Finally, the NFL is back! And that means fantasy football leagues are ready to go. Looking to get off to a great start to your season? These are the players you must start in Week 1 and the guys to leave on the bench.
Start of the Week Quarterback – Cam Newton vs San Francisco 49ers
Looking to bounce back in 2017, Cam Newton starts the season off with a relatively easy opponent in San Francisco. Last season Newton had a superb fantasy game against the 49ers, throwing for 353 yards and four touchdowns. Do not worry about Netwon playing on the road either. Last season, two-thirds of Newton’s 300-yard passing games came on the road.
Sit of the Week Quarterback – Dak Prescott vs New York Giants
Last season Dak Prescott was such an impressive rookie, it is almost too easy to look over his few bad performances in 2016. In fact, looking at his game log from last season, Prescott only had two rookie-esque games. Guess who they came against? Yup, you’re right the New York Giants. In two starts against the Giants, Prescott averaged less than 200 yards passing, had a TD-INT ratio of 1-2 and rushed for just 13 yards. Best to leave Prescott on the bench to start the season.
Start of the Week Running Back – Jordan Howard vs Atlanta Falcons
Coming into the 2017 NFL season, the Chicago Bears are not expected to be a great team. They do, however, have one of the more exciting young running backs in the game. Jordan Howard had an excellent rookie season and should get off to a fast start against Atlanta. The Falcons gave up 4.52 yards per rush last season, which was the third worst mark in the NFC. The Bears do not have much talent at any other skilled position this season and should be feeding Howard the ball. Last year Howard averaged 5.2 years per carry, and never finished with last than 77 yards when he had a minimum of 16 rushes.
Sit of the Week Running Back – C.J. Anderson vs Los Angeles Chargers
People are sleeping on the Los Angeles Chargers defense this season, but the unit is rich with depth and talent. Watch the Chargers show off in week one against the Broncos and C.J. Anderson. Anderson played one game against the Chargers last season, running the ball ten times for just 37 yards. Expect a similar stat line this week, as the Chargers allowed just 3.82 yards per rush last season, tying for third in the AFC.
Start of the Week Wide Receiver – Jordy Nelson vs Seattle Seahawks
Even if Jordy Nelson does not start the year against an easy opponent, it should not deter you from starting him in week one. Last season against the Seahawks, Nelson caught six of the seven passes thrown his way for 41 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers will move Nelson around the field to take advantage of mismatches.
Sit of the Week Wide Receiver – Marvin Jones vs Arizona Cardinals
After starting last year on fire, Jones fizzled out in the second half of the season. Expect that fizzling to continue in week one as Jones is likely to frequently be matched up against Patrick Peterson, one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. In fact, the Cardinals’ ranked first in the NFC last season in yards per pass, making this a tough game from every receiver on the Lions. Jones is in a prove it year and needs to show some consistency before he should be considered a permanent starter on any fantasy team.
Start of the Week Tight End – Tyler Eifert vs Baltimore Ravens
As long as Tyler Eifert can remain healthy he is a must start at tight end, but this week he gets the honor of being the start of the week. In the single game Eifert played against the Baltimore Ravens last season, the tight end was effective, catching five passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. Eifert scored a touchdown in 50% of the games he played last season, which gives him a better probability of scoring a touchdown in week one than many of his contemporaries.
Sit of the Week Tight End – Delanie Walker vs Oakland Raiders
The Titans added a lot of new weapons to their offense in the offseason, which will likely lead to a reduced role for Walker overall. Walker caught less than 65% of his targets last season, which is below average for a starting NFL tight end. He will likely be used in a blocking role more frequently in week one, to help contain Kahlil Mack and Bruce Irvin, meaning he is unlikely to get enough target to be a top-12 tight end.
Start of the Week Defense – Los Angeles Rams vs Indianapolis Colts
The Colts quarterback situation entering the season is messy. Andrew Luck is likely out for week one, so duties behind center will go to either the recently acquired Jacoby Brissett or Scott Tolzien. Either quarterback starting does not do enough to elevate the Colts offense back to where it was last year. Take the Rams defense to stymie the Colts on Sunday afternoon.
Sit of the Week Defense: Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints
Even though the Minnesota Vikings were one of the better defenses last season, they will be in tough against New Orleans to start the season. Drew Brees loves to play in the dome and has averaged over 300 yard passing per game in domes over the last seven years. Add in the return of Adrian Peterson, who will be motivated to show his old team he is still elite and the Saints offense should give the Vikings fits in week one.
Start of the Week Kicker – Matt Prater vs Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have a strong defense, which can be a benefit for a kicker. Last season, the Cardinals were one of the best third down teams on defense and allowed a touchdown in the red zone just 55.6% of the time. This will give Prater some extra opportunities this week, as Detroit will be happy to end a drive with three points against one of the best defenses in the NFL
Sit of the Week Kicker – Cairo Santos vs New England Patriots
There are two reasons to sit Santos in week one. First, New England is one of the hardest places to kick in the NFL – even in September. Second is the Patriots offense is able to score often, meaning Kansas City may be forced to abandon the kicking game and go for touchdowns. Leave Santos on the bench to start the year.
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