Analysis
9/7/23
3 min read
2023 Fantasy Football: NFL Week 1 Underdog Fantasy Battle Royale Picks
If you are new to Battle Royale, check out our strategy guide.
Game Environment Dashboard
Interesting Team Totals
Denver Broncos
Denver BroncosThere isn’t much to be excited about here, but the Denver Broncos are projected for a healthy amount of points. Every single player is mostly undrafted.
Plays: Javonte Williams, Courtland Sutton (only if Jerry Jeudy sits)
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans only have a 19-point team total against a stout New Orleans Saints defense. Derrick Henry is always viable to go off, but I'm out with him being drafted every time.
Fades: Henry
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota VikingsThe Minnesota Vikings are six-point home favorites with the second-highest team total on the slate, and it’s beautiful. Also, only two of their players are being drafted often. Alexander Mattison’s uniqueness should provide leverage on Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson stacks.
Plays: Mattison, Jefferson, Hockenson
Stack Targets
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle SeahawksGeno Smith + DK Metcalf or Tyler Lockett
I want to be heavy on the Seattle Seahawks until the market catches up. This matchup could not be better. The Los Angeles Rams' defense is hilariously bad. Lockett is a great option, as he is mostly undrafted. Lockett and Metcalf had monster games against the Rams last year.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati BengalsJoe Burrow + Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins
The market is not respecting this team or game. The Cincinnati Bengals (minus Chase) are going very late, and Burrow isn’t being drafted every time. Mixon has excellent leverage with a workhorse role, and we know he can explode.
Uniqueness, ADP 35+
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
I won’t be scrolling down much at quarterback, but Smith and Kirk Cousins are playable. They offer similar upside to the other pocket passers but are being drafted at a much lower rate.
Other plays: Smith
Running Backs
Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins
Raheem Mostert, Miami DolphinsRaheem Mostert is the clear starting running back on a good offense with by far the highest game total who gives leverage on a Round 1 pick. He’s one of the best clicks.
Rashaad Penny, Philadelphia Eagles
Rashaad Penny, Philadelphia EaglesEveryone is shrugging their shoulders here, and understandably so, but there is legit upside in an uncertain situation. I want to lean into it and play it risky. Rashaad Penny has the shortest sportsbook touchdown odds, so I prefer him, but D’Andre Swift is also viable.
Other plays: Brian Robinson, Jamaal Williams, Mattison
Wide Receivers
Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ersThis becomes an amazing play if George Kittle is out. Deebo Samuel always has a high ceiling, especially without Kittle. He should not be going this late.
Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
The market thinks Metcalf is the guy here — I mostly agree — but Lockett had similar spike games to Metcalf last season. They each had a monster game against the Rams, too.
Other plays: Mike Evans, Christian Kirk
Tight Ends
Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers
Gerald Everett, Los Angeles ChargersGerald Everett is in the best game environment and, most importantly, provides excellent leverage on many other always-drafted players.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh SteelersThis isn’t a great matchup for Pat Freiermuth, but I want to be in on the player and offense before others catch up. He is a major red zone threat who can score touchdowns.
Other Plays: Juwan Johnson, Evan Engram
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