Week 1 is lastly right here, and it is time to make these powerful begin ’em, sit ’em choices. And no, we’re not right here to let you know to sit down Josh Allen (vs. Steelers) as a result of he is going towards one of many league’s greatest defenses. There could be a time for that, however not Week 1 (and never Josh Allen). We’re additionally not that includes guys who’re so low on the totem pole they could not ever crack your lineup in even deep leagues. Our Week 1 fantasy busts record takes accidents, workload, and matchups into consideration and warns of potential down weeks from gamers you in all probability drafted to begin (taking a look at you, D’Andre Swift, Darrell Henderson, and Zack Moss).
Keep in mind, it is simply Week 1. Somebody on this record can — and certain will — be featured in our weekly fantasy sleepers record in some unspecified time in the future. Do not panic should you see numerous your gamers right here. Typically you simply draw unhealthy matchups from the get-go. And do not feel that you just have to bench these guys. In the event that they’re you are greatest choices, both as a result of they’ve the best chance of scoring or they’re the healthiest, then by all means begin them. In spite of everything, it is your crew!
WEEK 1 FANTASY: Sleepers | Begin ’em, Sit ’em
Test again each week for our picks on who’s prone to bust, in addition to our sleeper picks.
WEEK 1 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Operating again | Vast receiver | Tight finish | D/ST | Kicker
Week 1 Fantasy Busts: Operating backs
Zack Moss, Payments vs. Steelers (Jackson Sparks). The RB place battle between Moss and Devin Singletary has been extremely talked about this offseason. In Week 1, it is powerful to ascertain both rising. Final season, the Steelers gave up the third-fewest fantasy factors per recreation (FPPG) to RBs (17.1). They’re going to be close to the highest as soon as once more, so this timeshare is a stayaway in all codecs.
Darrell Henderson, Ram vs. Bears (Vinnie Iyer). Do you actually belief Henderson would be the trusted lead man over Sony Michel, even whereas the latter is getting warmed up in Sean McVay’s speeding assault? Do you actually wish to take that probability towards the Bears’ protection? Nope.
D’Andre Swift, Lions vs. 49ers (Matt Lutovsky). We love Swift’s season-long upside, however Week 1 towards a stable 49ers protection whereas nursing a sore groin? Nah, not enthusiastic about that. One of many appeals of Swift is his potential for check-down/quick receptions, particularly in rubbish time, but when Detroit falls behind large on this one, it would possible be Jamaal Williams or Jermar Jefferson in there as an alternative of a gimpy Swift. He’s a menace each time he’s on the sphere, however there’s quite a lot of danger right here.
WEEK 1 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Operating again | Vast receiver | Tight finish | D/ST | Kicker
Week 1 Fantasy Soccer Busts: Quarterbacks
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ Patriots (Sparks). We banged the drum this offseason that Tagovailoa is one among our prime sleeper QBs heading; nonetheless, it is simply powerful luck to get matched up with New England on the highway in Week 1. The Patriots ought to return to defensive dominance with the return of Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, and additions of Matt Judon and Davon Godchaux. A variety of Dolphins could possibly be featured on this record. Stephon Gilmore (quad) is out, however the Pats will nonetheless overwhelm Tua.
Justin Herbert, Chargers @ Washington Soccer Group (Iyer). Herbert will get a tough sophomore begin with Chase Younger and the WFT D able to strain him, supported by an upgraded again seven with Jamin Davis and William Jackson III.
Jameis Winston, Saints vs. Packers (Lutovsky). The Saints offense is often a well-oiled machine, however issues not often run easily with Winston at quarterback. Perhaps he’s modified after two offseasons within the Saints system and in depth off-field work, however even when he’s much less of a gunslinger, he has fewer weapons. Alvin Kamara is a stud and Marquez Callaway seems respectable, however this isn’t the Drew Brees-led high-flyin’ Saints we’re all used to. Throw within the potential for Taysom Hill stealing quick TDs and we’re not keen on Jameis taking part in a “residence recreation” in Florida.
WEEK 1 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | Yahoo | FanDuel
Week 1 Fantasy Soccer Busts: Vast receivers
Kenny Golladay, Giants vs. Broncos (Sparks). The Giants introduced in quite a lot of firepower this offseason, however we will anticipate them to begin sluggish. In spite of everything, Golladay (hamstring) hinted at a sluggish begin in a media session after follow. He seems like he’ll play in Week 1, however he is missed a lot of the offseason, and Denver’s protection ought to look so much higher this season below Vic Fangio. Golladay fell down draft boards, so hopefully, you do not “want” him to begin for you.
Marquez Callaway, Saints vs. Packers (Iyer). He’s New Orleans’ prime wideout choice to open the season with Michael Thomas (ankle) on the shelf, however that doesn’t bode properly when he’s prone to see chunk of Jaire Alexander.
Courtland Sutton, Broncos @ Giants (Lutovsky). As Sutton (knee) returns after nearly a full yr off, he’ll accomplish that with a brand new, extra correct QB. Nice, proper? Effectively, perhaps not. Denver has quite a lot of mouths to feed on offense, and a matchup in New York towards James Bradberry and the remainder of the underrated Giants secondary isn’t an awesome “welcome again” state of affairs. Give Sutton a recreation in your bench to see how he seems and the way the goal share shakes out.
MORE WEEK 1 DFS: Finest stacks | Finest values | Lineup Builder
Week 1 Fantasy Soccer Busts: Tight ends
Cole Kmet, Bears @ Rams (Sparks). Kmet is a potential breakout candidate this season, however that in all probability will not occur whereas Andy Dalton is the starter in Chicago. In Week 1, a troublesome matchup towards the Rams is an efficient sufficient cause to maintain him on the bench should you had been even contemplating beginning him.
Gerald Everett, Seahawks @ Colts (Iyer). Everett has been buzzing as a potential key third goal for Russell Wilson whereas following offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. That will occur in time and higher matchups, however the Colts’ sturdy tight finish protection from 2020 will carry over.
Mike Gesicki, Dolphins @ Patriots (Lutovsky). Gesicki was held to a few catches for 30 yards in his lone recreation towards the Pats final yr, and New England has new (and improved) LBs throughout the board this yr. It could possibly be a tough recreation for lots of Dolphins, with Gesicki being essentially the most vital as a result of he’s one of many few who many homeowners begin with few hesitations. Have some hesitations this week.
Week 1 Fantasy Busts: Defenses
New Orleans Saints vs. Packers (Sparks). New Orleans was a top-seven fantasy protection a season in the past, however with a date with Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, and Davante Adams, it is powerful to play them in Week 1. They initially had been imagined to play at residence (which might’ve helped their case), however with issues from Hurricane Ida, the sport has been moved to Jacksonville.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Payments (Iyer). Because of this you shouldn’t draft a protection excessive, even an awesome one with big-time playmakers. They will nonetheless run right into a buzzsaw offense on the highway and belong in your bench.
Buffalo Payments vs. Steelers (Lutovsky). It’s straightforward to fall into the entice of considering Ben Roethlisberger is previous, sluggish, and vulnerable to INTs. Effectively, he’s undoubtedly the primary two, however that doesn’t actually translate to sacks. Final yr, Roethlisberger was dropped simply 13 instances, and he threw a comparatively inoffensive 10 INTs. Buffalo did give the Steelers some bother final yr (one sack, two INTs, 15 factors allowed), however that recreation was in December. A contemporary Steelers offense with a brand new, shiny RB? It is going to be a low-ceiling day for the Payments D/ST.
