Week 1 DFS Contrarian

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The 2024 season is near and now it’s time to outsmart your opponents. Contrarian means opposing or rejecting popular opinion; going against the current practice. Being a contrarian in fantasy football is difficult because you’re taking a risk, but it can be a winning strategy. Contrarian is where the big money is made within DFS, especially in large tournaments because you’ll submit more unique lineups than your competitors.

Mix one or two of these players within a lineup to maximize individuality.

Do not create your entire lineup based on the contrarian picks below.

The key for charts:

Player = recommended contrarian play

Opponent = Home or away and the opponent

FD Roster % = This week's FanDuel roster percentages

FD Salary = FanDuel salary to roster the player

DK Roster % = This week's DraftKings roster percentages

DK Salary = DraftKings salary to roster the player

Jim Harbaugh has done well with developing quarterbacks in his career from Andrew Luck to Colin Kaepernick to J.J. McCarthy to Josh Johnson at a non-scholarship college. Harbaugh now can work with Justin Herbert who could rival Luck in talent and potential. The Raiders DL could be good in 2024, but not the secondary. I trust Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater to slow down the pass rush more than the Raiders secondary to stop a below-average Chargers receiving group. Also, Herbert’s foot injury appears healed as he’s not even on the injury report.

Dave Canales also has a history of developing and resurrecting quarterbacks. Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield are success stories in Canales’ resume. He took the HC job in Carolina because he believes in Bryce Young. The Panthers acquired Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette to help give Young more weapons but also beefed up the offensive line to give him more time to throw. The Saints' defense is aging and below-average among the NFL, which should favor a surprising week one performance for Young.

It’s tough to count on a rookie QB in week one. However, Bo Nix has looked good in Broncos camp and preseason action. He’s naturally conservative, which is likely a good thing to start his NFL career. Mike Macdonald brought lots of pressure when he was with the Ravens and he could do the same in Seattle, but with worse personnel. If Nix gets the ball out quickly with a conservative game plan, they could take advantage of the pressure packages Seattle will show.

The Minnesota Vikings have ranked top four in the NFL in pass attempts since Kevin O’Connell came to town. Last year they were still pass-heavy despite starting four different QBs. It’s tough to blame O’Connell’s pass-heavy mentality with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at WR. The scheme and talent in Minnesota is the best surrounding of Sam Darnold’s career. The Giants' secondary is a weakness on their team. Volume, talent, and scheme are in Darnold’s favor for a productive game.