Below are my Fantasy Football Week 1 Rankings. Each Wednesday, I’ll post my standard and PPR rankings. There will be constant updates as we get practice reports and injury news leading up to kickoff each Sunday. As you’ll see below, I’ve highlighted some of the players I like and dislike more than others, using the Expert Consensus Rankings on FantasyPros. As we get into tougher matchups, this may help you decide if you have to start or sit a certain player. Feel free to hit me up with any questions @chrismeaney.
Jared Goff @ OAK
If you thought the Oakland Raiders defense was bad last season wait until you see them take the field without Khalil Mack. Football Outsiders ranked the Raiders 30th in pass DVOA. They surrendered the seventh most passing yards and 11th most fantasy points to the quarterback position in 2017. Jared Goff has all kinds of weapons to work with, including newly acquired Brandin Cooks. The offense is completely run through Todd Gurley, but he led the team in catches adding another element to Goff’s upside. Sean McVay and the Rams could very well lead the league in scoring again this season. Goff was a QB one last season when nobody believe, he’s a QB 1 this week in a soft matchup.
Andy Dalton @ IND
It’s highly unlikely you are starting Andy Dalton in your standard season long league. It’s possible you have only Carson Wentz, therefore need to plug someone in. The Colts gave up the third most yards and fifth most passing yards last season. A.J. Green should be able to get what he wants in this game and John Ross has taken some positive strides heading into 2018. Dalton is a strong second QB in SuperFlex formats. Indy allowed the ninth most fantasy points to QB’s in 2017 and that shouldn’t change this season.
James Conner @ CLE
Just like that, Le’Veon Bell owners are scrambling this week and we haven’t even played a game yet! Totally unfair, but if you took a look at the must-own running back handcuff article then you protected your investment with James Conner. The sophomore running back accumulated 101 yards on 21 touches in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ third preseason game. He will have first crack at touches with Bell sidelined. Conner has a 26 touchdown season and a 20 TD campaign on the resume from his four seasons at PIT. With no disrespect to Bell, this offense is set up for running backs to thrive. DeAngelo Williams averaged the most fantasy points per game (Top 5 overall), when Bell was sidelined in 2015.
Dalvin Cook vs. SF
I love Dalvin Cook. He looked awesome before suffering a season-ending knee injury last year. All reports suggest he is ready to go Sunday against San Francisco. That is positive news for Cook and the Vikings as well as his fantasy owners. However, I wouldn’t be shocked if he was on some sort of snap count. Minnesota has Super Bowl aspirations and there is no need to give Cook the ball 20 times in Week 1. The Vikings are heavy home favorites with probably the best defense going. They could easily have their way with SF and lean on Latavius Murray in the second half. Murray proved himself in this offense last season scoring eight touchdowns in his final 10 games.
Kenyan Drake vs. TEN
Chances are, if you have Kenyan Drake you are starting him. You could possibly get by in smaller leagues if you stocked up on running backs at the draft. Football Outsides had the Tennessee Titans as the seventh best rush DVOA defense in the league last season. They only allowed 3.6 rushing yards per attempt (fourth best) and gave up a league-low five rushing touchdowns.