The drafts are finally done, the rosters have been set, and it’s time to play that first game of the fantasy football season. I am not going to do a waiver wire article this week, because most people are not going to need to hit the waiver wire hard before the start of the season. If you do have a waiver wire question, feel free to ask in the comment section of this article. We will have a Waiver Wire and Start/Sit Article every week beginning in Week 2.
For those of you that are just returning to the website, it has a much different look than it did last year. However, the articles are going to work the same. I am going to pick several players to start and sit each week and will have a comment section where I answer questions. I am not going to waste your time telling you to start Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy or sit New England Patriots TE Visanthe Shiancoe. The players I will try to pick to start or sit are going to be players that are RB2 or WR3 quality.
So you know what to expect for Q&A, here’s how everything will work this season. I will make every effort I can to have a question answered in 24 hours. Waiver Wire I will try to answer more quickly, because I know that you need quick advice when deciding to keep or release players. Please choose to leave comments and questions in the article that best suits your question and avoid leaving questions in last week’s article, as doing so will give you a quicker answer. We will have the new Waiver Wire Article up at noon (Central Time) on Mondays, the Start/Sit Article and Weekly Rankings up at noon on Tuesdays, and the Weekly Pick’em up at noon on Wednesdays. That said, please contact us if you have any questions about article schedules and Q&A. Now on with the show!
Here are my recommendations for Week 1. Good luck to everyone this season, I hope everyone starts the season on a solid note, unless you are playing against me.
Start of the Week
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Doug Martin – The Carolina Panthers were one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last year. They allowed 1,952 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns to running backs. They also allowed 88 receptions for 782 yards and eight receiving touchdowns to running backs. While they did add LB Luke Kuechly in the draft and MLB Jon Beason is returning from injury; I still think the Panthers have a defense that will be vulnerable to stopping the run.
Enter Doug Martin, who is the top back on the Buccaneers depth chart and is going to be playing in an offense that would love nothing more than to feature the run. They also want to throw to him out of the backfield. I could easily see 120 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. He should warrant a RB1 ranking in the first game of the season.
Other Players to Start
Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith – I think you start him while you can, because he could be hurt in a couple weeks. The Lions seem to be very good at finding injury prone running backs. However, the Rams are the 28th ranked fantasy running back defense from last year and Smith will be at home. I do not have faith in him as a viable fantasy running back for the season, but I love his opening week match-up and think he is a viable RB2 against the Rams rebuilding effort on defense.
Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker – The Titans open the season at home and while their opponent is the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots, the Patriots allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks of any defense in 2011. The Patriots did add several rookies and free agents in an attempt to upgrade the defense, but it is still a work in progress. I may change this recommendation if WR Kenny Britt is suspended for the first week of the season, but as of the date of publishing this article Britt appears to have a good chance to play in this game. Even if he does not, they have a number of other good targets to rely upon. Locker is a QB2 with upside playing the Patriots at home.
San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith – He is not the flashiest fantasy quarterback, but consider his Week 1 opponent, the Green Bay Packers. The Packers were 31st against fantasy quarterbacks, 31st against fantasy tight ends and 31st against fantasy wide receivers. If Smith is going to have a solid season, he needs to put up numbers against a rebuilding Packers Defense. I think Smith is a solid QB2 this week with upside. It is a tremendous match-up that warrants consideration to start him.
We like Blackmon’s matchup against the Minnesota secondary.
(source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtrah/6183913459)
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon – Blackmon had a rocky start to his NFL career with two DUI arrests, but in about five quarters of preseason games, he has tallied eight receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown. He looks entrenched as the Jaguars top receiver, playing in Minnesota against last years 29th ranked fantasy receiver defense. The Vikings gave up 2,834 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns to fantasy receivers last season. Blackmon is a sneaky WR3 this week in a favorable match-up against the Vikings weak secondary.
San Diego Chargers WR Malcom Floyd – It is going to take a while to see which Chargers receiver emerges as the favorite target in the Chargers vertical passing offense. My prediction is it ends up being WR Robert Meachem, but Floyd has the inside track to start the season, because he has played with QB Philip Rivers longer. WR Eddie Royal could also emerge from the slot position. The Chargers should have a big passing day to open the season; the Oakland Raiders were 30th in the NFL last year against fantasy receivers, surrendering 2,839 yards and 21 receiving touchdowns. Rivers should be able to attack this secondary with his wide receivers. Floyd would be the favorite of the three to emerge; I think he has WR2 to WR3 value this week.
Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph – Rudolph is a TE2 with sneaky upside this year as the top tight end in the Minnesota Vikings offense. The Jacksonville Jaguars were just 29th against tight ends last year, giving up an average of 9.0 points per game to tight ends. I think Rudolph could be a good candidate to break 50 yards receiving and score a touchdown. He is not an elite tight end, but could have an impressive opening to the regular season.
New York Giants TE Martellus Bennett – The Giants do not feature the tight end much with their impressive wide receiver talent, but Bennett was a talented player that never received a shot playing behind veteran Dallas Cowboys TE Jason Witten. Bennett faces his old team, which was 27th against tight ends, allowing 8.5 points per game to tight ends. Bennett will have revenge on his mind and has a favorable matchup to have a solid fantasy debut for the Giants.
Sit of the Week
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning – The NFL Schedule did no favor for Manning in his first game back from four neck surgeries. The future Hall of Famer begins his comeback at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers allowed only 13.9 points per game to fantasy quarterbacks last season. It was the stingiest fantasy quarterback defense in the NFL.
We said what? Yes, it might be a good idea to sit Manning week 1.
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/denverjeffrey/7736934858)
I like what I have seen from Manning and while any player can suffer a season ending injury on any play, he has shown enough that I think he is capable of making it through a NFL season and putting up big numbers. This is not the week to start him though, I expect him to put up mid to low QB2 type numbers. You will have better options in the first week of the season.
Other Players to Sit
Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton – Dalton opens his season against the Baltimore Ravens. He played them twice last season and had mixed success. He did throw for 373 yards in the first meeting, but had only one touchdown and three picks. In the rematch, he had just 232 yards passing with no touchdowns and no picks. He did not top a 70.0 QB rating in either game. I would look elsewhere than Dalton playing Baltimore on the road to open the season.
Green Bay Packers RB Cedric Benson – Benson looks to have secured the starting job and could be a good flex play this season in the right match-up. This is not the right match-up, the 49ers allowed only 1,027 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to running backs last year. They also allowed 78 receptions for only 612 yards receiving and one receiving touchdown. Their 11.4 fantasy points allowed per game to fantasy running backs was the lowest in the NFL, 2.6 points per game ahead of the Houston Texans. Sell Benson having any impact in his Packer debut.
Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson – Peterson is coming off a major knee injury and has seen no game action in the preseason. He is likely to earn the start, but even if he does, the Jacksonville Jaguars were a respectable 10th against fantasy running backs last year, allowing only 16.7 points to fantasy running backs. I would sell on starting Peterson until we see how many carries he receives and how he looks cutting on his surgically repaired knee. I think he has RB1 potential this year, but starts the season slow coming back from last season’s knee injury.
New England Patriots WR Brandon Lloyd – The Tennessee Titans were a very underrated secondary last year, allowing the fourth fewest points to fantasy receivers with just 17.6 points per game. They also had a terrible tight end defense, ranking 24th with 8.2 points allowed to fantasy tight ends per game. I think the Patriots expose the tight end match-up and stay away from the receivers, especially Lloyd on the deep routes. Lloyd will have WR2 value this year, but probably not in this game.
New York Jets WR Santonio Holmes – The New York Jets have not been able to score an offensive touchdown this preseason and they open up against a Bills defense that was 11th against fantasy receivers last year. Keep in mind, the Bills added LB Mario Williams and rookie CB Stephon Gillmore has been very impressive in preseason. I am selling the Jets scoring a touchdown in this game and I am selling Holmes having a meaningful impact in a season where he needs to redeem himself. He may have WR3 to WR4 value at times this year, but I do not expect to see it in this game.
Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew – The St. Louis Rams allowed just 3.8 points to tight ends last year, which was tops in the NFL. That was 1.4 points better than the second best team, the Baltimore Ravens. Pettigrew has mid to low TE2 value in this tough match-up.
Cincinnati Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham – Speaking of the Baltimore Ravens, they open up against the Bengals potential breakout tight end. I would stay clear of Gresham on the road playing against the Baltimore Defense. I could see him as a low TE1 to high TE2, but not in this game.
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hi,
who do you think i should start week 1, coby fleener or fred davis?
Thanks
Anthony Dalfanso – Thanks for the question. Love Fleener’s matchup, but with Garçon limited or out, I think Davis is the slightly better play. I have Davis 1 spot higher. Good luck.
hi,
who do you think this trade benefits more?, antonio gates and greg jennings for aaron hernandez and dwayne bowe.
i have hernandez and bowe and i mentioned this trade to someone and he is thinking about it. should i try to go for it?
Anthony Dalfonso – Thanks for the question. To me it’s about a wash. Jennings is the better receiver, but he has an injury right now. Gates also has an injured rib. In the short term, you would be set back, because you’d be taking on two injured players. In the long term, I think you win out, because the tight ends are comparable with Gates not losing targets to another tight end and I like Jennings with Rodgers better than Bowe with Cassel. Just matters if you are willing to take the hit the next couple weeks while your new guys get healthy. Neither side is getting a bad deal in that trade, it just matters what you need now.
pick 2 in a ppr. Justin Blackamon, steven ridely, desean jackson, orsantonio holmes? Thanks for the help
pick 2 in a ppr Justin Blackamon, steven ridely, desean jackson, orsantonio holmes? Thanks for the help
Go Ridley. Good luck.
Who should I start week 1 as RB2, Beanie Wells or Mark Ingram?
Steve Latina – Thanks for the question. Wells plays the late game and he looks to be limited at best. I’d go with Ingram over concerns for Well’s health. Good luck.
My RBs are L.McCoy, R.Bush, T. Gerhart, Ryan Williams.
Of course my #1 is Shady…should I sit Bush this week against Houston and start Gerhart?
Forgot to say I am in a PPR league.
Mark – Thanks for the question. In a PPR league, I think I would go with Bush. I’m hearing Peterson could see as many as 10 touches now, so Gerhart is becoming a less attractive play. Bush has a tough matchup, but he is their only big weapon, so he should see a ton of touches. Good luck.
One more: Gresham or Tamme at TE? Non PPR
I lied, also Decker or Torrey Smith?
Dr X – This one is pretty much a toss up. I have Smith 19th and Decker 24th. Bengals secondary is banged up, so I’d lean toward Smtih. Good luck.
Dr X – Thanks for the question, can’t believe kickoff is only 2 hours away. I wouldn’t play Gresham against the Ravens D, except that you have Tamme against the Steelers D. I have Tamme 14th and Gresham 19th this week, I’d roll with Tamme at home with Manning as his QB over Gresham on the road with Dalton as his. Good luck.
Should I add Kyle Rudolph and drop Jacob Tamme?? My other TE is Fred Davis. Thanks!
Justin
TexasWindage – Thanks for the question. Tamme and Rudolph are guys I had ranked pretty close in preaseason. I have Rudolph ranked higher this week, because of the matchup, some weeks I’ll have Tamme ranked higher when he is not playing Pittsburgh and Rudolph has the tougher matchup. All things equal, Tamme will probably be ranked higher more weeks, because his QB is better. Washington doesn’t have a bye until Week 10. The Vikings play at home against the Lions that week, the Broncos are on the road against the Panthers. The Lions were 10th against tight ends last year and the Panthers were 25th, but with Beason and Kuechly in the fold that may not stay the same this year. I think they are very comparable players, so I don’t think you can make a wrong choice. I’d lean toward staying with Tamme in seasonal leagues, in dynasty leagues I like Rudolph better.
Derek, what is your take on starting Mourice Jones Drew?
Ski – Thanks for the question. I think its a bad idea. If the Jaguars give him a bunch of touches, they are asking for him to pull a hammy or suffer another injury. Jennings had a good camp and I look for MJD to see some third down work this week. If he is in shape and can make it through the first 3 week healthy, he will have value this year; just not in the first week. Keep him on your bench. Good luck.
Sup. Need to pick one RB and one WR, PPR league, no flex (can start 3 WRS or 2 WRS and 1 TE, TE gets 2 pts per catch, bizarre I know);
Trent Richardson or Isaac Redman
Dwayne Bowe or Reggie Wayne
I’m starting Steven Jackson as my other RB, Wes Welker as my other WR and Antonio Gates at TE. Brees at QB. I’m thinking Trent and Wayne.
Holla.
The Duke of NY – Thanks for the question. I would go with Richardson. I have Bowe one spot ahead of Wayne in my rankings, I like them both. Seeing you are thinking Wayne, I would go that route. I’m a big believer in trusting your gut, and I don’t get to watch the games before they are played. It would not surprise me at all if Wayne had a bigger week, I went back and forth between those two quite a bit when I was doing the rankings. Good luck.
Thanks Derek. I think I will probably stick with Wayne for now, I don’t like the whole hold out thing with Bowe, maybe it takes him a few weeks to get acclimated? Wouldn’t surprise me either way but I like that Wayne has been there all preseason with the offense.
The Duke of NY – Those are the same questions I was asking myself when I ranked him. Go with Wayne, I think he is an excellent play this week. Good luck.
Hi,
Do you think i should start Peyton Manning or RG3 this week?
thanks
Anthony Dalfonso – Thanks for the question. I have Manning one spot ahead of RG3. A rookie quarterback playing in the SuperDome makes me nervous. I’m also not as high on RG3 as a rookie as some other people are. I only had him as my 16th ranked fantasy QB for the season. I would slightly lean toward Manning this week. Good luck.
Derek thanks for all the help last year. I need to start two of the three following guys, who ya got? Justin Blackmon, Demaryius Thomas, or Robert Meachem. I feel like Blackmon has to be in there, and I am a Thomas lean at this point too.
Ski – Thanks for the question. I agree with you, Blackmon is my highest and Thomas is about 8 spots ahead of Meachem. Good luck.
hey I am in 2 leagues and I need help with who to start 2WR, 2RB, and a flex position for each.
league 1 league 2
Jeremy Maclin Steve Smith (CAR)
DeSean Jackson Pierre Garcon
Beanie Wells Peyton Hillis
Mark Ingram Ben Tate
Marshawn Lynch Antonio Gates
Santana Moss BenJarvis Green-Ellis
Pierre Thomas Beanie Wells
Sidney Rice Roy Helu
Roy Helu Michael Crabtree
Laurent Robinson
I am good at TE I have JerMichael Finley and Antonio Gates. At QB I have RG3, and Ben Rothlisburger. And 1 WR position is filled with Calvin Johnson.
Thanks
Angie – Thanks for the question. I’m having a hard time telling which players are in League 1 and which are in League 2. If you could format your question like this, it will make it much easier to answer:
League 1….
League 2….
Please format it like that and resubmit the question and I will be able to do a much better job of answering it for you. Thanks.
sorry about the format.
League 1 Pierre Garcon, Steve Smith (CAR), Ben Tate, Peyton Hillis, JerMichael Finley, Antonio Gates, BenJarvis Green-Ellis, Michael Crabtree, Roy Helu, Beanie Wells.
League 2 DeSean Jackson, Calvin Johnson, Jeremy Maclin, Ingram, J. Finley, Marshawn Lynch, P. Thomas (NO), Santana Moss, Laurent Robinson, Roy Helu, sidney Rice.
in league 2 there are 2 quarter back positions and 3 WR, 2 RB and 1 TE. I am sure of J. Finley in both and Calvin Johnson. But with M. Lynch being game time what should I do.
thanks
Angie – No worries, this makes it easier to answer. In your previous question, you said you needed 2WR, 2RB, and a flex position for each league. In this question, you are saying you need 3 WR, 2 RB and 1 TE for league 2. I’ll operate under the assumption you need 2WR, 2RB, and a flex position for League 1 and 3 WR, 2 RB and 1 TE for league 2.
League 1 – I think Smith is a must start. He is probable, but has been practicing fully for 3 days and should play. For your other receiver spot, I’d go with Garcon. He is the top Redskins receiver and should see a ton of targets in New Orleans. At running back, I would not go with Wells. I’m reading that he is going to be active, but WIlliams will see the bulk of the carries. I also wouldn’t play Green-Ellis against the Ravens. I also wouldn’t play a Washington Redskins running back, until we see what rotation the Skins start using and if they stick with that for more than a week. That leaves your best 2 otpion as Tate and Hillis. Even if Foster plays, I expect Tate to see a ton of touches, so I think you are good there. I’m not sure how your flex works. If it can only be a WR or RB, I’d go with Crabtree against a Packers secondary that was not very good last year. If you can start two tight ends, I would go with Gates and Finley. Gates has a nice match up in Oakland and Finley is talented enough to explode on any weak, even if the 49ers have a good defense. If you can only go with one tight end, stay with Finley, because you said you were sure about him. I always tell people to go with their gut when they are sure about someone. I only have Gates 2 spots ahead of Finley, so it isn’t like I have Gates running away with that position over Finley.
League 2 – TE is set here with Finley. Calvin Johnson is a must start and for your other receiver spot, I would go Maclin. Desean Jackson would be my choice as your third receiver or your flex play, so my advice wouldn’t change there if there was a flex spot. For your two back spots. I would go Ingram in one spot, he’ll split time with Sproles and Thomas, but expect Ingram to see the bulk of the first down carries and the goal line work. He’s the better option over Thomas.
As for Lynch, ESPN’s Adam Schefter expects Marshawn Lynch to play Sunday. According to CBS Sport’s Pat Kirwan, Lynch is likely to see 10-15 carries at Arizona. So the consensus I’m reading is that he plays, but you won’t know that until after the Saints and Redskins start their game. Also, even if Lynch does play, Turbin is going to see some time or the Seahawks are going to throw the ball 50 times. So best case scenario, you have a running back that is limited, worst case scenario you have a running back that either doesn’t start or aggravates his back injury and doesn’t see any playing time. The problem is that I don’t think you want to start two Saints running backs and only Mike Shanahan knows how many touches Lynch sees.
I think with what you have, your best option is to either start Lynch and hope for the best or go on the waiver wire and see if you can waive either Laurent Robinson or Pierre Thomas and pick up a different running back. Ryan Williams would be good, because Wells is expected to play and be limited. Turbin could be good, because he will be limited, but at least you don’t have the fear of him leaving the game with a back injury. You can let me know some of your waiver wire options and I’ll let you know if I think any of them could help you out better than what you have. Thanks.
Which 2 (RB and flex spot) from: Kevin Smith, McGahee, Torrey Smith , Ronnie Brown or Rashard Jennings? Thanks
Highlander – Thanks for the question. In the RB2 spot, I would go with Kevin Smith, who has the favorable matchup against the Rams. At the flex, I would go with Torey Smith playing a banged up Bengals secondary. McGahee plays the tough Steelers Run D. Ronnie Brown benefits from Matthews sitting, but I think the Chargers will use a committee of backs with none of them being desirable. Jennings plays on a weaker offense than Smith. I think Smith will have more lanes to run in, I have Jennings 9 spots lower than Smith. Torey Smith is my 19th ranked receiver, which puts him ahead of Jennings too. Good luck.
Derek,
Need to fill a wr and flex position with torrey smith, Eric decker , v Jackson and b wells.
John – Thanks for the question. To me it is a toss up between Wells and Smith. Smith is my 19th ranked receiver and Wells is my 20th ranked running back. In a PPR league, I would go with Smith hands down. In standard leagues, I tend to like running backs more, because they get more touches. Both play tough defenses so it is a toss up to me. Seeing Cincy has a banged up secondary, I would lean toward Smith in a standard league too. Good luck.
hey guys i need some help for my starters this week because of the status of arian foster, heres my lineup
Starters:
cam newton
larry fitz
jeremy maclin
percy harvin
arian foster
jamaal charles
vernon davis
49ers Defense
Janikowski
Bench:
Turbin
peyton hillis
mike williams
owen daniels
jon baldwin
big ben
thanks for the help
desithuggin – Thanks for the question. The fortunate factor in all this is that the Texans have an early game, so you’ll know if Foster is active an hour before the game starts. If he is active, I would play him. If he isn’t I would play Hillis. That isn’t ideal, seeing you are also starting Charles, but your only other back is Turbin and Lynch hasn’t been ruled out. You won’t know if Lynch is active or not until after the early games start and Hillis has an early game. If you start Turbin and Lynch starts, Turbin is not likely to have as much value as Hillis splitting carries with Charles. You could also go on the waiver wire and see if there is anyone you can pick up for this week that has a late game. If someone like Ryan Williams or or DJ ware is available, you could drop Owen Daniels and give yourself another late game insurance policy. The 49ers don’t have a bye until Week 9, so you can afford to go with one tight end for a while. I’ll be answering questions up until Sunday, so if you have any questions about running backs on waivers let me know. Good luck.
Hey Derek, I had one more question…
You mentioned considering replacing Harvin with Reggie Bush in the flex. What would you think about replacing Fred Jackson at my RB2 with Bush? They’re both going up against tough defenses, but Bush looks like he could get some heavy use with the lack of options they have against Houston.
I wouldn’t do that. The Jets run D isn’t as tough as you would think, they were just 16th against fantasy backs. I was shocked they finished behind teams like Atlanta, Arizona, and Jacksonville; teams that you don’t really think of as having as good of a defense as the Jets. The Jets have gotten a little older in the middle. Still a very tough receiver defense, but Jackson should have a nice game.
Aj Green v Baltimore D
Greg Jennings v San Fran D
Pierre Garçon v NO D
Or
Antonio Brown v Denver D
I am questionable as to have for my two starting WR and one in my Flex. My thought is Brown and Jennings for sure and throwing either Green or Garçon in my flex. I know Green is such a talented WR but you can’t always trust Dalton. Especially facing Baltimore D. And garçon coming fresh to Washington could mean big things as the num 1 wideout. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Who do you think I should start in my two WR and one Flex?
I also have Kevin Smith with an awesome matchup against STL D which could go for my flex as well. Need help. My WR above and smith for two WR slots and a flex. Thanks guys!
I already answered this question, but left it up in case someone else wanted to give you some feedback as well.
I have Stevie Johnson and Robert Meachem, Malcolm Floyd, Roddy White and Greg Jennings. I am trying to figure out whether to keep Meachem or drop him and pick up Greg Little, Sidney Rice or Nate Burleson. Also, given that Stevie Johnson sat out practice today, should I use C.J Spiller or Pierre Thomas in the Flex position. Standard league. Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Ric – Thanks for the question. I had Meachem as my 31st ranked fantasy receiver this preseason, Rice 34th and Burleson out of my Top 60. Burleson is going to be passed by Titus Young this year. He is 31 years old and starting to pass his prime years. I wouldn’t touch him. Rice has more upside as the top receiver on his team. Meachem has more upside when you compare Rivers to Wilson. I personally think Meachem’s skill set is perfectly suited for that vertical passing game. I like him a little better than Rice, but wouldn’t be shocked if Rice ended up having a better year. As for Little, he is a terrific talent stuck in a horrible offense. I’d stay clear of him as well.
As for your flex, Johnson is questionable, but I expect him to play. The nice thing is you will know if he is active an hour before you have to have your lineup locked. If Johnson plays, go with him. If he sits, go with Spiller. Good luck.
hi again. this question doesn’t have to do with sit/start but i hope you can still give me advice. I got a trade proposal where i would give away Vick, Turner, and Harvin and i would receive P. Manning, Forte, and Bowe. do you think this trade is in my advantage. I personally like it because i think the receivers are pretty equal, i am receiving a better running back, and the quarterbacks are up in the air because of manning’s new team and vick’s proneness to injury. but i think vick will get hurt, giving manning more upside. (i have rg3 as my back up).
Thanks
I think the trade has more upside to it. Turner isn’t doing much this year, I can see it. And the receivers are pretty equal and Vick in my opinion will get hurt just like you said. I say do it. That’s my opinion.
If you have time I need some advise, my post is a couple down. I’d really appreciate it, I’m in a bind.
Thanks
TumaT
Anthony Dalfonso – Thanks for the question. Pull the trigger on that trade. There is some uncertainty with Manning, but there is also with Vick and your receivers are comparable. You are getting rid of an over the hill back that will have a reduced role in that offense and receiving a player that should be a RB1 most weeks this year. I’d do that trade.
im having trouble setting my lineup.. with Matthews out im not sure which way to go.. im starting Mccoy and Martin at rb and not sure how to fill in my 2 wr spots and my flex.. i got Wallace, Bowe, Maclin, Floyd and T. Smith as my wrs. Donald Brown and Spiller are my other rbs. Brown vs the bears doesnt look good at all and Spiller is a back up. i dont like starting 3 wrs but looks like i have too.. is picking up Ronnie Brown a way to go??? HELP!!! i mean your advise please? haha
Your two RB will be fine for this week. McCoy is just nasty all around, cuts like sanders haha. But for your WR id go Maclin and Bowe with Floyd in flex. Wallace is fantastic but with his holdout I wouldn’t trust him this week until he gets up to speed. That’s just my opinion.
Big Frank – Thanks for the question. Let’s start my eliminating people. I wouldn’t play Wallace, I think he will be rusty after that long of a holdout. I would not start Brown against a good Bears Run D or Spiller, as he will have better value later in the season. That leaves 4 players for 3 spots. I have all of them bunched together. Bowe is my 14th receiver, Floyd my 17th, Maclin my 18th, and Smith my 19th. I always go with my rankings, so Smith is who I would sit. However, I don’t think you can make a wrong decision between Maclin and Smith, so if your gut says play Smith I would feel comfortable doing that.
As for picking up Brown, I’m not a fan of him being a big fantasy player. They will use a committee of backs until Mathews returns. Brown is not going to be a better play than any of your other backs. Good luck.
Aj Green v Baltimore D
Greg Jennings v San Fran D
Pierre Garçon v NO D
Or
Antonio Brown v Denver D
I am questionable as to have for my two starting WR and one in my Flex. My thought is Brown and Jennings for sure and throwing either Green or Garçon in my flex. I know Green is such a talented WR but you can’t always trust Dalton. Especially facing Baltimore D. And garçon coming fresh to Washington could mean big things as the num 1 wideout. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Who do you think I should start in my two WR and one Flex?
I also have Kevin Smith with an awesome matchup against STL D which could go for my flex as well. Need help. My WR above and smith for two WR slots and a flex. Thanks guys!
I missed your addition of Smith into the equation the first time I answered. Take Brown out and insert Smith. Rams have a terrible run defense, I think Smith is a RB2 this week. Great value for a flex play.
TumaT – Thanks for the question. I think Green is a must start regardless of match up. Dalton may be inconsistent, but he was a rookie last year and is improving. The Bengals have no other legit receiver, Green is going to see a ton of targets. I feel the same way about Jennings, he should be starting regardless of matchup. I have Brown 21st this week and Garcon 23rd, so that is a toss up to me. I always recommend my highest ranked players, so I would say go with Brown, especially seeing you wanted to start Brown anyway. Good luck.
Hey Derek. I can start 3 of these 5
Nate Washington
Beanie Wells
Anquan Boldin
Pierre Garçon
Danny Amendola
I am in a PPR league. Thanks for the help!
Phil – Thanks for the question. I’d go with Washington against the Patriots 32nd ranked receiver defense from a year ago. Britt is suspended for a game, so Washington has good value there. I’d go with Wells, who plays an underrated Seattle D and Garcon who plays the Saints. I don’t like Boldin this week against a tough Cincy passing defense. Amendola is interesting in PPR leagues, because he did have 85 receptions in 2010. My problem is he does nothing else. He had only 689 yards and 3 touchdowns that season. The PPR is great, but I don’t think he does enough with those catches to warrant a start this week. I would see how he looks and how Fisher uses him before I’d start playing him. Good luck.
I was wondering who you would start. It kills me to ask this but I have both Rodgers and Vick. Rodgers is playing the NFL’s best 49′ers while Vick is playing the Browns. I know the Browns had the #2 pass defense in the NFL a year ago, but that is mostly because their run defense was so bad there was no need to pass on them. What would you do?
Robert – Thanks for the question. This is a common problem, because Vick dropped quite a bit due to his injury concerns and the value was so great that even if owners had a franchise quarterback, they had to take them at that value. Rodgers is one of those players that even if he were playing the 1985 Bears, you would want to start him. This week he plays the 12th ranked fantasy QB defense from last year, Vick plays the third. I would go with Rodgers. I would also see if you can trade Vick to help upgrade another position on your team. If not, you have an excellent insurance policy in the event that Rodgers were to miss time with an injury. Rodgers should be in your lineup every week unless he is on bye or injured. God luck.
I thought this was a no-brainer until my cousin started putting ideas in my head. Cam Newton or Matt Schaub? I feel like an idiot for even asking, but since this website exists, might as well get a second opinion. Thank you.
Etoyep – Thanks for the question. I get where your cousin is coming from, because Schaub has a great matchup. It’s a good way to get yourself into trouble, because Cam Newton was so good last year, he should start versus any matchup. He also plays a suspect defense with Tampa. I’m with you, go with your gut and go with your star player, there is a reason you used a high pick on Newton. Good luck.
Hey Derek, I have one flex spot open and I’m trying to decide who to start at it. I have Willis McGahee, Cedric Benson, Justin Blackmon, Malcolm floyd, and Stevie Johnson. It’s a standard non ppr league. I was leaning towards Blackmon, but I want to know what you think. Thanks again for all the advice you gave me last year.
G – Thanks for the question. My recommendation would be the same. Benson and McGahee play very tough run defenses and Johnson is on Revis Island. Floyd is intriguing, but so are two other receivers on his team. Blackmon is going to be the featured receiver going against the Minnesota secondary. Good luck.
Hey guys, great game last night, huh, go COWBOYS! It’s good to be back! Anyways need help in a few leagues. Current starter in all caps.
League 1: need one RB(my other RB was DeMarco Murray)(ppr)
KEVIN SMITH(Awesome match up), deangelo williams, rashad jennings, or reggie bush
League 2: need 2 RBs & Flex
LESEAN MCCOY(no brainer), MICHAEL TURNER,RASHAD JENNINGS, jones-drew, sproles, desean jackson, meachum.
League 3: need 1 RB(my other is Ray Rice) & Flex (ppr)
KEVIN SMITH, REGGIE BUSH, trent richardson, helu, torrey smith, amendola. Also Houston’s D or San Fran’s?
Thanks in advance for the help. You guys are awesome!
Bryan – Thanks for the question. Let’s start with League 1. I love Smith this week, but Stewart is limited with his ankle and the Buccaneers were the worst fantasy running back defense in the NFL last year. I would lean toward Williams in this spot.
In your second league, I would go with Sproles as your other running back. Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Sproles was a full participant in Saints practice Wednesday and hes isn’t on the Week 1 injury report. At my flex, I’d go with Jennings. MJD is going to be limited having missed that much time and the Vikings are not the same dominant Run D they were years ago. Turner is in for a very sharp decline this year, Jackson will have Haden on him, and Meachem needs to show he has chemistry with Rivers before I would go there over a running back starting in a decent matchup. Jennings is your safest play.
In your third league, here I would go with Smith as one of my backs. I’d lean toward Torey Smith as my flex. I have no clue what is going on in Washington, I think you could ask Helu himself and he wouldn’t honestly know what his role is this Sunday. Richardson is likely to start, but could be limited with his knee. Bush would be the only player I’d consider playing instead of T. Smith, because I think he will see a ton of rushes and receptions in that game. He is their only legit offensive weapon. With Long’s knee in flux and the Texans having a tough D, plus Smith being the featured receiver, I would lean toward T. Smith as my flex. Finally, go with the Houston D. Miami has a sad offense and the Packers have one of the best. Good luck.
Hey Derek,
My starters for the moment are Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, Larry Fitzgerald, Greg Jennings, Fred Davis, Percy Harvin(Flex), Janikowski and the Eagles Defense.
I have Robert Meachem, Ryan Matthews, Reggie Bush, Jay Cutler, Pierre Garcon on my bench.
Vick makes me nervous. (My draft client timed out and he got auto-picked.) That being said, he’s going against cleveland so I think he could put up good overall numbers. But I could say the same for Cutler going against the Colts and with Marshall to team up with again. Would you still start Vick?
I’m also a bit concerned with Jennings against the SF D, but I can’t justify starting Meachem over him. Similar with Jackson/Matthews.
I greatly appreciate your insight.
By the way, I also have the Green Bay defense, but I picked up the Eagles for their game against cleveland with the rookie QB and no Richardson. Green Bay’s transition defense just scares me a bit against the weapons of SF, even if I’m not yet sold on Smith handling them all.
I’m sorry to keep adding more posts…
My league starts QB, WRx2, RBx2, TE, TERBWR Flex, Kicker and Def.
Currently Starters:
QB – Vick
RB1 – Lesean McCoy
RB2 – Fred Jackson
WR1 – Larry Fitzgerald
WR2 – Greg Jennings
TE – Fred Davis
Flex – Pervy Harvin
K – Janikowski
D/ST – Eagles
Currently on the Bench
QB – Jay Cutler
RB – Reggie Bush
RB – Steven Ridley
RB – Ryan Matthews
WR – Pierre Garcon
WR – Robert Meachem
DST – Green Bay
Thanks again. I’ve meant to play fantasy for years but this is my first with a team so it’s a learning process. I look forward to being on here all year.
Jeremy – No worries, that is what we have the board here for. We appreciate a lot of questions. Most of these other players we have discussed, the only thing that I see that might require some thought is Harvin at the flex. I think Bush has a chance for better numbers, because he is going to see a ton of touches in that game as both a rusher and a receiver. Now, he might have a lot of problems if Jake Long cannot play, but you will now that by kickoff. I don’t have them separated by very much and Harvin tends to do better when Peterson is not playing, which is likely the case. Otherwise, just switch Cutler for Vick and you should be good.
Jeremy – That’s not a bad move. Just so you know, Richardson is expected to play. I still have the Eagles ranked ahead of the Packers, I would start the Eagles with confidence.
Jeremy – Thanks for the question. The Browns were the third stingiest fantasy QB defense in the NFL last year. Haden appears that he will not be suspended this week, which means the pass defense will still have its best corner. Furthermore, the Browns can’t stop the run and the Eagles have McCoy. I expect him to have the big game and Vick to have a decent game. I think Cutler is the better play this week.
I would keep Jennings in there, the weakness of the 49ers D is the secondary. Jennings is too good to sit. Matthews would be a good play, except for the small detail that he hasn’t been cleared for contact at practice yet. He seems like a long shot to play and he doesn’t go until Monday Night. You are best going with Jackson and guaranteeing yourself some points. Good luck.
Thanks a lot for the input. I’ve made the Cutler change. With the PHI D/ST, I’m really just hoping that the can exploit a rookie QB more than Green Bay is able to exploit Alex Smith. Granted, I don’t have a lot of trust in Smith, but he at least has better weapons. My league also rewards return yardage, so I’m hoping DeSean Jackson might get some touches there.
As far as Harvin/Bush at the flex, I’ve had the same back and forth discussion with myself. Harvin scares me with the Migraine issue, but if Peterson’s out or not producing, Harvin could get a lot of opportunities as well. I’m watching the situations with Long and Peterson the next few days to make my decision.
Thanks again.
I think that is a good call. If Long doesn’t play, that is going to make things very tough for Bush. I’ll be answering questions up until Sunday kickoff and Sean and I will be in the chat at 10:00 am CST on Sunday. Feel free to check back with us when the injury reports are released and we can revisit it.
So is Ogletree the new TE in Dallas in Witten’s stead, or just another early season flash in the pan?
Sorry I meant a WR that will take Witten’s targets away?
Dr X – If Robinson had not had the year he had last year, I’d be inclined to say flash in the pan. Witten played last season and Robinson was huge in the slot. Given that past success out of that position, I think you have to pick up Ogletree if you can and take a flyer on him. I’m not ranking him a WR1 or high WR2 next week, but he looks like he could be something special if he can keep having big games.
Well, do you still recommend picking him up if my other WRs are AJ Green, Torrey Smith, Reggie Wayne and Denarius Moore?
Dr X – The only person I would consider waiving for him is Moore. Moore could also have a breakout year, difficult to say seeing we haven’t seen him play yet. Also, one bad game doesn’t mean he won’t do anything the rest of the season. You have three #1 receivers on their team and Moore is either going to be a #1 or #2. I wouldn’t go dropping those guys to chase a guy who had a career game and is still going to be no better than their WR #3, unless someone gets hurt.
Ok, it seems like beanie wells might not play vs a good seattle defense btw. Do I put Benson in or Tate from houston where Foster is also game time decision, i remember last year that even with foster playing, tate did good anyways. Or should i take benson’s 60-+ yards and maybe a td?
Fantasy Dr X – Thanks for the question. If Foster doesn’t play, no brainer to play Tate. If Foster does play, I originally had Benson higher, but I think I would still play Tate. Even if Foster plays, he is likely to not see as big of a workload or if the Texans are up big in the game, they will go with Tate and rest Foster. The 49ers are so tough against the run, I think Benson has a very small impact. Don’t see the touchdown, the 49ers didn’t allow hardly any of those last year. Probably 40-50 yards rushing at the most. Good luck.
Hi Derek,
Who should I start in at flex in a ppr: mcgahee, stewart, ryan williams or justin blackmon? Thanks
Gene – Thanks for the question. I’d start Blackmon, love his matchup against the Vikings. Don’t like McGahee against the Steelers, Stewart may not play or will be limited with his ankle and Ryan Williams the second back going against an underrated Seahawks D. Good luck.
i also have dwyer. Standard league. thanks
My starting team is
Qb Mike Vick, Rb Ray Rice, Rb Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Roddy White, WR Percy Harvin TE Aaron Herndandez D/ST Texans K Hartley
i have a question about who i should start in my flex position. i hae to choose between rashad jennings, stevan ridley, and isaac redman. who do you think i should start week 1? thanks
Anthony – Thanks for the question. Glad I’m not in your league, you have a pretty sweet roster there. I’d go Ridley, Titans are below average on Run D. I have Jennings about 4 spots lower. Redman has struggled, I think Dwyer will see the most touches in Denver. Too much uncertainty on who gets the most carries though, which makes Ridley a safer play. Good luck.
Hello,
Happy Kickoff Day.
Everyone, including you, saying Peyton Manning is a legit SIT this week.
Should I really start Robert Griffin III over Peyton in Week 1?
Also, for my flex play(standard scoring): Donald Brown or Torrey Smith?
Thanks in advance!
Battlerags – Thanks for the question. Happy Kickoff Day to you as well, this should be a national holiday. I would start Smith, Brown plays a very tough Bears Run D this week. I have Brown as a poor flex, Smith as a WR2.
I don’t like Peyton this week, but I have RGIII a spot below Peyton ranked 20th. He’s a rookie on the road in the SuperDome, tough place to open up. To me that is a toss up. RGIII has more risk / upside. Peyton will at least put up some numbers, I’m just not expecting a huge week. RGIII could be lights out or horrific, hard to say with a rookie making his first start in that environment. Full disclosure, I’m not as big of a RGIII fan for this year as some other sites, I only had him ranked 16th for the season. I always recommend based on my rankings, so by a hair I’d go Manning. Good luck.
hey derek should i start dez and nicks tonight? i also have eli,my other qb is russell wilson, i loved his preseason.which one has the best matchup
Big D – Thanks for the question. I would start Dez and Nicks, both are active and ready to go. I would start Eli, he has owned the Cowboys over the last 3 seasons. Wilson is good, Eli is a must start regardless of opponent. Good luck.
Derek, would you start Dez Bryant, Jeremy Maclin or Brandon Lloyd as your second receiver???
I’m worried with Jason Witten out Dez Bryant will see lots of double coverage and Romo may be laying on his back a lot against the tough front four of the Giants D.
The Outlaws – I would start Bryant. Browns and Titans both have good secondaries that can cover receivers. Bryant has Miles on the other side, Romo throwing him the ball and Murray running the ball. He’ll have enough help that he can survive Witten being out. Good luck.
Hello Derek,
Having searched many similar sites…find yours to be the most direct and informative.
Having several teams, have a lot of gray areas
condensed : RB Murray / Charles/ Martin – start 2
* is there any scenario that you would start K Smith or
R Jennings over those three
WR Titus Young / Garcon / Torrey Smith start 3
Steve Decker
Thank You
Steve Decker
Mike – Thanks for the question. Thanks for picking our site, hope to see you here throughout the year. I’d start Murray and Martin. Falcons were 7th against fantasy backs last year, I think Charles is a mid RB2 this week, the others are RB1s. I love Kevin Smith this week, but only as a RB2. Jennings I have as a flex play. You are best going with Murray and Martin.
For your receivers, I’d sit Young. I like Young this week, so it isn’t a slam on him, but Garcon and Smith are their teams top receivers. Decker is kind of in a 1 and 1A situation. Young is the clear second option on his team. I think Young is going to have a breakout year and he has a good matchup with the Rams. I’d like to see how much the Lions plan to involve him in a real game before I start him over players that we know are going to be heavily involved in their team’s offensive plans. Good luck.
Hi Derek,
Love the site! Helped me to my first championship win last year and I greatly appreciate all the time/input you give us.
I have a question for non-ppr.
Need to start one of the following –
RB – Redman, J.Stew (not sure of his status yet) and I also have Dwyer. I have F.Jackson defintely starting. I’m guessing I should wait till Saturday and make a decision, but any help would be awesome!
Also – I have GB D/ST but I don’t like the matchup, I picked up San Diego hoping Carson throws some picks, but I’m wondering if maybe I should grab Buffalo D/ST who’s still available. What do you think?
Cheers!
Scott E.Boy – Thanks for the question. Glad you are back for another year, hopefully you can repeat this year. At the running back spot, I’d start Dwyer. I’m not buying what Tomlin is selling regarding Mendenhall, I think that is a smokescreen to give Denver something else to prepare for this week. Redman and Dwyer will split, think Dwyer is the better play. Stewart could be a good play, but I think he either sits or his plays are limited. I’ve bumped Williams up a couple spots and dropped Stewart down based on the ankle injury.
On defense, pick up the Bills immediately. Think they are an awesome play against a Jets offense that looks destined for small things this year. Good luck.
who should i start in my flex this week, my options.. willis mcgahee, dwayne bowe, torrey smith, reggie wayne
Alex Abuadas – Thanks for the question. Don’t like McGahee against the Steelers. I have Bowe 14th, Wayne 15th, and Smith 19th this week. All are good plays, I’d slightly lean toward Bowe against a questionable Falcons secondary. Good luck.
I could drop P Thomas and Blount and pick them both up?
Crusher – You could do that. Thomas is a good backup to have, if Sproles or Ingram is hurt, he would have some good value. Bloount is safe to drop with Ware down there now. I’d personally stay clear of Royster until you see what is going on in the Redskins backfield this week. Washington backs are very frustrating to own.
For week 1 who do u like better Pierre Thomas vs Skins ..
Or Beanie Wells vs Seattle?
On my bench I also have Evan Royster, but then again it’s a shannahan offense..
I also drafted very late Andre Caldwell, but looking to improve my depth by dropping him for either Eddie Royal, Randall Cobb, David Nelson or Sanu from Cincy– these aren’t really for this week but more do on upcoming matchups
TD Vulture – Thanks for the question. I like Wells better this week. Thomas is going to be the third back in his own offense, Wells will get the start. He will be stuck in a committee with Williams, but he is still a low RB2 to flex play.
For people to pick up, I’d go with either Nelson or Royal. Nelson is in his third year and is a sleeper to break out for a big season. I like how he played at times last year. Royal is going to be a WR3, but will be a deep target. In PPR leagues, I’d favor Nelson, in standard leagues or leagues that favor big plays, I’d go Royal.
Hi Derek,
Who is the better available player for the year? I will drop RB Blount.
Royster, Turbin or Martellus Bennett
my RBs are Trent Richardson, Fred Jackson, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Blount
my TEs are Witten and O Daniels
thanks
Crusher – Thanks for the question. Asking me to predict the Washington backfield is like asking me to explain a complex physics formula to you, lol. I read an article that Chris Cooley said the backs themselves didn’t know how much time they would see from game to game last year. I personally like Morris and Helu better than Royster, but that is the most unpredictable backfield in the league.
Turbin has value this week, because Lynch has back problems. If those persist, he is a sleeper, but Lynch needs to be hurt or ineffective before Turbin has value. I like Bennett as a TE2 with upside, although you don’t need 3 of them. I’m not that high on Daniels, you could always drop Daniels for Bennett and pick up Turbin or Royster for Blount. Turbin has a higher ceiling if Lynch stays healthy, Royster has value depending on Shanahan’s mood that Sunday.
Hey Derek,
Love the new site. Having a little trouble picking my team for week 1.
I need to start 2 of these 4: tony gonzalez, titus young, davone bess and kendall wright. Half point PPR, 14 team format.
Thoughts?
Arvind – Thanks for the question. I’d go with Young and Wright. Wright has added value playing the Patriots D with Britt suspended. Young also has a great matchup playing the Rams. He is close to Gonzalez, but I’d go Young over Gonzalez. Don’t like Bess that much playing with a rookie QB on the road against a tough Houston D. Good luck.
For this week which matchup do you prefer? Eli Manning vs Cowboys new look secondary & Demarcus ware & co. ….
Or, Joe Flacco vs Bengals Defense?
I know it’s a tougher matchup but I still like Eli- especially since its in NY , but even If G-men are down early I can see Manning throwing alot to get them back, what are your thoughts?
Thank you- Jake.
Jake the Snake – Thanks for the question. I love Eli Manning this week, Manning has thrown for 300 yards or more and at least two touchdowns in five of his last six games against Dallas. I know Dallas made some improvements in the secondary, but there are still questions there and Manning has a ton of weapons. The Bengals were 6th against fantasy quarterbacks, I think Manning is the better player with the easier matchup. Good luck.
Love the site! In a standard scoring format I am struggling to choose my week 1 flex player. Who would you recommend, Donald Brown or Torrey Smith? I really don’t like Brown’s matchup.
Murky – Thanks for the question, glad you like the website. I would go with Smith, although I do have him only 2 spots above Brown. Bengals are also a tough pass defense, Smith is still the better play. Good luck.
I am starting Philip Rivers qb.
Megatron wr.
wes welker wr.
Deshan Jackson flex
Rb. leaning towards
Willis Maghee and Beanie Wells
I have MJD but not sure of the amount of work with CJ Spiller on the bench and Ryan Williams (more toward the end of year play)
also I have Sebastian Janakowskie need to know if he is going to play or if I need to find a kicker for this weekend.
Thanks
Guy – Thanks for the question. Steve Corkran, for the Contra Costa Times/Bay Area News Group is reporting Sebastian Janikowski was excused from practice for a personal reason. Mr. Corkran is reporting he will kick in the opener, so you should be good there unless that becomes more later in the week. Between Wells and McGahee, I would go Wells. McGahee plays a very tough run defense. The Seahawks are tough too, but I like Wells a little better. Williams and Spiller are both for later in the season, for now Jackson and Wells should see more touches. Good luck.
(sry, i saw this forum last. mi malo.)
derek!
-corresponded alot w/ you last yr, you helped me out alot.
10 team lg, qb/rb/rb/wr/wr/wr/te/wrteflex/def/k
m.ryan/j.locker
r.mathews/r.bush/d.martin/p.thomas
b.marshall/j.maclin/r.meachem/d.bryant/j.jones(gb)
f.davis/k.rudolph
m.bryant
sfdef/gbdef
-few ?’s:
is picking up mendenhall for p.thomas dumb?
just got m.bryant for m.prater – toss up, right?
d.amendola/m.floyd(ari)/s.moss/m.sanu/j.ford – any of those worth dropping j.jones(gb)?
(like the new look, too)
Kinetic – Thanks for the question, glad you like the new look. I removed the other two comments you left that were duplicates and just left my answer and your question in Start / Sit. I like Prater a little better this year, kickers are always toss ups to me. Bryant is the better play this week, because he isn’t playing Pittsburgh and draws a KC Team that has their best pass rusher. Think Atlanta has an easier time moving the ball this week. I wouldn’t pick Mendenhall up yet. Not that it’s dumb, he just probably isn’t going to play for a few weeks. See if Dwyer or Redman runs away with that job. I’d like Thomas if the starters ahead of him are injured over Mendenhall if he earns a starting job. Jones is buried on the depth chart and would need a starter to suffer an injury to be fantasy viable. I personally would drop Ford, he is hurt again and is probably going to be behind Moore and DHB if he does comeback. He hasn’t shown he can stay healthy and is buried on a depth chart with an inferior QB to the one Jones plays with. Good luck.
Going with Rodgers, Amendola, A Brown, A J Green, Julio Jones (Flex), Gates, Buffalo D and Hartley.
RB’s- I own S Jax, Kevin Smith, BJGE, Donald Brown and Pierre Thomas. Gerhart, Royster and A Morris are available. Also, I currently have Titus Young and Stevie Johnson sitting this one out. 1pt/15 ret yds and 1/2 pt PPR I am leaning towards S Jax and Gerhart, DET likes to throw in the redzone which could limit Kevin Smith. Donald Brown is kind of flying under the radar. I am a 40 pt favorite in Week 1, but need RB help!!
Mike – Thanks for the question. I think it would be a mistake to sit Smith. The Rams were 28th against fantasy running backs last year and the Lions are at home. That is a great matchup for the Lions. I like him better than Gerhart, Jags had the 10th ranked fantasy back last year. Brown also has a tough game against the Bears.
I would also put Young in for Amendola, Amendola averages less than 10 yards per catch for his career. I know he has appeal in PPR leagues, but I think Young is also going to be a PPR monster and the Rams were 25th against fantasy receivers last year. I’m not a big fan of the Rams opening on the road and think Young is going to have a lot more yards than Amendola.
As for the players available, that Redskins backfield is a nightmare, because it could change 5 to 10 times this year. Morris is the one I like, but that could change weekly. You could go with him over Pierre Thomas, who is the third back on his team unless someone gets hurt. Good luck.
Hey Derek, I think I have my starting lineup down pat for week 1, but I want to know your thoughts on it. I had a lot of trouble with the FLEX spot, between Jennings, Hillis, and Decker, maybe even Reggie Wayne. This lineup is how I have it right now. Just my opinion. Not a PPR league*** THANKS!!!
QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, Flex, K, Def
QB: Philip Rivers
RB1: Steven Jackson
RB2: Jamaal Charles
WR1: Calvin Johnson
WR2: Dwayne Bowe
TE: Antonio Gates
Flex: Rashad Jennings
K: Steven Gostkowski
Def: Seattle Seahawks
Bench:
QB: Joe Flacco, Tim Tebow
RB: Peyton Hillis, Cedric Benson, Ryan Williams
WR: Eric Decker, Reggie Wayne
Gotta Catch Jamaal-Matt – Thanks for the question. This one is really close, I have Wayne as the 17th receiver and Jennings as the 24th back. I like Wayne better, even if it is not a PPR league. Bears secondary is not that strong and I think Luck is going to have to throw the ball a lot there. Jennings is a decent flex play this week too, there is just a little more uncertainty how he splits carries this week and whether MJD plays or handles just third downs or eats into carries. Wayne is going to be the top target for the Colts this week and with Luck there I think he can do well. Good luck.
What about Decker? Wayne over Decker? I’m going to put Wayne in for now though unless you give me some fantastic insight on Decks! Thanks so much again!
Gotta Catch Jamaal–Matt – I almost want to give some good argument for Decker just to see if I can convince you, lol. I have Wayne 8 spots higher than Decker this week, the Steelers have a great QB defense and I don’t think the Broncos offense is dominant Sunday Night. I’d go Wayne against a Bears secondary that has some issues. Good luck.
Hey before I ask my Q, here’s my roster:
QB- Eli Manning
Running Back- Frank Gore
Running Back- Benjarvus Green-Ellis
Flex(RB/WR)- Beanie Wells
WR- Denarious Moore
WR- Steve Smith
WR- Sidney Rice
TE- Gronkowski
Defense- Philly
Kicker- Mason Crosby
Bench:
Joe Flacco, James Jones, Andre Caldwell, Tony Gonzalez, Pierre Thomas, Brandon Jacobs..
Since the roster locks at Wednesdays kickoff should I risk starting Moore & Rice given that they are both either “probable” /”questionable” or would you recommend either placing Moore or Rice on the bench for week 1 & start James Jones , I know it’s not what is ideal to start Jones over Moore , but just didn’t want to risk a empty roster spot ..
Since my RB depth isn’t great, would you drop Andre Caldwell for Lions RB Mikel Leshoure, or Redskins RB Evan Royster?
was also looking into adding Donnie Avery & Eddie Royal too, what are your thoughts on those players?
Makin’It Wayne – Thanks ofr the question. This is always a problem when you have to lock early and you don’t want to risk an empty roster spot. Jones is a hit or miss player, could have no catches could have 100 yards, the Packers spread the ball all over the place and any of their players can make big plays. Rice I think plays, unless Pete Carrol is putting up a huge smokescreen he has been talking about Rice ready to go since the end of August. Moore is more iffy to me, so I think Jones would be the best bet of the players you have on the bench.
I think Caldwell is worth dropping. He is going to need some players in front of him to get hurt to have an impact. I think Royal is a sneaky sleeper this week playing against the Raiders weak secondary. He also is a sneaky sleeper for the season. You could drop Caldwell and play Royal over Moore this week, I like that move. I also like it better than picking up those backs. LeShoure is susspended, I still think Morris and Helu are the backs to own in Washington, but who knows with Shanahan. That is a nightmare that you probably don’t want to get involved in. I think you can wait to pick one of those guys up next week, get a receiver that may be able to help you this week while Moore is still recovering from injury. Good luck.
I appreciate you running a site like this. Here are my two questions for week 1…
I need 1 RB’s from the following: Michael Bush, Isaac Redman and Beanie Wells.
I need 2 WR’s out of these: Malcolm Floyd, Eric Decker, Reggie Wayne, Nate Washington and Kendall Wright.
Thanks a lot.
*Also, it’s PPR.
Etoyep – Thanks for the question. I always have fun helping people with their lineups, glad you like the site. I’d go Wells. I think Redman will be the second best back on his team this week, I like Dwyer’s upside more. Bush has a great matchup, but I think his role is going to be less behind Forte than what others think. Wells will be starting and I think he is your best option. At receiver, I would go with Floyd and Wayne. I like your other three guys too, so you have a bunch of compelling options. Floyd plays a 30th ranked Raiders fantasy receiver defense and Wayne goes against a Bears defense that has holes in the secondary. Decker plays a tough Pittsburgh D, Washington and Decker are playing with Britt suspended and it is tough to know which one shows up. I think there is more certainty in Floyd and Wayne leading the receivers on their teams in targets, which is even bigger in PPR leagues than standard ones. Good luck.
Hi Derek,
I am in a ppr league.
I need to start 2 of these receivers
Wes Welker, Maclin, and Miles Austin
I need to start 1 of these RBs
Trent Richardson, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas
Thanks
Crusher – Thanks for the question. I think you need to go Welker and Maclin. Austin has hamstring problems, I want to see him play a game before I rush him into the lineup. Welker is a PPR monster and Maclin plays a very tough pass defense from last year that won’t have Haden, so I like his chances better than if Haden were playing. At running back, I would go Bush. He should see a lot of targets out of the backfield and Richardson is a big question mark coming back from injury. Thomas will be the third back in his team’s rotation. Good luck.
Do You think Alshon Jeffery will be a good grab just to put on the bench for mid season or do u think he will be a bust if he gets a starting job and do you think he will get a starting job
David – With those three stud receivers you have, you won’t need Jeffery much unless he suffers an injury. Looking at their bye weeks, the Bears play the Jags in Week 5, Houston in Week 10, and San Francisco in Week 11. That isn’t exactly the most favorable schedule for your bye week. I think he has a lot of upside this year, although he is going to have a lot of competition for touches. I don’t see him being a bust, but I don’t see him having a Pro Bowl season either. Given how your bye weeks line up, I would look elsewhere.
Hey Derek,
Here is my line up
Rb-Steven Jackson, Willis Mcgahee, The Lawfirm, Stevan Ridley
Wr-Dez Bryant, Greg Jennings, Hakeem Nicks, Anquan Boldin
I Need 2 Rb 2 Wr and 1 flex and it is a PPR League
Also Qb- Vick, Andy Dalton, Matt Cassel
David – Thanks for the question. You have three must start receivers, so start Bryant, Jennings, and Nicks at your receiver and flex plays. I like Jackson against Detroit, he just sees too many touches to pass up. I think Ridley is a good bet against an average Titans Run D. Lawfirm and McGahee play too of the best run defenses in the league, so I would sit them. At QB, I would go with Vick. Good luck.
Can’t decide on who to start at my flex. My league starts 2 RBs, 2 WRs and a flex. I’d love to hear your thoughts on who my starters should be and who belongs on my bench for week 1.
RBs: Chris Johnson, Demarco Murray, Peyton Hillis, Rashad Jennings, David Wilson
WRs: AJ Green, Brandon Marshall, Torrey Smith, Malcolm Floyd, Darrius Heyward-Bay
Johnny – Thanks for the question. I think you have to start Johnson and Murray, they are stud backs and too good to have on your bench. Same goes for Green and Marshall. You have a dilemma at your flex. I have Floyd 18th and Smith 19th. Smith will have the better year, but the strength of the Bengals defense is stopping the pass and they are average at stopping running backs. I think Rice is a huge part of this game at the expense of the passing game. Floyd against that Raiders 30th ranked receiver defense from a year ago is too good to pass up. Good luck.
Hello Derek, Just curious what your thoughts were on who I should start this week. I’m mostly concerned at WR and FLEX. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated! We play with 1QB, 2RB, 2WR, 1TE, 1FLEX, 1 DEF
QB – Big Ben, Alex Smith, Jake Locker
WR – Marques Colston, Steve Smith (CAR), Nate Washington, Malcom Floyd,
RB – Chris Johnson, Ahmad Bradshaw, Reggie Bush
TE – Graham, Keller
K- Prater
DEF- Houston
Fantasy Lady – Thanks for the question. At QB, I would go with Locker. I have him and Smith ranked next to each other, they both have great matchups, but Locker is at home and Smith is on the road. I’d go with Locker at home. At tight end, Graham is a must start and at running back Johnson is a must start. I have Bradshaw 17th and Bush 18th, I would start one as your second running back and the other as your flex. That leaves two spots for receiver, I like Steve Smith against the Buccaneers secondary and I like Floyd going against the Oakland secondary. I have Colston 25th this week, but given your running backs and receiver matchups, I think he is the odd one out. Good luck.
Hey Derek, Thanks for your answers, you are awesome! I am locked on Malcolm Floyd, stating for sure.
I am somewhat concerned about Steve Smith’s foot issues and wether he’ll be a good play tomorrow or if I should start Nate Washington to take advantage of Kenny Britt being gone. The Pats have terrible pass defensive, so this is intriguing, but it is hard to pull the trigger and bench a guy like Steve Smith. Just wondering what your thoughts are on this?
Fantasy Lady – Thanks, hopefully you feel the same way Monday morning, lol. The reports I am reading are that Smith was a full participant in his third straight practice Friday. He is listed as probable and all indications are that he will play. Injury reports are funny things, sometimes probable players end up sitting and doubtful players like Jason Witten somehow manage to play. If he practiced three straight days and was a full participant, that sounds like someone that is going to play. Washington is a good player with a terrific matchup, but Smith is a better player going against a Buccaneers secondary that was just 18th against fantasy receivers. I’d be inclined to take the small risk and go with Smith. Good luck.
Hi i just want your opinion on who to start week 1. P.Manning, J.Flacco, or R.Wilson.
Paul – Thanks for the question. This is a tough one, because they all have tough match ups. Manning goes up against the top ranked fantasy QB defense from last year, Flacco draws the 6th ranked one, and Wilson draws the 13th ranked one. Manning is my highest ranked one at 19th this week. I now that some experts have been raving that the Ravens are going to open their offense up this year, I want to see that first and Wilson is still a rookie starting on the road against a good pass defense. The Cardinals will struggle this year, but not because of their pass defense. I’d go with Manning and hope for the best. Good luck.
I have to choose between Cutler & Matt Ryan @ QB and Willis McGahee & Frank Gore at RB. Any help would be great.
Whitney – Thanks for the question. I have Ryan 7th and Cutler 8th this week. I think they are both excellent plays, but i would lean toward Ryan. At running back, I have Gore 26th and McGahee 36th. The Steelers were 4th against fantasy backs last year, I am not expecting the Broncos to do much in the run department. Good luck.
Derek,
I have J Charles and AP as my RBs this year. Going to sit AP for the first week and was wondering who, out of D Brown, CJ Spiller and T Gerhart, you thought was the best play.
Best,
Josh H
Josh – Thanks for the question. This is the drawback to taking Peterson, because you aren’t going to play him early in the season until you see he is getting enough touches. I would sit AP as well this week, I think he is going to see very little action this week. Neither back has an ideal situation this week. Brown starts against a Bears team that was 6th against fantasy RBs last year and for now it looks like Urlacher could play. Gerhart goes against the 10th ranked fantasy running back defense from last year. Spiller plays the Jets 16th ranked fantasy RB defense, but Fred Jackson will start. Spiller will have more value later in the year, but not early. If it were me, I’d go with Gerhart. I think he sees the most touches this week and has the chance to get the most points.
Hi there. great site!
I see you have both Manning and Pettigrew in your sit list. With that, Pettigrew or Tamme for a TE start this week?
thanks
Paul Hieronymus – Thanks for the question. I have Tamme 14th this week and Pettigrew 15th, so it is about a draw. The Rams had the top tight end defense in the NFL last year. While I’m not sure if that will remain the same with a new coaching staff and new players, they were about 1.5 better than the second best team, which was Baltimore. I tend to go off last years rankings to start the next season, unless there were major changes to the team. I’d go with Tamme this week. Good luck.
Given the Jags poor history vs TE’s, would you start Rudolph over Greg Olsen in week 1?
Steve – Thanks for the question. They are both good plays this week. While the Jags were a bad TE defense last year (29th), the Buccaneers were only 19th against tight ends. I think Olson is going to be more involved in the offense this year than he was last year with Shockey gone. I have Olson ranked 7th this week among tight ends and Rudolph 9th. I would go with Olson. Good luck.
Hey Derek – Finally, the season is here! Thanks for your help last year and looking forward to it again this year.
Who do you suggest I start at my Flex position – Toby Gerhart vs JAC, Heyward-Bey vs SD, or Denarius Moore vs SD (he fell to me in round 13)
I also got Witten (round 8 steal) and picked up Rudolph to cover until Witten is ready. If Witten is a go @ NYG do I go with him (is he really healthy) or stay with Rudolph vs JAC?
Al – Thanks for the question. I’d start Rudolph, the Jags were a terrible tight end defense last year, I like that matchup. I don’t think Witten will play, they can give him 11 days extra rest and play him in Week 2. As for your flex, it is very close. I have Moore as the 28th ranked receiver and Gerhart as the 29th ranked back. I’d lean toward Gerhart, because he is going to see a ton of touches and we still don’t know for sure which Raider receiver will emerge. Moore has more upside, Gerhart is the safer play. Good luck.
Great to be back and looking forward to your help this season. The starters I’m planning on are in CAPS. We have a min. 1 RB & WR, to make a total of 4.
QB-VICK,Schaub
RB-MCFADDEN,T.Richardson,RJennings,DBrown,CBenson,BTate
WR-C.JOHNSON,D.BRYANT,ANT.BROWN
TE-GRAHAM
K-BAILEY
D-PITT
Thanks & have a great year!
Gary – Thanks for the question. I’d go with Vick at QB. For your backs / receivers, I like McFadden, Johnson and Bryant. I have Brown as my 21st ranked receiver and Jennings as my 24th ranked back. I may lower Jennings, depending on if the Jags announce how much MJD will play. I think you are right to go with Brown. Good luck.
Thanks. If you don’t mind I have one more question. I have the PIT Defense @ Den.,or I can pick up SEA D @ Ari. SEA can also fill in wk4 @ STL when PIT has a bye week. Any thoughts?
Gary – I’m usually not a big fan of carrying two defenses unless you absolutely have to do that. That said, Seattle and Pittsburgh line up pretty good the first part of the season. You could play the Hawks against the Cards this week, Steelers against the Jets and Raiders the next two weeks, and Seattle against the Rams the following week. If you have the roster space to carry two defenses, that move would make sense.
Derek, how crazy was I to make this trade near the end of my 8 team draft. In the 14th round I ended up trading RB’s Michael Turner (5th round) and Peyton Hillis (7th round) for Darren McFadden (2nd round)and settled for an extra 16th round pick and chose WR Randall Cobb (I have Aaron Rodgers)
My RB’s are now: Chris Johnson/Darren McFadden/DeAngelo Williams/MJD/Cedric Benson/Rashad Jennings….
Wr’s: Brandon Marshall/Dez Bryant/Jeremy Maclin/Brandon Lloyd/Vincent Jackson/Randall Cobb.
TE-Jimmy Graham /K-Rob Bironas /D-Detroit
Which of these two RB’s to start?
Chris Johnson, Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams, Rasheed Jennings, Cedric Benson.
Near the end of our 8 team draft I traded Michael Turner (5th round) and Peyton Hillis (6th round) to another team for his 2nd round pick McFadden and an extra 16th round pick (WR-Randall Cobb) Have Aaron Rodgers at QB.
The Outlaw – Thanks for the question. I’d go with Johnson and McFadden. Williams is a great play this week, but you can’t start him over Johnson and McFadden. As for the trade, I love it. You gave up an over the hill running back and a backup running back for a guy that could be a Top 10 back if he stays healthy. Good luck.
Im back and so are my questions… i got a draft sunday and got the 3rd pick.. im sure Foster and Rodgers wil go 1 and 2… who should i be taking a look at for the 3rd pick? right now im leaning toward Mccoy.. your advise?
I’d take Rice over McCoy but that’s just my humble opinion…
Big Frank – Thanks for the question, my bad for not getting to this sooner. I didn’t see it was a question about a draft and thought I had plenty of time to get back to you. I’ve been working on my rankings all day and been busy with the holiday. I’d go with McCoy he is my second ranked fantasy back this year. Good luck.
Hey I need a lil help on who to start this week, heres my line up.
qb: Rivers, and Schaub
Rb: Ray Rice, MJD, Rashad Jennings, Jamaal Charles, Doug Martin and Roy Helu
wr: Steve Johnson, Brandon Lloyd and Torrey Smith.
Im all set at K, Te, and Def. Thanks
Jordang5 – Thanks for the question. I’d go with Rivers, I think he is going to have a huge game against the Raiders. At RB, you didn’t specify how many you needed, so I am assuming two. The two I would go with are Rice and Martin. If you need a third, I’d go Charles. At receiver, I’d sit Johnson going against Revis Island. Like Smith the best and Lloyd after him. Good luck.
Hello nice to be back… Question who to start rashad Jennings or peyton hillis as rb2 also at flex Torrey smith or Antonio brown or either rb named above as flex as well???
Qb:payton,rb rice,Ryan matthews,hillis,Jennings,w.o. Julio j, aj green,Torrey smith,Antonio brown etc,te Brent celek def Seattle
Pedro – Thanks for the question. I’d start Jennings, MJD isn’t going to see much time in the opener and the Falcons were 7th against fantasy running backs last year. I’d go with Smith at your flex, although I have him ranked 19th and Brown 21st, so they are very close. Like Smith just a little more. Good luck.
I have a quick IDP question- I need to pick one player for the DP position on my roster – just dropped Patrick Chung. Right now I’m browsing the DP players available & there’s still quality players; here’s a few I’m looking at: Saftey Kam Chancellor, Mario Williams, Saftey Tyvon Branch, Von Miller , Eric Weddle, Luke Kuechly, Or lastly Kyle Arrington. I’m leaning towards either Chancellor, Miller or Mario Williams, although I think Arrington could be intriguing because the pats play sub-par QBs to start the season.
What are your thoughts on those players?
Thanks & keep up the excellent work!
- BOB
IDP Bob – Thanks for the question. There are some good options there. Miller had 64 tackles, 2 FF, and 11.5 sacks as a rookie last year and nobody heard about him, because of Tebow. He could be poised for a very big year. Chancellor was the a Top 5 safety last year, and he has a great opponent in Arizona to open the season. I also think Kuechly could be a good IDP player, he could be poised for a ton of tackles. He opens against a desirable Tampa Bay offense in Week 1.
In IDP leagues, I tend to like middle linebackers and run supporting safeties over players that rely on interceptions and sacks, because those tackles give them a lot of points, and they can also force fumbles and see some interceptions. There are a lot of ways for players like that to tally points. I think Chancellor could be poised for a big year, Seattle is a defense on the rise and he supports the run well (97 tackles) and had 4 ints & 3 FF. Given that his opponent is Arizona in Week 1 and he plays in a QB challenged NFC West; I think he could be a star in Week 1 and has good value for the season. Good luck.
Derek, here is my lineup and I’ve got questions all over.
1/2PPR – 1QB, 2RB, 2WR, 1TE, 1FLEX (RB,WR,TE)
QB – A. Rodgers, A. Smith
WR – Demaryius Thomas, Victor Cruz, Stevie Johnson, Laurent Robinson, Steve Smith (STL)
RB – Fred Jackson, Shonn Green, Kevin Smith, Jonathon Dwyer, Kendall Hunter
TE – Jimmy Graham, Jason Witten
DTS – Thanks for the question. Lets start with the easy ones, Rodgers and Graham should be starting. At receiver Cruz is also a must start. The other receiver I would go with is Thomas. I know I said Manning is a player to sit, but I think Thomas is such a big target and big part of their offense. Johnson plays Revis, and Robinson and Smith are such a drop in talent, that Thomas is a must start.
Now for the backs and the flex. I like Kevin Smith against a Rams defense that cannot stop the run. I would also start Fred Jackson. The Jets have a reputation of being a tough run defense, but they were only 16th against fantasy running back defenses last year and have become old in the middle. I think Jackson can have a solid game.
That leaves the flex. There are two ways I think you could go. Witten is an interesting choice there if he is healthy. The Giants were just 28th against tight ends and Witten can put up receiver like numbers when healthy. He has to be healthy and able to play at full strength, but you could go in that direction. If he can’t I’d go with Dwyer, the Broncos were just 15th against fantasy backs last year. I’m utterly unimpressed with the Jets O and the Bills have an improved D. I think Greene has a pretty average game. Johnson is on the Revis Island, Robinson and Smith need to show me more before I’d start them and Hunter isn’t likely to see many touches. I think Witten and Dwyer are your two best flex options. Good luck.
Hello Derek, here is my lineup and where I am most concerned are the QB and WR positions but would like a suggestion on all if possible. 1QB, 2RB, 2WR, 1TE, 1FLEX, 1 DEF
QB – Schaub, Ryan
WR – Greg Jennings, Malcom Floyd, Dez Bryant, Dwayne Bowe, Steve Smith (CAR)
RB – Foster, Forte, Gore, Redman
TE – Vernon Davis, Fred Davis
DEF – Houston, Pittsburgh
Deftone Junkie – Thanks for the question. I think you have to start Ryan; Schaub is going to be in a very run oriented offense this year. At your backs, I think Foster and Forte are must starts, so I would go there. At receiver, I like Jennings and Bryant. For your flex, Gore and Redman are in committees, and I’m not even sure Redman is going to see more touches than Dwyer at this point. That makes Steve Smith an excellent flex option against the Buccaneer secondary. Vernon Davis plays a rebuilt Packer defense that was terrible against the tight end, so go with him. I like the Houston Defense at home against an inept Miami offense over Pittsburgh playing Peyton Manning in Denver. Good luck.
Hello Derek, here we go for the first week in my money league PPR.
1 QB: Luck or Cutler?
2 RB: Charles-S. Jackson-Wells-Spiller
2 WR: AJ Green-Wayne-Torrey Smith-Denarius Moore
1 FLEX out of those RBs & WRs above
1 TE:Bennett-Kellen Davis
1K: Hanson-Graham
1 DST: Bears-Chargers
Thanks.
Dr X – Thanks for the question. I think I’d go Cutler, if Urlacher doesn’t play along with some of their other injured players I may change that later on. I think Cutler is poised for a big year and should do good at home. Charles and Green are must starts. I think Jackson has a tough match up against Detroit, but when healthy he is tough to sit. That leaves one more for the flex, I would go with Torrey Smith. I think he is poised for a big year and the Ravens play well at home. I want to see which Raiders receiver emerges before I start one, Wells plays the tough Seattle D and Spiller will have more value later in the season. Jets still have a good D.
At tight end, like Bennett and his matchup against Dallas’s awful TE D. At K, like Hanson playing the Rams poor D. On D, I like the Chargers. Colts will move the ball a little and I don’t expect Luck to be a turnover machine. Palmer has been very generous with the ball since joining the Raiders, I think the Chargers D could force some turnovers and sacks in Oakland, even if they give up a fair amount of points. Could change my mind on that one next week if Urlacher is going to play and depending on how the injury reports shake out. They are close. Good luck.
So Wayne and Green for my 2 receivers then?
Yes, my bad. Wayne as your other receiver.
Thanks Dere,
, also last season – I was able to get an email notification when the question was answered, so far im not able to & I am still entering my email like I did last season
We’ll work on that. The website has a new look, but unfortunately it has also created some bugs. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Hey Derek, just had my draft last night-
here are my projected starters I’m going with:
QB- Big Ben
RB- Chris Johnson
RB2- Demarco Murray
RB/WR Flex- Willis McGahee
WR- AJ Green
WR2- Brandon Lloyd
WR3- Malcom Floyd
TE- Aaron Hernandez
Defense/Sp. Teams- Bears
Kicker- Dan Bailey
Now here’s the Bench:
QB- Jay Cutler
RB- Ryan Williams
RB- Isaiah Pead
RB- Philip Tanner (handcuff to Murray)
WR- Rueben Randle
WR- Leonard Hankerson
TE- Kyle Rudolph
Now after seeing the roster what are your thoughts? For week 1 I may switch Big Ben & Cutler – Cutler faces Indy, also is Tanner the handcuff to own for Murray or should I drop him or Pead for Chris Johnson’s handcuff (Harper or Ringer)
Thanks – you had great info / insight last season!
J, thanks for the question. Glad to see you back at the site for another year of fantasy football. For now Tanner appears to be the handcuff to own. I still think Felix Jones will have the better season between the two, but he doesn’t seem to be in great shape right now and that could open the door for Tanner. That is difficult to predict right now.
I don’t think you need CJ2K’s handcuff right now. The Titans are implementing some Run & Shoot sets and I think they are going to try to spread the ball more and pass. CJ2k will still see a lot of touches, I think the other guys are weak options, unless Johnson were to suffer an injury that caused him to miss some games. Pead has also had a slow camp, but he has progressed and Jackson has a better chance of breaking down than Johnson. You are probably best keeping Pead and Tanner, hoping that you don’t have to use Tanner, and if Murray suffers an injury inserting Tanner into your running back rotation. It isn’t like Felix Jones will see 25 carries and Tanner 2 carries if Murray is injured. There would be a chance for both to be viable fantasy options.
I would play Cutler opening week. Denver has a tough defense and Pittsburgh has the Wallace holdout, line issues, and running back issues. Cutler has had more stability on his team and should be a good option at home against Indy. I like the rest of your starting lineup. Good luck.