With the NFL’s 100th season kicking off this week, it is time to brush up on your fantasy football knowledge. JetNation will be keeping you covered with two weekly columns. Tuesday we will highlight waiver targets and weekly winners and losers. On Thursday each week we will focus on positional rankings and matchups. We all know the “matchup proof” fantasy superstars, so they will not be included in these lists.
This is a short week with the season kicking off on Thursday. So for this week we will combine everything into one article.
Favorable Matchups:
Drew Brees vs Texans
Death, taxes, and Drew Brees in a dome. Against the Clowney-less Texans, Brees should find success with his high-powered offense containing Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas.
Philip Rivers vs Colts
With no Melvin Gordon, Rivers will be forced to throw more against Indianapolis. Luckily for him, he has Keenan Allen, who has underrated route running ability, and Mike Williams, who can stretch the field vertically.
Baker Mayfield vs Titans
All of the offseason hype around the Browns will be on full display Week 1, as Mayfield will come out of the gates swinging for the fences with his newly tooled offense headlined by O’dell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.
Le’Veon Bell vs Bills
In his first live action in over 600 days, Bell looks to break loose against Buffalo, who ranked bottom 10 against the run in 2018. Look for Gase to give him the ball early and often, both on the ground, as well as in the pass game.
Dalvin Cook vs Falcons
Coming off a season where he missed 5 games due to a thigh injury, Cook looks to rebound in a new system under Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota against a unit that ranked 25th versus the run in 2018. He looked as if he has returned to form, breaking an 85-yard run against Arizona in Week 3 of the preseason.
Phillip Lindsay @ Raiders
With all the hype surrounding Jon Gruden’s Oakland Raiders, Flacco and the Broncos will look to play smash mouth football on Monday Night Football, utilizing both Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman. Lindsay can be used as a reliable pass catcher as well.
O’dell Beckham Jr vs Titans
In his first game wearing Brown and Orange, Beckham will most likely be matched up against Malcom Butler, a matchup that he can easily take advantage of. Even if Tennessee doubles him, he will get his fair share of targets in Week 1, making him a strong option.
Kenny Golladay @ Cardinals
With Patrick Peterson suspended the first four games of the season, Arizona is without their top defensive back. Expect the pass heavy Detroit offense to take shots towards their young receiver, especially in the red zone. Rookie cornerback Byron Murphy may have the task of covering him, another advantage to Golladay.
Amari Cooper vs Giants
It appears Dallas will be without Ezekiel Elliott for their Week 1 matchup against New York, meaning Tony Pollard will be their RB1. Expect them to pass more than usual, and Cooper has a heavy advantage against a sub par secondary.
Evan Engram @ Cowboys
Simply due to the lack of offensive firepower, New York will be forced to rely heavily on Evan Engram in the passing game. Volume is king in fantasy, so he provides upside at the weakest position in the lineup.
Notable Others:
Lamar Jackson vs Dolphins
Russell Wilson vs Bengals
Todd Gurley @ Carolina
Mark Ingram @ Dolphins
Jamison Crowder vs Bills
Mike Evans vs 49ers
Zach Ertz vs Redskins
Ravens D/ST @ Dolphins
Unfavorable Matchups:
Cam Newton vs Rams
Coming off offseason shoulder surgery, as well as a foot injury in preseason, Cam Newton may not be starting the season 100%. Add in a dominant Los Angeles Rams defense, and it looks as though Newton will struggle to start the year.
Aaron Rodgers @ Bears
Shades of what happened last year Week 1 (season lingering knee injury, against… the Bears), Rodgers will need to make magic happen again to come out a fantasy winner.
Deshaun Watson vs Saints
Despite the addition of star LT Laremy Tunsil, Houston’s offensive line is questionable at best. Behind a unit that led the NFL in sacks allowed last season, Watson faces a tough defense that can get after the quarterback well. Tough sledding for #4.
Joe Mixon @ Seahawks
Although it is not quite the Legion of Boom, the Seattle defense is stingy against the run. With the absence of AJ Green, Joe Mixon looks to be heavily involved. Unfortunately, Seattle will look to shut him down as he is Cincinnati’s best weapon. He will see plenty of stacked boxes Sunday afternoon.
James Conner @ Patriots
After a breakout 2018 season, Conner has a tough matchup against New England Week 1. They are very good at taking away the offense’s best weapon, so they should do just the same Sunday night.
Aaron Jones @ Bears
Going up against the defensive fantasy leaders from a year ago, Aaron Jones will have to fight for every point he can get against a daunting Chicago defense.
Notable Others:
Ben Roethlisberger @ Patriots
Nick Foles vs Chiefs
David Montgomery vs Packers
Marlon Mack vs Chargers
Devonta Freeman @ Vikings
Will Fuller @ Saints
Tyreek Hill @ Jaguars
Stash Players to Watch:
Kyler Murray vs Lions
Tony Pollard vs Giants
Darwin Thompson @ Jaguars
DJ Moore vs Rams
Deebo Samuel @ Bucs
Christian Kirk vs Lions
Mecole Hardman @ Jaguars
Players to Avoid:
Marcus Mariota @ Browns
Ryan Fitzpatrick vs Ravens
Kenyan Drake vs Ravens
Peyton Barber vs 49ers
Duke Johnson @ Saints
Sleeper Pick of the Week:
Darren Waller vs Denver
At a weak overall position, Waller could be a viable steamer option on MNF against Denver. Jon Gruden loves him, and he plans to use him in the red zone quick often, as he’s said on HBO’s Hard Knocks. If you’re awaiting the return of Chris Herndon from suspension, Waller looks to be a solid bridge option.