Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season is here, and we’re diving into the DraftKings and FanDuel DFS slates with some great opportunities! With soft pricing, revamped offenses, and some sweet matchups, it’s time to lock in those lineups. QBs are the name of the game, piling up points whether they’re throwing it, running it, or both. 

Each week, the NFL DFS QB Coach will be breaking down the top quarterback plays, value picks to save you some salary, and the fades you’ll wanna steer clear of because of tough defenses or overpriced tags. Whether you’re stacking cash games or playing GPPs, this will be a must-read each week!

 

 

NFL DFS Week 1 QB Coach for FanDuel & DraftKings Fantasy

The NFL season kicks off with a 12-game main slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Primetime games on Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday exclude top QBs like Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen. 

We also miss Caleb Williams and the revamped Bears offense facing J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings on Monday Night Football. 

With that in mind, we shift focus to the Sunday main slate, highlighting top DFS QB picks and values to build lineups around, along with a few QBs to avoid this week.

 

 

 

NFL DFS QB Top Tier Picks for Week 1

Jayden Daniels, QB Washington Commanders - DraftKings: $7,000 | FanDuel: $8,500

Jayden Daniels is the highest-priced QB on DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 1. Following a standout rookie season where he showcased his passing and rushing abilities, he’s poised for significant fantasy production this season, which obviously means good things for your DFS lineups. 

The Giants’ defense, bolstered by third-overall pick Abdul Carter, should be stronger, particularly up front. However, with Terry McLaurin returning and Deebo Samuel joining via offseason trade, Daniels’ playmaking ability makes the Commanders’ offense highly appealing.
 

Joe Burrow, QB Cincinnati Bengals - DraftKings: $6,900 | FanDuel: $8,000

Joe Burrow is projected to lead the league in passing again this season, coming off a healthy training camp alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. 

They face the Cleveland Browns in a Week 1 divisional matchup. The Bengals’ offense benefits from their defense’s expected struggles, as opponents’ scoring should force Burrow to throw more, boosting his fantasy output. 

In Week 1, Cincinnati is a 5.5-point road favorite against the Browns, with a game total of 47.5, tied for the highest on the slate.
 

Kyler Murray, QB Arizona Cardinals - DraftKings: $6,400 | FanDuel: $7,700

Kyler Murray remains a must-have QB for me. His game-changing rushing ability, paired with Arizona’s strong receiving corps featuring elite tight end Trey McBride and second-year wideout Marvin Harrison, poised for a breakout sophomore season makes him a fantasy standout. 

In Week 1, the Cardinals face a New Orleans Saints team projected to be one of the worst in the NFL, with Arizona favored by 6.5 points on the road. 

Expect Murray to deliver multiple touchdown passes against a vulnerable Saints secondary while boosting his fantasy points with rushing production.
 

Bo Nix, QB Denver Broncos - DraftKings: $6,300 | FanDuel: $7,400

Bo Nix, a standout rookie QB, enters his second season under Sean Payton and Joe Lombardi, aiming to build on his debut. 

Denver bolstered its offense by adding tight end Evan Engram, a perfect fit for Payton and Lombardi’s system, which thrives with talented tight ends. Engram is poised to rank among the top fantasy tight ends. 

Nix still has Courtland Sutton as his primary receiver, with Marvin Mims expected to step up as the WR2 and rookie RB RJ Harvey contributing in the passing game. Nix’s 400+ rushing yards last season further enhance his fantasy upside as well. 

In Week 1, the Broncos host a Titans team that finished with the NFL’s worst record last year. Additionally, road teams often struggle in Denver’s September altitude, giving the Broncos an edge.

 

 

 

NFL DFS QB Mid-Tier Picks for NFL Week 1

Tua Tagovailoa, QB Miami Dolphins - DraftKings: $5,800 | FanDuel: $7,300

Despite concerns about Tua Tagovailoa’s health, he’s cleared for Week 1, and the Dolphins’ offense looks explosive with high-upside passing options like Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, De’Von Achane, and Darren Waller, all expected to play against the Indianapolis Colts. 

The road game in a controlled dome environment enhances Miami’s appeal, as speed thrives in these conditions, and few teams can match the speed of the Dolphins’ dynamic playmakers.

 

Drake Maye, QB New England Patriots - DraftKings: $5,500 | FanDuel:$6,600

Drake Maye is a compelling fantasy option this season. Last year, he showed flashes of potential, particularly with his rushing ability, despite a struggling Patriots offense. 

This year, an improved offensive line, the addition of Stefon Diggs, and rookie RB Treyveon Henderson, who dazzled as a playmaker in the passing game during preseason, bolster the unit. 

The hiring of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a significant upgrade over Alex Van Pelt, adds further intrigue. 

In Week 1, the Patriots host the Las Vegas Raiders, a team with solid defensive pieces but one New England is favored to defeat. 

A stat line of around 200 passing yards, a touchdown, and 40+ rushing yards would justify Maye’s Week 1 fantasy price.

 

Trevor Lawrence, QB Jacksonville Jaguars - DraftKings: $5,300 | FanDuel: $7,000

Trevor Lawrence’s talent is undeniable. A former No. 1 overall pick, he delivered a top-10 fantasy season just two years ago. 

Despite frequent changes in coaches and offensive coordinators throughout his career, 2025 brings new promise with the Jaguars’ hiring of head coach Liam Coen, whose offensive system unlocked Baker Mayfield’s potential. 

Jacksonville’s offense is exciting, featuring Brian Thomas and Travis Hunter as primary receivers, alongside Travis Etienne’s playmaking in the passing game.

 Lawrence’s sneaky rushing upside further boosts his fantasy appeal.

In Week 1, the Jaguars host the Carolina Panthers, another young team aiming to succeed with their own young QB.

 

 

 

NFL Week 1 DFS QB Value Picks

Joe Flacco, QB Cleveland Browns - DraftKings: $4,900 | FanDuel: $6,600

Don’t overlook Joe Flacco in Week 1. The veteran QB has shown he’s unafraid to air it out, often throwing frequently. 

Cleveland boasts reliable pass-catchers in Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and David Njoku, and they face a game with a 47.5-point total. 

As 5.5-point home underdogs, the Browns will likely need to pass heavily to keep up with the Bengals’ potent offense, led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. 

If Flacco delivers 40 pass attempts, 280 yards, and two touchdowns, he’ll easily exceed his price tag.
 

NFL DFS QB Fades for Week 1

Brock Purdy, QB San Francisco 49ers - DraftKings: $6,200 | FanDuel: $6,900 

Who’s catching passes for the 49ers? Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle are healthy, but the rest of the receiving corps raises concerns. 

I expect San Francisco to lean heavily on their run game, featuring Christian McCaffrey and newly acquired Brian Robinson 

Given the price point, I’m passing on this option, as there are better matchups and higher-upside plays in the same tier.

 

C.J. Stroud, QB Houston Texans - DraftKings: $6,000 | FanDuel: $7,200

C.J. Stroud struggled significantly on the road last season, a trend that persisted from his rookie year. He now kicks off the season away from home, facing challenges with the Houston Texans’ offensive line, ranked dead last by PFF. 

The running game raises concerns, with Nick Chubb likely starting, and the receiving corps beyond Nico Collins is uncertain, with Christian Kirk as the WR2 after a lackluster season in Jacksonville and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. 

I’d need to see Stroud perform consistently before including him in my lineups.

 

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