Fantasy Football Week 1: Start’em / Sit’em
WR
Emmanuel Sanders IND (62%, 12) – This one is going to be a shoot-out and with Eric Decker gone and Wes Welker out, Sanders should be a big part of the offense. I’d be fine with Sanders as my WR2 this week. The Colts secondary is vulnerable to say the least.
Marques Colston @ATL (59%, 11) – He had some injury issues last season, but supposedly is 100% now and is still the Saints #1 WR despite all the Brandin Cooks hype. The Falcons defense is a joke and this could be a high scoring game. I’m starting Colston in every league I have him (4 of 10).
T.Y Hilton @DEN (74%, 11) – The Colts will have their hands full keeping up with the Broncos high-octane offense and their best chance is getting Hilton the ball in space as much as possible.
Anquan Boldin @DAL (23%, 9) – With Crabtree questionable, Boldin could be Kaepernick’s primary target this weekend. The Cowboys D is vulnerable on all levels and an experienced route runner like Bolden should have little trouble getting open.
Deep Sleepers:
Steve Smith Sr CIN (5%, 8) – He’s old, but motivated and has looked quicker this year in the preseason. With Torrey Smith as primarily a deep threat, the underneath should be open enough for Smith to wrangle 5-6 catches and 60-70 yards. I think Smith is going to surprise this year and has 10+ fantasy points per game potential.
Andrew Hawkins @PIT ( 2%, 7) – Maybe you like Miles Austin better, but Hawkins is the most dynamic of the Browns receivers and excels at underneath routes which might be all the Browns QBs can throw with any accuracy. I think Hawkins ends up leading the team in catches and should be worth close to 10 fantasy points per game this season.
TE
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Reed @HOU (54%, 8) – When healthy, Reed was one of RG3’s favorite targets and is an elite athlete for a tight end. Reed has Graham / Thomas potential if he can stay on the field and avoid concussions.
Zach Ertz JAX (50%, 7) – The Eagles used a 2nd round pick on Ertz last season and have talked all preseason about using him more in the red zone this year. The Jags gave up the 3rd most points to TEs last year and I think Ertz has a big week 1.
Deep Sleepers:
Travis Kelce TEN (6%, 7) – Could be Alex Smith’s top target this week with Dwayne Bowe suspended and Smith afraid to throw more than 15 yards. Kelce took two short passes to the house in the preseason and has the speed to be a breakout TE this season.