The 2023-24 NFL season officially kicked off on Friday morning, with the Kansas City Chiefs going down to the Detroit Lions, and whilst this got the NFL juices flowing, there’s nothing quite like the main slate of games in Week 1 of an NFL season. 13 games (8 early, 5 late) lie ahead on Monday morning (Australian time), in what feels like Christmas morning in this household every year. New coaches, new co-ordinators, new quarterbacks, new everything! So many possibilities, and we’re here to guide you in the right direction for Week 1 fantasy teams.
Draftstars has a huge $50,000 contest, with almost $5,000 to the winner. There are plenty of other contests for everyone to get involved, and if you’re really keen on a chance to win big, there’s a $10 contest with the winner gaining entry into the $150,000 NFL Star Final. Bring it on!
And don't forget, if you're looking for sports betting NFL tips for Week 1 matches, then make sure you head over to our NFL tips page!
Quarterbacks
Trevor Lawrence - $14,460
The Jaguars’ offense is expected to continue its ascension this season, with the addition of Calvin Ridley, and another season for Trevor Lawrence under the stewardship of Head Coach Doug Pederson. Towards the end of last season, Lawrence cemented his place amongst the top 10 quarterbacks in the league, and I believe he can push towards the top 5 by the end of his third year in the league. In week 1, he gets a Colts defence which struggled last season against the pass, conceding the 8th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. A Jags offensive stack is a decent shout in week 1, with Lawrence and one of his receivers likely to go large early in season 2023/24.
Justin Fields - $15,090
Fields has been talked about as the man most likely to take the ‘Jalen Hurts’ leap this season, with the Bears quarterback entering his 3rd year in the league. Fields showed everyone in the league that he is an elite runner of the football last season, running for 1,143 yards and 8 touchdowns last season. If he can take a meaningful step forward throwing the ball behind an improved offensive line and a better wide receiver room, look for Fields to be pushing hard for a top 3 finish among quarterbacks in fantasy this season.
Running Backs
Bijan Robinson - $13,940
This is the most hyped running back to enter the NFL since Saquon Barkley was selected 2nd overall by the Giants in 2018. Bijan Robinson was an absolute stud at the Collegiate level, and is predicted to have a Hall of Fame level career without even playing a snap. Not only has Robinson got all the hallmarks of a 3-down running back, but he couldn’t have come to a better location to highlight his talents. The Falcons will be a run-first team again this season, and even when 2nd year running back Tyler Algier gets into the game, expect Robinson to line up in the slot, given his tremendous catching and route running ability. Get on Bijan, before he’s the most expensive running back every week.
Nick Chubb - $14,370
Chubb was an absolute beast in fantasy last year, and despite his production dropping off a little with the return of Deshuan Watson, the fact he is likely to feature even more prominently than last season in the Browns backfield is huge. With both Kareem Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson heading elsewhere, Chubb is going to be an every down back a lot of the time for the Browns, who are a run heavy team. Chubb ran for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Bengals in last year’s game at FirstEnergy Stadium, and I expect the Browns to run the ball effectively again this week.
Raheem Mostert - $9,920
With Jeff Wilson and De’Von Achane out for week 1, expect Mostert to get the bulk of the carries for the Dolphins in week 1 against a Chargers defence that has struggled against the run over the past couple of seasons. Whilst I wouldn’t anticipate Mostert to post RB1 numbers, he is relatively well priced as a top-end RB2 for your squads. If the Chargers are once again struggling against the run, expect Mostert to give you handy production in this slate.
Wide Receivers
Tyreek Hill - $15,510
Tyreek Hill starts year 2 in Miami with a road trip to LA to take on the Chargers. Last season in this matchup, Hill had 81 yards on 4 catches and a touchdown, however it could have been a lot better, as the speedster was targeted 10 times. Hill has the biggest upside of any wide receiver this week in my opinion, and rarely tanks when it comes to fantasy. With LT Terron Armstead out for the Dolphins, I expect the Dolphins to be drawing up plenty of quick hitting passes to Hill, giving him the opportunity to make a man miss.
Amari Cooper - $11,700
Cooper was a bit of an unsung hero last season, with 78 receptions for 1160 yards and 9 touchdowns. With the expected upturn in QB DeShaun Watson’s performance this season, expect to see Cooper take a further step forward with the Browns. Cooper had a huge game against the Bengals at home last season, with 5 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown. Cooper has mid-range WR1 upside, for the price of a WR2.
Terry McLaurin - $9,990
McLaurin comes into week 1 listed as questionable with a turf toe injury, so could be on a snap count if he plays, however if he does suit up, I love him at the price. He gets an A1 matchup against the Cardinals, who figure to be the worst team in the league this season, with a bullet. The Commanders will want to come out and make a statement early on offense, with 2nd year QB Sam Howell taking over the reigns this season. McLaurin doesn’t have WR1 upside, however, is a great WR3 with a tremendous matchup. If you can, wait until starting line-ups are announced, as he could be a late out.
Tight Ends
Juwan Johnson - $6,920
The tight end market is a bit rough this slate, with top targets Mark Andrews and George Kittle both listed as questionable. Whilst Johnson isn’t a volume catcher, he is a touchdown threat every week. He also has a great matchup this week, taking on a Titans side that were bottom 5 against tight ends in fantasy last season. If you don’t want to stump up for Andrews or Kittle with the concern of injury, Johnson is a decent shot at a cheaper price.
Hayden Hurst - $5,000
Bit of a flier here, but I believe Hurst could be a decent little point of difference this week. The Falcons were horrible against tight ends last season, giving up the third most points to the tight end position. Good matchup, check. But there is more to this selection, with rookie quarterback Bryce Young surely looking towards his tight end safety net in his first career start, particularly in the redzone. Adding to this point, the Panthers are already confirmed to be without WR1 DJ Chark, whilst Terrace Marshall Jr and Adam Thielen are also listed as questionable. Hurst could get a large target share based purely on the lack of options for Young here. Cheap price, decent upside.
D/ST
Washington Commanders - $7,270
This Commanders defence, particularly the front 4, is elite. They are due positive regression in the turnover game, as they had a -5 turnover differential last season. As for sacks, the Commanders were middle of the road last year, and as mentioned with this front 4, they have high upside in this area. They are expensive (2nd most expensive), however get a plus matchup against the Cardinals this week. A great chance at turnovers, and sacks, as well as keeping the Cardinals to a low total.
Seattle Seahawks - $6,450
The Seahawks ranked 8th last season for sacks, whilst also ranking in the top 10 for turnovers. This week, they get a Rams outfit who are missing their #1 wide receiver Cooper Kupp, with the rest of their wide receiver group not turning many heads. If the Seahawks can get out to a quick lead, I expect Sean McVay to become far more aggressive, increasing the chances of turnovers. The Seahawks can score in all different ways in this matchup, and I like them here at the price.
Suggested Draftstars Lineup
