This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
QUARTERBACK
DeShone Kizer, CLE vs. PIT ($6,000) - Would it be surprising to know the Browns have beaten the Steelers in two of their last five meetings in Cleveland? The attraction of Kizer is the possibility of what he can do with his legs, adding valuable fantasy points to his total. He averaged nearly 40 rushing yards per game at Notre Dame and had 18 rushing touchdowns in 25 games. The Browns added veteran Kenny Britt and Corey Coleman is another deep threat who should have a better handle on the offense in year two. In 2011, Cam Newton threw for 422 yards and two scores in his first professional game while running for 18 yards and another score. Convincingly winning the starting job suggests Kizer is ready to make an immediate impact.
RUNNING BACK
Christian McCaffrey, CAR at SF ($6,500) - While it's always a crapshoot to trust rookies it bodes well for their fantasy prospects when the team devises a series of plays specifically to get them involved. Jonathan Stewart likely will handle the early down work but it's pretty obvious the Panthers intend to get McCaffrey involved. It never hurts playing with a running quarterback and at times McCaffrey will line up in the slot to create a mismatch with an linebacker. San Francisco is a good team to pick on even at home.
Todd Gurley, LAR vs. IND ($7,300) - This Rams offense might actually be good considering Jared Goff should grow in his second season and some changes to the offensive line should help (ahem, Andrew Whitworth). Sammy Watkins and Tavon Austin should keep opposing defenses honest, and it's a great matchup this week at home against the Colts. Indianapolis will be without Vontae Davis, and it's easy to see a scenario where Gurley gets back to building on his rookie season as opposed to what he did a year ago.
WIDE RECEIVER
Zay Jones, BUF vs. NYJ ($5,100) - My Bills bias might be coming into play, but there are some facts to back up using Jones. Sammy Watkins is gone and there's good reason to believe the drafting of Jones made that an easier decision. Jones has had the entire time since he was drafted to work with Tyrod Taylor and build a rapport, whereas No. 2 wide receiver Jordan Matthews was traded for and missed most of camp with an injury. This is a cake matchup for the Bills, who are a big home favorite, and outside of LeSean McCoy, Jones is the next best guy to bank on putting up a big fantasy day.
Robby Anderson, NYJ at BUF ($5,200) - Staying in that AFC East matchup, the Jets have to throw, likely playing from behind most of the season, and Anderson is the prime target to catch those passes. He ran a 4.34 40 at his Pro Day at Temple and showed flashes of his potential over the last few games of last season. Anderson scored 14.1 fantasy points in three of his last five games and should get plenty of targets with Quincy Enunwa out for the year.
TIGHT END
Austin Hooper, ATL at CHI ($4,700) - While it may just be a case of building up a teammate, Matt Ryanglowed about Hooper all preseason. "Hoop's done a great job for us. He played at a high level for us as a rookie. And I think having this offseason to be able to spend time in the facility, learn, catch his breath a little bit ... I'm just impressed with the way that he works. He's dedicated." The Bears aren't a team to fear on defense, and Hooper should be able to find some soft spots when the Falcons move the ball into the red zone.
KICKER
Greg Zuerlein, LAR vs. IND ($4,500) - "Greg the Leg" still has one of the strongest legs in the NFL and should get a few field-goal attempts as the Rams improved their offense during the offseason. They traded for Sammy Watkins, drafted Cooper Kupp, and Jared Goff can't be any worse than he was last season. The Rams won't hesitate to let Zuerlein try from distance, either.
DEFENSE
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets ($4,700) - This week it comes down to using either the Bills or Rams ($4,700), but the Bills get the nod for a couple reasons. They have a bigger point spread, suggesting the Jets could be down big late and that would be a good opportunity for an interception or pick six. Even with Scott Tolzien under center the Colts have far superior receiving options than the Jets looking at both rosters. The Bills should win this one going away in a battle of two times trying to tank this season.
