That’s right, it’s finally time. It feels surreal, but here we are: fantasy football in 2020 is BACK, starting with Thursday’s Texans-Chiefs game.
As always, we’re here to help with your weekly decisions with our fantasy lineup advice. Each week, we give you the studs (players with plus matchups due to the defense they’re facing or their team situation), duds (players with tougher matchups or who are in muddled roster situations at the moment) and sleepers (a player you might consider starting who could be in for a big week).
Here are the names we’ve got for Week 1, and as we always say, good luck!!
Studs
QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Giants’ secondary will be porous despite the addition of James Bradberry, and Big Ben will be motivated to prove his elbow injury is a thing of the past. Start him with serious confidence.
RB Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
You drafted him as a potential RB1, and he’ll definitely perform like one when facing the Panthers, who could have the worst defense in the NFL this season.
WR D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers will likely be playing from behind in this one, and that means A LOT of volume for Moore.
TE Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons
Normally, I don’t put somewhat risky players in the “studs” section. But beyond the obvious choices at tight end this week, I like Hurst to feast against the Seahawks, who gave up 1,099 yards to opposing tight ends in 2019.
Duds
QB Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
I think he could have a bounce-back year, but not against the Ravens’ stingy defense in Week 1.
Los Angeles Rams RBs
The Cowboys’ defense is good, but it’s also about what Sean McVay said this week: we won’t get a clear picture of who’s emerging from the Cam Akers, Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson group until after this game. Stay away.
WR DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins
You know the drill. The Patriots have the best cornerback in the NFL in Stephon Gilmore. I expect that means Parker is in for a rough day.
TE Chris Herndon, New York Jets
I’m intrigued by him this season — see my crazy predictions for 2020 — but the Bills are tough against tight ends, so I’m tempering expectations for him in Week 1.
Sleepers
QB Tyrod Taylor, Los Angeles Chargers
Looking for a streamer? Here’s your guy, who gets to face the rebuilding Bengals.
RB Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts
I’m a little nervous about starting either him or Jonathan Taylor. But here’s my thinking: the Jaguars’ D is set to be mediocre at best. The Colts may want to ease in Taylor — a rookie — without the preseason to help him prep. So Mack might have a good day.
WR D.J. Chark Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
Game script will give him the chance to catch a lot of passes, particularly in the fourth quarter. That could add up.
TE Noah Fant, Denver Broncos
The sleeper in your draft is a sleeper this week — the Titans gave up 8.9 fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2019, tied for fourth-most in the NFL.
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