It's NFL Week 1. Can you believe it? Why waste time, right? Check out my Top 3 Value QBs for Week 1. There are definitely some surprises on the list.
Top Value QBs
1. Eli Manning, New York Giants
Dallas allowed over 260.4 passing yards per game. Some of Eli's biggest performances during his career have occurred on the road versus the Dallas Cowboys. Eli's up there on DraftKings at $5,600 bucks. Yep, I know that Odell Beckham Jr. is listed as questionable. But, free agent pick-up Brandon Marshall is listed as probable.
Last season in Week 1 versus Dallas, Eli threw for 207 yards. He threw 3 TD passes. He could be much better in Week 1 versus the Boys this season. The reason is because TE Evan Engram is a pass-catching TE. The Giants haven't had one of those in a while.
2. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
I have no clue why Carson Wentz only costs $5,300 on DraftKings. He tossed a TD with only a single interception versus Washington last season in the second game between the 2 NFC East rivals. He also passed for 314 yards.
Wentz might throw to the best triplet of wide receivers in the NFL. Nelson Agholor is on the verge of breaking out. Alshon Jeffery, when he's healthy, has as much talent as any WR in the NFL. Torrey Smith is as consistent as it gets.
The fact that RB LeGarrette Blount hasn't looked great during the NFL Preseason means that Wentz might have to throw more in Week 1 than anyone believes he will. I think Carson offers great value at the salary.
3. Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis' salary cost might be somewhat too high for many to consider him a value play. Only 7 other quarterbacks are going to cost more than Jameis Winston for any NFL Fantasy Football DFS squads. Still, that's 7 other possibilities.
Winston has a plethora of weapons now that TE O.J. Howard plays in Tampa. Howard might be the most talented tight-end to enter the NFL since Travis Kelce. He runs like a WR. He catches passes like a WR. He blocks like a true TE.
Also, let's not forget that Miami's defense allowed 242.2 passing yards per game last season. It's hard to see the Dolphins allowing more passing yards than that. So what? If Winston throws 3 TD passes and throws for 225 yards, he's probably worth the $6,600 salary.
NFL Week 1 QBs to Avoid
1. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Word is that the Panthers want Cam to throw the football more than rush it this season. That's going to kill Cam's fantasy numbers. It's also going to kill Carolina's playoff chances. Think about. In his best every season passing the football, Cam only completed 58% of his passes. The average QB starter in the NFL, someone who isn't in danger of losing his job, completes over 60%.
2. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
If Cleveland believed it had no shot at stopping opposing team's pass offenses, the Browns wouldn't have cut CB Joe Haden. Clevelend's defense should be much better this season than it has in past seasons.
Ben could definitely have a great game. It's just I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on a QB at $7,300 when there are so many quarterback options at $6,600 or less. I'm passing on Big Ben.
3. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins
Last season, Philly's pass defense ranked 8th in passing yards allowed per game. This season, the Eagles' pass defense could be much better because Ronald Darby, whom Philadelphia made a trade with the Bills to acquire, is a great corner. Cousins and Washington face Philly on Sept. 10.
Cousins has some talent. But, at $6,400 it's tough for me to back him. TE Jordan Reed might be out while there isn't much of a rushing attack. Cousins could light up the scoreboard by throwing to Terrelle Pryor and DeSean Jackson. He could also throw 1 or 2 picks on Sunday.
Leave a Reply