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:
– The biggest question mark entering the fantasy season is the future of Jonathan Taylor. His ADP has fallen since the Colts placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after failing to find a trade partner. He’ll miss the first four weeks, but tensions are high in Indy and there is a possibility he never plays for the team again. I’ve been selecting Kareem Hunt with my final pick in recent drafts in the event the Colts give him a contract.
– Another storyline to follow is the health of Cooper Kupp. The Rams receiver saw a specialist on Sept. 4 for his hamstring injury, and there has been no update as of this writing, but seeing a specialist doesn’t sound good for his availability for not just this week, but a good chunk of the season.
– Three quarterbacks were selected atop the NFL Draft, and all three have been named the starter by their respective teams. The Colts’ Anthony Richardson is the only one with fantasy upside, but I’m not starting him this week.
– Speaking of first-round rookies, I’m also tempering expectations on Jordan Addison, Zay Flowers, Quentin Johnson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 1. I like Flowers most of the group, but each team has a couple receivers ahead of them. As such, they don’t need to be forced into action.
– Start rookie running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. History tells us that both players are a safe bet to finish as top-10 fantasy options by season’s end. The other rookie running backs like Devon Achane, Zach Charbonnet, Roschon Johnson, Kendre Miller and others are players to stash for now. Hope they get more run as the season progresses.
– Remember to check the weather heading into Sunday for your kicker selection.
Thursday Night Game: Lions at Chiefs
Sunday Night Game: Cowboys at Giants
Monday Night Game: Bills at Jets
Top Pickups of the Week: Sam Howell, Zack Moss, Kareem Hunt, Van Jefferson
Buy Low: Raheem Mostert
Sell High: Geno Smith, Deebo Samuel
Send to the Waiver Wire: Mac Jones
Start ‘Em:
Quarterback: Derek Carr
Running Back: Brian Robinson
Wide Receiver: Courtland Sutton
Tight End: Gerald Everett
Defense: Commanders
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterback: Anthony Richardson
Running Back: Breece Hall
Wide Receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Tight End: Greg Dulcich
Defense: Patriots
Sleepers:
Quarterback: Sam Howell
Running Back: Jeff Wilson
Wide Receiver: Chase Claypool
Tight End: Hunter Henry
Defense: Falcons
NFL Picks for Week 1
Weekly Pick ‘Em (Season Record: 0-0)
Chiefs (vs. Lions)
Falcons (vs. Panthers)
Ravens (vs. Texans)
Browns (vs. Bengals)
Jaguars (vs. Colts)
Vikings (vs. Buccaneers)
Saints (vs. Titans)
49ers (vs. Steelers)
Commanders (vs. Cardinals)
Bears (vs. Packers)
Broncos (vs. Raiders)
Chargers (vs. Dolphins)
Eagles (vs. Patriots)
Seahawks (vs. Rams)
Cowboys (vs. Giants)
Jets (vs. Bills)
Five Picks Against the Spread (Season Record: 0-0)
Browns +1.5 vs. Bengals
Eagles -4.5 vs. Patriots
Rams +5.5 vs. Seahawks
Giants +3.5 vs. Cowboys
Jets +2.5 vs. Bills
Five Over-Under Totals (Season Record: 0-0)
Panthers-Falcons over 40
Jaguars-Colts under 45.5
Buccaneers-Vikings under 45.5
Rams-Seahawks under 47.5
Cowboys-Giants under 46.5
One Bold Prediction for the Week
Week 1: Sam Howell finishes as a top-five fantasy QB against the Cardinals
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox