Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates a touchdown with running back Eddie Lacy (27) against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter of a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The day of reckoning has finally arrived! Tonight begins Week 1 of the Fantasy Football season, where it’s crucial to remember the old fantasy football adage: It’s about the matchups. You need to ensure you have the best possible starting lineup. Before you hit that “submit” button, here are 50 facts to consider for week one.
Over the past few weeks we’ve discussed a variety of topics. We’ve analyzed specific matchups, explained the importance of mitigating risk if your draft, and projected our top five finishers at each position. This time, we’ll narrow our focus down to those specific players with polarizing Week 1 projections. These are players with very attractive or unattractive matchups.
There are no absolutes in the “50 Shades” world, because every week boils down to the players with the most advantageous matchups. Always start your studs? Not a commandment in this column. It will always depend on individual game scripts because the devil is always in the fantasy details.
Welcome to the fourth installment of “50 Shades of Fantasy Football.” Listed below are fifty facts and their corresponding predictions. We don’t believe in giving the traditional fantasy analysis, because fantasy players need to constantly think “outside the box” to be successful. That’s where we make our home.
The statistics never lie, and we are the storytellers.
(All statistical data was taken from PlayerProfiler.com.)
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) dives over the pile for a touchdown in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Prediction: The “running quarterback” theory will not apply to the opening game of the 2016 season. Despite going against the top fantasy defense from 2015, Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will exceed expectations and finish as a top 20 Week 1 fantasy running back, while last year’s MVP, Cam Newton, will fail to reach 50 yards rushing.
Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) leaps but falls short of the end zone after catching a pass in the first quarter during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction : Cobb finishes as a top-10 fantasy football wide receiver in Week 1, accumulating over 100 yards receiving and has at least one touchdown at Jacksonville. Furthermore, Rodgers will use Cobb’s production as a springboard to a top three overall week one fantasy quarterback finish.
Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) runs against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Allen is the Ravens’ top running back fantasy point scorer in Week 1 at home against Buffalo. Allen gets the majority of rushing carries and receptions en route to a double-digit fantasy performance.
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Baldwin will continue his incredible efficiency from 2015. The much talked about “Baldwin touchdown regression” will fail to occur, and he will produce top-five fantasy output at the WR position for the opening week.
Jan 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) in the first half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Peterson will finish with under 100 yards and no touchdowns. Hence, he will shock fantasy owners and finish outside the top-12 running backs.
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scores a touchdown in front of Green Bay Packers linebacker Joe Thomas (48) during the second half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Cousins will throw for over 300 yards and two or more touchdowns at home against Pittsburgh, and tight end Jordan Reed will be a top three fantasy tight end for Week 1.
Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) catches the ball to score a touchdown in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: In a surprise to fantasy owners, 33-year-old Vincent Jackson scores more fantasy points than fellow wide receiver Mike Evans in a high-scoring Week 1 clash in New Orleans.
Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) scores a touchdown in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Michael Floyd starts his contract year in fine fashion, totaling over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. Floyd is a top-12 fantasy football wide receiver lock for week one.
Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Despite his 112th overall average draft position, Austin will total double-digit fantasy points in both PPR and standard scoring leagues. As a result, Austin will finish as a solid fantasy football WR2 for Week 1.
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