This season I will be providing you with advice on who to start and sit for your fantasy football weekly matchups. I will try to avoid the obvious names and give legitimate reasons for each name in the post.
Starts:
QB – Colin Kaepernick, SF
Last year, CK torched the Packers for 412 passing yards and three touchdowns in Week 1. Sure, he didn’t do much from a fantasy standpoint after that, but he’ll always have that game. As for Week 1 in 2014, the 49ers/Cowboys game has the second-highest over/under this week at 51.5 total points, behind only the Colts/Broncos projected shootout. San Francisco is the favorite, as well (-4.5).
RB – Chris Johnson, NYJ
He’s far removed from his CJ2K days, but that doesn’t mean that he’s irrelevant. This year, Johnson looks to lead the Jets running back squad. His team opens the season against an Oakland Raiders defense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2013. With Geno Smith at the helm for New York, I expect to see more running plays than passing.
WR – Riley Cooper, PHI
In 2013, Nick Foles threw 27 touchdown passes, seven of which went to Cooper (26 percent). This time around, DeSean Jackson, who caught seven TDs from Foles, is with Washington. Jeremy Maclin, who missed the entire 2013 season, is the only player higher than Cooper on the Eagles depth chart. I would start the receiver with the most chemistry.
Other notable starts for Week 1: Bernard Pierce (BAL), Jeremy Maclin (PHI), Kenny Britt (STL), Donnie Avery (KC), and Reggie Wayne (IND)
Sits:
QB – Cam Newton, CAR
This is a dangerous selection because we are all aware of the type of numbers Newton can produce. However, the hairline fracture in Newton’s ribs is enough to have me looking for other options. Even the Las Vegas odds makers have the Panthers/Buccaneers game saddled with the lowest over/under in Week 1 (39.5 total points). Tampa Bay is listed as the favorite, too.
RB – Rashad Jennings, NYG
With the retirement of David Wilson, I will be keeping a close eye on the running back situation in New York this season. As of now, Jennings is the lead back with Peyton Hillis in the backup role. Eventually, I believe Andre Williams will steal the job from both candidates. Tom Coughlin could be the new Mike Shanahan, as in the “running back nightmare” for fantasy owners. Last season, Andre Brown led the Giants in rushing yards (492), but he wasn’t signed for 2014. Brandon Jacobs led New York with four rushing touchdowns. Only three teams had their leading rusher total fewer than 500 yards last season: Saints, Browns, and Giants.
WR – Keenan Allen, SD
This suggestion is simply based on matchups. Allen will likely receive the attention of Patrick Peterson on Monday night. If other options are available on your bench, I would recommend subbing them in for Allen this week.
Other notable sits for Week 1: Jarrett Boykin (GB), Lamar Miller (MIA), Fred Jackson (BUF), Mark Ingram (NO), and the 49ers defense
