NFL DFS Late Slate Picks Week 1

There are 4 games in total on the Late Slate this week. If you didn’t notice it seems I write articles that always have rhymes in the titles. I must be the Dr. Seuss of fantasy football.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose” – Dr Seuss

I am glad you used your brains in your head and chose to steer yourself over here and read my work.

NFL DFS: Week 1 Late Slate Picks

Quarterbacks

Brock Purdy

Week 1 presents a great opportunity to play Brock Purdy as your quarterback. Purdy’s familiarity with Kyle Shanahan’s offense should give him an edge against the Seahawks. Expect Purdy to take advantage of the matchup, utilizing quick throws and smart decision-making to navigate Seattle’s secondary. With supporting weapons like Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle at his disposal, Purdy has a solid ceiling for a strong start to the season—making him a compelling Week 1 target in fantasy lineups.

$6,200 on DraftKings
$6,900 on FanDuel

Jordan Love

Jordan Love is a good play for Week 1, especially against the Lions. Love has shown the ability to spread the ball around and like the deep ball. The addition of Matthew Golden for the Packers at wide receiver helps Love do what he loves to do on the football field.  With the highest over/under of the Late Slate at 4.5 points, this is our best chance of a shootout.

$6,100 on DraftKings
$7,600 on FanDuel

CJ Stroud

CJ Stroud is a great option for Week 1 in the Late Slate. The Texans are playing the Rams, and in 2024, the Rams ranked as one of the friendliest defenses to opposing quarterbacks, giving up the 10th most fantasy points. Stroud is looking for a bounce-back season, and with Houston’s new-look offense, he has a real opportunity to exploit the Rams’ secondary. Additionally, Stroud’s mobility and ability to extend plays add a rushing floor that can boost his fantasy upside.

$6,000 on DraftKings
$7,200 on FanDuel

Running Backs

Christian McCaffrey

CMC is virtually guaranteed a heavy workload whenever he’s active, and his health status heading into Week 1 is key. Given that he’s fully prepared, expect him to be heavily involved in both the rushing and passing games. While the Seahawks’ defense isn’t overly intimidating, CMC’s talent and volume make him a must-start—simply put, a top-tier play against a favorable matchup.

$7,300 on DraftKings
$8,100 on FanDuel

Kenneth Walker III

Kenneth Walker III is a strong option for Week 1 at running back. Especially against the 49ers. Last season, Walker found the end zone in each game against San Francisco, showcasing his ability to produce against this tough defense. The Niners surrendered the third-most fantasy points to running backs in 2024, indicating some exploitable vulnerabilities. With Walker’s explosive running style and potential goal-line opportunities, he’s poised for a productive Week 1 performance and should be seen as a solid starting option in your fantasy lineups.

$5,900 on DraftKings
$6,700 on FanDuel

Kyren Williams

The Rams are playing the Texans in Week 1. The Texans are actually really good against running backs. But Williams has massive volume both running and catching the football. He is going to put up some points in Week 1 just based off the volume he always sees. Especially with Matthew Stafford just coming back from a back injury.

$6,500 on DraftKings
$5,700 on FanDuel  

JK Dobbins

The Broncos play the Titans, who in 2024 ranked ninth in fantasy points surrendered to running backs. Dobbins appears to have established himself as the lead back over rookie RJ Harvey, and his role in the offense is expected to be significant from the outset. With an improved offensive line and a favorable matchup, Dobbins has the potential for a strong workload and goal-line carries. For Week 1 anyway, Dobbins looks like a good play.

$5,500 on DraftKings
$5,700 on FanDuel

Wide Receivers

Matthew Golden

The packers play the Lions in Week 1. In 2024, the Lions gave up the sixth most fantasy points to opposing teams’ wide receivers. With his elite speed, smooth route-running, and aggressive hands, Golden is a versatile playmaker who can stretch the field and win contested catches, complementing Love’s ability to throw the deep ball. This is a golden opportunity if I do say so myself.

$4,900 on DraftKings
$5,400 on FanDuel

Puka Nacua

Puka Nacua is simply Puka Nacua. He will see a high volume of targets. In 2024, Puka had a 29.8% target share of the Rams’ passes. That is just huge. To top things off, the Rams play the Texans in Week 1. Last season, the Texans were very friendly to wide receivers.  Wide receivers averaged 150 yards and a touchdown per game against the Texans.

$7,600 on DraftKings
$8,100 on FanDuel

Nico Collins

Nico Collins is one of those players who just produces whenever he is in the lineup. He has a massive target share, 24.75% in 2024. CJ Stroud looks for Collins downfield, and he simply makes plays when he is thrown the ball. With the running game for the Texans somewhat questionable at the moment, I think we will see a lot of Stroud to Collins in Week 1.

$7,400 on DraftKings
$7,900 on FanDuel

Ricky Pearsall

Pearsall is simply a good fit for the Niners offense and things that Brock Purdy does well. He tends to beat coverage quickly. Pearsall has exceptional route-running skills, the ability to create separation against man coverage, strong hands, physicality, and the versatility to play multiple receiver positions. Package that with what looks like a lack of weapons in the Niners’ passing game with Deebo Samuel now on the Commanders and Brandon Aiyuk out, we have some seriously high potential for Pearsall. His mom will be yelling, “That’s my Ricky!” as he hits the endzone this week.

$4,500 on DraftKings
$5,300 on FanDuel

Tight Ends

George Kittle

Don’t overcomplicate your decision on George Kittle for Week 1. The Seahawks are among the better defenses against tight ends, and Kittle remains a superior talent and is likely to be San Francisco’s primary passing target. Expect him to find the end zone at least once, making him a solid Week 1 start despite the matchup.$5,800 on DraftKings
$6,500 on FanDuel

Chig Okonkwo

In Weeks 15–17 of the 2024 season, Okonkwo scored the second-most fantasy points among all tight ends. He did this with multiple people playing quarterback. Now he has Cam Ward throwing the football to him. Okonkwo’s stretch-the-field athleticism fits well with what Ward does. The price is right for Okonkow, so you can pay up elsewhere as he has the potential to pop this week.

$3,400 on DraftKings
$4,900 on FanDuel

Defense

Broncos

The Broncos open the 2025 season facing off against the Titans. Denver presents a challenging matchup, especially with the Titans deploying rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Expect Tennessee to ease Ward into his first real NFL action, limiting his exposure to complex schemes and intense pressure. Meanwhile, the Broncos’ defense is poised to take advantage, likely forcing mistakes and disrupting the rookie’s rhythm. If you’re looking to pay up for a defensive play in DFS, this matchup offers a compelling opportunity to capitalize on the Titans’ inexperience and Denver’s defensive strength.

$3,800 on DraftKings
$4,800 on FanDuel

Make sure to check out all of our Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!