7 FanDuel NFL Value Plays for Week 1

James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Price: $5,000

It's looking increasingly likely that Le'Veon Bell does not suit up this week, as reports are that he has still not reported to team meetings. This is going to create big trouble for some season-long fantasy players, but from a DFS standpoint, it's pure opportunity.

James Conner is next in line for touches behind Bell, and he doesn't have much competition. Only rookie Jaylen Samuels and journeyman Stevan Ridley are there with him.

The Steelers also haven't gone with a committee approach to replacing Bell in the past, having leaned on DeAngelo Williams for 19.1 carries and 4.7 targets per game in 14 contests without Bell between the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

We don't want to read too much into preseason action, but Conner's numbers were terrific. He turned 19 carries into 100 yards, and he caught all 7 of his targets for 61 yards. He could have had a terrible preseason and would still be a terrific play here, though, because volume is what matters at running back, with efficiency being a "nice to have" factor.

Conner also draws a great matchup, which would help with anyone's efficiency. The Cleveland Browns rank as a bottom-five defense in numberFire's projections this year.

Despite the Bell news, the Steelers are 3.5-point favorites, and likely playing with a lead means that we can expect a healthy dose of the ground game.