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Week 1 DFS Game Stacks
Stacking in DFS has become the new norm, almost to the point where it’s necessary if you want to win most tournaments. If you’re not familiar with the term, stacking simply means to pair multiple teammates together in a single lineup. This usually means a quarterback with a pass catcher or two, and a bringback (a RB/WR/TE from the opposing team). The logic behind it is that if your QB has a ceiling game, he likely drags along one or two pass catching teammates with him.
Additionally, that likely means the game was a shootout and someone from the other side had a big game, as well. For example, last year in week 17, if you played Joe Burrow (37.84) + Ja’Marr Chase (58.6) with a bringback of Darrell Williams (25.7), you probably finished near the top in your contest. It still requires lots of luck, but stacking and correlating your lineups puts you in the best position to win a tournament. I’d like to highlight my five favorite game stacks for the Week 1 main slate. Personally, I like to use an optimizer to make 150 lineups, and I build my lineups starting with anywhere from 4-8 different stacks. Whether you’re a single entry player, or 150-max like myself, these stacks should be a strong foundation to build your lineups on.
Disclaimer: All prices will come from DraftKings, which is where I play the majority of my contests.
Stack 1: QB Patrick Mahomes ($7.7k) + WR JuJu Smith-Schuster ($5.2k) + TE Travis Kelce ($6.6k) + RB James Conner ($7.0k)
This game has a total of 54, the highest on the slate. It’s definitely a game you’ll want to attack. This stack is on the pricey side, but easily obtainable with all the value in week 1. With Tyreek Hill shipped off to Miami, we can now finally, comfortably stack Mahomes with his top two pass catchers. Kelce at $6.6k seems pretty cheap, given what we know he’s capable of. JuJu has had a good offseason, and he should be the #1 WR for Kansas City. I expect Conner to not be highly owned, and I don’t see any reason why he would get less than 20 touches in this game.
Stack 2: QB Justin Herbert ($7.6k) + WR Mike Williams ($6.6k) + WR Josh Palmer ($3.8k) + TE Darren Waller ($5.4k)
Following the trend of attacking high total games, this AFC West matchup looks very enticing. With a total of 52.5, there should be plenty of points scored. I like the idea of fading Keenan Allen (7k) for the cheaper and more explosive Mike Williams. Williams was the team’s best WR last year before getting injured, and I want to be on him before he becomes popular in later weeks. Palmer is an ascending talent who should have a bigger role this season. Waller is simply too cheap and fits perfectly in this stack, assuming he’s back with the team in time for the game.
Stack 3: QB Kyler Murray ($7.2k) + WR Marquise Brown ($6.2k) + TE Zach Ertz ($4.4k) + WR JuJu Smith-Schuster ($5.2k)
If you’re not stacking Mahomes, you should probably be stacking Murray. Some may think Murray can’ sustain a double stack, but he certainly can. Considering they’re probably the 2 best pass catchers on the team for Week 1, I don’t mind playing both with Kyler. I already mentioned why I like Smith-Schuster. Brown is a risky play, but his ceiling remains high in a game like this. Ertz is a great value in his own right as someone who should see 6+ targets a minimum in this game. His status is currently up in the air, however, so be sure to keep an eye on that. This is essentially the cheaper version of stack 1. Use those savings wisely!
Stack 4: QB Jalen Hurts ($6.8k) + WR A.J. Brown ($6.6k) + TE T.J. Hockenson ($4.9k)
Unlike Kyler, I don’t feel as comfortable double stacking Hurts. I’m perfectly fine single stacking him, though. Brown is incredibly talented, and he should impress in his first game with the Eagles. Hockenson projects to get a good target share for someone who’s under $5k. There’s certainly potential for a high scoring affair in a game with a total of 49.
Stack 5: QB Kirk Cousins ($6.1k) + WR Justin Jefferson ($7.8k) + TE Irv Smith ($3.4k) + RB Aaron Jones ($6.7k)
Cousins may not be as elite as the other names mentioned, but he is still capable of winning you a tournament. This game has a 48 point total, and almost always delivers for fantasy owners. I don’t need to explain Jefferson, and at his price I won’t be surprised if he comes in a little bit lower owned. Irv is a smash at just $3.4k, and I think Jones could have an Alvin Kamara-esque performance this season. Why not start that in week 1? This is also a good way to get off the inevitable Doubs chalk if Allen Lazard ends up missing.
Who are your favorite stacks for this week? Let me know on Twitter @itssandstorm!
