Fantasy Football Week 1: Matt Camp's Week 1 Big Board

Matt CampSep 7, 2016

Your excitement over the start of another fantasy football season is probably at its peak. I bet you were excited enough to set your Week 1 lineup two weeks ago. Make sure you revisit that later this week. We still have a full set of practices and the first new injury report of the season to deal with in a few days.

If you haven't heard, the NFL changed the rules for injury designations, which means the "probable" category no longer exists. So if a player's game status is at all up in the air, the best he can be listed as is "questionable," which could be a nightmare for lineup decisions. It provides yet another reason to wait on any lineup questions and decisions until the end of the week.

Other than Week 17, the rankings for Week 1 are the hardest to put together since we don't have a lot to base them on. Preseason numbers mean little, and any reference to last year's stats has to account for changes to personnel and coaching staffs.

If matchups are favorable or harmful to a player's fantasy value, I've pointed them out along the way. Based on the matchups, you'll see players highlighted as better than usual, concerns, avoids and sleepers.

This is the first look at my points-per-reception (PPR) rankings for the week. These will change throughout the week and up to Sunday's action as we get more information about injuries and game plans, so make sure to bookmark this page. For those playing in non-PPR formats, you can find those rankings here.

Top 100: Looking Up

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Amari Cooper and the Raiders should get off to a hot start in New Orleans.

I present my top 100 players (minus quarterbacks) for the week as a way to help determine your flex spots. You may favor a certain position or player over another based on his role and/or your scoring rules.

As an additional tiebreaker, here are the teams I like as a whole this week based on their matchups:

Oakland Raiders (at New Orleans Saints)
Green Bay Packers (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
Seattle Seahawks (vs. Miami Dolphins)
Detroit Lions (at Indianapolis Colts)

#	Player (team)	Matchup	Pos	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Julio Jones (ATL)	vs. TB	WR1	1	0
2	Antonio Brown (PIT)	at WAS	WR2	2	0
3	Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)	at DAL	WR3	3	0
4	Todd Gurley (LA)	at SF	RB1	5	+1
5	Lamar Miller (HOU)	vs. CHI	RB2	7	+2
6	DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)	vs. CHI	WR4	4	-2
7	David Johnson (ARI)	vs. NE	RB3	6	-1
8	Allen Robinson (JAC)	vs. GB	WR5	8	0
9	Brandin Cooks (NO)	vs. OAK	WR6	21	+12
10	Amari Cooper (OAK)	at NO	WR7	10	0
11	LeSean McCoy (BUF)	at BAL	RB4	26	+15
12	Sammy Watkins (BUF)	at BAL	WR8	20	+8
13	Dez Bryant (DAL)	vs. NYG	WR9	14	+1
14	Eddie Lacy (GB)	at JAC	RB5	28	+14
15	Brandon Marshall (NYJ)	vs. CIN	WR10	13	-2
16	T.Y. Hilton (IND)	vs. DET	WR11	25	+9
17	Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)	vs. NYG	RB6	12	-5
18	Adrian Peterson (MIN)	at TEN	RB7	9	-9
19	Mark Ingram (NO)	vs. OAK	RB8	19	0
20	Golden Tate (DET)	at IND	WR12	27	+7
21	DeAngelo Williams (PIT)	at WAS	RB9	29	+8
22	C.J. Anderson (DEN)	vs. CAR	RB10	45	+23
23	Doug Martin (TB)	at ATL	RB11	30	+7
24	Mike Evans (TB)	at ATL	WR13	11	-13
25	Latavius Murray (OAK)	at NO	RB12	32	+7
26	Spencer Ware (KC)	vs. SD	RB13	53	+27
27	Keenan Allen (SD)	at KC	WR14	18	-9
28	Randall Cobb (GB)	at JAC	WR15	31	+3
29	Alshon Jeffery (CHI)	at HOU	WR16	22	-7
30	Rob Gronkowski (NE)	at ARI	TE1	17	-13
31	Devonta Freeman (ATL)	vs. TB	RB14	16	-15
32	Jeremy Maclin (KC)	vs. SD	WR17	35	+3
33	Jordy Nelson (GB)	at JAC	WR18	23	-10
34	A.J. Green (CIN)	at NYJ	WR19	15	-19
35	Doug Baldwin (SEA)	vs. MIA	WR20	38	+3
36	Jordan Reed (WAS)	vs. PIT	TE2	24	-12
37	Marvin Jones (DET)	at IND	WR21	40	+3
38	Demaryius Thomas (DEN)	vs. CAR	WR22	33	-5
39	Matt Forte (NYJ)	vs. CIN	RB15	52	+13
40	Ryan Mathews (PHI)	vs. CLE	RB16	48	+8
41	Rashad Jennings (NYG)	at DAL	RB17	65	+24
42	Donte Moncrief (IND)	vs. DET	WR23	36	-6
43	Julian Edelman (NE)	at ARI	WR24	42	-1
44	Michael Crabtree (OAK)	at NO	WR25	44	0
45	Tavon Austin (LA)	at SF	WR26	72	+27
46	Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)	vs. NE	WR27	49	+3
47	Eric Decker (NYJ)	vs. CIN	WR28	41	-6
48	Tyler Lockett (SEA)	vs. MIA	WR29	54	+6
49	Willie Snead (NO)	vs. OAK	WR30	67	+18
50	Travis Kelce (KC)	vs. SD	TE3	37	-13
51	Michael Floyd (ARI)	vs. NE	WR31	46	-5
52	Jarvis Landry (MIA)	at SEA	WR32	34	-18
53	Thomas Rawls (SEA)	vs. MIA	RB18	81	+28
54	DeSean Jackson (WAS)	vs. PIT	WR33	56	+2
55	Jeremy Hill (CIN)	at NYJ	RB19	88	+33
56	Delanie Walker (TEN)	vs. MIN	TE4	43	-13
57	Greg Olsen (CAR)	at DEN	TE5	39	-18
58	Stefon Diggs (MIN)	at TEN	WR34	68	+10
59	Tajae Sharpe (TEN)	vs. MIN	WR35	85	+26
60	Zach Ertz (PHI)	vs. CLE	TE6	55	-5
61	Kamar Aiken (BAL)	vs. BUF	WR36	80	+19
62	Ameer Abdullah (DET)	at IND	RB20	75	+13
63	Frank Gore (IND)	vs. DET	RB21	63	0
64	Rishard Matthews (TEN)	vs. MIN	WR37	104	+40
65	DeMarco Murray (TEN)	vs. MIN	RB22	58	-7
66	Carlos Hyde (SF)	vs. LA	RB23	51	-15
67	Christine Michael (SEA)	vs. MIA	RB24	105	+38
68	Allen Hurns (JAC)	vs. GB	WR38	60	-8
69	Matt Jones (WAS)	vs. PIT	RB25	87	+18
70	Duke Johnson (CLE)	at PHI	RB26	59	-11
71	Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)	vs. CAR	WR39	62	-9
72	Mike Wallace (BAL)	vs. BUF	WR40	96	+24
73	Chris Ivory (JAC)	vs. GB	RB27	107	+34
74	Gary Barnidge (CLE)	at PHI	TE7	57	-17
75	Jordan Matthews (PHI)	vs. CLE	WR41	47	-28
76	Jeremy Langford (CHI)	at HOU	RB28	66	-10
77	Sterling Shepard (NYG)	at DAL	WR42	78	+1
78	John Brown (ARI)	vs. NE	WR43	74	-4
79	Charles Sims (TB)	at ATL	RB29	92	+13
80	James White (NE)	at ARI	RB30	91	+11
81	Vincent Jackson (TB)	at ATL	WR44	83	+2
82	Markus Wheaton (PIT)	at WAS	WR45	94	+12
83	Arian Foster (MIA)	at SEA	RB31	82	-1
84	Coby Fleener (NO)	vs. OAK	TE8	50	-34
85	Julius Thomas (JAC)	vs. GB	TE9	64	-21
86	Isaiah Crowell (CLE)	at PHI	RB32	116	+30
87	Pierre Garcon (WAS)	vs. PIT	WR46	118	+31
88	Danny Woodhead (SD)	at KC	RB33	61	-27
89	Martellus Bennett (NE)	at ARI	TE10	98	+9
90	Jared Cook (GB)	at JAC	TE11	103	+13
91	Jonathan Stewart (CAR)	at DEN	RB34	84	-7
92	Robert Woods (BUF)	at BAL	WR47	149	+57
93	Mohamed Sanu (ATL)	vs. TB	WR48	100	+7
94	Dwayne Allen (IND)	vs. DET	TE12	73	-21
95	Derrick Henry (TEN)	vs. MIN	RB35	119	+24
96	Darren Sproles (PHI)	vs. CLE	RB36	108	+12
97	Antonio Gates (SD)	at KC	TE13	77	-20
98	T.J. Yeldon (JAC)	vs. GB	RB37	97	-1
99	Clive Walford (OAK)	at NO	TE14	101	+2
100	Jason Witten (DAL)	vs. NYG	TE15	76	-24

Quarterbacks: Say Cheese

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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

It shouldn't take long for Aaron Rodgers to make last season a distant memory.

Better than Usual

Derek Carr, Oak (at NO)

Even though the Raiders hit the road in the opener, they draw a favorable matchup in the New Orleans Saints. No team allowed more fantasy points to quarterbacks last season, and Carr looks primed to build on last year's breakout performance with a strong receiving corps.

Week 1 Projection: 255-260 passing yards, 2-3 passing touchdowns

Matthew Stafford, DET (at IND)

If you believe in Stafford like do, then you know the fantasy gods are setting him up to start the season the way he finished last year's: on a high note. He'll face the Indianapolis Colts and shouldn't be afraid of their defense. It's not good to begin with, but it will be especially vulnerable without top cornerback Vontae Davis (ankle). This could be a high-scoring affair.

Week 1 Projection: 260-265 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns

Concerns

Cam Newton, CAR (at DEN)

Seven months ago, the Broncos battered Newton in the Super Bowl in one of his worst performances of the season. He completed just 18 of 41 attempts for 265 yards and an interception along with six sacks and two lost fumbles. Heading to Denver on Thursday night is a brutal way to start the season, and against such a great defense, we must lower expectations for the reigning MVP.

Week 1 Projection: 225-230 passing yards, 1-2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 20 rushing yards

Avoid

Marcus Mariota, TEN (vs. MIN)

The Titans had an impressive preseason, but reality will hit them in a hurry Sunday when the Vikings come to Nashville. As much as I like rookie wide receiver Tajae Sharpe, he's on top of the team's receiving corps with tight end Delanie Walker and wide receiver Rishard Matthews in front of veteran wideouts Harry Douglas and Andre Johnson. Mariota will have his hands full with head coach Mike Zimmer's talented defense.

Week 1 Projection: 234 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 1 interception, 16 rushing yards

Sleepers

Dak Prescott, DAL (vs. NYG)

I doubt many need a hard push to play Prescott after how good he looked throughout August, so this may be more of reinforcement. If you're streaming QBs this week, Prescott has to be near the top of the list since he has added value over other options because of his legs. The Giants were a bottom-three defense against fantasy QBs last season but did add some pieces in the offseason in an effort to revamp.

Prescott can lean on wide receiver Dez Bryant and tight end Jason Witten in the passing game. The Giants should focus on stopping running back Ezekiel Elliott, which could open up some running lanes for Prescott if he runs read option. With such a small sample size working in his favor, Prescott could take the Giants by surprise.

Week 1 Projection: 225-230 passing yards, 1-2 passing touchdowns, 20 rushing yards

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Aaron Rodgers (GB)	at JAC	1	0
2	Drew Brees (NO)	vs. OAK	4	+2
3	Derek Carr (OAK)	at NO	5	+2
4	Russell Wilson (SEA)	vs. MIA	2	-2
5	Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)	at WAS	6	+1
6	Andrew Luck (IND)	vs. DET	3	-3
7	Carson Palmer (ARI)	vs. NE	11	+4
8	Matthew Stafford (DET)	at IND	9	+1
9	Cam Newton (CAR)	at DEN	7	-2
10	Eli Manning (NYG)	at DAL	8	-2
11	Blake Bortles (JAC)	vs. GB	10	-1
12	Kirk Cousins (WAS)	vs. PIT	12	0
13	Tyrod Taylor (BUF)	at BAL	13	0
14	Jameis Winston (TB)	at ATL	14	0
15	Dak Prescott (DAL)	vs. NYG	17	+2
16	Andy Dalton (CIN)	at NYJ	21	+5
17	Alex Smith (KC)	vs. SD	22	+5
18	Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ)	vs. CIN	23	+5
19	Joe Flacco (BAL)	vs. BUF	24	+5
20	Philip Rivers (SD)	at KC	16	-4
21	Matt Ryan (ATL)	vs. TB	15	-6
22	Brock Osweiler (HOU)	vs. CHI	20	-2
23	Marcus Mariota (TEN)	vs. MIN	18	-5
24	Jay Cutler (CHI)	at HOU	26	+2
25	Ryan Tannehill (MIA)	at SEA	29	+4
26	Jimmy Garoppolo (NE)	at ARI	25	-1
27	Carson Wentz (PHI)	vs. CLE	27	0
28	Robert Griffin (CLE)	at PHI	19	-9
29	Sam Bradford (MIN)	at TEN	30	+1
30	Case Keenum (LA)	at SF	32	+2
31	Trevor Siemian (DEN)	vs. CAR	31	0
32	Blaine Gabbert (SF)	vs. LA	28	-4

Running Backs: Get Busy

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Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Lamar Miller won't have to call for the ball very often in Houston.

Better than Usual

Ryan Mathews, PHI (vs. CLE)

If you're looking at using Mathews strictly based on the favorable matchup against the Browns, he's worth playing. What really boosts his fantasy value is the potential for volume. The Eagles decided to make rookie QB Carson Wentz their starter in a bit of a surprise move.

Considering Wentz missed all but one preseason game with a rib injury, the Eagles will likely look to Mathews to carry their offense and keep things simple for Wentz in his NFL debut.

Week 1 Projection: 19 carries, 87 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 receptions, 15 receiving yards

Concerns

Thomas Rawls/Christine Michael, SEA (vs. MIA)

The rankings of Rawls and Michael are up in the air heading into Week 1 based on Rawls' return from an ankle injury that kept him out all of four preseason games. While that was by design, head coach Pete Carroll said, "It's still time to take care of [Rawls] as we get him back," per Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com. Carroll also said that the team doesn't want to rush Rawls, according to Kapadeia.

Knowing Michael is coming off a great preseason in Rawls' absence, the Seahawks have every reason to be cautious with Rawls. Or maybe Carroll is just being coy with the situation, which wouldn't be a first for him. I have Rawls ahead of Michael, but this won't be finalized until we get more information.

Week 1 Projection: To be determined later in the week

Carlos Hyde, SF (vs. LA)

Hyde is the only high-end fantasy option in San Francisco, but his status for Week 1 is in question because of a concussion he suffered during the preseason. Head coach Chip Kelly said he would be surprised if anything held Hyde out of Monday's opener against the Rams, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com.

I never assume anything with concussions, even though he was in uniform and cleared for contact Wednesday, per CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. Luckily, he'll have the extra day to get ready, so for now, I'll project him as if he's starting without issue, but be sure to monitor this situation.

Week 1 Projection: 17 carries, 68 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 15 receiving yards

Matt Jones, WAS (vs. PIT)

It's time to play a game of "who do you trust"? Jones told Mike Jones of the Washington Post that his injured shoulder "feels awesome" and he expects to play Monday against the Steelers. However, Jones worked in a non-contact jersey on Sept. 5, according to Jake Kring-Schreifels of Redskins.com.

Head coach Jay Gruden indicated the plan was to get Jones into full-contact practices on Wednesday or Thursday, which he said will "tell a lot," per Kring-Schreifels. The Redskins should play it safe with Jones in practice since their other two backs are Chris Thompson, who is more of a receiving specialist, and Rob Kelley, an undrafted rookie, who performed well in the preseason.

I've been cautious with Jones' projection early in the week, but that could change if he enters Week 1 with no known limitations.

Week 1 Projection: 15 carries, 62 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 11 receiving yards

Avoid

Justin Forsett/Terrance West, BAL (vs. BUF)

The ongoing saga of Baltimore's backfield continued when the Ravens re-signed Forsett just days after his release, which once again crowds a muddled depth chart. According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, the expectation all along was for Forsett to re-sign and play a significant role in the opener.

Many of you have asked me who to use in this backfield; my advice is to stay away until it clears up, which may not happen for weeks. It's not like the matchup is a great one against the Bills, anyway.

Week 1 Projection: Forsett – 12 carries, 50 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards

West – 8 carries, 36 rushing yards, 1 reception, 6 receiving yards

Sleepers

Spencer Ware, KC (vs. SD)

Ware will be in a lot of lineups this week after head coach Andy Reid called Jamaal Charles a "stretch" to play in Week 1, per BJ Kissel of Chiefs.com, so Ware is not a sleeper in the sense that he'd be a major shock to lead the Chiefs in carries. What you should consider is just how good he can be in a big role with a favorable matchup against the visiting Chargers.

San Diego hasn't done a lot to improve a defense that gave up the sixth-most rushing yards and fourth-most fantasy points to running backs last season. Joey Bosa was a big addition to the defense, but after a lengthy holdout, he may not play a major role in Week 1. There's trust in Ware, and with this matchup, he could be a top-12 fantasy back.

Week 1 Projection: 17 carries, 85 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 3 receptions, 19 receiving yards

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Todd Gurley (LA)	at SF	1	0
2	Lamar Miller (HOU)	vs. CHI	3	+1
3	David Johnson (ARI)	vs. NE	2	-1
4	LeSean McCoy (BUF)	at BAL	8	+4
5	Eddie Lacy (GB)	at JAC	9	+4
6	Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)	vs. NYG	5	-1
7	Adrian Peterson (MIN)	at TEN	4	-3
8	Mark Ingram (NO)	vs. OAK	7	-1
9	DeAngelo Williams (PIT)	at WAS	10	+1
10	C.J. Anderson (DEN)	vs. CAR	13	+3
11	Doug Martin (TB)	at ATL	11	0
12	Latavius Murray (OAK)	at NO	12	0
13	Spencer Ware (KC)	vs. SD	17	+4
14	Devonta Freeman (ATL)	vs. TB	6	-8
15	Matt Forte (NYJ)	vs. CIN	16	+1
16	Ryan Mathews (PHI)	vs. CLE	14	-2
17	Rashad Jennings (NYG)	at DAL	22	+5
18	Thomas Rawls (SEA)	vs. MIA	27	+9
19	Jeremy Hill (CIN)	at NYJ	31	+12
20	Ameer Abdullah (DET)	at IND	26	+6
21	Frank Gore (IND)	vs. DET	20	-1
22	DeMarco Murray (TEN)	vs. MIN	19	-3
23	Carlos Hyde (SF)	vs. LA	15	-8
24	Christine Michael (SEA)	vs. MIA	36	+12
25	Matt Jones (WAS)	vs. PIT	29	+4
26	Duke Johnson (CLE)	at PHI	18	-8
27	Chris Ivory (JAC)	vs. GB	37	+10
28	Jeremy Langford (CHI)	at HOU	23	-5
29	Charles Sims (TB)	at ATL	34	+5
30	James White (NE)	at ARI	33	+3
31	Arian Foster (MIA)	at SEA	28	-3
32	Isaiah Crowell (CLE)	at PHI	40	+8
33	Danny Woodhead (SD)	at KC	21	-12
34	Jonathan Stewart (CAR)	at DEN	30	-4
35	Derrick Henry (TEN)	vs. MIN	41	+6
36	Darren Sproles (PHI)	vs. CLE	39	+3
37	T.J. Yeldon (JAC)	vs. GB	35	-2
38	Justin Forsett (BAL)	vs. BUF	43	+5
39	Melvin Gordon (SD)	at KC	24	-15
40	Shane Vereen (NYG)	at DAL	42	+2
41	Giovani Bernard (CIN)	at NYJ	25	-16
42	LeGarrette Blount (NE)	at ARI	44	+2
43	Tevin Coleman (ATL)	vs. TB	50	+7
44	Chris Thompson (WAS)	vs. PIT	48	+4
45	Benny Cunningham (LA)	at SF	61	+16
46	Charcandrick West (KC)	vs. SD	54	+8
47	Bilal Powell (NYJ)	vs. CIN	38	-9
48	Shaun Draughn (SF)	vs. LA	53	+5
49	Jerick McKinnon (MIN)	at TEN	52	+3
50	Theo Riddick (DET)	at IND	32	-18
51	James Starks (GB)	at JAC	57	+6
52	Terrance West (BAL)	vs. BUF	47	-5
53	DeAndre Washington (OAK)	at NO	49	-4
54	Ka'Deem Carey (CHI)	at HOU	71	+17
55	Andre Ellington (ARI)	vs. NE	74	+19
56	Javorius Allen (BAL)	vs. BUF	45	-11
57	Robert Kelley (WAS)	vs. PIT	62	+5
58	Robert Turbin (IND)	vs. DET	69	+11
59	Tim Hightower (NO)	vs. OAK	65	+6
60	Alfred Morris (DAL)	vs. NYG	68	+8
61	Cameron Artis-Payne (CAR)	at DEN	78	+17
62	Alfred Blue (HOU)	vs. CHI	80	+18
63	C.J. Spiller (NO)	vs. OAK	56	-7
64	Devontae Booker (DEN)	vs. CAR	58	-6
65	Jay Ajayi (MIA)	at SEA	51	-14
66	Chris Johnson (ARI)	vs. NE	66	0
67	Matt Asiata (MIN)	at TEN	88	+21
68	Mike Gillislee (BUF)	at BAL	63	-5

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Wide Receivers: Same Story, Different Year

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Matchups never really matter for Julio Jones, but he has a good one against the Buccaneers in Week 1.

Better than Usual

Marvin Jones, DET (at IND)

The excitement surrounding Jones and Detroit's passing game should continue through Week 1 thanks to a great matchup with a banged-up and underwhelming Colts defense. Jones has made a case to be the team's No. 1 WR or at least in a 1/1A role with Golden Tate, which would go a long way in replacing the production of Calvin Johnson.

The Colts are without top cornerback Vontae Davis (ankle) this week and had to sign veteran Antonio Cromartie to give them some veteran depth. The matchup is more than enough to boost Jones' value, but this game could turn into a battle of the passing attacks, which means even more volume for Jones.

Week 1 Projection: 6 receptions, 78 yards, 1 touchdown

Michael Crabtree, OAK (at NO)

Much like the Lions-Colts game, the matchup between the Raiders and Saints could also yield a lot of points and little defense. That's great news for Crabtree and the Raiders. New Orleans gave up the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers last season and will need some time to get the defense back on track.

Week 1 Projection: 6 receptions, 71 yards, 1 touchdown

Concerns

A.J. Green, CIN (at NYJ)

If a wide receiver is staring down a matchup with Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, he's a fantasy concern. As the top wideout in Cincinnati, Green will see a lot of Revis on Sunday. No one is taking him out of the starting lineup, but lower your expectations.

Week 1 Projection: 6 receptions. 74 yards, 1 potential touchdown

Demaryius Thomas, DEN (vs. CAR)

The combination of a second-year quarterback without a passing attempt in the regular season and a formidable Panthers defense is not how I wanted Thomas' career after Peyton Manning to start, but here we are.

I expressed my concerns with Thomas' fantasy value during the preseason after watching the QB battle that left Trevor Siemian as the winner…until Paxton Lynch is ready. Siemian's growing pains could turn into fantasy pains for Thomas.

Week 1 Projection: 6 receptions, 77 yards, 1 potential touchdown

Julian Edelman, NE (at ARI)

Edelman played the last two preseason games after returning from a foot injury, but he'll enter the season with Jimmy Garoppolo, not Tom Brady, as his starting QB. That's already a big concern for Edelman before you consider the rough matchup in Arizona. He could see a lot of hybrid defender Tyrann Mathieu, which only complicates this situation.

Week 1 Projection: 6 receptions, 66 yards, 1 potential touchdown

Jarvis Landry, MIA (at SEA)

Any matchup with the Seahawks is a worry, but it's even worse when the game takes place in Seattle. The Dolphins aren't flush with established talent at wide receiver, and DeVante Parker's status is in question thanks to a hamstring injury. As the team's top receiver, Landry could see cornerback Richard Sherman, even if he lines up primarily in the slot.

Week 1 Projection: 6 receptions, 64 yards

Avoid

Kelvin Benjamin, CAR (at DEN)

Benjamin returns to regular-season action for the first time since 2014 when the Panthers open in Denver on Thursday. Because he's coming off a torn ACL, head coach Ron Rivera said the team is looking at 35 snaps from Benjamin but would love to see more, according to Max Henson of Panthers.com.

The limited snap count and brutal matchup against Denver's great defense should be enough reason to stay away from Benjamin in his first game back.

Week 1 Projection: 4 receptions, 50 yards

Sleepers

Tavon Austin, LA (at SF)

Austin was a top-30 fantasy WR in PPR formats last season but couldn't crack the top 40 WRs based on his ADP this summer. My expectations are high for him out of the gate this season as a potential top-25 fantasy WR this week.

Running back Todd Gurley draws plenty of attention from opposing defenses, as he should and will from the 49ers on Monday. However, that also takes attention away from a dangerous weapon in Austin, who can beat a defense in a variety of ways. San Francisco shouldn't pose much of a problem for him, and with a lack of talent in the receiving corps, L.A. should feature Austin.

Week 1 Projection: 5 receptions, 80 total offensive yards, 1 potential touchdown

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Julio Jones (ATL)	vs. TB	1	0
2	Antonio Brown (PIT)	at WAS	2	0
3	Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)	at DAL	3	0
4	DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)	vs. CHI	4	0
5	Allen Robinson (JAC)	vs. GB	5	0
6	Brandin Cooks (NO)	vs. OAK	13	+7
7	Amari Cooper (OAK)	at NO	6	-1
8	Sammy Watkins (BUF)	at BAL	12	+4
9	Dez Bryant (DAL)	vs. NYG	9	0
10	Brandon Marshall (NYJ)	vs. CIN	8	-2
11	T.Y. Hilton (IND)	vs. DET	17	+6
12	Golden Tate (DET)	at IND	16	+4
13	Mike Evans (TB)	at ATL	7	-6
14	Keenan Allen (SD)	at KC	11	-3
15	Randall Cobb (GB)	at JAC	18	+3
16	Alshon Jeffery (CHI)	at HOU	15	-1
17	Jeremy Maclin (KC)	vs. SD	21	+4
18	Jordy Nelson (GB)	at JAC	14	-4
19	A.J. Green (CIN)	at NYJ	10	-9
20	Doug Baldwin (SEA)	vs. MIA	23	+3
21	Marvin Jones (DET)	at IND	24	+3
22	Demaryius Thomas (DEN)	vs. CAR	19	-3
23	Donte Moncrief (IND)	vs. DET	22	-1
24	Julian Edelman (NE)	at ARI	26	+2
25	Michael Crabtree (OAK)	at NO	27	+2
26	Tavon Austin (LA)	at SF	38	+12
27	Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)	vs. NE	30	+3
28	Eric Decker (NYJ)	vs. CIN	25	-3
29	Tyler Lockett (SEA)	vs. MIA	31	+2
30	Willie Snead (NO)	vs. OAK	35	+5
31	Michael Floyd (ARI)	vs. NE	29	-2
32	Jarvis Landry (MIA)	at SEA	20	-12
33	DeSean Jackson (WAS)	vs. PIT	32	-1
34	Stefon Diggs (MIN)	at TEN	37	+3
35	Tajae Sharpe (TEN)	vs. MIN	44	+9
36	Kamar Aiken (BAL)	vs. BUF	42	+6
37	Rishard Matthews (TEN)	vs. MIN	52	+15
38	Allen Hurns (JAC)	vs. GB	34	-4
39	Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)	vs. CAR	33	-6
40	Mike Wallace (BAL)	vs. BUF	49	+9
41	Jordan Matthews (PHI)	vs. CLE	28	-13
42	Sterling Shepard (NYG)	at DAL	40	-2
43	John Brown (ARI)	vs. NE	39	-4
44	Vincent Jackson (TB)	at ATL	43	-1
45	Markus Wheaton (PIT)	at WAS	48	+3
46	Pierre Garcon (WAS)	vs. PIT	59	+13
47	Robert Woods (BUF)	at BAL	70	+23
48	Mohamed Sanu (ATL)	vs. TB	50	+2
49	Kelvin Benjamin (CAR)	at DEN	41	-8
50	Corey Coleman (CLE)	at PHI	36	-14
51	Kenny Stills (MIA)	at SEA	62	+11
52	Kevin White (CHI)	at HOU	45	-7
53	Seth Roberts (OAK)	at NO	72	+19
54	Devin Funchess (CAR)	at DEN	58	+4
55	Anquan Boldin (DET)	at IND	68	+13
56	Terrelle Pryor (CLE)	at PHI	64	+8
57	Chris Hogan (NE)	at ARI	61	+4
58	Cole Beasley (DAL)	vs. NYG	78	+20
59	Torrey Smith (SF)	vs. LA	46	-13
60	Nelson Agholor (PHI)	vs. CLE	82	+22
61	Travis Benjamin (SD)	at KC	47	-14
62	Kenny Britt (LA)	at SF	77	+15
63	Jeremy Kerley (SF)	vs. LA	87	+24
64	Tyler Boyd (CIN)	at NYJ	55	-9
65	Phillip Dorsett (IND)	vs. DET	54	-11
66	Breshad Perriman (BAL)	vs. BUF	85	+19
67	Terrance Williams (DAL)	vs. NYG	60	-7
68	Will Fuller (HOU)	vs. CHI	56	-12
69	Brandon LaFell (CIN)	at NYJ	71	+2
70	Eli Rogers (PIT)	at WAS	66	-4
71	Steve Smith (BAL)	vs. BUF	53	-18
72	Jarius Wright (MIN)	at TEN	95	+23
73	Chris Conley (KC)	vs. SD	88	+15
74	Ted Ginn (CAR)	at DEN	73	-1
75	Michael Thomas (NO)	vs. OAK	51	-24
76	Dorial Green-Beckham (PHI)	vs. CLE	74	-2
77	Josh Doctson (WAS)	vs. PIT	84	+7
78	Jermaine Kearse (SEA)	vs. MIA	63	-15
79	Braxton Miller (HOU)	vs. CHI	79	0
80	Danny Amendola (NE)	at ARI	99	+19

Tight Ends: Reed Option

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Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Jordan Reed could be the top tight end of Week 1.

Better than Usual

Martellus Bennett, NE (at ARI)

The size of Bennett's role in Sunday's opener with the Cardinals will depend on a couple of factors. How will the Cardinals defend tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Julian Edelman? Will they use a combination of defensive backs Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu on New England's top passing options? If so, Bennett could benefit.

How will QB Jimmy Garoppolo handle his first start? New England's offensive line might have trouble protecting him, and we saw him check down a lot in the preseason. Bennett could act as a safety valve and pile up the short receptions.

Week 1 Projection: 5 receptions, 49 yards, 1 potential touchdown

Concerns

Antonio Gates, SD (at KC)

Gates can usually hold his own in tough matchups, but if you go by last year's numbers, no team was tougher against fantasy tight ends than the Chiefs. In two matchups with Kansas City in 2015, Gates posted seven receptions for 82 yards. Traveling to Kansas City is never easy, and Gates will draw a lot of attention from the defense. Expectations should be slightly lowered in Week 1.

Week 1 Projection: 4 receptions, 45 yards, 1 potential touchdown

Avoid

Jimmy Graham, SEA (vs. MIA)

Graham's return from a major knee injury won't necessarily happen in Week 1. Head coach Pete Carroll told Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times he has "no expectations that he's going to play this week" and he is "not counting on that happening." If you're holding out hope for Graham to see the field in Week 1, make other plans.

Week 1 Projection (if active): 3 receptions, 32 yards

Sleepers

Jared Cook, GB (at JAC)

Let me continue hyping Cook right into the regular season. He has a chance to carve out a role as the third option in the passing game with a strong start against a beatable Jaguars defense in Week 1. They allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends last year and remained in a state of disarray during the preseason despite some improvement in personnel.

Cook might be even more important if the Packers have to ease wide receiver Jordy Nelson back into the mix. He hasn't played a game since tearing his ACL last August, and asking him to jump back into a normal snap count seems risky. If the Packers believe in Cook, it lessens the burden on Nelson. Cook is set up to thrive Sunday.

Week 1 Projection: 5 receptions, 54 yards, 1 potential touchdown

Clive Walford, OAK (at NO)

Walford had a quiet rookie season, but he could make a splash to kick off his 2016 fantasy campaign in New Orleans. In 2015, no team had more problems with fantasy tight ends than the Saints, and their rebuilding process is far from over. Wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree should grab most of the attention from New Orleans, which could put Walford in some mismatches. This is a breakout waiting to happen.

Week 1 Projection: 5 receptions, 52 yards, 1 potential touchdown

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Rob Gronkowski (NE)	at ARI	1	0
2	Jordan Reed (WAS)	vs. PIT	2	0
3	Travis Kelce (KC)	vs. SD	3	0
4	Delanie Walker (TEN)	vs. MIN	5	+1
5	Greg Olsen (CAR)	at DEN	4	-1
6	Zach Ertz (PHI)	vs. CLE	7	+1
7	Gary Barnidge (CLE)	at PHI	8	+1
8	Coby Fleener (NO)	vs. OAK	6	-2
9	Julius Thomas (JAC)	vs. GB	9	0
10	Martellus Bennett (NE)	at ARI	15	+5
11	Jared Cook (GB)	at JAC	17	+6
12	Dwayne Allen (IND)	vs. DET	10	-2
13	Antonio Gates (SD)	at KC	12	-1
14	Clive Walford (OAK)	at NO	16	+2
15	Jason Witten (DAL)	vs. NYG	11	-4
16	Eric Ebron (DET)	at IND	13	-3
17	Zach Miller (CHI)	at HOU	18	+1
18	Virgil Green (DEN)	vs. CAR	22	+4
19	Kyle Rudolph (MIN)	at TEN	23	+4
20	Vance McDonald (SF)	vs. LA	14	-6
21	Charles Clay (BUF)	at BAL	19	-2
22	Crockett Gillmore (BAL)	vs. BUF	32	+10
23	Jacob Tamme (ATL)	vs. TB	28	+5
24	Jesse James (PIT)	at WAS	20	-4
25	Jimmy Graham (SEA)	vs. MIA	21	-4
26	Luke Willson (SEA)	vs. MIA	30	+4
27	Jordan Cameron (MIA)	at SEA	24	-3
28	Larry Donnell (NYG)	at DAL	40	+12
29	Tyler Kroft (CIN)	at NYJ	36	+7
30	Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TB)	at ATL	27	-3
31	Hunter Henry (SD)	at KC	43	+12

Defenses: Unnecessary Help

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Michael Thomas/Getty Images

Alec Ogletree and the Rams should feast on the 49ers.

Best Options Based on Matchups

Seattle Seahawks (vs. MIA): Seattle has earned its reputation of being one of the toughest teams to play at home, and it’s hard to see much of a challenge coming from the Dolphins. It’s the first regular-season game in head coach Adam Gase’s offense, and it couldn’t come in a worse environment.

Carolina Panthers (at DEN): The Panthers couldn’t beat Peyton Manning and the Broncos in the Super Bowl, but it may be a little easier with Trevor Siemian under center in the opener. The 2015 seventh-round pick hasn’t thrown a pass in the regular season. This should be an ugly, defensive battle.

Arizona Cardinals (vs. NE): You’ll rarely see a defense highlighted as one of the best options of the week with New England on the schedule, but that’s because Tom Brady is rarely out of the lineup. Jimmy Garoppolo will have his hands full in his first NFL start, especially behind a shaky offensive line. His play in the preseason didn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

Los Angeles Rams (at SF): If you watched Hard Knocks, you know the Rams have a lot of confidence in their defense, as they should. They’ll get to show it off to another national audience Monday night when they face a Blaine Gabbert-led 49ers offense, which could be without running back Carlos Hyde (concussion).

Philadelphia Eagles (vs. CLE): Lost in the madness of the Sam Bradford trade and announcement of rookie Carson Wentz as the starter is the strength of the Eagles, which is their defense. They’ll get to show it off in the opener against the rebuilding Cleveland Browns. While Robert Griffin III may have flashed in the preseason, he’s still a reclamation project in progress and should have trouble with Fletcher Cox and Philadelphia’s pass rush.

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Seattle Seahawks (SEA)	vs. MIA	1	0
2	Carolina Panthers (CAR)	at DEN	2	0
3	Arizona Cardinals (ARI)	vs. NE	3	0
4	Los Angeles Rams (LA)	at SF	4	0
5	Houston Texans (HOU)	vs. CHI	5	0
6	Denver Broncos (DEN)	vs. CAR	6	0
7	Kansas City Chiefs (KC)	vs. SD	7	0
8	Cincinnati Bengals (CIN)	at NYJ	8	0
9	Minnesota Vikings (MIN)	at TEN	9	0
10	Philadelphia Eagles (PHI)	vs. CLE	11	+1
11	New York Jets (NYJ)	vs. CIN	12	+1
12	Green Bay Packers (GB)	at JAC	13	+1
13	Buffalo Bills (BUF)	at BAL	14	+1
14	New England Patriots (NE)	at ARI	10	-4
15	Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT)	at WAS	15	0
16	Baltimore Ravens (BAL)	vs. BUF	16	0
17	Oakland Raiders (OAK)	at NO	17	0
18	Jacksonville Jaguars (JAC)	vs. GB	18	0
19	Detroit Lions (DET)	at IND	19	0
20	Miami Dolphins (MIA)	at SEA	20	0

Kickers: Follow the Offense

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Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Expect a busy weekend for Steven Hauschka.

Best Options Available on the Waiver Wire

Sebastian Janikowski, OAK (at NO)

Is old SeaBass on your waiver wire? This is a good week to scoop him up. Oakland’s offense is explosive and could be ignited Sunday against a vulnerable Saints defense. The potential for a lot of points is there, and kicking inside only helps Janikowski.

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Steven Hauschka (SEA)	vs. MIA	1	0
2	Stephen Gostkowski (NE)	at ARI	2	0
3	Mason Crosby (GB)	at JAC	4	+1
4	Justin Tucker (BAL)	vs. BUF	3	-1
5	Chandler Catanzaro (ARI)	vs. NE	5	0
6	Adam Vinatieri (IND)	vs. DET	6	0
7	Dan Bailey (DAL)	vs. NYG	7	0
8	Matt Prater (DET)	at IND	8	0
9	Cairo Santos (KC)	vs. SD	9	0
10	Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)	at NO	11	+1
11	Brandon McManus (DEN)	vs. CAR	10	-1
12	Blair Walsh (MIN)	at TEN	13	+1
13	Chris Boswell (PIT)	at WAS	12	-1
14	Nick Novak (HOU)	vs. CHI	16	+2
15	Graham Gano (CAR)	at DEN	14	-1
16	Dan Carpenter (BUF)	at BAL	15	-1
17	Roberto Aguayo (TB)	at ATL	17	0
18	Mike Nugent (CIN)	at NYJ	18	0
19	Matt Bryant (ATL)	vs. TB	19	0
20	Dustin Hopkins (WAS)	vs. PIT	23	+3