DFS: Week 1 Top Stacks

DFS Stacks For Week 1

Choosing the right quarterback is a key step in the DFS process. The highest-scoring quarterbacks often carry a pass-catcher or two into the winning lineup. Nailing your primary stacks is the key to winning in DFS, and I’m here to help you with that. Each week, as part of my process, I evaluate each quarterback in five different areas:

• Expected volume relative to salary
• Matchup vs. opposing defense
• Game environment
• Ownership
• Raw talent

Now, this is not an original idea I had. Obviously, these are things you consider for every player when you’re creating a lineup. However, it’s really helpful to take the time and evaluate every single option using these criteria. I learned this, among many other great DFS concepts, from the team at One Week Season. Seriously, check them out and learn how to be better at DFS using this link. Back to my process, I give each quarterback 0, 0.5, or 1 point depending on how they grade in that area. If a player has a 4 or higher grade, I consider them in my player pool. If they have a perfect 5/5, I will usually keep them in my final pool.

After looking at each quarterback for Week 1, I’ve narrowed the list down to three great plays that check every box. I’m a 3-max player, so I’ll be making a lineup with each of these stacks. So, who do I view as the best quarterback plays this week? Let’s take a look.

Related: Week 1 Thursday Night Showdown on DraftKings

Justin Herbert, Chargers – $6900

Stacking options:
WR Keenan Allen – $7300
WR Mike Williams – $5700
WR Quinten Johnston – $4400
WR Josh Palmer – $4000
TE Gerald Everett – $4300

Herbert absolutely checks all the boxes this week, and you’ll probably see him hyped up by many in the industry. The one thing that gives him a slight tick in my eyes is ownership, but I don’t care that much about ownership with quarterbacks. As long as they’re not over 10%, I usually don’t fret because you can get unique with your stacking options. Herbert should air the ball out early and often with new OC Kellen Moore, against an injury-riddled Miami secondary. The Dolphins will put their share of points on the board, which will keep Herbert and co. throwing at a high rate.

While I think Allen is a bit overpriced, my favorite stacking options are Williams and Everett. Johnston is probably too thin to play, but Palmer could be a very low-owned and sneaky option. He projects to start as the WR3 over Johnston in Week 1, and the field doesn’t seem to realize that. There are plenty of great bringback options on Miami, as well. Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, or Raheem Mostert can fit in Herbert stacks to create some fun-looking teams. I also love Herbert for the fact you can late swap to the slightly cheaper and lower-owned Tua Tagovaila if you need the leverage. Fire up Herbert stacks this week and watch the fantasy points flow.

Deshaun Watson, Browns – $6000

Stacking options:
WR Amari Cooper – $5800
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones – $4300
WR Elijah Moore – $3800
TE David Njoku- $4200

Watson may be a surprise to some readers, given how he played with Cleveland last year. However, I’m willing to give him a pass due to a small sample size and some crazy weather in the limited time he played. Now, he’s priced well below where he was in his Texans days. Watson projects to get good volume through the air and obviously brings a lot to the table with his legs. His matchup is very favorable, as the Browns have a great offensive line while the Bengals’ secondary is pretty weak.

The game environment is favorable, and he should be low-owned. Talent may be a concern to some, but again, I’m willing to look past last year. All of Watson’s stacking options are cheap, and you can easily afford an elite bringback like Ja’Maar Chase, Tee Higgins, or Joe Mixon. This game’s 47.5 total is second only to the previously mentioned Dolphins/Chargers matchup. Everything looks great for Watson. All that’s left is for him to prove he still has what it takes to be a star quarterback.

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars – $6500

Stacking options:
WR Calvin Ridley- $6500
WR Christian Kirk – $5500
WR Zay Jones – $4500
TE Evan Engram- $4700

Lawrence and the Jags are in a fantastic spot this week. The Colts defense looks to be one of the league’s worst, especially their starting secondary. Allow me to list their defensive backs for you: E.J. Speed, Dallis Flowers, Julian Blackmon, Rodney Thomas II, Darrell Baker Jr. While a couple of them have cool names, that’s probably the highlight of this group.

I firmly believe Doug Pederson will want to throw as much as he can and showcase their new toy in Calvin Ridley. There will be plenty of volume for TLaw to eat, and he offers some rushing upside. The game environment looks surprisingly good. The Colts, while expected to struggle on offense, should at least play fast with new QB Anthony Richardson and head coach Shane Steichen. Lawrence is obviously incredibly talented, and the Jags project to be pretty low-owned across the board. This is one of the times where I think it’s okay to not force a bringback because the Colts’ offense looks to be a mess. If you want to, however, I wouldn’t fault you.

Who are your favorite stacks this week? Tweet me @itssandstorm!

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