Wide Receivers for Week 1
There is a lot to be said for star power at wide receiver: chances are at least one of the three “super-studs” will have a monster game. Calvin Johnson/$14445/DET is the most expensive wideout of the bunch ans is fair value, despite the mild injury concerns. Dez Bryant/#13139/DAL will get plenty of targets and should score a touchdown or two, while Brandon Marshall/$11731/CHI has pronounced himself fit. Among opposing defenses, the Giants secondary seems the weakest. If I can’t fit in all three, my first choice is Bryant/DAL, followed by Johnson/DET.
The Packers-49’ers game is the most intriguing Week 1 matchup. I’ve touched on the difficult task Aaron Rodgers/GBP faces; nevertheless, he will throw the ball and his top target will be WR-Randall Cobb/$10672/GBP. The low price for Cobb is a bit of an overreaction to the strength of the Niners defense. I expect the Packers to be playing catchup for most of the game and that means throwing the ball more often and boosting the receivers’ numbers.
Kenbrell Thompkins/$4142/NEP has emerged as the Patriots’ top deep threat and will undoubtedly get plenty of targets from QB-Tom Brady/NEP. I expect Danny Amendola/$10121/NEP to approach double-digit receptions, as long as his ankle holds up. The pair of New England receivers are great value as a combo play.
Among the cheaper options, Golden Tate/$7911/SEA has emerged as Seattle’s main deep threat and should get plenty of targets despite the Seahawks’ run-first tendencies.The Bears’ WR-2 Alshon Jeffery/$5975/CHI has impressed in camp and should emerge as a legitimate threat this season, especially since Brandon Marshall/$11731/CHI will draw the attention of the defense.
Tight Ends for Week 1
Sticking with high scoring games, Tony Gonzalez/$9506/ATL is healthy and the future Hall of Fame tight end could be QB-Matt Ryan’s/ATL primary target. I also like Jason Witten/$8434/DAL to be the Cowboys top possession receiver, and among the elite tight ends he is the best value this week.
Tony Gonzalez‘s opposite number, Jimmy Graham/$12206/NOS, is healthy and will be the Saints key offensive threat. Though Graham is expensive and Drew Brees/NOS has many other targets, he is he safest pick at Tight End and should feature heavily in most lineups provided there is sufficient cap room.
The Texans are poised to grind the Chargers down with a stifling defense and a ball-control offense. Expect Owen Daniels/$7211/HOU to get plenty of chances as San Diego tries to shut down WR-Andre Johnson/$12609/HOU. Similarly, with extreme focus on WR-Calvin Johnson/DET, Brandon Pettigrew/$6431/DET is excellent value if QB-Matt Stafford/DET throws the ball as often as I think he will. As far the bargain plays go, Brent Celek/$4682/PHI has looked good in the preseason and will be the prime short to medium yardage target for the Eagles.
Defenses for Week 1
The Buffalo Bills have been forced to go with their third option at QB and the Patriots defense/$6112 will be ready to pounce on any mistakes. I expect New England to key on Bills RB-C.J. Spiller/BUF and force the young quarterback (either QB-E.J. Manuel/BUF or QB-Jeff Tuel/BUF) to put the ball in the air. Expect lots of Bills mistakes.
It has been said that the best defense is a good offense. Two defenses that exemplify that saying are the Kansas City Chiefs/$4675 and the Houston Texans/$6175. I expect both the Chiefs and the Texans to control the ball and therefore limit the scoring opportunities of the Jaguars and Chargers.
I’ve given you a good start towards building all-conquering lineups. All that remains is to put your fantasy football skills to the test and register for the qualifiers as often as you can. Good luck to all!
Robert Dudek covers the NFL and MLB daily leagues at Sports Leagues Daily. You can follow him on Twitter @robdudek ; retweets and replies are always appreciated. If you haven’t signed up at DraftStreet, what are you waiting for? Jump in and get your daily fantasy fix.
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