Week 1 has come and gone, and the NFL season is officially underway. The first week is always challenging to discuss. We have spent all offseason researching to predict how the season will progress, and by halftime of the first game, all of that seemingly goes out the window. Now that we have seen actual football, the amount of information we have just increases. This can be a blessing and a curse. It can help us better predict actual usage patterns. But at times, we can galaxy-brain ourselves and get stuck in analysis paralysis as we look at the DFS slate for NFL Week 2.
One of the keys to successful DFS Cash lineups is knowing when to put the phone down and stop tweaking your lineup. Only you can decide what process works for you, but let the results inform your process. Ideally, if you’re reading this article, it will help you with your process.
Now, let’s get into Week 2 NFL DFS.
Cash is in session.
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NFL DFS Week 2
Teacher’s Pet
Cooper Kupp (DraftKings: $7,600 / FanDuel: $7,700)
There is only one other player who might be rostered more frequently than Cooper Kupp this week, and we will talk about him momentarily. As for Kupp, he is coming off an absolutely astounding 21-target performance. The efficiency was modest, but any player who catches 14 balls in a game is going to be a cash target. With Puka Nacua out this week, I would expect Kupp to be rostered in over 50% of lineups.
Honor Roll
Anthony Richardson (DraftKings: $6,800 / FanDuel: $8,500)
It’s hard to argue against starting a quarterback who averages nearly 10 yards per rush. Anthony Richardson has picked up where he left off last season. While I still am burned by his consistent injuries in 2023, it’s hard to argue against his results. Additionally, DraftKings barely increased his salary from Week 1, despite him finishing as the fourth-best quarterback. He now faces a Green Bay defense that allowed a whopping 31 points to the Philadelphia Eagles. A rushing quarterback plus a mid-tier defense equals a lineup lock.
Rashee Rice (DraftKings: $6,700 / FanDuel: $6,900)
One thing was clear to me early in the first game of the season. Rashee Rice is going to be a major part of the Kansas City offense. They clearly designed their offensive game plan to flow through him, and it seriously worked. Rice should continue to bring in plenty of targets, and I expect him to be heavily rostered in cash lineups this week.
Sam LaPorta (DraftKings: $6,300 / FanDuel: $7,900)
Before getting too far into Sam LaPorta, I want to flag that this is exclusively a DraftKings play for me. On FanDuel, I’d prefer to play a cheaper tight end, such as Trey McBride. As for LaPorta, he is playing in the best game environment of the week against one of the worst secondaries in the league. Additionally, the Buccaneers are facing injuries in the defensive backfield that should position LaPorta for increased success. Expect the Lions to pass the ball more than they did last week, enabling the second-year tight end to excel.
Check the Chalkboard
Jordan Mason (DraftKings: $5,200 / FanDuel: $5,500)
I would never have expected Jordan Mason to have recorded nearly 30 touches in a game entering the season, but here we are. Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out for this game. At Mason’s salary, he’s a free square. Everyone will play him because of the ridiculous volume and the high volume he received. In cash, we do not worry about playing the same players as everyone else. Lock it in, and don’t think about it.
Participation Grade
Wan’Dale Robinson (DraftKings: $4,300 / FanDuel: $5,400)
Welcome back to the cash crowd, Wan’Dale Robinson. The third-year Giants receiver became a frequent cash target last season because of his cheap salaries and high volume. Robinson seems ready to replicate it this season after being targeted 12 times in the opening game of the season. While he only caught six of those passes, the Giants have a better matchup this week. The Commanders are quickly becoming known as one of the worst defenses in the league, which will position Robinson to once again bring in the targets.
Back of the Classroom Studs
Jerome Ford (DraftKings: $5,900 / FanDuel: $6,300)
Can I just copy and paste everything I said about Jerome Ford last week? Ford led the Browns in rushing attempts and led the running back room in targets during their Week 1 matchup against the Cowboys. Cleveland doesn’t have to be a fiery offense for Ford to pay off his salary. He is getting the opportunities, able to score touchdowns, and is utilized in the passing game. That’s about all you could ask for in a DFS Cash running back.
Demarcus Robinson (DraftKings: $4,000 / FanDuel: $5,200)
Cooper Kupp wasn’t the only benefactor of Puka Nacua’s absence. Demarcus Robinson finished Sunday night with seven targets. While not mind-blowing, that is huge for a player who is priced at $4,000. I usually avoid playing too many players from the same matchup, let alone the same team. But this week is a great exception. Given the game environment, it is easy to see a pathway for both Kupp and Robinson to pay off their salary. Plus, Kupp will be rostered by most people, so if he fails, it will hurt less. Additionally, this game is in the afternoon window, so late swaps are viable if your lineup is falling behind.
New York Giants (DraftKings: $2,700 / FanDuel: $3,500)
The argument here is one I will make a lot throughout the season. The Giants have one of the toughest defensive fronts in the league. By contrast, Washington has one of the worst offensive fronts in the league. Plus, they have a quarterback who will take sacks. That’s right, it’s another week of betting that a rookie quarterback will make some mistakes and cause turnovers. Plus, the Giants are just too dang cheap to avoid.
Check out the Week 2 episode of DFS Academy now!
Report Card
DraftKings
Scoring System
- A: Scored over three times their price
- B: Scored over two times their price
- C: Matched their price
- F: Scored lower than their price
| Player | Price | Points | Grade |
| Rachaad White | $6,300 | 16.60 | B |
| Drake London | $6,000 | 3.50 | F |
| Diontae Johnson | $5,300 | 3.90 | F |
| Evan Engram | $5,500 | 1.50 | F |
| Josh Allen | $8,000 | 32.18 | A |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $3,500 | 3.00 | F |
| Jakobi Meyers | $5,000 | 9.40 | C |
| Jerome Ford | $5,500 | 18.90 | A |
| Demario Douglas | $4,800 | 3.20 | F |
| Overall | $49,900 | 92.18 | C |
FanDuel
Scoring System
- A: Scored over two times their price
- B: Scored over one and a half times their price
- C: Matched their price
- F: Scored lower than their price
| Player | Price | Points | Grade |
| Rachaad White | $7,700 | 13.60 | B |
| Drake London | $6,700 | 2.50 | F |
| Diontae Johnson | $5,600 | 2.90 | F |
| Evan Engram | $6,200 | 1.00 | F |
| Josh Allen | $9,200 | 31.18 | A |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $4,900 | 3.00 | F |
| Jakobi Meyers | $5,100 | 7.90 | B |
| Jerome Ford | $6,200 | 15.90 | A |
| Demario Douglas | $4,000 | 2.20 | F |
| Overall | $55,600 | 80.18 | C |