As Week 1 approaches, fans across the nation are diving into heated debates about their favorite teams, dissecting depth charts, and engaging in spirited discussions about projected outcomes. Meanwhile, hardcore DFS enthusiasts are exploring different NFL starting lineups options for their tournament entries, analyzing every possible angle to gain an edge over the competition. For those serious about maximizing their DFS potential, platforms like Roto Grinders offer some of the best NFL DFS tools and lineup optimization resources to help navigate the complexities of building winning Week 1 rosters.
Week 1 presents the perfect storm for DFS success: soft pricing from sportsbooks still adjusting to player values, fresh rosters with uncertain depth charts, and months of research finally paying dividends. The key to tournament success lies in identifying correlated stacks that can provide explosive scoring upside while maintaining reasonable ownership levels.
Premium Quarterback-Wide Receiver Combinations
The most compelling high-end stack for Week 1 centers around Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Priced at just $7,000 on DraftKings, Daniels represents exceptional value as the QB1 on the slate despite averaging an astounding 24.4 fantasy points per game in his fully healthy contests as a rookie. His dual-threat ability, having rushed for six touchdowns while throwing for over 3,500 yards, creates an incredibly high ceiling against a Giants defense that allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game last season. McLaurin remains Daniels’ primary target, and their chemistry should translate into immediate Week 1 production.
Another elite option involves Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans in what projects as the highest-scoring game of the slate between Tampa Bay and Atlanta. The total sits at 48.5 points, with both offenses featuring explosive passing attacks. Evans, when healthy, provides red-zone dominance and big-play ability that makes him essential in tournament lineups. The Falcons defense underwent significant changes this offseason, creating potential for a shootout scenario that benefits this stack significantly.
Value-Driven Stacking Opportunities
For tournament players seeking leverage, Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. offer tremendous upside at reasonable pricing. Thomas emerged as a favorite target late in his rookie campaign, posting games of 20, 26, and 30 fantasy points to close the season. Lawrence’s connection with his young receiver, combined with the addition of Travis Hunter on the opposite side of the field, creates a dynamic passing attack that could surprise in Week 1.
The Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins combination presents another compelling option. Higgins carries significant value at $6,400 compared to teammate Ja’Marr Chase, yet he possesses similar red-zone upside and target potential. Burrow dominated Cleveland in their two 2024 meetings, throwing five touchdowns with zero interceptions, suggesting this stack could produce immediate dividends against a Browns defense dealing with quarterback uncertainty.
Running Back Stack Strategies
While quarterback-receiver combinations dominate most stacking discussions, running back stacks offer unique tournament leverage. Christian McCaffrey returns at a discount price of $7,300 after missing significant time due to injury. His workload ceiling against Seattle, combined with the 49ers’ offensive capabilities, makes him an anchor piece for various stack constructions.
Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs provide an intriguing Indianapolis correlation play. Taylor enters Week 1 fresh and motivated, facing a Miami defense that struggled against rushing attacks. Downs serves as an excellent bring-back option in Dolphins stacks while maintaining standalone value in tournament lineups.
Game Environment Exploitation
The Ravens-Bills Sunday Night Football matchup features the slate’s highest total at 51.5 points. Both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson finished first and second in MVP voting, creating a historic Week 1 showdown between elite quarterbacks. Allen’s rushing upside, combined with new weapons like Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid, provides multiple stack combinations. Jackson’s connection with Mark Andrews remains reliable, while Derrick Henry adds another dimension to Baltimore’s offensive attack.
For contrarian players, the Cowboys-Eagles Thursday night opener offers unique leverage opportunities. Despite Philadelphia’s dominance in recent meetings, Dak Prescott‘s return to health, combined with the addition of George Pickens alongside CeeDee Lamb, creates stack potential that could be overlooked given Dallas’s struggles without their starting quarterback last season.
Tournament-Winning Combinations
The highest-upside stacks combine game environment with player pricing inefficiencies. Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle against Indianapolis creates a concentrated Miami passing attack at reasonable pricing. The potential for a shootout scenario, combined with Hill and Waddle’s explosive capabilities, offers legitimate slate-breaking potential.
Week 1 success requires balancing proven production with tournament leverage. These stacks provide the foundation for building lineups capable of taking down large-field tournaments while maintaining the ceiling necessary to compete at the highest levels of DFS competition.