It’s the second biggest celebration this summer behind only the marriage of our very own, The Wolf! DraftKings released its 2023 NFL Week 1 salaries and opened up the Millionaire Maker contest for only $5!
Naturally, we’re salivating while looking at the initial slate and seeing which player price values stand out right away. As time moves on and we get deeper and deeper into camp, player news and injuries will give us more clarity on how depth charts are shaping up.
With that said, these players were the first to jump out to me with the 2023 DraftKings Week 1 slate just about a month away.
QUARTERBACKS
Tua Tagovailoa $6,700 (@ LAC)
- While most will likely leap at Justin Herbert for an extra $100 (I don’t blame them one bit), I’ll pivot over to Tua here. The one thing we can (almost) guarantee about Week 1 Tua is that he’ll be healthy and on the field. He has so many weapons at his disposal, and before he got hurt last year, Tagovailoa was the No. 1 ranked QB in various passing stats and metrics. Add in the fact that the projected point total in this game is currently the highest of the week at 50 points, there’s a shootout on the horizon in LA.
Deshaun Watson $6,000 (vs CIN)
- Watson had a pretty rough return to the NFL late last season. With extremely limited time to boost rapport with his new teammates, he looked rusty and completely out of sync. He was nothing like the elite fantasy-level QB we saw in Houston. Now, Watson has had a full offseason with an improved Browns offense. If he can return to the form we all know Watson can reach, this is a $7k range QB mistakenly priced as a mid-range option.
Other intriguing price tags: Justin Herbert ($6,900), Trevor Lawrence ($6,500), Russell Wilson ($5,900), Anthony Richardson ($5,600), Derek Carr ($5,300)
RUNNING BACKS
Joe Mixon $6,800 (@ CLE)
- It’s been an interesting offseason for Mixon. He took a significant pay cut to keep his job in what looks to be a make-it-or-break-it season for the running back. Cincinnati did not bring back its RB2 Semaje Perine, and only added a late-round pick in Chase Brown to its roster. It’s Mixon’s backfield to own with little competition in a high-powered offense. He should see plenty of touches including the few receptions coming his way in this rivalry game against the Browns.
Jamaal Williams $5,100 (vs TEN)
- The touchdown vulture himself is headed down to the Bayou and potentially penciled in at the early RB1 role with Alvin Kamara staring down the barrel of an early suspension for more than one off-field incident. Williams was dynamite down at the goal line last year, converting those into 17 touchdowns. The Saints are currently favorites over the Titans, so Williams is a good bet for at least one score. Rookie RB Kendre Miller ($4,300) is also one to keep an eye on during camp to see what his role may be in Week 1.
Other intriguing price tags: Bijan Robinson ($8,000), JK Dobbins ($6,600), Aaron Jones ($6,300), Cam Akers ($6,200), Antonio Gibson ($5,200), Zamir White ($4,800)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Mike Williams $5,700 (vs MIA)
- While I’m circling Tua at the QB spot, Mike Williams is a guy I want on the other side of the field. With Kellen Moore calling the shots, it should do wonders for the Chargers’ passing game. There’s already buzz about Williams playing more snaps in the slot and Justin Herbert pushing the ball downfield at a higher rate. Similar to Tua, Williams will benefit from the early season clean bill of health before he turns into a weekly wildcard.
Michael Thomas $5,100 (vs TEN)
- Another receiver with an injury history, Michael Thomas will be eager to go out there Week 1 and show the world he’s still got it. He’s been showing out in camp early on, and while many believe Chris Olave has cemented himself as the WR1 in New Orleans, something tells me Thomas won’t let that happen so easily. Remember last year, Thomas got off to a roaring start in Week 1 (8-57-2) before getting hurt in Week 2.
Other intriguing price tags: AJ Brown ($7,600), Jaylen Waddle ($7,100), Tyler Lockett ($6,700), Jerry Jeudy ($6,600), Drake London ($5,400), Jordan Addison ($5,100), Brandon Aiyuk ($4,900), Rashid Shaheed ($3,700)
TIGHT ENDS
Michael Mayer $2,800 (@ DEN)
- Rookie tight ends usually take some time to adjust to the NFL and to make their mark. However, Michael Mayer may have a leg up on position standards thanks to his situation and talent. Graded out as one of the most complete tight end prospects, he should be on the field for nearly every down while playing in an offense under Josh McDaniels that likes throwing to the tight end, along with a QB in Jimmy Garoppolo that also likes throwing to his tight ends.
Other intriguing price tags: Mark Andrews ($6,200), Tyler Higbee ($4,800), David Njoku ($4,200), Hunter Henry ($3,500)
Check back the Wednesday before Week 1 for my locked-in 2023 DraftKings Week 1 Picks.
