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| Friday, September 11, 2020 |
| Well, that season opener went about as well as we could have hoped for, right? Maybe not for Texans fans, but definitely for Fantasy players. Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Will Fuller both lived up to the breakout hype and then some, and the Chiefs and Texans stars all showed up. And, most importantly: No serious injuries. |
| The same can't be said around the NFL, as a trio of big-name receivers are very much in doubt for Week 1with practice injuries. We'll recap everything you need to know and might have missed from Thursday night's game right here, just like we will every week, but let's talk about Mike Evans (hamstring), Courtland Sutton (shoulder) and Diontae Johnson (foot) first. Johnson and Sutton left practice Thursday, following Evans' departure Wednesday. Evans has missed two practices in a row now, and I'm leaning toward sitting him in Week 1 at this point; Sutton has an AC joint sprain, not a worst-case scenario injury, but I'll need some very positive news on him by Sunday or I'll leave him on my bench heading into Monday night; and Johnson goes from a fringe start to someone I'm happy to leave on my bench for Week 1 — let him prove he's healthy and effective first. |
| You can read about more Week 1 injuries in my game previews further down, but first, let's recap Thursday's opener before I give you some lineup help, a Vegas perspective, and something to watch for every game on the NFL schedule in Week 1. And if that doesn't answer all of your lineup questions, send them my way at [email protected] with the subject line "#AskFFT" and they'll get included in our mailbag this week — plus, you can catch our Twitch channel Sunday morning where Adam Aizer and I will be answering all of your lineup questions. |
| Get ready for Week 1 with all of our preview content here: |
| Week 1 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em: QB | RB | WR Week 1 Bold Predictions Starts and sits, sleepers and busts for every game Week 1 Cheat Sheets and Game Previews: PPR | Non-PPR Week 1 Position Previews: QB | RB | WR | TE Week 1 Rankings |
| And here's what the rest of today's newsletter has in store to help you get ready for Week 1: |
| 🏈TNF Fantasy Recap: Chiefs 34, Texans 20 🔍Week 1 Game Previews: Vegas notes, lineup decisions, and injury updates |
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| 🏈TNF Recap: Chiefs 34, Texans 20 |
| The Chiefs put up 31 unanswered in a game that wasn't as close as the 14-point final margin indicated. For the most part, everyone did what you hoped they would do in this game, although Deshaun Watson needed garbage time to reach a respectable point total. Here's what you need to know from the game: |
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| The big takeaway: So much for Clyde Edwards-Helaire getting "eased in." The rookie didn't quite match Kareem Hunt's historic debut, but he was plenty good, rushing for 138 yards on 25 carries with a 27-yard touchdown. If you have to find a hole in his performance, he was only targeted twice on Patrick Mahomes' 32 attempts and didn't catch a single pass. The more concerning thing — though, to be clear, it isn't particularly concerning at all, yet — is that Edwards-Helaire had six carries inside of the five for -2 yards, with no touchdowns . He's a smaller back, so if he loses touches there, it could limit the upside. But that's a small note on a big debut, and the fact that he got that many opportunities is probably the more important sign than that he couldn't convert them. Adam Aizer and Jamey Eisenberg broke down Edwards-Helaire's debut on Friday's episode of the Fantasy Football Today In 5 podcast, so go check that out and subscribe via Spotify, Apple or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Notable injuries: Duke Johnson (leg) — Did not return Believe it or not? Another Week 1 explosion from Sammy Watkins, who led the Chiefs with seven receptions for 82 yards on nine targets, including a touchdown. He famously went off for a massive Week 1 last year but was basically useless after that, so don't overreact to this, but the fact that he had nine targets to Mecole Hardman's one is a good sign that Watkins should be added in most leagues where available. The bad news for Hardman was he played behind DeMarcus Robinson, too. DeAndre Who-pkins? Will Fuller's first game as the Texans top option couldn't have gone better. He led the team with 10 targets, double the next most-targeted player, and he had eight catches for 112 yards. I'm pretty close to viewing him as a must-start player — and for the record, I did start him over Mike Evans and Allen Robinson in two leagues this week. I know, I know; I'm a genius. At least for one week … David Johnson looked like the best version of himself. His 19-yard touchdown in the first half was — no joke — his longest run since Week 11 of the 2018 season. He topped 100 total yards and caught three passes to go along with the touchdown, in a performance that may actually make him a top-12 RB for the week. It's no guarantee of anything, but it's a heck of a start for someone with a lot of skeptics. |
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| 🔍Week 1 Game Previews |
| There's something to watch in every game on the NFL schedule every week, even if you have to squint to see it sometimes. This week, however, there are so many unanswered questions that it's hard to settle on just one thing for each game. Here's a look ahead at every Week 1 game, with some notes on what Vegas is expecting to see, some lineup help and one thing to watch for from each game: |
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| All odds are via William Hill Sportsbook. |
| Eagles at Washington |
| Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Washington +5.5; 42.5 O/U Implied totals: Eagles 24-Washington 18.5 |
| This is a surprisingly close line, and Washington might be able to hang. Philadelphia's rebuilt receiving corps is still missing Alshon Jeffery (and possibly Jalen Reagor), and Washington actually had success throwing the ball in two games last season. Expect a lot of Dwayne Haskins attempts. |
| Toughest lineup decision: Antonio Gibson — Start What we're watching for: It's all about Gibson in this one. Normally, I would prefer to give him a week to see what his role would be, but in a game where Washington will probably throw a lot, the potential for five-plus catches makes it worth it. Injuries: Jalen Reagor (shoulder) — Full participant Thursday, seems on track to make NFL debut. ... Miles Sanders (hamstring) — Limited, still expected to play. ... Alshon Jeffery (foot) — Did not practice, not expected to play |
| Jets at Bills |
| Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Bills -6.5; 39.5 O/U (Lowest of Week 1) Implied totals: Jets 16.5-Bills 23 |
| Jets training camp sounded like it was an ugly scene on both sides of the ball. Jamey Eisenberg's bold prediction for Week 1 is that Josh Allen will have his first 300-yard passing game, and the biggest obstacle might be whether he has to throw enough to get there. |
Toughest lineup decision: Devin Singletary/Zack Moss — Start. What we're watching for: How the Bills use Singletary and Moss is the biggest storyline for Fantasy in this one. It sounds like Moss was the better player of the two by a considerable margin in training camp, and this could be the kind of ground-and-pound game that suits him best. But you'll start them both as low-end options in game the Bills should win easily. Injuries: Breshad Perriman (knee) — Practicing in full, expected to play … Denzel Mims (hamstring) — Downgraded to limited Thursday, in doubt for Week 1
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| Dolphins at Patriots |
| Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Patriots -6.5; 42.0 O/U Implied totals: Dolphins 17.75-Patriots 24.25 |
| An offseason of significant change, but the Patriots are still favored in Week 1. How they'll go about getting that lead given their lack of weapons in the passing game and Sony Michel's likely limited role makes it seem, but Ryan Fitzpatrick can obviously put up plenty of points playing from behind. |
Toughest lineup decision: Cam Newton — Start. What we're watching for: How the Dolphins split up targets between Preston Williams, DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki is worth watching, as is the Patriots' three-headed backfield split. But all eyes will be on how Cam Newton looks in his first game since a foot injury wrecked his 2019. Fantasy is more fun with a guy like Cam around, and this is a good spot for his return. DeVante Parker (hamstring) — Limited, expected to play, but not a sure thing … Preston Williams (knee) — Limited, expected to play … Mike Gesicki (hamstring) — Limited, expected to play
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| Packers at Vikings |
| Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Vikings -2.5; 45.0 O/U Implied totals: Packers 21.25-Vikings 23.75 |
| Both teams want to assert their dominance on the ground, so a slow, close game is fair to expect. |
Toughest lineup decision: Aaron Rodgers — Sit. Rodgers is a fringe starter at this point anyway, so a low-scoring game isn't the spot you want to use him in. What we're watching for: Who is the No. 2 WR in Green Bay? This isn't a game with a ton of Fantasy question marks, but whether Allen Lazard has cemented himself as the second option behind Davante Adams is certainly one. Injuries: N/A
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| Bears at Lions |
| Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Lions -3.0; 42.5 O/U Implied totals: Bears 19.75-Lions 22.75 |
| David Montgomery's health could have a significant impact on how the Bears offense works, given that Cordarrelle Patterson and Tarik Cohen are the top running backs behind him. It could be a pass-heavy script for the Bears, though Montgomery is trending in the right direction. |
Toughest lineup decision: D'Andre Swift — Sit. What we're watching for: How much does D'Andre Swift play? He's dealing with a hip injury that cost him quite a bit of time in camp, which makes it tough to know if he'll play a significant role. On the other hand, Adrian Peterson just joined the team and Kerryon Johnson is probably on a snap count, so there could be an opportunity if he gets off to a good start — assuming he's healthy enough to play. Injuries: David Montgomery (groin) — Full practice Thursday, seems on track to play … D'Andre Swift (hip) — Limited Thursday, seems likely to play, but role uncertain.
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| Seahawks at Falcons |
| Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Falcons +2.5; 49.0 O/U Implied totals: Seahawks 25.75-Falcons 23.25 |
| If history is any indication, the Seahawks will run the ball over and over and until they're down two scores in the second half, and then Russell Wilson will lead them back. So, yeah, I guess you should start Russell Wilson. |
Toughest lineup decision: N/A What we're watching for: These aren't exactly two teams with a lot of Fantasy question marks, but we'll want to see how much Todd Gurley plays and how involved he is in the passing game. Injuries: N/A
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| Browns at Ravens |
| Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Ravens -7.0; 48.0 O/U Implied totals: Browns 20.5-Ravens 27.5 |
| The key for the Browns is going to be keeping it close early, allowing them to lean on the running game to chew up the clock. With two teams that want to run the ball often facing off, there's a chance the clock moves quick and there aren't many possessions. |
Toughest lineup decision: Kareem Hunt — Start. If you drafted Hunt as your RB3, you probably waited long enough to get your flex that he's worth starting in this one. What we're watching for: Are the Browns really going to run as much as the Vikings did last season? That's the assumption, but it would sure be nice to see Baker Mayfield open it up with all those weapons. Injuries: N/A
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| Colts at Jaguars |
| Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Jaguars +8.0; 45.0 O/U Implied totals: Colts 26.5-Jaguars 18.5 |
| The Colts should be able to run away with this one, which is just fine for Fantasy players — lots of Colts carries, lots of Jaguars passes. That's what we want to see. |
Toughest lineup decision: Gardner Minshew — Start. He should be playing from behind in a lot of passing situations, which is a great spot for Minshew's skill set. What we're watching for: How secure is Marlon Mack's starting job? If Jonathan Taylor gets off to a hot start, do they stick with the hot hand? Injuries: Devine Ozigbo (hamstring) — Moved to IR, out until at least Week 4
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| Raiders at Panthers |
| Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Line: Panthers +3.0; 47.5 O/U Implied totals: Raiders 22.25-Panthers 25.25 |
| We're getting our first look at the Panthers with new coach Matt Rhule and QB Teddy Bridgewater, but there are as many questions with Las Vegas' offense with two rookie wide receivers starting. |
Toughest lineup decision: Henry Ruggs — Sit. I don't feel especially strongly about it, and he's a fine flex play, but Ruggs might be a bit feast or famine, so I'd rather see him hit before I trust him. Your mileage may vary. What we're watching for: So much — What does the Panthers offense look like? How much do Ruggs and Bryan Edwards play in their NFL debuts? But the biggest thing we're looking for is how much the Raiders use Josh Jacobs in the passing game. Injuries: N/A
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| Chargers at Bengals |
| Sunday, 4:00 p.m. Line: Bengals +3.0; 42.0 O/U Implied totals: Chargers 22.5-Bengals 19.5 |
| Two new starting quarterbacks face off in what could be two very different offenses from a year ago, but expectations aren't high in Vegas for this one. |
Toughest lineup decision: A.J. Green — Sit. I'd like to see a bounceback season from Green, but I've gotta see it first — especially against a tough matchup. What we're watching for: We'll want to see how ready Joe Burrow is to make an impact, but the bigger story is the battle between Joshua Kelley and Justin Jackson for touches behind Austin Ekeler. It's a huge opportunity if one of them grabs it for himself. Injuries: Mike Williams (shoulder) — Limited, considered a long shot for Week 1
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| Buccaneers at Saints |
| Sunday, 4:30 p.m. Line: Saints -3.5; 47.5 O/U Implied totals: Buccaneers 22-Saints 25.5 |
| These are expected to be two great offenses, but they also have better defenses than you think. It'll be interesting to see if the Buccaneers can hang in Tom Brady's first game, especially if Mike Evans isn't healthy enough to play. |
| Toughest lineup decision: Leonard Fournette/Ronald Jones — Sit. If you've got any viable options, just sit them. There's too much uncertainty around how they will be used, and it wouldn't surprise me if either got the majority of the touches. What we're watching for: It's that backfield situation. Sure, the Buccaneers tight end spot matters — is Rob Gronkowski really just a role player? — but how playing time is shared between Jones and Fournette is the obvious headline. It wouldn't surprise me if Jones got 70% of the snaps, but it would be a really, really bad sign for him if it's close to an even split. Injuries: N/A |
| Cardinals at 49ers |
| Sunday, 4:30 p.m. Line: 49ers -7.0; 48.0 O/U Implied totals: Cardinals 20.5-49ers 27.5 |
| The Cardinals actually fared pretty well against the 49ers last season, and the offense should be better. The question is, can this really be a defense-proof offense? The talent is there, but I'm expecting less scoring in this one than Vegas is. |
Toughest lineup decision: Christian Kirk — Sit. I have high expectations for Kirk this season, but I'll sit him against a tough matchup until we see just how much usage he gets behind DeAndre Hopkins. What we're watching for: It's all about what kind of role Hopkins has. The Cardinals should pass plenty, so he doesn't need to dominate things as much as he did in Houston, but he'll still want to see more than a quarter of the Cardinals pass attempts, which may be tough to do with Richard Sherman covering him. Injuries: Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) — Limited, still a long shot for Sunday, it seems … Deebo Samuel (foot) — Did not practice, unlikely for Sunday
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| Cowboys at Rams |
| Sunday, 8:30 p.m. Line: Rams +3.0; 51.5 O/U Implied totals: Cowboys 27.25-Rams 24.25 |
| This is the highest over/under of the remaining games, as well it should be. The ideal outcome for Fantasy sees this one turning into a shootout with both quarterbacks topping 300 yards. |
Toughest lineup decision: CeeDee Lamb — Start. I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with most of the rookies, but given the expected high-scoring nature of this one, I'm rolling with Lamb — especially with Amari Cooper dealing with a hamstring issue and facing Jalen Ramsey. What we're watching for: The Cowboys wide receivers are a big focus, but the Rams running backs are the bigger question mark — just because we don't have any idea how they might be used whatsoever. This is Cam Akers' job eventually, so if he got a big role in Week 1, that would be a good sign. Injuries: Darrell Henderson (hamstring) — Practiced in full, expected to play Sunday … Amari Cooper (hamstring) — Practicing in full, expected to play
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| Steelers at Giants |
| Monday, 7:25 p.m. Line: Giants +6.0; 46.0 O/U Implied totals: Steelers 26-Giants 20 |
| It's our first chance to see Ben Roethlisberger after he missed nearly all of last season with an elbow injury, so this is definitely one of those spots where preseason would've been nice to see. |
Toughest lineup decision: Diontae Johnson — Sit. He was a fringe-y start before he showed up on the injury report Thursday with a foot injury. What we're watching for: It's probably how Roethlisberger's arm looks and how the Steelers use their receivers. Is JuJu Smith-Schuster still the number one? How much does rookie Chase Claypool play after an impressive training camp? Injuries: Diontae Johnson (foot) — Did not practice Thursday, in doubt for Week 1 … Golden Tate (hamstring) — Limited, not clear for Monday night, but best to avoid
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| Titans at Broncos |
| Monday, 10:15 p.m. Line: Broncos +2.5; 41.0 O/U Implied totals: Titans 21.75-Broncos 19.25 |
| The line moved toward the Titans after news of Von Miller's injury, and the shoulder injury Courtland Sutton suffered Thursday makes it even tougher for the Broncos. |
| Toughest lineup decision: Courtland Sutton — Sit. Unless we find out between now and Sunday that he's likely to play without limitations despite his AC joint sprain, Sutton playing on an island game Monday night makes him a sit for me. What we're watching for: When the Broncos signed Melvin Gordon, the assumption was he would be the No. 1 back, but it sounds like Phillip Lindsay turned this into a legitimate timeshare in training camp. Can Gordon reclaim the role? Injuries: Courtland Sutton (shoulder) — Left practice, MRI showed AC joint sprain, very much in doubt for Week 1 … KJ Hamler (hamstring) — Limited at practice, in question for Week 1 |
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