As fantasy football enthusiasts prepare for Week 1, experts advise that season-long roster decisions should favor established, high-cost players, reflecting the draft capital invested in them. However, when it comes to daily fantasy sports (DFS), the strategy shifts toward identifying undervalued players to balance budgets and optimize lineups tailored for specific matchups.

One such recommendation at quarterback is New Orleans Saints’ Tyler Shough, who is anticipated to face the Detroit Lions’ defense missing key safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. With the Lions expected to control the game pace through a strong running game in the second half, Shough may be compelled into a pass-heavy approach, increasing his DFS appeal despite a discounted salary. This scenario also creates opportunities to consider low-cost Saints receivers, such as wide receiver DeVaughn Vele and tight end Juwan Johnson, to form viable stacking options.

At running back, attention turns to the Green Bay Packers’ Mar’Shawn Lloyd. With Josh Jacobs currently listed on the NFL’s Commissioner’s Exempt List, Lloyd is positioned to take on a more prominent role in Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s run-oriented offense. Given that DFS pricing often locks in before game day, Lloyd represents a value pick with potential upside for Week 1.

Incorporating these lesser-known players can provide roster flexibility, allowing DFS participants to invest in top-tier talent in other positions. This approach enables competitors to build balanced lineups tailored to Week 1 matchups, maximizing their chances for success in daily contests, independent of their season-long fantasy performance.

The guidance comes from Howard Bender, head of content at FantasyAlarm.com, who emphasizes the importance of blending high-value bargains with elite players to enhance DFS lineups. Bender shares his insights regularly on social media and through his appearances on the “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on SiriusXM’s fantasy sports channel.