Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season is finally here, which means it's time to break down the best and worst DFS targets by position. Using metrics like usage rates, strength of opponent and opportunity, we can try to predict with relative accuracy which players are best to target and which should be avoided at cost.
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Let’s dive into the players to target and avoid based on position.
Quarterback
Best: Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
DK: $6,500 | FD: $7,700
The Arizona Cardinals upgraded their front seven this offseason but lost lost CB1 Malcolm Butler to retirement a week ago and are now stuck starting some combination of Robert Alford, Byron Murphy and Marco Wilson. This defense allowed the 12th-most explosive passing plays (15-plus yards) last season, and that number is likely trending upward in 2021.
That’s great news for Tannehill and the Titans' passing game, which now boasts the best wide receiver duo in football in Julio Jones and A.J. Brown. Tannehill is a rock-solid start this week against a team whose league-average defense in 2020 got worse in the secondary.
Worst: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
DK: $5,100 | FD: $6,500
Goff is a player to avoid this week even at a reasonable price. The San Francisco 49ers are much healthier than last season when Goff only managed 396 passing yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in two games against them. He also fumbled once.
The 49ers now have Nick Bosa lining up across from an offensive line that allowed the 10th-most sacks in 2020. That was with a far more mobile quarterback in Matthew Stafford.
Running Back
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