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6 Must Starts for Week 1 (FantasyPros Challenge)

Julius Thomas BroncosKudos to you if you drafted and started Julius Thomas. You’re a true fantasy football expert (along with the other 8 experts that ranked him in their top 12 Tight Ends).
 
While we’re not accepting new expert applications, we’ve come up with a way for you to compete against the pros each week. It’s called the FantasyPros Challenge, and it’s hosted by our partner DraftStreet.
 
Over $10,000 in prizes will be given out this season and you’ll be able to see how you stack up to the experts!
 
Enter the FantasyPros Challenge Now »
 
Here’s what you need to know:

    • Pick a lineup of starters that you like for the week, within a maximum salary cap.
    • If your team scores in the top half of all contestants, you’ll win double your entry fee.
    • If you beat the top scoring expert, you’ll also win a share of a $1,000 weekly bonus!
    • It’s only $5 to play. Again, just avoid placing in the bottom half and you’ll win.

 
Need some advice on who to roll with this weekend? We asked 6 of our Featured Pros to give us one guy they consider to be a ‘must start’ in our FantasyPros Challenge (salary cap game). Here’s who they’re banking on…
 
Kenbrell Thompkins (WR, NE)
“$4,142. You could add a couple thousand dollars to that salary, and Thompkins would still be worth it in Week 1 at Buffalo. It’s understandable why the algorithm has him this cheap, but one of the top targets in Tom Brady’s offense should never be ranked below 30 receivers – much less 85 receivers. Having Thompkins in your lineup allows you to spend an extra $3-5K for a superstar at another spot.”
David Gonos, DFSEdge.com
 
Jason Witten (TE, DAL)
In 0.5 PPR, Witten provides Jimmy Graham value AND upside at TE at a fraction of the cost (almost $4,000 less). We have Witten projected for 6.5 catches at 70 yards and 0.5 TDs, the third best dollar per fantasy point value among TEs (behind Sudfeld who is currently at only $2000 and Ed Dickson).
Keith Goldner, numberFire
 
Isaac Redman (RB, PIT)
He’s not an exciting pick. But with a price tag of $2,833,he’s certainly a mega-value. With Le’Veon Bell sidelined, Redman will see 15+ touches – plus goal line work. 80 yards and 1 TD are within reach.
Kevin English, Draft Sharks
 
David Wilson (RB, NYG)
The player on whom I’m most bullish on DraftStreet this week is Giants running back David Wilson. Wilson’s salary was generated prior to the Andre Brown injury, so his workload isn’t priced into it. You can get a clear RB1 who will play in all situations at a relatively low price, allowing flexibility at the other spots.
Jonathan Bales, FantasyFootballDrafting
 
C.J. Spiller (RB, BUF)
With the amount of touches C.J. will get against the Patriots on Sunday in the home opener, for his price and his explosion it is worth the risk. The Patriots defense has not lived up to it’s hype this preseason, and now with Adrian Wilson on IR…Once C.J. gets to that second level watch out.
Muntradamus, Beast Dome
 
Trent Richardson (RB, CLE)
Norv Turner is going to unleash Trent Richardson this upcoming fantasy season, and it all starts in Week 1 against Miami. The Browns should take control of this game by the fourth quarter, at which point they will tell Richardson to get on his horse and go! Emmitt Smith, Ricky Williams, LaDainian Tomlinson, Frank Gore, Stephen Davis, Terry Allen… all of these players had some of their best fantasy football seasons under Turner’s command, and Richardson is about to be added to the list. I wouldn’t be shocked if T-Rich cranked out 1,300-1,400 rushing yards, 50-60 receptions for 450-500 receiving yards and 12-15 total scores in 2013. I’m expecting 130-140 total yards and a score in Week 1 against the Dolphins! Chew on that!
Smitty, DraftCalc
 
Agree with these experts? Add their ‘must start’ players to your lineup in our FantasyPros Challenge
 
FantasyPros Challenge

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