Every Friday for the balance of the NFL season, theScore managing editor James Bisson takes a comprehensive look at the best daily fantasy value plays. Values are based on DraftKings' DFS offering, in which players are given a $50,000 budget with which to build a nine-player team (1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB/WR FLEX, 1 DST).
Quarterback
Colin Kaepernick, SF (@ DAL, $8,000)
This choice isn't as much about the expectation - or rather, hope - that Kaepernick will thrive with a bolstered receiving corps highlighted by Michael Crabtree's return to full health. It's much, much more about a Dallas Cowboys defense that could be one of the worst of the past 20 years. Kaepernick is the seventh-most expensive quarterback this coming week. Expect him to produce top-3 point totals.
Others to consider: Jay Cutler, CHI (vs. BUF, $7,800), Tony Romo, DAL (vs. SF, $7,500), Shaun Hill, STL (vs. MIN, $5,000)
Running Back
Fred Jackson, BUF (@ CHI, $4,400)
You'll find 32 running backs more expensive than Jackson, but he represents one of the best shots at a touchdown Sunday against a Bears defense that hemmorhaged points to opposing rushers last season. With the Buffalo passing game in tatters to open the season and No. 1 back C.J. Spiller out of the mix on the goal line, Jackson could produce sensational Week 1 totals at a great price.
Others to consider: Montee Ball, DEN (vs. IND, $7,000), Zac Stacy, STL (vs. MIN, $6,400), Rashad Jennings, NYG (@ DET, $5,000)
Wide Receiver
Emmanuel Sanders, DEN (vs. IND, $4,800)
It's unclear how Wes Welker's four-game PED suspension will alter the Broncos' high-powered offense - but the smart money is on Sanders soaking up the targets in his first game in a Denver uniform. Peyton Manning loves to spread the ball around, and with Welker on the sidelines and Eric Decker now playing for the Jets, there should be plenty of opportunity for Sanders to make a mark.
Others to consider: Cordarrelle Patterson, MIN (@ STL, $5,800), Brandin Cooks, NO (@ ATL, $4,500), Kelvin Benjamin, CAR (@ TB, $4,200)
Tight End
Julius Thomas, DEN (vs. IND, $5,800)
Of the four tight ends valued at more than $5,000 - Jimmy Graham ($7,200), Rob Gronkowski ($6,700) and Jordan Cameron ($5,000) are the others - Thomas represents the best value. Demariyus Thomas should draw the most attention against the Colts, leaving Julius to dominate in single coverage for the majority of the game. Rather than take a shot on a second-tier tight end and hope to get lucky, go with the sure thing in Thomas.
Others to consider: Kyle Rudolph, MIN (@ STL, $4,300), Dwayne Allen, IND (@ DEN, $3,300), Travis Kelce, KC (vs. TEN, $3,200)
RB/WR Flex
Michael Crabtree, SF (@ DAL, $6,100)
Crabtree went for over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns in his last full season - and he's only getting better. Add in an improved Kaepernick and a Dallas secondary that can only be described as "generous," and Crabtree could put together one of the best first-week performances of any offensive player. There will be plenty of offensive bargains to be had, but few offer the upside of Crabtree.
Others to consider: Alshon Jeffrey, CHI (vs. BUF, $7,100), Andre Johnson, HOU (vs. WAS, $6,600), Bernard Pierce, BAL (vs. CIN, $4,600)
D/ST
New York Jets (vs. OAK, $3,900)
It can be difficult to assess which defenses are elite this early in the season - but it doesn't take a genius-level IQ to identify which offenses are terrible. The Raiders fit that bill, with a banged-up backfield and a rookie quarterback making the Week 1 start. Don't get cute - confidently ride the Jets at home against a subpar West Coast team.
Others to consider: Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. CLE, $3,900), St. Louis Rams (vs. MIN, $3,400), Philadelphia Eagles (vs. JAX, $3,200)
