We finally made it to Week 1! Let’s dive into some news and notes around the league, my top fantasy plays and favorite picks for the week.
Notes:
• Not that you’re likely starting either, but Geno Smith and Mitch Trubisky have been named the starters for their respective teams.
• Speaking of the Steelers, Najee Harris admitted to missing time during the preseason with a Lisfranc injury. He’s still a must-start, but temper your expectations the first few weeks.
• Brian Robinson was a popular sleeper pick as the summer progressed but will unfortunately miss some time after being shot in a carjacking attempt. Antonio Gibson is back to being the starter as a result.
• Marlon Mack being cut by the Texans puts Dameon Pierce atop the running back depth chart. He’s skyrocketed up most draft boards and isn’t much of a sleeper any longer.
• The Jaguars will have both of their running backs in Week 1. You likely used a high pick on Travis Etienne, but do not forget about James Robinson. Robinson will likely get the majority of the goal-line carries.
• Do not start a Ravens running back in Week 1. Even if he plays, J.K. Dobbins will only get a few touches. He will be part of a committee that also includes Kenyan Drake and Mike Davis.
• Some wide receivers to keep an eye on this week are Diontae Johnson, Drake London, Chris Godwin and Allen Lazard. They all are listed as questionable.
• Zach Ertz is dealing with a calf injury and has not practiced since early August. You’ll likely have to work the waiver wire to find a replacement for this week.
• Remember to check the weather heading into Sunday for your kicker selection.
Thursday Night Game: Bills at Rams
Sunday Night Game: Buccaneers at Cowboys
Monday Night Game: Broncos at Seahawks
Top Pickups of the Week: Dameon Pierce, Jahan Dotson, George Pickens
Buy Low: Tyler Allgeier, Raheem Mostert, Corey Davis, Robert Woods, Jalen Tolbert
Sell High: Elijah Mitchell, Damien Harris, DeAndre Hopkins, T.J. Hockenson, Mike Gesicki
Send to the Waiver Wire: Marlon Mack, Treylon Burks, Kenny Golladay, Noah Fant
Start ‘Em:
Quarterback: Trey Lance
Running Back: Dameon Pierce
Wide Receiver: Hunter Renfrow
Tight End: Evan Engram
Defense: Titans
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa
Running Back: Josh Jacobs
Wide Receiver: Amon-Ra St. Brown
Tight End: Robert Tonyan
Defense: Steelers
Sleepers:
Quarterback: Baker Mayfield
Running Back: Michael Carter
Wide Receiver: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Tight End: Brevin Jordan
Defense: Panthers
NFL Picks for Week 1
Weekly Pick ‘Em (Season Record: 0-0)
Bills (vs. Rams)
Saints (vs. Falcons)
Panthers (vs. Browns)
49ers (vs. Bears)
Bengals (vs. Steelers)
Eagles (vs. Lions)
Colts (vs. Texans)
Patriots (vs. Dolphins)
Ravens (vs. Jets)
Jaguars (vs. Commanders)
Titans (vs. Giants)
Chiefs (vs. Cardinals)
Chargers (vs. Raiders)
Packers (vs. Vikings)
Buccaneers (vs. Cowboys)
Broncos (vs. Seahawks)
Five Picks Against The Spread (Season Record: 0-0)
Ravens -4.5 vs. Jets
Panthers -2.5 vs. Browns
Jaguars +3.5 vs. Commanders
Giants +5.5 vs. Titans
Broncos -6 vs. Seahawks
Five Over-Under Totals (Season Record: 0-0)
49ers-Bears under 41.5
Eagles-Lions under 48.5
Browns-Panthers over 41.5
Giants-Titans under 43.5
Buccaneers-Cowboys over 49.5
One Bold Prediction for the Week
Week 1: Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson throw for 300 yards and two touchdowns against their former teams.