We’ve finally made it: Week 1 of the NFL season is here!
Fans got a pair of appetizers on Thursday and Friday, but Sunday offers up a juicy 12-game slate. With so many teams taking the field, setting a fantasy football lineup in DFS or season-long formats is difficult. Still, that also gives managers plenty of options to work with. Here are three value plays to consider in all DFS contests before the start of Week 1.
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QB Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts vs. MIA ($5,100)
Look, nobody is ever excited about the prospect of picking Daniel Jones in fantasy. The quarterback has never been the league’s worst passer, but he’s closer to Nathan Peterman than Patrick Mahomes. After a tumultuous tenure with the Giants, DJ now finds himself under center for the Colts. Here’s the thing: Indianapolis wields a much better offense than New York did in 2024. A stellar running back in Jonathan Taylor ($6,800), a first-round tight end in Tyler Warren ($4,400), and several talented wideouts? This is not a terrible roster for a QB to take over.
It’s also worth noting that Jones’ skills often translate better to fantasy than reality. The Duke alum has always been a scrambler, rushing for 33.1 yards per game during his six years with Big Blue. A capable Colts offensive line should also allow for extra time to run. In addition, the Dolphins aren’t exactly the Steel Curtain. Rasul Douglas, signed just one week ago, is expected to start at cornerback. Outside of Minkah Fitzpatrick at safety, this secondary doesn’t look very formidable. Given how weak Miami’s defense appears, there’s no reason Jones can’t have a productive day. As just the 20th-most expensive starting quarterback on the board, Danny Dimes could be a steal.
RB Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins at IND ($4,200)
Speaking of the Dolphins, the team’s backfield is a bit of a mess right now. De’Von Achane ($6,900) is likely to play, although he’s missed most of practice this month with a calf injury. Things get murky after that, with projected backup Jaylen Wright (knee) expected to miss time. A wide-open depth chart means someone has to take advantage, right? After all, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel is not shy about utilizing multiple running backs. Achane will command most of the carries, but there’s room for another RB to produce.
If anyone else is going to step up, it’s OIlie Gordon. The Oklahoma State alum was a preseason standout this summer, averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 126 attempts. It’s not as if his production comes out of nowhere, even as a sixth-round pick. Gordon was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. The Colts are no pushovers, especially up front. Regardless, fantasy managers don’t need a massive stat line here. At just $4,200, OGII only needs to be a consistent part of Miami’s game plan. I’m willing to bet that’s the case on Sunday.
WR Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans at LAR ($3,800)
In more injury news, Christian Kirk (hamstring) is expected to miss Week 1, if not longer. That leaves a major opening at wide receiver on Houston’s depth chart. It’s worth mentioning that the Texans have questions in their running game as well, with Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) out. As a result, C.J. Stroud ($6,000), already a prolific passer, could throw even more on Sunday. Nico Collins ($7,400) is entrenched as the team’s target, but the next man up remains a mystery. Second-round pick Jayden Higgins ($4,800) could see additional work, but he was already expected to start on the outside.
The biggest beneficiary of Kirk’s absence might be another rookie, Jaylin Noel. The Iowa State alum is a gifted route runner and pass catcher. During his final collegiate season, the senior recorded 80 catches for 1,194 yards. That production bodes well if the 23-year-old takes over slot specialist duties this weekend. Week 1 isn’t a dream matchup against the Rams. Regardless, there should be ample opportunity for the third-round pick to make an impact. Given his dirt-cheap cost, Noel is worth taking a flier on to fill out your fantasy football lineups.
