Fantasy Football Projections 2013: Predicting Biggest Week 1 Duds

The first week of the 2013 fantasy football season is upon us and the fans that love the sport are ready to examine how their predicted Week 1 starters will perform.

While all of the following stars are expected to shine this season in fantasy football, each will struggle to earn their elite status in Week 1.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

I know that fantasy owners will call it blasphemous to dub Aaron Rodgers a dud in Week 1, but with a tough matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, owners can’t expect the talented QB to carry their squad.

Rodgers was 0-2 last season against the 49ers.

While he threw for 303 yards in the Week 1 meeting, he only added two touchdowns and threw an interception. With 257 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the playoffs against San Francisco, the tough defense has Rodgers’ number.

While the quarterback's stat line will be nothing to scoff at, it will not be worthy of the high pick used to select him in your fantasy draft.

Projected Stat Line: 280 passing yards, 2 TDs.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall is coming off a season with 118 catches and expectations for 2013 are through the roof. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, his impact will be minimal in Week 1.

The Bears play the Cincinnati Bengals to start the season and Marshall will see plenty of cornerback Leon Hall. As one of the best shutdown defensive backs in the league, Marshall will face a very tough defense from the start.

If Marshall’s hip isn’t 100 percent or he loses his focus, his numbers will suffer.

Marshall has beaten great cornerbacks in the past and can do it again, but with a perfect storm of drama surrounding Week 1, fantasy owners should relax their expectations.

Projected Stat Line: 5 catches for 66 yards, 0 TDs.

David Wilson, RB, New York Giants

After backup running back Andre Brown broke his leg, the focus shifted to New York Giants starter David Wilson, who is now expected to have a monster day in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys are much better up front this season with the return of linebacker Sean Lee, and Wilson will have a hard time running between the tackles. While the Giants’ RB will get the lion’s share of the carries, the numbers will be lackluster.

Add in his overall lack of playing time coming into 2013 and the hype feels unwarranted. Don’t invest too heavily into Wilson until he proves he can be the unquestioned No. 1 and settles into the role.

Projected Stat Line: 18 carries for 58 yards, 0 TDs.

All stats via NFL.com.

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