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 opening week of games.
Notes:
• I do not typically dive into news not related to fantasy football, but the Cowboys trading Micah Parsons to the Packers a week before the season starts is one of the most shocking moves in recent history. Love the move for Green Bay, while Jerry Jones continues to be a detriment in Dallas.
• It was a relatively injury-free summer, but there are a few players entering the season banged up. Joe Mixon is the biggest unknown entering the season. The Texans have been vague on the severity of the injury. There is also no clear-cut No. 2 behind him. Nick Chubb is listed as the starter, but Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks will get touches as well. Mixon can be stashed on IR for the time being, but it is hard to tell who to trust in this backfield. We hopefully will have more clarity next week.
• Some star receivers missed time during training camp but should be good to go for this week. You can start Justin Jefferson, Malik Nabers, A.J. Brown and Tyreek Hill with confidence. The same goes for De’Von Achane, Kenneth Walker and Rhamondre Stevenson. Yes, I am still starting Stevenson this week despite TreVeyon Henderson’s terrific preseason.
• Reminder to temper expectations for rookies in Week 1. Henderson has been the hype of the summer, but the Patriots are going to ease him into action. The only rookies I am starting with confidence this week are Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton. Be cautious with the receivers in the opening week. Marvin Harrison Jr. was a top-20 pick last year and had one catch for 4 yards in Week 1.
• I can’t stress enough this enough if you are in a league with kickers: Remember to check the weather heading into every Sunday for your kicker selection. Target kickers playing in domes or ideal conditions.
Thursday Night Game: Cowboys at Eagles
Friday Night Game: Chiefs vs. Chargers (in Brazil)
Sunday Night Game: Ravens at Bills
Monday Night Game: Vikings at Bears
Start ‘Em:
Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence
Running Back: J.K. Dobbins
Wide Receiver: Ricky Pearsall
Tight End: Kyle Pitts
Defense: Cardinals
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterback: Justin Fields
Running Back: Javonte Williams
Wide Receiver: Travis Hunter
Tight End: Colston Loveland
Defense: Browns
Sleepers:
Quarterback: Bryce Young
Running Back: Dylan Sampson
Wide Receiver: Cedric Tillman
Tight End: Brenton Strange
Defense: Patriots
NFL Picks for Week 1
All odds are from FanDuel Sportsbook at time of writing
Weekly Pick ‘Em (Season Record: 0-0)
Eagles (vs. Cowboys)
Chiefs (vs. Chargers)
Commanders (vs. Giants)
Jaguars (vs. Panthers)
Steelers (at Jets)
Patriots (vs. Raiders)
Cardinals (at Saints)
Bengals (at Browns)
Dolphins (at Colts)
Falcons (vs. Buccaneers)
Broncos (vs. Titans)
49ers (at Seahawks)
Packers (vs. Lions)
Rams (vs. Texans)
Ravens (at Bills)
Bears (vs. Vikings)
Five Picks Against The Spread (Season Record: 0-0)
Eagles -7.5 vs. Cowboys
Browns +5.5 vs. Bengals
Falcons +1.5 vs. Buccaneers
Ravens +1.5 at Bills
Bears +1.5 vs. Vikings
Five Over-Under Totals (Season Record: 0-0)
Chiefs-Chargers under 45.5
Cardinals-Saints under 42.5
Dolphins-Colts over 46.5
Titans-Broncos under 41.5
Texans-Rams under 44.5
One Bold Prediction for the Week
Week 1: Trevor Lawrence finishes as a top-10 QB against the Panthers.
See Also: Fantasy Football Player Rankings