Salary cap DFS contests exist? They do! Exclusively at OwnersBox. You can read our introduction to the game here. To celebrate the launch of this revolutionary new offering, OwnersBox is running an absolutely free, no strings attached Week 1 contest. Simply enter the promo code ‘Drew 9’ when building a lineup to receive your entry credit. Whether you are familiar with the superflex format or not, there is absolutely no excuse to miss out on this opportunity. This week we will take a look at nine players we have identified as values for their $100k, with $15k to first place Week 1 contest. Did I mention that it’s absolutely free to enter? Let’s dig in.
Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI): $6,800
Jalen Hurts is expected to be ready to go for Week 1 and will have the benefit of playing one of the worst defenses in the NFC. The Falcons are expected to take a step forward on the defensive side of the ball this season but have not improved enough to remove the label as one of the worst when compared to the rest of the conference. Hurts has the Lamar Jackson feel to him as far as salary is concerned as the salary setters have not yet bought into the ‘Konami Code’ Hurts presents due to his ability to accrue chunk rushing yards. Hurts finally has some weapons at wideouts to go along with his legs, making him a weekly threat to finish among the top five quarterbacks.
Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR): $6,700
Matthew Stafford is finally going to get some respect on his name, and it starts in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears’ front seven remains a daunting one but is one that Stafford has seen twice per year due to his time with the Detroit Lions. Ready for takeoff in Sean McVay’s offense, the Rams will look to put the NFL world on notice with a strong showing. The addition of Sony Michel adds some legitimacy to a backfield that was scaring absolutely no one since the loss of Cam Akers and should allow the Rams to keep defenses honest. Stafford will boast weekly top-10 upside this season and should come out firing against what could be a shaky Bears cornerback group.
Joe Burrow (QB – CIN): $6,400
Even with Ja’Marr Chase having a camp and preseason to forget, Joe Burrow is still primed to be a strong producer in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikes did get a major upgrade at the cornerback position and their pass rush should be back to 2019 levels of dominance but gamescript suggests that Burrow will be forced to throw early and often. The Bengals are currently three-point underdogs, but that spread is expected to grow and the season draws closer. Burrow has the weapons and should see the volume to put up QB1 level numbers in Week 1.
James Robinson (RB – JAC): $5,800
By now you have probably heard that Jaguars hotshot rookie Travis Etienne has been lost for the season. This leaves James Robinson as one of the top Week 1 values at OwnersBox. Robinson took the fantasy world by storm in 2020, amassing 1,070 rushing yards and 49 receptions for 344 receiving yards. He will still face some stiff competition for touches but should still be good for about 80 yards from scrimmage a game as the Jaguars lead back. The Jaguars square off against the dumpster fire known as the Houston Texans in Week 1, making them favorites for what may likely be one of only two times this season (they play Houston twice). Projected gamescript lines Robinson up for over 100 yards and a score, making Robinson one of the best values on the board for Week 1, regardless of position.
Raheem Mostert (RB – SF): $5,600
Raheem Mostert and teammate Trey Sermon ($4,300) both appear to be standout values for Week 1. The 49ers will be employing a committee that also includes Jeff Wilson or JaMychal Hasty, but Mostert and Sermon should handle the bulk of the work, with Raheem being the lead. San Francisco gets the lowly Detroit Lions in Week 1, which likely means a heavy dose of the run at a high yards per carry average. The 49ers are currently 7.5 point favorites and could threaten double digits by game time. The gamescript is set up for Mostert to have a big day.
Carlos Hyde (RB – JAC): $4,200
Yes, we are picking on weak defenses for Week 1. As mentioned above, the Jags get the Texans in Week 1, which makes both Robinson and Hyde strong potential values. We will need to roster some players with sub $5k salaries in order to fit two QB’s into our lineups, and Hyde has the potential to have a big game against a sub-par Houston defense. Hyde will likely get a heavier workload than many outside of Jacksonville expect, especially with Travis Etienne sidelined. Robinson may distinguish himself as the unquestioned lead back as the season progresses but Urban Meyer brought Hyde in because he believes that he is still a solid starter who can contribute meaningful snaps when called upon. Hyde has the upside to finish as an RB2 for Week 1, making him someone to strongly consider when looking to fill out your roster at OwnersBox.
Marquez Callaway (WR – NO): $4,500
Marquez Callaway is set to function as the New Orleans Saints number one receiver with Michael Thomas sidelined. Listed at a bargain level $4,500 for Week 1, Callaway is sure to be a chalky play but is someone you will want to plug into at least one of your lineups. Based on what we’ve seen and heard this offseason, Callaway boasts top-25 upside for Week 1. The only caveat here is that Jameis Winston starting for the New Orleans Saints is necessary for Callaway to reach his potential. If Taysom Hill ends up getting the tap, a wait-and-see approach may be the more prudent course of action when it comes to the former UDFA.
DeVonta Smith (WR – PHI): $4,300
Devonta Smith should be ready for the Eagles regular season opener. He is easily the Eagles most talented wide receiver and if they use him right, something that should happen due to Jalen Hurts’ familiarity with him from their time together at Alabama, he should be an immediate gamebreaker. The concerns over his slight frame will never go away but he has an excellent release which allows him to deal with corners looking to press at the line of scrimmage. He is in a prime blowup spot against a soft Falcons secondary in Week 1, giving him boom-or-bust WR1 upside for his NFL debut. At just $4,300, you cannot go wrong with Smith for the Week 1 contest at OwnersBox.
Jakobi Meyers (WR – NE): $4,100
Jakobi Meyers has emerged as the go-to receiver for Cam Newton and should still lead the team in targets if Mac Jones gets the nod to be the starter. While Mac may not target him as much as Newon would, he would likely make Meyers more efficient with his targets due to his increased accuracy, so there is upside regardless of who is under center. Meyers is a sneaky bet for five receptions per game this season, making him the WR2 candidate no one really gives enough respect to. That will all change shortly. Take advantage of the Week 1 pricing and stick Meyers in your salary cap superflex lineup for Week 1.
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