We have made it to start of the NFL season! Let’s dive into some news and notes around the league, my top fantasy plays and favorite picks for Week 1.
Notes:
• The biggest question mark entering the fantasy season is whether Ja’Marr Chase will take the field on Sunday. Brandon Aiyuk and CeeDee Lamb settled their contract disputes, but Chase remains in flux to potentially miss Week 1. Have a contingency plan in case the Bengals’ star receiver does sit out.
• Another storyline to follow is the Rams’ decision to use Kyren Williams as a punt returner. That does get the ball in his hands more often but opens him up to more hits as well. Blake Corum will get more touches as a result and needs to be rostered in all leagues.
• Three quarterbacks were selected atop the NFL Draft, but it’s the man drafted second overall I trust most. Caleb Williams is a fringe fantasy player, but I am not afraid to start Jayden Daniels immediately because of his rushing upside. Drake Maye has a nice future ahead of him, but he is off my fantasy radar completely other than Superflex leagues.
• Speaking of first-round rookies, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers need to be in starting lineups in Week 1. Both are instant-impact players at receiver. The Bears’ abundance of receivers makes it hard to trust Rome Odunze right out the gate, but he needs to be rostered in all leagues. The remaining pass-catchers in the first round — Brock Bowers, Brian Thomas, Xavier Worthy, Ricky Pearsall and Xavier Legette — should on benches until we see their usage.
• I don’t typically give out defensive plays, but the Seahawks D/ST is a great play the first two weeks. They open the season with the Denver Broncos and rookie Bo Nix and then get the New England Patriots in Week 2. Those two teams might be the worst in the NFL when it is all said and done. Don’t be loyal to any defense throughout the season, but take advantage of these matchups.
• We have Friday night NFL action in Week 1 in addition to our usual primetime games, so make sure to set your lineups accordingly with any Eagles or Packers.
• Remember to check the weather heading into Sunday for your kicker selection.
Thursday Night Game: Ravens at Chiefs
Friday Night Game: Packers vs. Eagles
Sunday Night Game: Rams at Lions
Monday Night Game: Jets at 49ers
Start ‘Em:
Quarterback: Jayden Daniels
Running Back: Najee Harris
Wide Receiver: Diontae Johnson
Tight End: Dallas Goedert
Defense: Seahawks
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterback: Brock Purdy
Running Back: Ezekiel Elliott
Wide Receiver: Keon Coleman
Tight End: David Njoku
Defense: Ravens
Sleepers:
Quarterback: Baker Mayfield
Running Back: J.K. Dobbins
Wide Receiver: Josh Palmer
Tight End: Tyler Conklin
Defense: Bears
NFL Picks for Week 1
Weekly Pick ‘Em (Season Record: 0-0)
Ravens (vs. Chiefs)
Eagles (vs. Packers)
Bengals (vs. Patriots)
Bills (vs. Cardinals)
Texans (vs. Colts)
Jaguars (vs. Dolphins)
Bears (vs. Titans)
Falcons (vs. Steelers)
Saints (vs. Panthers)
Giants (vs. Vikings)
Seahawks (vs. Broncos)
Chargers (vs. Raiders)
Buccaneers (vs. Commanders)
Browns (vs. Cowboys)
Rams (vs. Lions)
49ers (vs. Jets)
Five Picks Against The Spread (Season Record: 0-0)
Jaguars +3.5 vs. Dolphins
Seahawks -5.5 vs. Broncos
Chargers -3.5 vs. Raiders
Buccaneers -3 vs. Commanders
Browns -2.5 vs. Cowboys
Five Over-Under Totals (Season Record: 0-0)
Broncos-Seahawks under 42
Raiders-Chargers under 42.5
Vikings-Giants under 41.5
Jaguars-Dolphins over 49
Rams-Lions over 51
One Bold Prediction For The Week
Week 1: Jayden Daniels finishes as a top-five fantasy QB against the Buccaneers.
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox