As the NFL season approaches, anticipation builds for the exciting DraftKings Week 1 Millionaire Maker contest. While some may argue that it's too early to create the perfect lineup, we have an opportunity to strategically select a mix of superstars and sleeper picks for our offensive roster with a $50,000 budget.
While inferring game scripts and matchups, we'll carefully craft our lineup to capitalize on potential opportunities for RBs and WRs.
And of course, no lineup is complete without a well-executed QB-WR stack, adding an extra layer of excitement to our DraftKings Week 1 winning squad.
QB Tua Tagovailoa (MIA vs LAC)
Salary: $6,700
The much-anticipated matchup of the week belongs to the clash between Tua and Herbert, where the Miami Dolphins' explosive offense led by Mike McDaniel goes head-to-head with the revamped Charger offense under the guidance of newly appointed offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
With both teams boasting a plethora of offensive talent, this game is projected to be a shootout, as evidenced by the second-highest point total assigned by Vegas, trailing only the TNF matchup between the Lions and the defending champion Chiefs.
With a shootout on the way and Tua’s comfortability in McDaniel’s system with a full off-season of practice, expect no less than 250 yards and 2 TDs in his first outing with the biggest boom potential out of any QB in Week 1. Bank on a big day at So-Fi for Tagovailoa.
RB Rachaad White (TB vs MIN)
Salary: $5,500
White’s off-season hype train left the station, and then stopped in its tracks for absolutely no reason. White’s first half of the season should go exactly like how it goes in the game at Minnesota Week 1.
Tampa goes down by two scores early and Baker, being Baker, starts to check it down to Rachaad White a few times per possession. I wouldn’t be shocked if White ends with the most or second most receptions in this ballgame. Remember, with Brady, the former ASU running back finished 12th in RB targets with under 40% of snaps in 2022.
With a projected starting role this season, the sky's the limit especially in games where the Bucs find themselves down a few scores which should be the case against a better Vikings team.
RB Antonio Gibson (WAS vs ARI)
Salary: $5,200
If you're looking for a favorable early-season betting opportunity, betting against the Arizona defense might be the way to go. The Washington wide receivers are poised to excel against the Arizona secondary, capitalizing on potential weaknesses in their defensive coverage.
Moreover, keep an eye on Antonio Gibson, who is expected to receive significant red zone opportunities in Eric Bienemy's offensive scheme. Not only will he be a prominent ball-carrier in those situations, but he will also serve as a top option in the passing game, providing a multi-dimensional threat for Washington.
While he will share carries with Brian Robinson, Gibson’s all-around ability on the offensive side of the ball shouldn’t be overlooked against weaker opponents in what should be a more consistent Commanders offense in 2023.
WR Justin Jefferson (MIN vs TB)
Salary: $8,800
It would be foolish and nearly detrimental to leave the best fantasy football and DFS player out of your lineup for Week 1. Last season, Jefferson went for a modest 184 yard, two TD game against Green Bay in Minnesota’s opener.
While I can’t guarantee that same absurd production against Tampa, Jordan Addison won’t be targeted as often as later in the season due to developing chemistry with Kirk Cousins and without Dalvin Cook, there aren’t many safety valves for Kirk to resort to.
You need a superstar on your roster who’s salary will cost more than about $7.5k. Jefferson is that guy for Week 1.
WR Jaylen Waddle (MIA vs LAC)
Salary: $7,100
If selecting Tua, Jaylen Waddle has to be your top priority at WR2. The QB/WR stack is essential in the Week 1 DraftKings Millionaire Maker lineup.
Jaylen’s produced solid opening weeks so far throughout his career, and that shouldn’t change against the Chargers who should have their hands full against McDaniel’s playbook and Tyreek running along the opposite end of the field.
The Tua/Waddle Week 1 stack in a game that is projected to become a shootout? Book it.
WR Josh Downs (IND vs JAX)
Salary: $3,100
The “cheap” pick of Week 1 should be your WR3. In this lineup, we have an elite QB/WR stack, the best WR in football, and two solid receiving running backs in favorable positional matchups.
While Josh Downs may not be an elite receiver, have an elite QB throwing to him, nor a favorable matchup, the Colts will simply be down, looking for glimpses anywhere on offense.
As the projected starting slot receiver, expect Downs to be targeted about 5-7 times, including attempts to use him out of the backfield or on “go” routes inside the numbers as Indianapolis is lacking depth in both the running and receiving game.
Due to the amount of opportunity and game script, Downs can easily grab you 10 more points as a WR3 if your budget is tight.
TE Chigozeim Okonkwo (TEN vs NO)
Salary: $3,800
If you have read our articles regarding fantasy football rankings and strategies this offseason, you know that Chiggy Okonkwo will finish as a top 10 TE this season.
Chiggy’s elite athleticism and ability to run effective routes against LBs should help him in this Week 1 bout against the Saints that should turn out to be a bruiser. Both teams were bottom ten in 2022 in PPG and with Derek Carr and Ryan Tannehill starting at QB, I’d bet on only 1 to 2 TDs scored in this affair.
However, because Tannehill will have to get rid of the ball so quickly, Okonkwo should produce his first above-projected game of the season here. Coming in at $3,800, you would be picking Chiggy up as a middle-of-the-pack TE in a matchup that should feature the TEs more than you think.
FLX Tyler Lockett (SEA vs LAR)
Salary: $6,700
Tua, White, Gibson, Jefferson, Waddle, Downs, and Okonkwo. What is this team lacking? While Waddle has a few of them in his career so far, a deep threat wideout who can break down defenses in a split second.
Enter Tyler Lockett, a proven wide receiver with a knack for finding the end zone on those deep throws. With Geno Smith at the helm against an inexperienced Rams secondary, expect Lockett to be targeted heavily both inside and outside the numbers, capitalizing on his added one-on-one opportunities alongside Metcalf and JSN.
Lockett's past performances against divisional rival Los Angeles, where he amassed 13 receptions, 182 yards, and 2 touchdowns in just two games during the 2022 season, make him an ideal addition to the lineup. As home favorites against the Rams, expect the 12th man to be as rowdy as ever as Seattle marches down the field using Lockett.
