Week 1 is always an interesting one because prices come out far in advance and value is abundant. This creates an atmosphere where "chalk" becomes fairly obvious. So let's start there on FanDuel.
QB Dak Prescott $5,000
RB Adrian Peterson $8,200
RB Spencer Ware $5,400
WR Antonio Brown $9,300
WR DeAndre Hopkins $8,400
WR Donte Moncrief $6,200
TE Jordan Reed $7,400
K Chandler Catanzaro $4,900
D Houston Texans $4,900
Let me start by saying in cash games, there's nothing wrong with chalk. This is a really good lineup except for one problem, and I'd feel comfortable playing all but one of these guys in cash. That problem? Dak.
Any other week I would understand the appeal of playing Prescott and loading up on studs at other positions. This week, with the value created by Spencer Ware, Christine Michael and a pair of shootouts in domes? No thanks. Especially when you can play Matthew Stafford for just $7,400 at Indianapolis.
Jumping from Prescott to Stafford with the same lineup, you come in $2,100 over budget. You can erase $700 of that easily with a more reasonably priced kicker and defense. Then you just have to downgrade from Jordan Reed to Coby Fleener at tight end, which provides you with enough money to upgrade to T.Y. Hilton over Moncrief. And that's how you get this winning lineup:
QB Matthew Stafford $7,400
RB Adrian Peterson $8,200
RB Spencer Ware $5,400
WR Antonio Brown $9,300
WR DeAndre Hopkins $8,400
WR T.Y. Hilton $6,800
TE Coby Fleener $5,400
K Matt Bryant $4,500
D Minnesota Vikings $4,600
In a few weeks the pricing will get sharper and it may be advantageous to scrape the bottom of the barrel at quarterback. In Week 1 just take advantage of the value FanDuel is giving you and build a better lineup.
