DraftKings Daily Fantasy Football Helper for Week 1

Running Backs

High-Cost Option: Lamar Miller ($7,000)

Is this the year? Will we finally get to see what Lamar Miller can do with a coaching staff that allows him to see a high amount of touches? We should get a feel for that right away as the Houston Texans have a great Week 1 home matchup against the Chicago Bears, a game in which Houston is a 5.5-point favorite. The play calling should allow Miller ample opportunity to get his touches, with Bill O'Brien's offense running the most plays per game last season (69.9). The versatile Miller is also a proven receiver out of the backfield, something that could pay dividends this week. Last year the Bears gave up the second-most receiving touchdowns to running backs. They also ranked in the bottom 10 in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. This Bears defensive unit saw some upgrades this offseason, but it's unlikely they make a huge leap this season.

Mid-Cost Option: Ryan Mathews ($5,700)

Ryan Mathews gets a dream matchup at home against the Cleveland Browns. Among all 100-plus carry running backs last season, Mathews had the fourth-highest Success Rate -- runs that went for positive Net Expected Points (NEP) -- and fourth-highest fantasy points per touch at 0.98. Trotting out rookie Carson Wentz lowers the ceiling of the entire offense, but the Eagles are still four-point favorites. Cleveland finished in the bottom-five in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP per play and rushing yards allowed last year, making Mathews a fine play at his $5,700 salary.

Low-Cost Option: Spencer Ware ($4,400)

The uncertainty regarding the Kansas City Chiefs' backfield has fantasy owners at attention and will be a key thing to monitor heading into Sunday. If Jamaal Charles is on a limited snap count, it could spell a huge day for Spencer Ware. Kansas City is a seven-point home favorite taking on a San Diego Chargers squad that allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs last year. Ware is in line for a positive game script on an offense that had the sixth-most rushing attempts last year. As our own Jason Schandl noted, Ware posted a highly efficient 0.20 Rushing NEP per carry (second among the 72 running backs to see at least 50 carries) and should be one of the highest-owned plays on the slate this week.

Other options to consider: Todd Gurley ($7,800), Mark Ingram ($6,600), Rashad Jennings ($5,400), Charles Sims ($4,400), Christine Michael ($3,700)