Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 1

Fri Sep 5 3:04pm ET
By HOWARD BENDER
Fantasy Writer

Now that fantasy football draft season is over and you’ve made your financial investments in season-long contests, it’s time to start building that in-season bankroll. It’s DFS Pick ‘Em time, baby!

If you are new to the DFS Pick ‘Em format, allow me to help you along because it’s really quite easy. All you do is make your picks for players to produce more or less than their designated stat-line and if you are right, you can earn up to 40 times your wager (minimum wager of $1). Pick correctly for two players and you will 3x your money. Three correct picks will get you a 6x return, four is 10x and so on, up to 40x for six correct picks. You should give a look at the full contest rules, but that’s the gist of it for how to play.

Since I’m going to be taking down that top prize in the Beat Howard Bender Best Ball Tournament, I thought I’d give back to the community each week with some DFS Pick EM picks. I do a substantial amount of the NFL betting content and a lot of DFS content on Fantasy Alarm, so I am always diving into the match-ups and player stat lines. Why not turn that into some cold, hard cash so you can afford to play me in season-long contests again next year?

Pick of the Week:

Chuba Hubbard -- MORE than 0.5 rushing & receiving TD

If you did any kind of season-long draft with me, you know how high I am on Hubbard this season. Panthers head coach Dave Canales traditionally uses one primary running back and while there is some beat-writer speculation that Rico Dowdle will see a share of the carries, we’ll follow Canales’ actions and not the word of someone who doesn’t work for the team. He turned Rachaad White into a top-five fantasy back two years ago and last year, turned Hubbard from a 900-yard, five-touchdown guy into a 1,200-yard, 10-touchdown guy. We expect volume and we expect Hubbard to lead the way at the goal-line.

Other Favorite Week 1 Picks:

  • Jahmyr Gibbs, RB DET – MORE than 0.5 rushing & receiving TD
  • De’Von Achane, RB MIA – MORE than 30.5 receiving yards
  • Cedric Tillman, WR CLE – Longest Reception MORE than 18.5 yards
  • Wil Lutz, PK DEN – MORE than 1.5 FG made

If you have never signed up or deposited here at Real Time Fantasy Sports, do yourself a favor and head over to rtsports.com/bender and get a 50% match on your first deposit, up to $500.

If you’re looking to tail my picks in a parlay, you can find them in the DFS Pick’EM Lobby on the right-hand side of the page.

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Player Notes
Colston Loveland Dec 8 10:50am CT
Colston Loveland

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland hauled in 4-of-5 passes for 29 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-21 divisional loss to the Green Bay Packers. The rookie was again productive, recording his eighth straight outing with at least four targets. There are quite a few mouths to feed in Chicago's offensive attack, and Loveland hasn't exactly overtaken veteran Cole Kmet in terms of playing time. That said, the former has out-targeted (31-16), out-caught (24-13), and out-gained (319-138) the latter cumulatively since Week 9. It's too early to call for a changing of the guard at the position in Chicago, but fantasy managers in need of help at TE can give the 21-year-old a chance on waivers, particularly if teammate Rome Odunze (foot) is made to miss another game.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Dec 8 10:40am CT
Devaughn Vele

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele led the team in receiving for the second straight game in Week 14's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hauling in three of his five targets for a team-high 40 yards. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough totaled just 144 passing yards on 20 attempts, so there wasn't much volume for Vele and the Saints' pass-catchers to work with. Vele matched No. 1 wideout Chris Olave for the team lead in targets, and he seems to be establishing a connection with Shough over the past three games. The 27-year-old receiver has been the most productive Saints pass-catcher for fantasy during that stretch, averaging 12.3 PPR points per game with 14 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown on 20 targets. In leagues where he is available, Vele is worth targeting as an emerging player in the Saints offense heading into Week 15's matchup against the division-rival Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Dec 8 10:20am CT
Garrett Wilson

While New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) is eligible to return from IR in Week 15, head coach Aaron Glenn has offered no update on his status. Wilson has been shelved since Week 10 after reaggravating a knee injury he picked up back in Week 6. Although he's technically available to be reinstated from injured reserve, Glenn notes that "it will be a medical decision between Wilson and the doctors" that would afford him clearance to return to the field. As it stands, it's no guarantee that the Ohio State alum suits up again this season, particularly with New York's playoff dreams officially quashed. If he's forced to miss a fifth straight game, teammates John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell would continue leading the Jets' pass attack when they square off with the hosting Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Higgins Dec 8 10:10am CT
Jayden Higgins

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins posted a modest game in his team's Week 14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, recording three catches for 34 yards on five targets. Still, the 22-year-old has established himself as the clear WR2 in Houston alongside Nico Collins, as he's earned at least five targets in five consecutive games and six out of his last seven contests. For the season overall, Higgins has hauled in 35 catches for 393 yards and four touchdowns on 55 targets across 13 games. With Houston's offense playing better football in recent weeks and its stellar defense consistently providing short fields, Higgins could be on the verge of a breakout game. Higgins profiles as a must-add wide receiver with a stable production floor heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 8 10:00am CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed returned from foot and shoulder injuries that had sidelined him since Week 2 in his team's Week 14 win over the Chicago Bears. Reed recorded four catches for 31 yards on four targets and also logged 22 rushing yards on two carries. The 25-year-old played 47% of Green Bay's offensive snaps, third-most among Packers wide receivers behind Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson. Green Bay may up Reed's snap share as he re-integrates himself into the offense, but his upside is limited by the Packers' run-heavy offense and their crowded wide receiver room. Still, Reed has proven he can be a playmaker in the past, recording 1,020 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns across 17 games in 2024. In leagues where he is available, Reed is worth targeting as an upside play heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Luther Burden III Dec 8 9:50am CT
Luther Burden III

With Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined by a foot injury for his team's Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, rookie wideout Luther Burden III stepped into a larger role. The 21-year-old earned six targets for the second straight week and hauled in four receptions for 67 yards. After failing to reach five targets in any of his first eight games this season, Burden III has now seen at least five targets in four straight weeks. On a more negative note, Burden III was out-snapped by veteran wideout Olamide Zaccheaus in Week 14. That signals Odunze's absence doesn't mean an automatic promotion for Burden III into Chicago's WR2 role alongside DJ Moore. Still, Burden III has flashed big-play upside throughout the season, and his workload remains on an upward trajectory. He's worth rostering in deeper fantasy formats and could be a solid flex option in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns if Odunze remains sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Dec 8 9:40am CT
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard opened the season as his team's RB1. However, he missed time due to injury in early October, and his role was usurped by Panthers back Rico Dowdle, who exploded with a pair of 200-plus scrimmage-yard outings. Across a four-game stretch from Week 9 to Week 12, Hubbard failed to record more than seven touches in a contest. However, in Carolina's final game before its Week 14 bye, Hubbard broke out for 124 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 19 touches against the Los Angeles Rams. Hubbard was still out-touched by Dowdle (20 touches), but he out-snapped Dowdle for the first time since Week 8. If Carolina plans to work with a more even split between their two backs coming out of the bye, Hubbard could re-emerge as a flex option for fantasy managers. In leagues where he may have been dropped, Hubbard is a must-add player heading into his Week 15 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 8 9:20am CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) has been on Injured Reserve since Week 4 due to a knee injury. The team opened up Benson's 21-day activation window leading into Week 12. However, Benson has yet to be activated, and he will revert to season-ending IR if not activated before Arizona's Week 15 matchup against the Houston Texans. Given that the 3-10 Cardinals are in the midst of a lost season, they may choose to be cautious with the 23-year-old running back. Still, if Benson can return, he could immediately take over as the RB1 in Arizona. The Cardinals are currently splitting backfield reps between Bam Knight and Michael Carter, but the two backs combined for 29 rushing yards on 10 carries in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. Benson is worth holding for one more week or adding off the waiver wire in leagues where he is available heading into Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Dec 8 9:20am CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright had the best game of his career in Week 14, recording 24 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets. After star Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ribs) left the game in the second quarter with a rib injury, Wright got a chance to lead his team's backfield. Wright's elevation to the RB1 role was a bit of a surprise, as he's spent most of 2025 working behind both Achane and rookie back Ollie Gordon II. However, it appears Miami may be more comfortable keeping Gordon II in a secondary role, even if Achane is sidelined. The severity of Achane's injury is currently unclear. Should he miss time, Wright could provide starting-caliber fantasy production at the running back position. He's a must-add player off the waiver wire heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Dec 8 9:10am CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries in the Commanders' 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. He was the only somewhat bright spot in what was a really tough afternoon for the Commanders team. Rodriguez has performed well of late, scoring nine or more fantasy points in three of his last five games, but has limited upside because he is not earning any of the running back receiving work, is touchdown dependent, and projects for 10-15 carries depending on game flow. In Week 14, the Commanders fell behind early to the Vikings, and he never really got much of a chance later in the game. Week 15 presents a good opportunity for Rodriguez, as the Commanders travel to New York to take on the Giants, who allow the second-most points to opposing running backs on the season. Due to his projected volume and limited receiving floor, Rodriguez will be an RB3 heading into Week 15, and should not be on the waiver wire in most 12 or more team formats.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Dec 8 9:00am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight's lack of volume and efficiency finally caught up to him in Week 14. The 24-year-old running back has been a top-21 running back over the past three weeks, and on Sunday against a stout Los Angeles Rams defense, he was stuffed on the ground, rushing for only 16 yards on seven carries, and somewhat salvaged his fantasy afternoon with three receptions for another 18 yards. Knight has been a solid waiver wire pickup in 2025 and has scored 10 or more fantasy points in three straight contests, but on the season, he is only averaging 3.35 YPC and around nine or 10 rush attempts per game. He has been touchdown and receiving-dependent for fantasy managers, which is not a recipe for long-term success. Knight has stepped into this role because Trey Benson (knee) has not proven healthy enough to play since his Week 4 injury, so as long as Benson remains sidelined, Knight remains a decent RB3 option and shouldn't be on waivers.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Dec 8 8:50am CT
D.K. Metcalf

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf stayed overnight in a Baltimore hotel after going to a local hospital following the game. Metcalf was experiencing stomach pains on the flight, and, out of an abundance of caution, the team's medical personnel sent him to a nearby hospital. He's flying back to Pittsburgh today. At this point, it's unclear what Metcalf's availability for Week 15 will be, but it's certainly something that fantasy managers will want to monitor closely as the week progresses. Metcalf exploded in Week 14 in the Steelers' huge division win over the Baltimore Ravens, 27-22. Metcalf had 148 receiving yards on 12 targets and seven receptions. Up next for the Steelers is a crucial AFC tilt against the red-hot Miami Dolphins (6-7), who have now won four games in a row.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Dec 8 8:30am CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams second-year running back out of Michigan, Blake Corum, dominated once again on Sunday, rushing for 128 yards on 12 carries (10.7 yards per carry) and two touchdowns in the Rams' 45-17 rout over the Arizona Cardinals. Corum has now scored three touchdowns in the past two weeks and has rushed for 209 yards on 19 carries over his past two weeks. Kyren Williams is still the starter in this explosive Rams offense, but Corum is making his case for a potential takeover and to become a league winner down the stretch. The Rams have publicly stated that they are interested in limiting Williams' workload as the team prepares for its playoff run. Regardless, Corum has seen his workload ramp up over the past five weeks, and he is one of, if not the top handcuff, in fantasy football going into the fantasy playoffs. Even without the handcuff, he is providing RB3/flex value based on his pure production and projected 8-10 carries and 30-35 percent snap share. He is a must-add off the waiver wire if he is currently out there in any of your leagues.

From RotoBaller

Devin Neal Dec 8 8:20am CT
Devin Neal

New Orleans Saints rookie running back out of Kansas, Devin Neal, dominated the backfield touches on Sunday against the Bucs in the Saints' 24-17 victory. Neal carried the ball 19 times for 70 yards and a touchdown, and added one reception for 14 yards. On the afternoon, Neal scored 14.9 fantasy points in half PPR leagues and, most importantly, handled a solid 76 percent of all running back carries. Audric Estime had three, Evan Hull had one, and Taysom Hill had two. As long as Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) remains sidelined, Neal should be viewed as a low-end RB2 moving forward in most formats strictly due to his volume. Over the past two weeks with Kamara out, Neal has seen 17 or more total touches, and if he's available on your waiver wire, he is a must-add heading into the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Woody Marks Dec 8 7:20am CT
Woody Marks

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks had already taken over most of the work in the team's backfield coming into Sunday night's matchup with the Chiefs, but with Nick Chubb (rib) leaving early, Marks got even more work. The rookie finished with a season-high 26 carries for 68 rushing yards and added two catches on three targets for eight receiving yards and a touchdown. It was his third receiving touchdown of the season and fifth touchdown overall. He has helped Houston win five straight games to climb back into the playoff chase, and he gets great matchups the next two weeks against the Cardinals and Raiders. Check on Chubb's status throughout the week, but Marks will be a good play either way after Sunday's strong showing.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Higgins Dec 8 7:20am CT
Jayden Higgins

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins hauled in three of his five targets for 34 yards in his team's low-scoring, 20-14 win over the Chiefs on Sunday night. Higgins finished second on the team in receiving yards and targets behind only Nico Collins. Running back Woody Marks caught the only touchdown pass of the day from C.J. Stroud, but Higgins remains clearly the team's second receiver, playing well ahead of Christian Kirk and Xavier Hutchinson, who he has passed on the depth chart during the course of his rookie season. Higgins can be a deep-league option going forward, especially with favorable matchups the next few weeks.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Dec 8 7:10am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller played 37% of snaps on Sunday against the Jets but only finished with one catch for 13 yards on his three targets. The Dolphins' other tight end, Greg Dulcich, caught all three of his targets for 41 yards while playing 54% of snaps. It was a disappointing showing for Waller, who returned from a pec injury in Week 13 with two catches for 47 yards against the Saints. He will remain a boom-or-bust fringe starter at tight end since he does get attention in the Dolphins' passing game, but right now, Tua Tagovailoa is managing the low-volume passing offense, with a focus on short passes and most of the downfield opportunities going to Jaylen Waddle.

From RotoBaller

Dare Ogunbowale Dec 8 7:10am CT
Dare Ogunbowale

Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale only had one carry on Sunday against the Chiefs, but he took that carry five yards for one of the team's two touchdowns of the night. The Texans extended their winning streak with a huge 20-10 win on the road in Kansas City, and Ogunbowale was more involved than usual since he helped fill in after Nick Chubb (rib) left with an injury in the first half. Ogunbowale could help fill in the gap if Chubb misses time moving forward, although Woody Marks carried the load on Sunday with 26 carries and two catches. The Texans trust Ogunbowale near the goal line and he's a solid receiver, so he'd be an interesting option if he got significant playing time in the next few weeks.

From RotoBaller

Ollie Gordon II Dec 8 7:00am CT
Ollie Gordon II

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II scored his third rushing touchdown of the season on Sunday in his team's 34-10 win over the Jets. The rookie punched home a seven-yard rush in the fourth quarter and finished with five carries for 17 yards on the day. With De'Von Achane (rib) leaving the game early, it was Jaylen Wright who went off for the Dolphins, but Gordon did stay involved as a change-of-pace back. If Achane misses time, Gordon and Wright would both be worth a look in the Dolphins' offense that relies heavily on its running backs to make plays. However, it looks like Wright would probably be the primary back in that scenario. If Achane returns next week, Gordon and Wright would return to their typical minimal roles.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Dec 8 7:00am CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle secured five of his team-high seven targets to lead the team in receiving yards with 50 and also scored the only receiving touchdown of the day for Miami in the team's 34-10 triumph in New York. Waddle has six scores this season, and he continues to operate as the team's clear No. 1 receiver with Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the year. Waddle is up to 812 yards with four games remaining, so if he stays healthy, he has a good shot to get to 1,000 yards for the fourth time in his five NFL seasons. He'll be a solid play going forward, even though the Dolphins are a low-volume, low-risk pass offense at this point.

From RotoBaller