Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season is right here, and with it comes a brand new set of fantasy soccer lineup questions. Thankfully, SN NFL author Vinnie Iyer is again for one more season of “The Decider,” a weekly begin ’em, sit ’em recommendation column that may you aid you get your lineups proper. For those who making lineup selections in your drafted group(s) simply is not sufficient for you, we even have DFS ideas for individuals who need actually need to drive themselves loopy deciding who to begin when virtually each participant within the league is on the market.
It is powerful to judge matchups and challenge utilization in Week 1. Clearly, there’s rather a lot we do not know, so the perfect we are able to do is make knowledgeable selections primarily based on quite a lot of elements (latest efficiency, offseason acquisitions, expertise, historic teaching tendencies, and so forth.). For some gamers, particularly committee backs, touches will probably be extraordinarily troublesome to challenge, so if attainable, keep away from these conditions all collectively.
GET RANKINGS, SLEEPERS & MUCH MORE TO DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Final 2021 Cheat Sheet
Most homeowners will merely choose to begin the gamers they drafted first at every place. There’s nothing incorrect, however do not be afraid to play the matchups a little bit, particularly if it is with a man who’s a safer wager for touches and targets.
WEEK 1 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Working again | Large receiver | Tight finish | D/ST | Kicker
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Begin ‘Em: Quarterbacks
QB must-starts
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (vs. CLE)Kyler Murray, Cardinals (at TEN)Lamar Jackson, Ravens (at LV)Tom Brady, Buccaneers (vs. DAL)Aaron Rodgers, Packers (at NO in JAX)Josh Allen, Payments (vs. PIT)Dak Prescott, Cowboys (at TB)Russell Wilson, Seahawks (at IND)
Stronger begins
Jalen Hurts, Eagles (at ATL). Hurts steps right into a terrific opening matchup below new offensive-minded coach Nick Sirianni. He’ll discover methods to do injury within the dome by air and by land.
Ryan Tannehill, Titans (vs. ARI). Tannehill is not essentially an every-week play, however this seems like a high-scoring affair duel with Murray.
Matt Ryan, Falcons (vs. PHI). Ryan loves taking part in at dwelling and will probably be in search of instant success in opposition to his hometown group. The Eagles aren’t properly constructed to cowl his prime targets.
Kirk Cousins, Vikings (at CIN). Cousins ought to simply hit 250 yards and two TDs taking part in off the operating sport in opposition to a Bengals’ protection that is improved in some areas however nonetheless weak on the backend.
Joe Burrow, Bengals (vs. MIN). A more healthy Vikings’ protection ought to get again to a extra respectable stage below Mike Zimmer, however not at first. Burrow needs to be busy throwing to his prime trio of weapons to maintain up with Cousins and his duo.
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (at HOU). The Texans’ protection in 2021 is an ideal means for a rookie No. 1 general decide to get indoctrinated within the NFL. Lawrence ought to ship a solid-to-spectacular debut together with his arm and legs.
DFS bargains
Baker Mayfield, Browns (at KC, $7,100 on FanDuel, $5,900 on DraftKings). Mayfield is essentially the most underrated fantasy QB going into the season and can ship a strong sport with the script reverse Mahomes calling for ample passing with a number of massive performs and a number of scores.
Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers (at DET, $6,900 on FanDuel, $5,500 on DraftKings). Trey Lance could be an affordable must-start right here ought to San Francisco go together with the rookie within the opener over Jimmy G., however regardless, this a terrific street matchup for the guests to mild it up taking part in off the run.
Streamer particular
Tyrod Taylor, Texans (vs. JAX). That is Tayor-made for some rubbish factors with two smelly AFC South defenses on the sector. He ought to throw usually to counter Lawrence and is nice for some respectable dashing manufacturing filling in for Deshaun Watson.
Week 1 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Working again | Large receiver | Tight finish | D/ST | Kicker
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Weaker begins
Justin Herbert, Chargers (at WAS). That is tough sophomore-opening journey in opposition to Chase Younger and Washington’s swarming protection, particularly whereas attempting to function for the primary time when it counts in a brand new offense.
Matthew Stafford, Rams (vs. CHI). Stafford has a up-and-down monitor document in opposition to the Bears’ protection, and his prime-time stats are removed from elegant. This additionally seems like a bodily, lower-scoring Sunday evening sport with L.A. leaning on Sony Michel, Darrell Henderson, and the operating sport.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Washington (vs. LAC). Rely on restricted Fitzmagic within the opener, as Brandon Staley will get the Chargers’ go protection to indicate loads of energetic vitality in his teaching debut.
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (at NE). Tua vs. Mac Jones will probably be a defensive slugfest as an alternative of an Alabama celebration with Invoice Belichick and Brian Flores scheming in the identical AFC East matchup.
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (at BUF). Roethlisberger will open a tough and maybe remaining season in Pittsburgh with massive lumps in opposition to the Payments’ go rush and back-seven protection.
Derek Carr, Raiders (vs. BAL). Hold the Carr parked because the Ravens’ protection will trigger him to fold Monday evening in Vegas.
Zach Wilson, Jets (at CAR). He is making this record as a result of quickly he will probably be in consideration for deep-league streaming. His debut matchup is a little bit more durable than Lawrence’s on the street in opposition to a protection with playmakers on each stage.
Deep traps
Jameis Winston, Saints (vs. GB in JAX). Winston has some pondering he can duplicate a few of his high-TD, high-INT fantasy relevance of his 2019 season in Tampa Bay, however Inexperienced Bay’s go protection is official and New Orleans ought to need to assault closely on the bottom in a neutral-site sport.
Carson Wentz, Colts (vs. SEA). He is been injured once more. He is been on the COVID-19 record. He is stepping into rusty together with his new group’s offense with restricted weapons. Regardless of some seemingly favorable numbers, do not take the bait right here.
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Begin ‘Em: Working backs
RB must-starts
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers (vs. NYJ)Dalvin Prepare dinner, Vikings (at CIN)Alvin Kamara, Saints (vs. GB in JAX)Derrick Henry, Titans (vs. ARI)Antonio Gibson, Washington (vs. LAC)Nick Chubb, Browns (at KC)Aaron Jones, Packers (at NO in JAX)Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys (at TB)Saquon Barkley, Giants (vs. DEN)Najee Harris, Steelers (at BUF)Austin Ekeler, Chargers (at WAS)James Robinson, Jaguars (at HOU)Joe Mixon, Bengals (vs. MIN)Jonathan Taylor, Colts (vs. SEA)Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs (vs. CLE)David Montgomery, Bears (at LAR)Chris Carson, Seahawks (at IND)Miles Sanders, Eagles (at ATL)Mike Davis, Falcons (vs. PHI)Kareem Hunt, Browns (at KC)
Stronger begins
Raheem Mostert and Trey Sermon, 49ers (at DET). San Francisco will not be giving up its committee for Kyle Shanahan early, however let’s hope it’ll at the very least largely slim it down to those two. The Lions’ run protection nonetheless stinks, and the sport script needs to be favorable for giant floor possibilities, with Mostert as an RB2 and Sermon as a flex.
Gus Edwards, Ravens (at LV). Get on the bus early with JK Dobbins (knee) out. Edwards needs to be powering by way of for giant early-down numbers supporting Lamar Jackson.
Sony Michel, Rams (vs. CHI). The Rams went after Michel to make use of him in a key function for Sean McVay’s run-first offense. He is the man the coach ought to belief most within the backfield out of the gate. Anticipate Michel to attain at the very least one quick TD on Sunday evening.
Chase Edmonds, Cardinals (at TEN). You are not trusting James Conner in any respect in Arizona’s fashion of offense, however Chase is a worthy pursuit as a flex in Nashville.
Ronald Jones II and Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers (vs. DAL). Their weekly values are restricted in numerous methods by the presence of one another and receiving again Giovani Bernard. You want to choose spots to make use of them, and in opposition to a new-look Cowboys protection cleansing up behind Tom Brady’s monster passing sport is sensible, however extra as flexes than RB2s.
DFS bargains
David Johnson, Texans (vs. JAX, $5,700 on FanDuel, $5,700 on DraftKings). DJ is a shaky season-long possibility as a result of Phillip Lindsay or Mark Ingram or Rex Burkhead might find yourself being essentially the most counted-on upon possibility in a shaky Houston operating sport. However Johnson wasn’t dangerous final season and can benefit from this simple opener to place up pleasing mixed numbers.
Damien Harris, Patriots (vs. MIA, $5,800 on FanDuel, $5,200 on DraftKings). Harris ought to get a ton of labor because the true Alabama centerpiece of New England’s run-leaning offense over Mac Jones. Search for excessive quantity with a ground of 80 whole yards and a rating as the bottom is the higher solution to assault the Dolphins anyway.
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Working backs
Weaker begins
D’Andre Swift, Lions (vs. SF). Swift may wrestle at occasions in more durable matchups with sport scripts not stepping into his favor and receiving work solely serving to together with his stats a lot. He additionally goes into the sport attempting to play by way of a preseason groin harm.
Darrell Henderson, Rams (vs. CHI). Henderson was a juicy draft goal proper after Cam Akers (Achilles’) went down, however now it is purchaser and deployer beware due to Michel’s presence and Henderson’s fixed sturdiness points.
Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake, Raiders (vs. BAL). Do you actually need to work out how the Raiders will misuse each backs in a difficult dwelling spot in opposition to the Ravens? No, you do not.
Myles Gaskin, Dolphins (at NE). Gaskin will nonetheless get essentially the most touches over Malcolm Brown and speedy change-of-pace Salvon Ahmed on this sport and over the course of the season, however anticipate the Patriots to take him away first and make Tua attempt to beat their high quality secondary downfield.
Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, Broncos (at NYG). Williams needs to be a stud in time breaking out of this committee, however the Giants’ run protection is sneaky good. See how this case performs out earlier than committing to at least one at the same time as a flex.
Zack Moss and Devin Singletary, Payments (vs. PIT). That is the premier committee to keep away from in a pass-happy offense the place Josh Allen will nonetheless do loads of operating. That is notably true in opposition to the Steelers’ protection.
Tevin Coleman and Michael Carter, Jets (at CAR). Do you need to strive to determine what Mike LaFleur is pondering for the new-look operating sport in Week 1? Keep away from this case till there’s extra readability on utilization.
WEEK 1 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Begin ‘Em: Large receivers
WR must-starts
Davante Adams, Packers (at NO in JAX)Tyreek Hill, Chiefs (vs. CLE)Calvin Ridley, Falcons (vs. PHI)Stefon Diggs, Payments (vs. PIT)DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals (vs. TEN)Justin Jefferson, Vikings (at CIN)A.J. Brown, Titans (vs. ARI)DK Metcalf, Seahawks (at IND)Terry McLaurin, Washington (vs. LAC)Mike Evans, Buccaneers (vs. DAL)Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (vs. DAL).Keenan Allen, Chargers (at WAS)Allen Robinson II, Bears (at LAR)CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (at TB)Robert Woods, Rams (vs. CHI)Amari Cooper, Cowboys (at TB)Julio Jones, Titans (vs. ARI)Adam Thielen, Vikings (at CIN)Cooper Kupp, Rams (vs. CHI)Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers (at DET)Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals (vs. MIN)Tee Higgins, Bengals (vs. MIN)Odell Beckham Jr., Browns (at KC)Tyler Lockett, Seahawks (at IND)D.J. Moore, Panthers (vs. NYJ)
Stronger begins
Robby Anderson, Panthers (vs. NYJ). Anderson will get a pleasant “revenge” sport in Week 1 in opposition to his former group after a strong first season in Carolina. Plus, the Jets’ secondary stinks sufficient to suppose he will probably be busy reunited with Sam Darnold with a big-play TD attainable.
Tyler Boyd, Bengals (vs. MIN). Chase and Higgins have loads of outdoors hype, however remember in regards to the dependable Boyd doing good work for Burrow within the slot.
Jerry Jeudy, Broncos (at NYG). Jeudy advantages vastly from Teddy Bridgewater beginning, and his versatility will hold him busy in a tough matchup in New York.
Deebo Samuel, 49ers (at DET). This will probably be a scoring fest for the Niners, so get as many as you may inside cause into your lineups.
Brandin Cooks, Texans (vs. JAX). Cooks is at all times a sneaky good producer wherever he performs, whoever his QB is. Taylor ought to goal him usually, and the Jaguars cannot actually cowl him.
Antonio Brown, Buccaneers (vs. DAL). AB ought to be part of Evans and Godwin within the Brady enjoyable.
Laviska Shenault Jr. and Marvin Jones Jr., Jaguars (at HOU). Who will find yourself as the highest Jaguars’ fantasy receiver 2021? Trace: His identify is under. However these guys additionally will probably be fairly good for Trevor Lawrence in additional favorable matchups, with Shenault needing quantity off his shorter passes and Jones needing some massive performs.
DFS bargains
DJ Chark, Jaguars (at HOU, $6,100 on FanDuel, $5,800 on DraftKings). Chark and Lawrence is the highest mixture for Jacksonville, and the worth may be very good to assault a shaky secondary. Additionally, contemplate a Chark assault stack with Lawrence.
Michael Pittman Jr., Colts (vs. SEA, $5,300 on FanDuel, $4,100 on DraftKings). Pittman will get key targets early with no T.Y. Hilton (neck) and the tight ends in flux. Carson Wentz might want to throw to somebody usually reverse Russell Wilson.
DeVonta Smith, Eagles (at ATL, $5,300 on FanDuel, $4,500 on DraftKings). Smith or Jalen Reagor are good match targets this week with some big-play skill in opposition to the Falcons’ weak go protection in a snug street atmosphere for Jalen Hurts.
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Large receivers
Weaker begins
Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers (at BUF). The Steelers’ passing sport cannot be trusted on this dangerous matchup with Massive Ben rusty and the group able to be run-heavy with Najee Harris.
Kenny Golladay, Giants (vs. DEN). There will not be any cause to rejoice Golladay’s debut for Massive Blue in opposition to a revamped Broncos’ secondary behind a stronger go rush for Vic Fangio.
Courtland Sutton, Broncos (at NYG). Sutton will seemingly see James Bradberry outdoors coming off a season misplaced to knee harm. Oh, and a weak-armed passer at QB. So, no thanks.
Corey Davis, Jets (at CAR). Davis and Zach Wilson could be a productive mixture, however the Panthers’ go rush and secondary will make it powerful for an instantaneous splash.
Jarvis Landry, Browns (at KC). He is a low-upside play reverse OBJ, and that might be true each week given the brand new depth of weapons in Cleveland.
Curtis Samuel, Washington (vs. LAC). Samuel (groin) has missed plenty of preseason motion for his new group, and this nonetheless would be the Antonio Gibson-Terry McLaurin-Logan Thomas present.
Michael Gallup, Cowboys (at TB). The Bucs’ go rush will restrict the field-stretching injury as Lamb and Cooper are far more concerned in catchup mode for Dak Prescott.
Deep traps
All Dolphins (at NE). The Patriots’ secondary is hard for this new-look receiving corps, and DeVante Parker and Jaylen Waddle will not get help from suspended Will Fuller drawing protection consideration.
All Ravens (at LV). Rookie first-rounder Rashod Bateman (core) is on the shelf and “Hollywood” will not have to do a lot in Vegas. This additionally applies to all Raiders wideouts in the identical sport.
All Saints (vs. GB in JAX). Marquez Callaway has plenty of outdoors big-play hype with Winston, sufficient the place he might see Jaire Alexander. You additionally aren’t occupied with Tre’Quan Smith right here both.
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Begin ‘Em: Tight ends
TE must-starts
Travis Kelce, Chiefs (vs. CLE).George Kittle, 49ers (at DET).Darren Waller, Raiders (vs. BAL).Mark Andrews, Ravens (at LV).Kyle Pitts, Falcons (vs. PHI). Dallas Goedert, Eagles (vs. ATL).Logan Thomas, Washington (vs. LAC)T.J. Hockenson, Lions (vs. SF).Noah Fant, Broncos (at NYG).Robert Tonyan, Packers (at NO in JAX)
Stronger begins
Tyler Higbee, Rams (vs. CHI). Higbee will get to be the veteran man by himself in L.A. and may have instant influence as a 3rd goal for Stafford.
Jonnu Smith, Patriots (vs. MIA). Smith bought extra work within the preseason than the Patriots’ different veteran tight finish addition, and it’ll present in connecting properly with Mac Jones, who will keep away from the perimeter protection.
Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers (vs. DAL). Gronk is sure to have a rating as he celebrates extra ring-winning enjoyable with Brady.
Jared Prepare dinner, Chargers (at WAS). He has been underrated all preseason, and he will probably be a key goal for Justin Herbert in opposition to a tricky secondary and go rush.
DFS discount
Austin Hooper, Browns (vs. KC, $5,100 on FanDuel, $4,000 on DraftKings). Hooper needs to be much more concerned within the offense this season because the Browns’ passing sport expands and the matchup requires strong seems from Baker Mayfield. He can scratch out 5 catches for 50 yards and a attainable rating within the opener.
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Tight ends
Weaker begins
MIke Gesicki, Dolphins (at NE). Gesicki will not be as key to the offense this season with the vast receiver modifications, and this matchup is dangerous for starters.
Evan Engram, Giants (vs. DEN). Engram )calf) is a tough man to belief at any level and there will probably be a spotlight extra on the vast receivers and Barkley early.
Hunter Henry, Patriots (vs. MIA). Henry’s missed time will catch as much as him as he sees extra of a key run-blocking function at first.
Gerald Everett, Seahawks (at IND). Everett has gotten loads of hype away from Higbee, however the Colts are good in opposition to the place, so take a wait-and-see strategy.
Eric Ebron, Steelers (at BUF). Ebron is at all times a candidate for a low-cost rating within the purple zone, however he seemingly will see much less of these possibilities due to Najee Harris.
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Begin ‘Em: Defenses
Protection must-starts
Rams (vs. CHI)49ers (at DET)Patriots (vs. MIA)Washington (vs. LAC)Chargers (at WAS)Ravens (at LV)Broncos (at NYG)Buccaneers (vs. DAL)
Stronger begins
Packers (at NO in JAX). The place there is a Winston vs. a superb go protection, there are interceptions.
Dolphins (at NE). Miami could make it a tough debut for Mac Jones in some kind.
Panthers (vs. NYJ). Carolina could make it a tough debut for zach Wilson in some kind.
Giants (vs. DEN). There will be some troubled Bridgewater in opposition to one other underrrated unit on the street.
Seahawks (at IND). There needs to be some massive performs for the taking in opposition to Carson Wentz.
DFS discount
Payments (vs. PIT, $3,600 on FanDuel, $2,500 on DraftKings). Ben Roethllsberger could quickly be profiling like Winston in one other means.
Fantasy Soccer Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Defenses
Weaker begins
Colts (vs. SEA). Not in opposition to Russ.
Steelers (at BUF). Not in opposition to Josh.
Saints (vs. GB). Not in opposition to A-Rod.
Vikings (at CIN). Not in opposition to Burrow.
Chiefs (vs. CLE). Not in opposition to Baker.
Browns (at KC). Not in opposition to Patrick.
Get extra of Vinnie Iyer’s in-depth fantasy soccer recommendation for Week 1 by subscribing to the Locked On Fantasy Soccer podcast.
