags are looking to get each of the trio touches. Fournette also gets a tough matchup against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Furthermore, Fournette rarely played in preseason due to an injury. It may take him a bit to get up to speed in the NFL, and he’s a player that can safely be avoided this week.
Top Tournament Stacks – Week 1
This section will highlight the top tournament lineup stacks of the day (depending on the size of the slate), and help you identify the defenses that are best suited to pick on if you are using this strategy.
Tennessee Titans vs Oakland Raiders
The Titans are an offense that is flying under the radar a bit right now. They added Corey Davis and Eric Decker to the offense this offseason, while younger players, such as Marcus Mariota and Derrick Henry are improving. They are small underdogs in this game, but it is set at 53 total points. Oakland’s defense struggled for the majority of last season, and they did not look any better in preseason. The toughest part of a Titans stack is deciding which players are going to see the most touches/targets.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
The Steelers are an obvious stack this week. They have one of the best offensive groups in the NFL, specifically with Martavis Bryant returning. They get an elite matchup against the Browns, who had one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Even though they are improving, they are still a young team that will likely lose a lot of games again. The Steelers have a great team total, and they have multiple stacking options this weekend.
Lineup Stacks (Tournaments) – Premium DFS Expert Lineups – Week 1
FanDuel Lineup
DraftKings Lineup
Yahoo Lineup
FantasyDraft Lineup
Please note that these are sample lineups we provide as a tool for you to use. They are designed to give you building-block options as you go about choosing your own lineups, but in no way can we guarantee success. Be sure to examine the latest injury updates, Las Vegas projected game totals and late scratches before finalizing your lineups to ensure the players you are choosing are active on game day.
