This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Football series.
TOURNAMENTS (GPP – GUARANTEED PRIZE POOL)
QB: Russell Wilson (SEA, $33)
Despite playing at Green Bay in what should be a shootout, Wilson is priced less then the other top options at QB, but he has a fantastic chance to be the top-scoring QB of the week as he faces a Packer secondary that should be far less than formidable. Wilson's coming into this contest after looking extremely sharp in limited preseason action, and he's also fully healthy this year after dealing with a knee injury that significantly impacted his mobility in 2016, making him a lethal option this week.
RB: Dalvin Cook (MIN, $21)
Although it was a surprise to absolutely no one, Cook was named the Vikings starting RB this week, and he'll start the season with an excellent matchup against the Saints. Since he should be used as both a runner and receiver, he should be immune to any game-script issues. Based on last year, many will have concerns about the Vikings offensive line, but not only is this unit healthy, they've had an upgrade in talent and should be solid enough to help the rookie get his career off to a great start while Adrian Peterson watches from the other sideline.
WR: Martavis Bryant (PIT, $21)
There's no question that the Steelers could jump out to a big lead and ride their rushing attack, but the beauty of starting Bryant is that he doesn't need much in the way of volume to pay huge dividends. With the Browns defense having Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown as their primary concerns, Bryant should be able to take advantage of a secondary that recently cut ties with Joe Haden. It would be surprising if Ben Roethlisberger didn't take at least a deep shot or two to his best vertical threat in this contest.
Other Against-the-Grainers
QB: Josh McCown (NYJ, $20), DeShone Kizer (CLE $20)
RB: Ameer Abdullah (DET, $16), Adrian Peterson (NO, $17)
WR: Terrelle Pryor (WAS, $21), Corey Coleman (CLE, $16), Ted Ginn (NO, $16)
TE: Martellus Bennett (GB, $15), Coby Fleener (NO, $14)
DST: Los Angeles Rams ($16)
CASH GAMES (H2H, 50/50s and DOUBLE UPS)
Quarterback
Kirk Cousins (WAS, $34)
Even though the Redskins have undergone offseason changes at the wide receiver position, head coach Jay Gruden has consistently put Cousins in position to perform at a high level. Despite looking flat during limited preseason action, expect Cousins to repeatedly test the new-look Eagles secondary with Jordan Reed, Terrelle Pryor and Jamison Crowder. Cousins threw for two TDs in each of his meetings against this defense in 2016, and that should represent his floor this week at minimum.
Running Back
LeSean McCoy (BUF, $36)
After the Bills released Jonathan Williams last week, the team is extremely weak in the backfield behind McCoy, and he should see as much work as he can handle against a Jets defense that just dealt away Sheldon Richardson. Not only should McCoy see plenty of carries, but with a young group of wide receivers, he could also be an integral part of the passing attack, and he should be immune to any game-script issues.
Todd Gurley (LAR, $21)
Although many fantasy managers were burned by Gurley last year, this isn't a week to be ruled by fear. Not only did the Rams make slight improvements along the offensive line, but new head coach Sean McVay had the offense looking respectable during the preseason. Regardless, with Andrew Luck sitting this one out, the Rams have an excellent chance of either being in a very close game, or possibly playing with the lead in the second half, and either way Gurley should get enough volume to be able to shred a weak Indianapolis defense.
Wide Receiver
Larry Fitzgerald, (ARI, $25)
Over the past two seasons, very few wide receivers have started the year as strongly as Fitzgerald has, and as the most reliable option for Carson Palmer, he should see plenty of action this week against the Lions. Detroit doesn't have a defense that can shutdown strong WRs, but they do have a decent pass rush, which should ensure that Fitz sees plenty of targets in the middle of the field and in the red zone.
DeAndre Hopkins (HOU, $18)
Hopkins was an absolute disappointment last year, but he did show signs of life when Tom Savage moved into the starting lineup late in the regular season. During the preseason, the stud WR was on record as saying that he preferred Savage to be the Texans starter this year, as he obviously realizes that his QB has no fear of throwing the ball in his direction, allowing him to make plays and beat CBs to get to the football. Even though Jacksonville has an up-and-coming defense, Hopkins should get plenty of targets, and that will lead to him earning value this week.
Pierre Garcon (SF, $17)
The 49ers will play their first game under new head coach Kyle Shanahan, but the offense will hardly be new to both Garcon and Brian Hoyer, as both have had success in this system earlier in their careers – though not as member of the same team. After a quiet beginning to the preseason, the duo was clearly on the same page in the third practice game as they effortlessly connected on a number of slant routes. Expect Garcon to function as Hoyer's chain-mover and security blanket, as he provides fantasy owners a solid floor, making him a strong lineup option.
Tight End
Jordan Reed (WAS, $20)
After Reed participated briefly in the third preseason game, it was clear that he'd overcome his toe injury well enough to be deemed in full health to start the season. He enters this week with what appears to be a discounted price, but whenever he's on the field and ready to play, he'll be a primary receiver for Kirk Cousins, which always makes him a strong bet given his high floor along with a massive upside. When he was healthy in 2015, he recorded 14 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns over two contests against the Philadelphia defense.
Defense/Special Teams
Los Angeles Chargers ($15)
The Chargers not only have an excellent set of cornerbacks, but they also have a lethal pass rush. They'll be facing Trevor Siemian, who's not exactly a top-shelf QB, and when they begin to apply consistent pressure to him the defense should be able to record a number of sacks, which hopefully will lead to some takeaways as well.
Honorable Mentions
QB: Derek Carr (OAK, $33), Sam Bradford (MIN, $31)
RB: DeMarco Murray (TEN, $28), Melvin Gordon ($29)
WR: Amari Cooper (Oak, $22), Stefon Diggs (MIN, $21)
TE: Zach Ertz (PHI, $18)
DST: Pittsburgh Steelers ($18)
