Fantasy Football Week 1: Start’em / Sit’em
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
WR
Mike Wallace NE (51%, 12) – I hear Wallace looks great in the Dolphins’s new offensive scheme, but I will believe it when I see it. I was 8-9 picking Wallace as a sit last year and I’m going to stick with it. I still think he quits at the first sign of adversity and he will see some adversity Sunday against Darrell Revis.
Cecil Shorts III @PHI (15%, 12) – He hasn’t played all preseason and unfortunately still has Chad Henne throwing him the ball. I need to see Shorts do something on the field before I trust him enough to start. Philly gave up the most points to fantasy WRs last year, but 12 points seems way to high to me for a guy that hasn’t been healthy in a while.
Sammy Watkins @CHI (15%, 10) – This has nothing to do with Watkin’s talent, but everything to do with E.J. Manuel’s lack of skill. The Bears pass rush has improved considerably and I think Manuel will struggle Sunday. Watkins is a physical receiver, but won’t have any luck trying to push around veteran CB Peanut Tillman.
Mike Evans CAR (15%, 10) – I am a bigger fan of rookie WRs than most, but Evans is primarily a deep threat and I don’t think the Panthers D-line is going to give Josh McCown enough time to launch any bombs to Evans. I don’t think Evans will be on this list much by the midway point of the season, but wait till he proves it before you put him in your starting lineup.
TE
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Rudolph @STL (73%, 8) – The Rams allowed the least amount of fantasy points to TEs last year by a decent margin and with Matt Cassell under center I don’t have a ton of faith in Rudolph this week. I’m still starting him in at least one league, I am just nervous about him getting loose on Sunday. Of all my sit’em picks, this was the one I am least sure of.
Charles Clay NE (21%, 8) – The Pats held Clay to 1 catch in their last meeting in 2013 and seem to have a good plan for stopping him. There are better options on the waiver wire in most leagues for this week at least. I like Clay and own him in a couple leagues, but don’t like him this week.