Rosters.com is a new daily fantasy sports offering powered by iTEAM Network, a "white label" DFS software and web platform provider headed by Gabe Hunterton, an 18-year veteran of the gaming industry and former executive with MGM Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment Group. Founded in 2013, iTEAM Network recently announced renowned poker professional Phil Ivey as its Global Partner for Rosters.com.
This week, Rosters launched their fantasy football DFS contests. Rosters is offering numerous Guaranteed Prize Pools (GPP), 50/50, Head-to-Head contests and a freeroll for Week 1 of the season. As an added incentive, Rosters is offering RotoWire users an instant deposit match bonus of $20 on top of your initial $10 deposit. Use promo code "WIRE" to take advantage of the limited time offer.
For those looking to join in the fun on Rosters this weekend, here's a rundown of value plays to target:
Quarterback:
Dak Prescott, DAL vs. NYG ($9,500): Prescott demonstrated his ability to be a lethal dual threat at quarterback throughout his college career, and he flashed those same skills at various points in the preseason. The rookie demonstrated amazing poise during the exhibition slate irrespective of the caliber of competition he faced, lending some credence to the possibility of a vastly different scenario on offense for the Cowboys than the last time they had to take the field without Tony Romo. Vegas seems to agree with Prescott's ability to do his part to keep the chains moving, as the Cowboys check in with one of the higher projected team totals in Week 1. Facing a Giants defensive backfield that gave up 31 passing touchdowns and a 66.3 percent completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks last season, Prescott could be primed for a stellar debut in front of what should be a raucous home crowd.
Running Backs :
Spencer Ware, KC vs. SD ($7,400): As of this writing, Jamaal Charles appears unlikely to play in Week 1, likely leaving Ware as the lead back in what still figures to be somewhat of a committee approach. However, he could be in line for some heavy use against what was one of the most porous defenses against the run last season. The Chargers surrendered a whopping 4.8 yards per attempt in 2015 along with 17 rushing touchdowns, both bottom-five figures. The Chiefs employ a conservative approach with Alex Smith at quarterback and there should be no reason to deviate from that strategy in a game in which they are currently favored by a touchdown. A second-half lead should mean a significant workload for Ware as Kansas City looks to ice the game.
Christine Michael, SEA vs. MIA ($6,400) : While the Seahawks have sent out some mixed signals this week as to who the lead back will be against the Dolphins, it appears likely that Michael will get a solid amount of touches. He put together an impressive body of work in preseason and much like Ware, will be toting the rock for a team that will be playing as a solid favorite. With Thomas Rawls still on the mend and having carried the ball a grand total of two times in preseason, his workload would figure to be at least somewhat capped, potentially opening the door for Michael against a Dolphins defense that gave up the fifth-most rushing yards - along with 13 rushing touchdowns - in 2015.
Wide Receivers :
Vincent Jackson, TB at ATL ($7,400) : Unlike the two running backs just discussed, Jackson projects to be in a back-and-forth contest that should offer plenty of opportunities in the passing game for both squads. The veteran receiver is still in terrific shape despite missing multiple games with knee injuries last season, and he should benefit from the attention that figures to be heaped on Mike Evans. Jackson missed the first tilt against the Falcons last season, but hauled in three receptions for 87 yards in the second contest between the two clubs. He enters the season at full health, he's matched up against a secondary that allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 66 percent of their passes in 2015, and his size always makes him a viable red-zone threat.
Terrence Williams, DAL vs. NYG ($5,600) : Williams sports a near-minimum price and always brings a substantial amount of big-play upside for tournaments. The former Baylor Bear is coming off his best NFL season and already demonstrated some rapport with Prescott in preseason. With the game projected to keep the scoreboard operator busy, and Prescott already having proven adept at the deep ball, Williams stands a chance to provide a nice return off a long touchdown or two at a very reasonable price.
Tight End :
Dwayne Allen, IND vs. DET ($5,400) : Allen is another significantly underpriced player who has a clear-cut starting role in a game that is projected to be one of the higher scoring matchups of the week. He's been battling some hip soreness, but he's fully expected to play in Week 1. With Coby Fleener now in New Orleans, Allen has a chance to finally see a healthy dose of targets in the middle of the field. He's always been heavily featured in the red zone and that should continue, although Donte Moncrief will certainly steal some looks due to his impressive size. However, in what should be a back-and-forth game against a Lions squad that surrendered almost five receptions per contest to tight ends last season, Allen serves as a cost-conscious tournament play for those looking to save some cash at tight end.
Flex:
Will Fuller, HOU vs. CHI ($6,300) : After hauling in eight receptions for 144 yards and a pair of touchdowns in three preseason games, the dynamic Fuller is getting the start opposite DeAndre Hopkins right from the jump. Fuller is certain to benefit throughout the season from the attention normally bestowed on his Pro Bowl teammate, a trend that should start against a Bears secondary that is already vulnerable to begin with. Both of Chicago's starting corners, Tracy Porter (concussion) and Kyle Fuller (knee) check in with true questionable designations, with the latter having just practiced for the first time on Monday since a mid-August knee scope.
Kicker:
Roberto Aguayo, TB at ATL ($5,300) : Aguayo's rollercoaster preseason was a snapshot of what an NFL kicker's life can be, particularly one with the added spotlight of having been an unusually high draft choice. However, the former Seminole shook off the doubters by nailing his last 11 kicks of preseason, restoring his confidence after some rough practices and early exhibition performances. He'll draw the controlled environment of a dome for his first regular-season game, although it will be in enemy territory. However, Aguayo kicked in plenty of noisy stadiums in college, and could be heavily involved in a game in which both offenses are projected to move the ball up and down the field.
Defense:
Philadelphia Eagles vs. CLE ($5,500) : The Browns check in with one of the lowest projected team totals of the week, which is one of the byproducts of starting a former quarterback and a rookie as your top two wideouts, along with a reclamation project behind center. Robert Griffin begins a new chapter in his star-crossed career, but he will have a depleted cache of weapons at his disposal, as Josh Gordon (suspension) will not be able to lend a hand until Week 5. Therefore, a squad still familiarizing itself with new head coach Hue Jackson's playbook could certainly find it difficult to establish a rhythm on offense against an Eagles defense playing in front of a home crowd and looking to put the Chip Kelly Era firmly in the rearview. Look for Philadelphia to pull away in the second half and then turn the dogs loose on Griffin, who was last exposed to the intensity of the regular season in 2014.
