The NFL season is finally here, and with it comes the return of daily fantasy football lineups. Week One always provides a fascinating challenge: prices are based on projections and last year’s performance, but player roles and matchups may look very different in reality. Using the DraftKings lineup shown, let’s break down each selection and see how this roster sets up for success in the opening week of 2025.

Quarterback: Jayden Daniels – Washington vs. New York Giants ($7,000)

Jayden Daniels enters his sophomore season as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. At $7,000, his price reflects both his rushing upside and his ability to push the ball downfield. Facing the Giants at home is an appealing matchup—New York struggled against mobile quarterbacks last year, and Daniels should have plenty of opportunities to rack up points with both his legs and arm. At an average of 22.2 fantasy points per game, he provides a strong balance between floor and ceiling, making him one of the safest quarterback plays for Week One.

Running Back 1: Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis vs. Miami ($6,800)

Jonathan Taylor’s 2024 season was filled with ups and downs due to injuries, but when healthy, he remains one of the most explosive backs in football. DraftKings priced him at $6,800, which feels like a discount for a player of his caliber. Miami allowed several big rushing games last season, and with the Colts leaning on their offensive line early in the year, Taylor has legitimate multi-touchdown potential. He’s a high-upside RB1 at a mid-range salary, giving this lineup a sturdy foundation.

Running Back 2: Chuba Hubbard – Carolina at Jacksonville ($6,000)

Chuba Hubbard continues to carve out a significant role in Carolina’s backfield, especially in PPR formats. At $6,000, Hubbard provides salary relief while still offering a reliable workload. Jacksonville’s run defense has been inconsistent, and Hubbard’s versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher should keep him involved even if the Panthers fall behind. He’s not a flashy pick, but as a second running back, he provides steady value and the potential for a 15–20 point outing.

Wide Receiver 1: Mike Evans – Tampa Bay at Atlanta ($6,600)

Mike Evans continues to defy age, and Week One provides him with an opportunity to start strong against an Atlanta secondary that was vulnerable to deep threats last season. DraftKings priced him at $6,600, which feels like value for a player who averaged 17.9 points per game in 2024. Evans remains a touchdown machine, and stacking him in this lineup brings reliable upside. With his red zone presence, he’s always a threat to post a slate-breaking performance.

Wide Receiver 2: Drake London – Atlanta vs. Tampa Bay ($6,500)

Pairing London against Evans creates an interesting game-stack strategy in this lineup. Drake London is Atlanta’s clear WR1 and should see heavy volume against Tampa Bay. At $6,500, he offers strong value as a high-volume receiver who averaged 17 fantasy points per game last season. With this game projected to be competitive, London should be involved throughout, giving him both a safe floor and a strong ceiling in DFS contests.

Wide Receiver 3: Deebo Samuel Sr. – San Francisco at Washington ($5,200)

Deebo Samuel at $5,200 is one of the more intriguing bargains on the slate. While his numbers last season were inconsistent due to injuries and role changes, he’s still one of the most versatile weapons in the NFL. Facing Washington, Samuel can be used creatively as both a runner and receiver, making him a potential value breakout in Week One. His price tag allows for flexibility elsewhere in the lineup, and his boom-or-bust style is perfect for tournaments.

Tight End: Pat Freiermuth – Pittsburgh at New York Jets ($3,200)

Tight end is often the trickiest position in DFS, but Pat Freiermuth provides a solid punt play at just $3,200. He’s projected for nearly 10 fantasy points, which is all you can ask for at this salary. Freiermuth has always been a reliable target in the red zone, and against the Jets, he should see a handful of opportunities to make an impact. He allows this lineup to spend up at other positions while still offering a chance at a touchdown.

FLEX: Tee Higgins – Cincinnati at Cleveland ($6,400)

Tee Higgins rounds out the receiving corps as the FLEX play at $6,400. While Ja’Marr Chase usually garners more attention, Higgins is still capable of huge performances, especially in divisional games. Against Cleveland, Higgins has the chance to exploit matchups and put up WR1 numbers at a WR2 price. Averaging 19.1 points per game last season, Higgins is one of the most reliable FLEX options on the slate.

Defense/Special Teams: Tennessee Titans at Denver ($2,200)

Defense is often about punting in DFS, and the Titans at $2,200 provide salary relief while still offering upside. Denver’s offense has been inconsistent, and the Titans’ defensive front is capable of generating sacks and turnovers. At such a low cost, any big play or defensive touchdown could pay off in a major way.

Final Thoughts

This DraftKings Week One lineup balances star power with value plays, giving it both safety and tournament-winning upside. Jayden Daniels, Jonathan Taylor, and Mike Evans provide the star appeal, while affordable options like Deebo Samuel and Pat Freiermuth free up salary for balance across the board. Stacking Evans and London in the same game is a savvy strategy that could pay off if Tampa Bay and Atlanta turn into a shootout. With a solid mix of proven veterans and emerging talent, this roster is built to compete right out of the gate in the 2025 NFL season.