Fantasy Season is HERE. With the first game tomorrow, Thursday September 10, all your fantasy drafts should be over and you should be wondering who to start this week to make a stellar debut in your league.
Regardless of what league you play in, whether it’s ESPN, NFL.com or Yahoo, maybe you even like Draft Kings, there are certain players that are bound to have a stellar week for you.
Let’s start at the QB position.
Tom Brady, Patriots vs Steelers Defense
With the Golden Boy’s suspension being over turned by a judge in court, Tom Brady returns to the Patriots starting lineup, much to the chagrin of a lot of fantasy players who did not draft him because of the supposed 4 game suspension. But for those who did, boy you are in for a treat. Tom Brady will face a horrible Steelers defense, that gave up an average 18 points to fantasy QBs last year. If there is one thing we also know about Brady is that he has historically owned the Steelers in his career and with their lack of quality DBs and pass rush, he should be able to throw multiple touchdowns in his Thursday night marquee matchup.
One last thing about Brady is that he is ANGRY at the NFL, and what better way to make your haters be quiet than to have a 350 yard, 3 touchdown performance?
Aaron Rodgers, Packers vs Bears Defense
The reality of Jordy Nelson being out for the season shouldn’t temper your expectation for Aaron Rodgers week 1 against the Bears, errrr, defense if you can call it that. The reality of the situation is that Aaron Rodgers eats very well off the Bears Swiss cheese defense. Last season alone, Rodgers threw 10 touchdowns against the Bears in their games and nothing has improved for the Bears, so expect at least 3 touchdowns from Mr. Rodgers, and that means, you MUST start him on Sunday.
Matt Ryan, Falcons vs Eagles Defense
Matty Ice to Julio. Expect to hear that at least twice when the Falcons take on the Eagles during Monday Night Football. With the fast paced offense the Eagles run (dead last in the league last season in time of possession), the Falcons will be able to move at Ryan’s pace and with a lackluster running game, this match-up screams points for Ryan. The Eagles defense never gets to rest due to their offense leaving the field so quickly, so look for the Falcons WRs to have fun blowing past the Eagles DBs in coverage.
Historically against the Eagles, Ryan has had multiple touchdowns and has thrown for over 300 yards in each contest. Start him on Monday and you’ll be a winner.
Now let’s take a look at the RBs to play this week.
Jeremy Hill, Bengals vs Raiders Defense
Last season, Jeremy Hill broke on the scene after out playing fellow committee RB Giovanni Bernard. This season his is the No. 1 back in Cincinnati. How lucky is Hill to get a chance to open the season against a horrible Oakland Raiders defense? If you need a RB to start that will be able to get touches and yards, then Hill is a must start. Behind a stout offensive line, Hill should be able to get owners a smooth 100 yards and at least a touchdown this weekend.
Andre Ellington, Cardinals vs Saints Defense
The curious case of Andre Ellington was solved last season, as the Cardinals RB broke onto the scene as a great runner and even better pass catcher. This season, he opens up with a beautiful match-up against the Saints defense. Without Jarius Byrd and a plethora of linebackers, Ellington should more than likely be able to be a primary part of the Cardinals offense. In PPR leagues, this match-up should make you salivate because the Saints gave up on average 4.7 yards last season to opposing running backs. While Ellington might not be the No. 1 RB on your team, I would suggest you start him at the No. 2 spot or even in one of your flex position, because one thing is sure, he will get a lot of points on Sunday.
Demarco Murray, Eagles vs Falcons Defense
Alright so last season, Demarco Murray lead the league in rushing yards by a smooth 200 yards of the next RB in line. This season, he is with a different team and different offensive line, so I’d temper expectations on him. But in week 1, the Eagles play the Falcons, and one thing is certain about the Falcons, last season they couldn’t stop a nose bleed with their defense. With a new defensive coordinator and head coach, the Falcons defense has improved however, I don’t see Murray getting less than 100 yards against that defense. So on Monday, make sure you add Murray to your lineup, especially if you like to see your team win.
Next up, let’s take a glance at the Wide Receivers you MUST start this week.
Jarvis Landry, Dolphins vs Redskins Defense
Contrary to popular belief, the Redskins have way more problems than RG3. One huge one is their secondary. With Ryan Tannehill running a pass-first offense, the cards are playing in Jarvis Landry’s favor. Landry had 84 catches for 758 yards and 5 touchdowns last season as worked his way to being their No. 1 receiver this season. Landry went to LSU at the same time Odell Beckham Jr. did and they both are great at the one hand catch, so it’ll be awesome to watch those stats increase this season. The first showing for Landry is one where he should have a field day. Whether it’s DeAngelo Hall or Brashad Breeland, Landry should have the ball in his hands at least 8 times on Sunday.
Jordan Matthews, Eagles vs Falcons Defense
Matthews was so good last season that the Eagles let go of their No.1 receiver Jeremy Maclin after he had a career season in yards and touchdowns. So now Matthews is the No. 1 option in Philly and he will play like one week 1 against a shaky Falcons defense. As a rookie last year, Matthews hauled in 67 catches for 872 yards and 8 touchdowns. It would not surprise me at all if Matthews got two touchdowns in his Monday night matchup against the Falcons. He’s a must start at wide receiver if you want people in your league to be scared of you.
Davante Adams, Packers vs Bears Defense
As mentioned earlier, you will want to start Aaron Rodgers against the Bears defense. Therefore, he is the man to start along with Rodgers. Second year WR Devante Adams will be the No. 2 receiver this year, behind Randall Cobb. With Rodgers throwing the football around with precision and accuracy, it’s only right to think that Adams will benefit from it, especially with Jordy Nelson out. Expect to see large numbers from Adams this weekend as the Packers should have a field day through the air.
If you want to take Week 1 in your fantasy league, I suggest you start these players, and if you don’t, well don’t be upset when I can say “I told you so”.
Follow: @sammy_socialite for all your fantasy advice this season. Tweet me your fantasy questions and you’ll get a prompt response.
