Running Backs (RB)

1. Christian McCaffrey the versatile running back, takes the top spot for our Week 1 rankings. McCaffrey has been a fantasy football machine, averaging 18.3 fantasy points per game over his last eight outings, making him the best among NFL running backs. The matchup against the Steelers, who have allowed an average of just 13.4 fantasy points to opposing running backs, is tough on paper but McCaffrey is still a top play for your DFS lineup this week.
2. Nick Chubb is next in line, and for good reason. He’s been a rushing force, averaging 89.6 yards per game since 2020, ranking him second among NFL running backs. Chubb faces the Bengals, who have allowed an average of 96.7 rushing yards to RBs, making this a fantastic matchup. Expect Chubb to deliver solid points for your DFS lineup.
3. Austin Ekeler comes in at number three on our list. He’s been a reception machine, with 40 receptions in his last eight games, leading all NFL running backs. Facing the Dolphins, who have allowed 39 receptions to RBs over the same stretch, Ekeler is poised for a big game. His consistent performance makes him a strong DFS option.
4. Travis Etienne may have had a rough stretch, averaging just 7.6 fantasy points since Week 11 of last season, but he’s facing the Colts, who allowed an average of 21.4 fantasy points to opposing RBs during the same period. The matchup leans in his favor, making Etienne a solid value play for your DFS lineup.
5. Miles Sanders rounds out our top five. He’s found the end zone four times in his last eight games, and he’s up against the Falcons, who have allowed only 0.2 TDs per game to RBs during the same stretch. Sanders’ potential for scoring makes him an intriguing option, especially at his salary.

Wide Receivers (WR)

1. Justin Jefferson has been a reception machine since the start of the 2021 season, leading all NFL wide receivers with 236 receptions. Facing the Buccaneers, who have allowed 447 receptions to WRs over the same stretch (Rank: 4th most), Jefferson is poised for a big game.
2. Ja’Marr Chase Chase has been a touchdown machine, with 22 TDs since the start of the 2021 season, tied for 2nd best among NFL WRs. The Browns have allowed an average of 1.0 TDs per game to WRs over the same stretch, making Chase an excellent choice.
3. Cooper Kupp excels after the catch, gaining 1,780 yards since the start of the 2020 season, the most among NFL WRs. Facing the Seahawks, who have allowed 2,835 yards after catch to WRs over the same stretch (Rank: 12th most), Kupp should have a big day. NOTE: Keep an eye on the injury report as there is a chance Kupp is out Week 1. 
4. Tyreek Hill Hill is a touchdown-scoring machine with 34 TDs since the start of the 2020 season, the 2nd most among NFL WRs. The Chargers have allowed just 41 TDs to WRs over that same stretch (Rank: 4th fewest), but Hill’s consistency makes him a solid pick.
5. Davante Adams Adams has been a reception leader with 338 receptions since the start of the 2020 season, tied for the most among NFL WRs. Facing the Broncos, who have allowed 624 receptions to WRs over that same stretch (Rank: 15th most), Adams has potential in this matchup.

Tight Ends (TE)

1. T.J. Hockenson has been on fire with 31 receptions over his past four games, making him the NFL’s leader among tight ends in that category. Facing the Buccaneers, who have allowed 21.0 receptions to tight ends over the same period (ranking 10th most), Hockenson’s matchup is favorable. His consistency and potential for a big game make him a top choice.
2. Mark Andrews has been a force with 238 receptions since the start of the 2020 season, ranking second among tight ends. Facing the Texans, who have allowed 231.0 receptions to tight ends over the same period (tied for 14th fewest), Andrews has a solid matchup. His consistency and ability to deliver in big games make him a valuable option.
3. Kyle Pitts has shown his explosiveness with 21 receptions of 20+ yards since the start of the 2021 season, ranking sixth among tight ends. He faces the Panthers, who have allowed 16 receptions of 20+ yards to tight ends over the same period (eighth fewest). Pitts’ consistency and big-play potential make him an enticing option, especially at his salary.
4. George Kittle has been a fantasy point machine, averaging 11.0 fantasy points per game over his past eight games, the best among tight ends. Despite a somewhat volatile matchup against the Steelers, who have allowed an average of 8.8 fantasy points per game to tight ends over the same stretch (ninth worst), Kittle’s potential for a breakout performance is high. NOTE: Keep an eye on the injury report as there is a chance Kittle is out Week 1. 
5. Pat Freiermuth had an impressive 63 receptions last season, ranking sixth among tight ends. He faces the 49ers, who allowed 75.0 receptions to tight ends over the same timeframe (14th fewest). Freiermuth’s consistency and ability to perform well even in tough matchups make him a value play.