Author: Brandon Murchison, Staff Writer
Join AccuScore now using the code SALE50 for $50 off an annual All-Sports premium membership. For all others this is $349, but as you are reading this article, it is only $299... Join Today
terms of Fantasy. But in his Week 1 matchup, the Vikings will have to potentially match points with the New Orleans Saints,
Sam Bradford will have a favorable matchup in Week 1 against the Saints. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)
which makes him a Sneaky Play. We all know that Drew Brees tends to be slightly inconsistent on the road, and the Vikings defense is pretty stout, but this offense is usually tough to stop. Look for Bradford and the Vikes to take shots against a defense that was the worst in the NFL in 2016. With Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Kyle Rudolph as the primary targets, I expect Bradford to get into the end zone for a couple of scores, and throw for nearly 300 yards. Not bad for a QB that will be fairly cheap in DFS for Week 1.
Running Back
Terrance West at Cincinnati Bengals
West was a running back who was largely undervalued in Fantasy drafts, typically falling into the middle rounds. But he will get the chance to prove his worth during the first week in a favorable matchup against the Bengals defense. With Flacco coming back after nursing an injury the entire pre-season, expect for the Ravens to rely heavily on the running game. The Bengals lost a few pieces to this defense in the offseason, and with Vontaze Burfict serving a suspension, the middle of the defense will be easy to open holes against. I would be shocked if West doesn’t see more than 20 touches in this game. He should rush for 100 yards and get you at least one score. He’s worthy of a start in seasonal leagues, and a nice cheap option in DFS.
Wide Receiver
Rishard Matthews vs Oakland Raiders
In a game that Vegas is expecting to be a shootout (Over/Under is 50), expectations are that both teams’ Fantasy options should provide plenty of points. Sure, the Titans will pound away with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. But, the passing attack is likely to make a leap forward in 2017. Plenty of owners and experts are pointing to Corey Davis and Eric Decker as the primary beneficiaries in terms of targets. Rishard Matthews may have something to say about that, as he has looked very strong during the preseason. He has a built-in chemistry with Marcus Mariota, and I expect that to show in Week 1 against a Raiders secondary that was exposed for most of 2016. Look for Matthews to take advantage of this and get Fantasy owners about 90 yards and one touchdown in this game. He’s worthy of a start as a WR3 in seasonal leagues, and a very nice option in DFS lineups.
Tight Ends
Evan Engram at Dallas Cowboys
Rookie tight ends rarely come in and make an immediate impact, but this is strictly a gut feeling based on the matchup. The Dallas Cowboys have historically had a hard time defending opposing tight-ends, and with Evan Engram’s athleticism, he could be a matchup nightmare in this game. Most of the attention will be paid to the receivers on the outside (Odell Beckham and Brandon Marshall), but with the lack of a pass rush, the Cowboys will leave the middle of the field open all night. I expect Engram to score in his debut, and get around 75 yards through the air. He’s worthy of a stream at the position in season-long leagues, and a potential diamond in the rough in DFS Week 1.
Kicker
Greg Zuerlein vs Indianapolis Colts
When it comes to kickers and the world of Fantasy, if you don’t have one of the top tier guys, they are all the same and you likely stream the position. This week, Greg Zuerlein is a player I will be looking at in DFS. Because of the state of the Rams’ offense, not a lot of players will be on this kicker. He should give you a potential at three field goals and a couple of extra points, which is all you need in your lineup.
Defense
Los Angeles Rams vs Indianapolis Colts
Staying on the same game, with many owners likely to lean towards the Bills defense against the lowly Jets offense in Week 1, playing the Rams is a zig when they zag move. With Andrew Luck out of this game, the Colts offense is a completely different unit; one that you can attack. Expect a few sacks, and a couple of turnovers from Scott Tolzien, with one potentially going for six points. The Rams defense will definitely be worthy of a play in Week 1 in both season-long and DFS.
