Each year fantasy football is one of the biggest money-making industries in the world. Many so-called experts try to predict line-ups for the common player as well. Here at Rat Pack Sports, we are entering our third season of presenting our starts and sits. We do not give you players like David Johnson, Tom Brady, and Odell Beckham Jr. Those names are automatic if you have them on your roster. We are here to give you the less common starters. Names you might not think of. Therefore, without further ado here are your Starts and Sits for Week One of the NFL Season.
Starts
QB
Ryan Tannehill – Miami Dolphins
Tannehill has a solid early season matchup against the Tennessee Titans. This game should begin to solidify the Comeback Player of the Year status for Tannehill. Many rosters probably drafted him for a one-week backup QB. You could soon be playing him every week.
RB
Royce Freeman – Denver Broncos
Yes, I know that Devontae Booker is the supposed starter for the Broncos. However, Freeman will soon take over that job. This kid has shown all throughout the preseason that he is more than capable of being the full-time back. His matchup against the Seattle Seahawks is favorable. Thus, If he still available in your league I would grab and stash.
WR
Paul Richardson – Washington Redskins
The Skins brought Richardson in to be the new DeSean Jackson. The coverage should be on Jordan Reed and Josh Doctson, which would allow Richardson to get a chance at some deep balls. Opposite of Patrick Peterson, the Arizona Cardinals are not very strong. Look for the Redskins to exploit that.
TE
David Njoku – Cleveland Browns
Everyone is sleeping on the Browns. Well everyone but a few of us here at the Rat Pack. Njoku has a solid matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have not been the same at LB since losing Ryan Shazier. That makes Njoku a solid play in week one.
K
Dan Bailey – New York Jets
Bailey was a cut from the Dallas Cowboys. We knew he would not be out of work long. Bailey makes a good play with rookie QB Sam Darnold under center for the Jets. They may move the ball. However, we could see some drives stall because of the rookie.
Defense
Carolina Panthers
Panthers have a very friendly matchup in week one against the Dallas Cowboys. Aside from Ezekiel Elliott, that offense may be pretty stale. If the Cowboys offensive line is not stable, the front seven of the Panthers could have some fun.
Now the players to avoid in week one.
Sits
QB
Eli Manning – New York Giants
This is a bad week to play the Last Manning Standing. While the team may have made improvements across the front line, the matchup is not the greatest. They face the second best defense from 2017, the Jacksonville Jaguars. This team could be better in 2018.
RB
Marshawn Lynch – Oakland Raiders
I would stay away from playing Lynch in week one. A matchup against one of the best teams, not just defense, in the league is on tap. In addition, the Oakland Raiders are not strong on the outside aside from Amari Cooper. Defenses are going to make the Raiders win through the air.
WR
Nelson Agholor – Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are going to struggle until Carson Wentz returns. Super Bowl MVP, Nick Foles has not been the same as he was last season. He has presented many struggles in the preseason. This makes me leery of playing any Eagles receivers.
TE
Jordan Reed – Washington Redskins
Reed is coming off toe surgery in the offseason. Hopefully, this will keep him around all 16 games this season. However, I would stay away from him in week one. He must prove himself to crack the lineup.
K
Steven Hauschka – Buffalo Bills
I do not see the Bills scoring many points in this game. They are starting Nathan Peterman. Now, maybe he has made some improvements since last year. However, he was a turnover machine. Therefore I would stay away from Hauschka.
Defense
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Their star draft pick may not play. They are playing one of the best offenses in the NFL, New Orleans Saints. Even without Mark Ingram, the Saints are deadly. This could be a big game for Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, and the rest of the Saints offense.
So, there you have it. Week one in the NFL. Remember fantasy season are not one and lost in the first week.
Be sure to follow Sean for all of your fantasy news on Twitter @RatPackFFGuru. You can also email your fantasy questions to ratpackfantasyguru@gmail.com.
