DFS Digging In The Crates Daily 2023 Week 1 DraftKings

DraftKings Main Slate

Quarterbacks

Sam Howell vs. Cardinals ($4,900)

The match up couldn’t be any more beautiful for Sam Howell, as he makes his second career start against the Arizona Cardinals at home week one. He’ll face a poor secondary (outside of Budda Baker) and a front seven that is not nearly as strong from a season ago. He’ll be highly owned, and potentially without Terry McLaurin, but should still easily be able to pay off his cheap tag. His ability to run, gives us the rushing equity we crave in fantasy land without having to pay the Lamar Jackson or Justin Fields salary. Using Howell with Jahan Dotson or Curtis Samuel will be a cheap stack, but he can also be used alone.

Baker Mayfield @ Vikings ($4,900)

Baker Mayfield has the keys week one on the road against a Vikings secondary that was less than stellar a season ago. The Vikings ranked 29th in completion percentage allowed (70.1%), 30th in passing yards allowed (3,223) and 31st in explosive receptions allowed (78). (Per PFF). Having Chris Godwin, and Mike Evans at his disposal can only help Mayfield, right? Whether the Bucs tank this season, all that matters is that week one, Mayfield has a dreamy match up for us fantasy investors.

Running Backs

Deon Jackson vs. Jaguars ($4,100)

Happy trails Jonathan Taylor. Another example of the running back position being more expendable in the NFL as ever. Enter Deon Jackson! He started two games last season and was plenty useful as a pass catcher. His volume is still uncertain as the Colts will have some form of committee. Jackson will also be a nice outlet for rookie Anthony Richardson out of the back field in the passing game. Week six last season, Jackson had 22 touches, with TEN receptions against the Jaguars. He’s way too cheap. I will be LOADING up on Deon Jackson week one even if his role isn’t clearly defined.

Jamaal Williams vs. Titans ($5,100)

With Alvin Kamara suspended to start the 2023 season, our old friend Jamaal Williams is going to be the starter. Williams is projected for 17.46 fantasy points on DraftKings despite the tough match up against a stingy Titans front seven. He’s more than a TD vulture. Williams eclipsed 1,000 yards on the ground last season with 17 touchdowns. The Saints have an implied total of 22.5 points. He’ll be one of the highest owned running backs week one and the main reasons are his price and opportunity. Derek Carr will be checking down as he has done historically.

Wide Receivers

Jahan Dotson vs. Cardinals ($5,000)

Sam Howell found the Crate list week one, and it seems only fair to tag a Commanders pass catcher with him. There is some real uncertainty the status of Terry McLaurin week one, which will make Jahan Dotson a popular DFS play. Weeks 13-18 a season ago, Dotson had a 24% target share. Needless to say, there is a ton of optimism for this duo heading into 2023. The best news? As stated when discussing Sam Howell, the Card are an atrocious defense at every level. Howell was also glued to Dotson on the field this pre season.

Nico Collins @ Ravens ($4,700)

The Texans receiving corps is not murders row to say the least. However, they are young and in a rebuild with CJ Stroud under center. Stroud leaned heavily on Collins this summer for a whopping 35% target share. Factor in a porous Ravens defense at every level, a negative game script for the Texans, and Collins could be force fed. His 19.1% target share was 39th-best in the NFL among wide receivers in 2022.

Tight Ends

Luke Musgrave @ Bears ($2,900)

The Green Bay Packers are going to creating a new identity under Jordan Love, and it has been a long time coming. One thing we have learned early, is that Jordan Love looks at Luke Musgrave often. It is a new offense, and the puzzle pieces will come together as the season goes. I look for Love to lean on the rookie tight end early. On 37 dropbacks with Jordan Love this preseason

84% route participation (TE1-worthy)

22% target share (TE1-worthy)


Per (Dwain McFarland)


The waters in the sea of mediocrity remain calm, for now.

David Njoku @ Bengals ($4,200)

We’ll get to see a full season of Deshaun Watson in Cleveland for months to come, and how it shakes out is anyones guess. We do know that the offense is built around Nick Chubb when push comes to shove. Week 14 last season Watson connected with Njoku seven times, for 59 yards, and a touchdown. The rapport is established. I am going to want a piece (s) of this Browns-Bengals game that features one of the higher totals on the main slate. Watson will be looking for his tight end in the red zone week one.

Defense/Special Teams

Commanders vs. Cardinals ($2,800)

I will have the Commanders defense in almost every DraftKings lineup Week 1. A back up QB on the road vs. arguably the best pass rush defense in the NFL. All in