
Week 4 DFS: Quarterback Report Last week, four quarterbacks (Justin Herbert – 33.35, Tua Tagovailoa – 31.45, Lamar Jackson – 31.20, and Kirk Cousins – 30.35) scored at least 30.00 fantasy points in four-point passing touchdown leagues. The best-value quarterback
Week 4 DFS: Quarterback Report
Last week, four quarterbacks (Justin Herbert – 33.35, Tua Tagovailoa – 31.45, Lamar Jackson – 31.20, and Kirk Cousins – 30.35) scored at least 30.00 fantasy points in four-point passing touchdown leagues. The best-value quarterback in the DFS market was Andy Dalton (27.15). Fifteen QBs scored more than 20.00 fantasy points, three less than in Week 2 (only 10 in Week 1). Here’s a look at the top five quarterbacks after three games:
- Kirk Cousins (86.45)
- Justin Herbert (81.75)
- Tua Tagovailoa (81.00)
- Patrick Mahomes (76.45)
- Jordan Love (75.15)
Joe Burrow (34.65 fantasy points – 30th) remains the weak link of the top-tier quarterbacks drafted in 2023. C.J. Stroud (63.80) sits 12th, one notch above Mac Jones (60.70). Four quarterbacks scored at least 20.00 fantasy points each week – Cousins, Herbert, Mahomes, and Love. Daniel Jones has two bust weeks (7.50 and 6.35) vs. the Cowboys and 49ers while booming in Week 2 (34.95) vs. the Cardinals.
Let’s break down this week’s field in the FullTime Fantasy Week 4 DFS: Quarterback Report.
Top-Tier Options
Josh Allen, BUF (DK – $8,200/FD – $9,000)
Three weeks into the 2023 DFS season, Allen is still looking for his first impact game. He’s been the best fantasy quarterback over the past three years, scoring at least 30.00 fantasy points seven times in 2022 (twice vs. the Dolphins – 31.70 and 39.90). The Bills’ offense has a much better structure in the run game over the last two weeks due to the play of James Cook (32/221 with six catches for 50 yards). Surprisingly, Allen is gaining only 6.6 yards per pass attempt, 7.6 in 2022, which was also an issue in 2021 (6.8).
Miami’s defense had massive issues with the Chargers’ run game in Week 1 (40/233/3). Over the next two weeks, they cleaned up this problem (25/88 and 20/69). But New England and Denver haven’t run the ball well in 2023. In addition, Allen’s right arm forces the Dolphins to defend the whole field. The Broncos did have three completions of 25 yards or more in Week 3. Miami has eight sacks with increased pressure on the quarterback this season.
The over/under for this game is 53.5. Also, the echo in my head from a friend of mine is that this game total usually falls on the underside…or was it the over? Either way, Allen has the “due feeling,” and his recent resume vs. the Dolphins suggests four times his salary (or more than 32.00 fantasy points) is well within reach. In addition, the Miami should push the issue on the scoreboard.
Justin Herbert, LAC (DK – $7,800/FD – $8,600)
After a slow passing start in Week 1 (229/1) against Miami, Herbert took advantage of his last two favorable matchups…
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Week 3 DFS: Quarterback Report In four-point passing touchdown formats, Daniel Jones (34.95 fantasy points) was the best quarterback in the land in Week 2. Kirk Cousins (33.20) and Russell Wilson (31.00) were the only other two options to score
Week 3 DFS: Quarterback Report
In four-point passing touchdown formats, Daniel Jones (34.95 fantasy points) was the best quarterback in the land in Week 2. Kirk Cousins (33.20) and Russell Wilson (31.00) were the only other two options to score more than 30.00 fantasy points. Fifteen quarterbacks scored between 21.50 to 28.50 fantasy points, compared to nine in Week 1.
Here are the top five quarterbacks two weeks into the season:
- Kirk Cousins (56.10)
- Tua Tagovailoa (49.55)
- Justin Herbert (48.40)
- Patrick Mahomes (48.05)
- Russell Wilson (47.95)
Joe Burrow (22.70 fantasy points – 32nd) is the biggest underachiever so far in 2023.
Let’s break down this week’s field in the FullTime Fantasy Week 3 DFS: Quarterback Report.
Top-Tier Options
Patrick Mahomes, KC (DK – $8,300/FD – $9,200)
The lack of identity at wide receiver does hurt his explosiveness, at least out of the gate. Kadarius Toney leads the team in targets (10), but he only has 49 yards receiving. Justin Watson (5/107 on nine targets) has been a surprise, and he leads the team in receiving yards. Travis Kelce (4/26/1) didn’t have the same bounce in his step in Week 2 while appearing to be favoring his knee at the end of last week’s game. On the positive side, Mahomes continues to produce fantasy points.
The Bears’ defense allowed eight touchdowns and three field goals over the first two matchups while allowing 65 points. They only have one sack, with quarterbacks (Jordan Love – 257/3 and Baker Mayfield – 334/1) gaining 9.2 yards per pass attempt. Chicago has played better than expected vs. the run (66/212/2 – 3.2 yards per carry). Wide receivers (21/348/3 on 35 targets) have a low catch rate (60.0%) but average 16.6 yards per catch.
Two weeks into the season, Kansas City only has four touchdowns, averaging 18.5 points per game. Mahomes looks poised to post a high-level game, and his wide receiving corps remains cheap in the DFS market. Unfortunately, he must score 33.00 fantasy points at DraftKings (28.00 at FanDuel) to be in the winning equation. His over/under in passing yards (295.5) at Underdog appears too low based on my projections (312/3), especially if Mahomes hits on one long touchdown. The key to his ceiling is Justin Fields leading the Bears to at least 20 points.
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Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week 2 After reinforcing your roster via the waiver wire and knowing who to start and sit, the next best way to increase your odds at a Week 2 victory is to know which players to target. Our Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week 2 is here to do just that. Plus, we’ve added some daily pricing info to appeal to also appeal to the DFS crowd. All Prices listed are at DraftKings for Week 2. Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) $5200 Mayfield won over his teammates in Week 1 with his ability to read defenses and recognize signals. The Bears’ defense played uninspired in their home opener and I don’t see a defensive revival in Tampa. The loyal Bucs fans will be behind Mayfield and he’s always fueled by emotions. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) $5700 Many drafters ignored Purdy and he had an impressive Week 1 performance. The 49ers will push the ball more downfield this year and WR Brandon Aiyuk is coming into his own. I like the fast play at Sofi in this matchup and expect plenty of points. Running Backs Joshua Kelley (Los Angeles Charger) $5000 Austin Ekeler isn’t playing on Sunday. That means Joshua Kelley will get plenty of opportunities after an impressive showing in Week 1. Kelly has always had the talent and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will utilize his strengths. Also, this game has a ton of shootout potential. Kelley offers a very high floor for his cost. Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs) $5700 I anticipate a high-scoring game in Jacksonville and could see Pacheco with a ton of touches. Pacheco just missed a rushing TD in Week 1 and I believe he will make up for that this week facing a vulnerable Jacksonville Jaguars defense. I’m buying Pacheco while his stock is low. Wide Receivers Trey Palmer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) $3700 This is a gut feel call but I envision Palmer making an impact in the home opener for the Bucs. There were whispers during camp that Baker Mayfield was vibing with Palmer. The Chicago secondary was getting torched against the Packers. I expect that trend to continue in Week 2. Zay Jones (Jacksonville Jaguars) $4700 Zay Jones had an excellent camp and was oftentimes Trevor Lawrence’s most favorable target in the red zone. Jones is familiar with the playbook and Jacksonville’s play calling does an excellent job of integrating Jones into the mix as the third wideout. Also, Jones’s 62 Week 1 snaps were five more than Calvin Ridley played. Tight Ends Logan Thomas (Washington Commanders) $3100 Thomas has always been an impactful fantasy TE when healthy and that was evident against the Cardinals when Thomas led the Commanders with eight targets. With Denver’s impressive pass rush, Thomas may get many looks in what should be a gritty matchup versus the Broncos. Thomas’s 81.7% snap rate from Week 1 indicated he’ll be more involved in Week 2. Zach Ertz (Arizona Cardinals) $3500 With Josh Dobbs behind center and new to the system. Ertz serves as a nice safety valve in the matchup vs. the Giants. Ertz Week one 20.8% target rate was number one amongst all tight ends last week. Lastly, If you have time to prepare, make sure you mock in our Mock Draft World Championships. No better way to practice for the real thing. NEW THIS YEAR: FullTime Members get 5 Free On-Demand Mock Drafts in our contest! Head to MockDraftNow.com and enter your REDEMPTION CODE you received by email. How it Works: First, draft your team using our On-Demand Simulator. Secondly, if you like it, enter it into the best-ball contest. Just sit back and watch your team climb the leaderboard! Finally, the winner gets to choose from the fantastic prizes below. Everyone’s first team is free! CLICK HERE. If you don’t know just how awesome and amazing the Panini Flawless Football briefcase is, make sure and watch the video starting at the 8-minute mark! Trading cards are back! Finally, are you a Die-Hard Fantasy Football Player? CLICK HERE to Start Your Road to the 2023 Fantasy Football World Championships.

After a wild Week 1, Shawn Childs provides his Week 2 DFS: Quarterback Report so you can dominate on DraftKings and FanDuel! Week 2 DFS: Quarterback Report Top Tier Options Jalen Hurts, PHI (DK – $7,800/FD – $8,800) On the

NFL Week 1 Rams at Seahawks: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: Seahawks – 6 Over/Under: 46.0 The Rams come into 2023 with a rebuilding feel, and their star wide receiver (Cooper Kupp) is battling a hamstring injury heading into
NFL Week 1 Rams at Seahawks: DFS & Fantasy Preview
Betting Line: Seahawks – 6
Over/Under: 46.0
The Rams come into 2023 with a rebuilding feel, and their star wide receiver (Cooper Kupp) is battling a hamstring injury heading into Week 1. Matthew Stafford is a proven quarterback, but his secondary receiving options are below the league average. Cam Akers played well late last season, giving the fantasy market hope that he will build on his success this year. I see risk in the secondary for Los Angeles, pointing to Seattle throwing the ball well if DE Aaron Donald can’t shorten the passing window.
The Seahawks bring a high foundation of the receiving corps, highlighted by DK Metcalf and the exciting Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Tyler Lockett has an excellent resume despite being on the wrong side of 30. Seattle lines two exciting young running backs – Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. The biggest question for this team is their defense, which is a win for overall scoring by their offense.

Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1.
The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap).
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford
- Last season, over nine starts, Stafford delivered one playable game (272/3) in the fantasy markets. His completion rate (68.0) was a career-best, but he had a decline in pass attempts per game (33.7 – 35.4) and an increase in his sack percentage (8.7 – 4.8 in 2021).
- In addition, his yards per pass attempt (6.9) declined by 1.2 yards from 2021 (8.1). His year ended after Week 11 with a neck injury.
- With Cooper Kupp trending toward a sit in Week 1, Stafford’s projection will be lowered in the next update.
- The Seahawks ranked 16th in quarterback defense, with one team scoring over 30.00 fantasy points.
- Seattle should score in this game, so a chaser game gives Stafford a chance only if Kupp is a full go.
Cam Akers
- Last season, Akers was a bust in the fantasy market over the first nine games (84/274/1 with two catches for 18 yards) while also missing two games with personal issues (not getting the ball enough).
- From Week 12 to Week 16, he gained 240 combined yards with three touchdowns and five catches.
- The Rams gave Akers a workhorse opportunity over his final three matchups (23/118/3, 19/123, and 21/04 with six combined catches for 63 yards), with the latter coming against Seattle.
- The Seahawks finished 28th in running defense (27.72 FPPG), with five teams scoring more than 35.00 fantasy points.
- There has been talk out of Rams’ camp that Kyren Williams would see more time this season on passing downs. Akers has the tools to rush for 100 yards with a score, putting in range…
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NFL Week 1 Eagles at Patriots: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: Eagles – 5 Over/Under: 45.0 Philadelphia comes a sensational season in 2022, but they finished one step short of greatness. Jalen Hurts offers power running with developing value in the passing game. The Eagles have a top offensive line, and their defense created plenty of pressure on the quarterback last season. Philly has three excellent receiving options (A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert) while adding D’Andre Smith in the offseason. New England is struggling to find their offensive identity after losing Tom Brady a few seasons ago. The Patriots have talent on defense, and they want to run the ball to control the clock. Mac Jones is a much better player than most believe. He can’t reach elite status without better play and production from his receiving corps. Rhamondre Stevenson will get plenty of touches this season, while Ezekiel Elliott brings experience off the bench. Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1. The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap). Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts Hurts continues to be a beast in the run game, highlighted by his stats in 2022 (165/760/13) despite missing two weeks. The improvement in his receiving options last year led to career-highs in completions (306), pass attempts (460), passing yards (3,701), passing touchdowns (22), yards per pass attempts (8.0), and completion rate (66.5). He passed for 300 yards or more in five matchups (333/1, 340/3, 380/3, 315/0, and 301/1), lifting him to third in quarterback scoring (423.05) in four-point passing touchdown formats. Hurts scored more than 30.00 fantasy points (37.35, 31.00, 30.05, 31.25, 31.35, 38.20, 32.55, 39.5, and 45.20) in nine of his 18 starts (including the postseason). New England ranked seventh defending quarterback (19.16 FPPG), with failure in two matchups (30.70 and 35.50 fantasy points). Quarterbacks rushed for 322 yards on 70 carries vs. the Patriots with two scores. To reach a winning score in Week 1, Hurts must score more than 30.00 fantasy points. It’s not the best matchup, but he is still a coin flip in any week due to his high floor in the run game and his exceptional receiving options. D’Andre Swift Swift appeared to kick down the fantasy door in Week 1 (15/144/1 with three catches for 31 yards) of 2022. Unfortunately, Detroit only gave him 17 touches over the following two games, leading to 133 combined yards with one score and five catches. A shoulder issue cost him three weeks plus a shallow role over the next five matchups (23/61/2 with 16 catches for 109 yards and one touchdown). Swift gained 453 yards with three touchdowns and 24 catches on 73 touches over his final six games. He finished the year ranked 21st in running back scoring (191.10) in PPR formats, with three weeks of success (26.50, 21.10, and 27.70 fantasy points). The Lions only had him on the field for 34.7% of their plays in 2022, which invites a higher ceiling with a higher role and a healthy season. The Eagles running backs had only 48 catches for 262 yards and no catches on 61 targets last season. Philadelphia should give the most touches in Week 1, but Swift doesn’t appear to have upside in scoring in close or catching many balls. To score 22.00 fantasy points, he needs a touchdown with more than 100 combined yards and about five catches. A three-back rotation isn’t his friend. Kenneth Gainwell With the Eagles’ abandoning the running back position in the passing game last season, Gainwell finished with 409 combined yards with four touchdowns and 23 catches. His only fantasy game of value (12/112/1 with one catch for nine yards) came in the first round of the postseason. There has been positive talk about Gainwell over the summer, but his role/opportunity is unclear. More of a gamble while needing 16.00 fantasy points at DraftKings to pay off. A.J. Brown The Eagles threw the ball 81 more times than I expected to their wide receivers in 2022, giving Brown a much better opportunity. He finished with career-highs in catches (88), receiving yards (1,496), and targets (145) while scoring 11 touchdowns and gaining an impressive 17.0 yards per catch. Brown gained 20 or more yards on 26.1% of his catches. His best output came in five games (10/155, 6/156/3, 8/119/2, 9/181, and 6/103). He averaged 8.5 targets last year. Based on his salary and outcomes in 2022, Brown would have filled his salary bucket 20% of the time over his 20 games played. Wide receivers had 207 catches for 2,688 yards and 15 touchdowns on 338 targets against New England in 2022. I don’t expect a 30.00 fantasy game, so I’ll look for upside elsewhere. DeVonta Smith Last year, Smith saw his opportunity grow by over 30%, leading to an exceptional year (95/1,196/7 on 136 targets). He caught 69.9% of his chances while being an impact player from Week 15 to Week 17 (5/126, 8/113/2, and 9/115) when fantasy championships were on the line. Smith gained more than 100 yards in three other matchups (8/169/1, 5/102/1, and 7/100). His season started with a goose egg on four targets, with emptiness in three other contests (3/17, 5/23, 2/22, and 2/36). Over his final 12 starts (including the postseason), Smith had 70 catches for 951 yards and six touchdowns on 105 targets. Smith needs about 29.00 fantasy points at DraftKings to finish as an edge play in Week 1. He reached that threshold twice (30.90 and 31.30 – 10% of the time) last season. I expect more big plays in

NFL Week 1 Packers at Bears: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: Bears – 2.5 Over/Under: 43.5 The theme for the Packers in 2023 has the sound of a boy band (New Direction) after losing Aaron Rodgers and replacing him
NFL Week 1 Packers at Bears: DFS & Fantasy Preview
Betting Line: Bears – 2.5
Over/Under: 43.5
The theme for the Packers in 2023 has the sound of a boy band (New Direction) after losing Aaron Rodgers and replacing him with their new Love. The summer reports have been positive for Jordan Love, especially his connection with Christian Watson. The running back position remains in the hands of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Green Bay added WR Jaylen Reed and TE Luke Musgrove to improve the depth of their passing options.
The Bears have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball, but they have the tools to be a much better offense in 2023. DJ Moore is an upgrade at wideout, and a healthy Darnell Mooney paired with Cole Kmet gives Justin Fields the weapons to push much higher in his pass production. He remains a beast running the ball. Chicago will rotate in three backs out of the gate.

Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1.
The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap).
Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love
- Love came to the NFL with size (6’4” and 225 lbs.) and a strong arm. He’ll make easy deep throws with a flick of his wrist. Love sometimes has a looker feel when waiting for a player to break open. I expect him to succeed if given time to throw and surrounded by talented receivers. His decision-making and reads need improvement while having some concerns with his accuracy.
- In his first chance to see game action with Green Bay in 2021, Love brought a dull feel, leading to 411 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions on his 62 pass attempts.
- He gained 6.6 yards per pass attempt. Last season, Love saw limited snaps over four games (14-for-21 with 195 yards and one touchdown).
- The Bears ranked 26th in quarterback defense (21.36 FPPG). Despite their lower rankings, only one quarterback posted an impact game (39.85 fantasy points). On the positive side, seven quarterbacks scored between 24.90 and 28.90 fantasy points.
- Love is priced in a favorable range, and he does have one explosive wideout. Let the “Magic” happen.
Aaron Jones
- Last year, Jones gained more than 1,400 combined yards for the third time while setting a career-high in catches (59).
- He was a much better player at home (932 combined yards with four touchdowns and 28 catches) than on the road (584 combined yards with three touchdowns and 31 catches).
- Jones gained more than 100 yards in six matchups. Green Bay had him on the field for the same percentage of plays (57.6) while playing two games.
- In Week 2, he posted an impact game (170 combined yards with two touchdowns and three catches) vs. the Bears.
- Chicago had the second-worst defense against running backs.
- The Packers will rotate in two backs, and Love may not get Jones as many targets as in the past with Aaron Rodgers behind center.
- He needs a 25.00 fantasy point game to be in the mix. I’ll take the under…
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NFL Week 1 Cardinals at Commanders: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: Commanders – 7 Over/Under: 39.0 The Cardinals are the favorites to finish last in the NFL in wins based on their over/under betting line (3.5). Kyler Murray is
NFL Week 1 Cardinals at Commanders: DFS & Fantasy Preview
Betting Line: Commanders – 7
Over/Under: 39.0
The Cardinals are the favorites to finish last in the NFL in wins based on their over/under betting line (3.5). Kyler Murray is on the PUP list with no clear timetable to return to the starting lineup. Incoming rookie Clayton Tune looks poised to start in Week 1 after getting drafted in the fifth round this year. James Conner is the lead back with minimal competition for snaps. Zack Ertz is trending toward a sit in Week 1. Arizona will feature Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore in the passing game. They hope Michael Wilson can handle their WR3 role at some point in the season.
Washington has a top defense with a developing quarterback (Sam Howell) who will be making his second career start. The change at offensive coordinator could lead to a bump in production at running back in the passing game, rewarding Antonio Gibson. Brian Robinson is their power running with the inside track to score in close. A turf toe issue may keep Terry McLaurin on the sideline in Week 1. For now, Jahan Dotson assumes the lead wide receiver role, and Curtis Samuel gets a bump in chances.

Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1.
The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap).
Arizona Cardinals
Clayton Tune
- Clayton Tune was Arizona’s shot at a future quarterback. His mechanics need work to improve his accuracy under duress and on the move. He can read defenses, but his arm doesn’t always have the fire to win in tight coverage.
- Over five seasons in college, Tune passed for 11,996 yards with 104 touchdowns and 41 interceptions. He was also active in the run game (412/1,256/15). In his senior year, Tune gained 4,618 combined yards with 45 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His production rushing the ball peaked in 2022 (128/544/2).
- I don’t know if he will start with the Cardinals signing Joshua Dobbs and releasing Colt McCoy.
- Washington had a league-average defense vs. quarterbacks in 2022 (18.84 FPPG).
- Tune has to walk before being considered to start any format. I have a feeling he will make progress as the season moves on if Arizona gives him starting snaps.
James Conner
- Conner finished 19th in running back scoring (201.20) in PPR formats while playing in 13 games last season. A rib issue knocked him out for three weeks early in the year, and in Week 18, he had a shin injury.
- From Week 10 to Week 17, Conner delivered seven productive games (23.60, 13.40, 22.00, 23.40, 18.10, 25.00, and 14.00 fantasy points). He rushed for more than 100 yards in one matchup (25/120 with three catches for 20 yards and one score).
- The Cardinals will give him 15+ touches with some value in catches. The lack of quarterback play is a significant concern for…
To finish reading this in-depth fantasy and DFS breakdown of Week 1…
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NFL Week 1 49ers at Steelers: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: 49ers – 2.5 Over/Under: 41.0 The 49ers stroll into Pittsburgh with their “Purdy Young Thing” back at quarterback. Brock Purdy went 7-1 in his rookie season after starting
NFL Week 1 49ers at Steelers: DFS & Fantasy Preview
Betting Line: 49ers – 2.5
Over/Under: 41.0
The 49ers stroll into Pittsburgh with their “Purdy Young Thing” back at quarterback. Brock Purdy went 7-1 in his rookie season after starting the year third on the depth chart. San Francisco has the best all-around running back (Christian McCaffrey) in the game, with three productive pieces (Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle) at receiver. Their star DE Nick Bosa wants a new deal, and he has yet to report to the team. The 49ers need his pass rush (34 sacks over his last 33 games) to maintain their high ranking on defense.
The Steelers struggled to score points (308), with Kenny Pickett assuming the quarterback duties after Ben Roethlisberger retired. The Steelers’ offense has depth at running back (Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren) and the talent to move the ball via the pass with Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth. The key to all players is increased production by Pickett.

Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1.
The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap).
San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy
- Purdy passed for 12,170 yards with 81 touchdowns and 33 interceptions over 48 starts at Iowa. He added 365 rushes for 1,177 yards and 19 touchdowns. The 49ers drafted him in the seventh round in 2022.
- Over his eight full starts, Purdy attempted more than 30 passes in only two games (MIA – 37 and @LV – 35). He had a floor of two touchdowns in his first in seven matchups while delivering one impact game (348/4).
- His completion rate (67.1) and yards per pass attempt (8.1) rank highly in the NFL.
- Purdy saw his season end in the Super Bowl due to an injury in his right elbow that required surgery in mid-February.
- Pittsburgh was about league-average defending quarterbacks (19.59 FPPG) last season, but two offenses posted impact games (32.40 and 32.25). They played without their top pass rusher (T.J. Watt) for seven games.
- Despite his success last year, Purdy was a modified game manager. He has to prove his elbow is healthy before riding him in the daily space. The 49ers have plenty of receiving weapons, so I can’t totally write him off in Week 1.
Christian McCaffrey
- Over his final nine games with the 49ers, McCaffrey gained 1,066 yards with 10 touchdowns and 39 catches, an average of 18.94 FPPG in PPR formats.
- His salary requires 35.00 fantasy points at DraftKings for him to be worth his investment. He posted one impact game (40.60), with three high-floor showings (28.60, 29.30, and 31.30).
- Pittsburgh gave up six receiving scores to running back in 2022, but they limited the damage in catches (64) and receiving yards (523). Their defense held backs to 4.2 yards per carry with seven scores on the ground.
- McCaffrey isn’t the workhorse he once was with the Panthers, but he will get plenty of chances to make plays. His pass-catching ability set a nice floor while needing multiple scores to pay off his top-tier salary
To finish reading this in-depth fantasy and DFS breakdown of Week 1…
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NFL Week 1 Jaguars at Colts: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: Jaguars – 4.5 Over/Under: 45.5 The Jaguars have an ascending offense led by Trevor Lawrence. He had growth in all areas in his sophomore season, but he lacked big plays (only three completions of 40 yards or more). Calvin Ridley looks locked and loaded to have a big year after sitting on the sideline since the fifth week of 2021. Last year, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram had career seasons in their first year with the Jaguars. Travis Etienne looks poised to push higher up the running back rankings, even with Tank Bigsby commanding some touches in his rookie campaign. Indianapolis had a black cloud hanging over their preseason due to Jonathan Taylor wanting to be traded. After placing him on the injured reserve for four games, the Colts lack identity at running back. Anthony Richardson will get plenty of carries in his first NFL start, but can he throw the ball well enough early in his career to deliver wins for Indy? The combination of Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs has an upside feel. The question is whether or not Richardson will attempt more than 30 passes in many games to support his top receivers in the fantasy market. Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1. The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap). Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence Lawrence finished seventh in quarterback scoring (20.83 FPPG) in 2022 while delivering two impact games (37.10 and 32.00) in fantasy points. In two starts vs. the Colts, he gained 432 combined yards with five scores. The addition of Calvin Ridley gives a higher chance of delivering passing touchdowns and adding length to his yards per pass attempt (7.0 in 2022 and 6.0 in 2021). Lawrence adds value to his stat line by running the ball (73/334/2 and 62/291/5). Indy allowed 25 passing touchdowns last year with 10 interceptions and 44 sacks. I don’t see this game turning into a shootout due to the Colts’ lack of an explosive passing quarterback. Lawrence has the tools to shine, and he may hit on a 50+ yard touchdown in this matchup. His salary requires at least 25.00 fantasy points to be viable. I expect Lawrence to finish close to this number in Week 1. Travis Etienne The Jaguars ran the ball 32.3 times a game in the preseason, leading to 420 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Etienne rushed for more than 100 yards in six games last year (including in the playoffs). He scored over 20.00 fantasy points in only three games (25.20, 26.60, and 23.00). Jacksonville gave him 20+ touches in five matchups. He finished 17th in running back scoring (208.10) despite a slow start over his first four games (34/144 and 8/81), while James Robinson (51/230/3 with 6/33/1) played well over the first three weeks. The Jaguars will rotate in a second back, leading to Etienne seeing about 60% of the team’s snaps. To reach a winning score in more weeks, Etienne must score more often and be more active in the passing game. Not ideal for Week 1, but he has the wheels to hit on a long TD, keeping in the explosive mix. Tank Bigsby Over his last 25 games at Auburn, Bigsby rushes for 2,069 yards and 20 touches on 402 carries while chipping in the passing game (51/364 on 76 targets). He ranked third in the preseason in rushing yards (159) on 28 carries. Bigsby didn’t score while losing one ball at the goal line. I get the buzz in the preseason, but Etienne is the dynamic back in this offense. He is overpriced in Week 1 for his expected opportunity. Calvin Ridley Over the summer, Ridley flashed speed and quickness in training camp while offering elite route running. He continues to shoot up draft boards, and I support his movement. When at his best in 2020 (90/1,374/9 on 143 targets), Ridley was the fifth highest scoring wideout (283.90). He gained more than 100 yards in eight games (9/130/2, 7/109/2, 5/110, 8/136, 5/108, 8/124/1, 10/163/1, and 5/130). The Jaguars’ wide receiver had 238 catches for 2,670 yards and 19 touchdowns on 369 targets last year. The addition of Ridley will undoubtedly push them higher in all categories in 2023. Based on his salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, Ridley should glow like a beacon in the night. Ridley needs a 7/100/1 game to place him in the money in the DFS market. His one negative is the Jaguars may not need to throw the ball much in the second half. Read more about the FullTime Fantasy’s staff feelings about Calvin Ridley in 2023 here. Christian Kirk Kirk set career highs in catches (84), receiving yards (1,108), touchdowns (8), and targets (133) in his first year with the Jaguars. Unfortunately, Ridley is now the true WR1 for Jacksonville. On the positive side, Kirk will see weaker coverage. He gained over 100 yards in three games (6/117, 9/105/2, and 6/104/1) in 2022 with three other 20+ fantasy weeks (6/78/2, 8/76/1, and 6/99/1) in PPR formats. Kirk only had 11 targets in his two games (6/78/2 and 4/24/1) vs. the Colts. With Ridley expected to be popular in the DFS market in Week 1, Kirk could be the against-the-grain play. His salary requires about 22.00 fantasy points to be an option. Zay Jones Jones outperformed expectations in 2022 (82/823/5 on 121 targets) while working close to the line of scrimmage (10.0 yards per catch). He posted two impact games (11/145 and 6/109/3) plus three competitive