Week 3: Plug Em In/ Sit Em Out

Week 3 Plug Em In/ Sit Em Out:

Quarterbacks

Plug em in

• Aaron Rodgers (GB Packers): This week Aaron Rodgers faces the Saints on Sunday night football. Rodgers is coming off of scoring 30.8 and 18.76 fantasy points respectively in his first two performances. In week 2, his numbers dropped due to Davante Adams going out with a hamstring injury and Aaron Jones tearing up the Lions defense. During week 2’s matchup against the Raiders, the Saints secondary allowed Derek Carr to have a 120.7 passer rating. Expect Aaron Rodgers to have a big game during primetime football in week 3.

• Cam Newton (NE Patriots): Cam Newton. WOW. After the thrilling Sunday night game against the Seahawks, Newton has shut down all his doubters. Cam Newton has scored 2 rushing touchdowns in each of his first two games He also passed for 397 yards on during week 2. Cam Newton’s Dual threat ability makes him a steal in fantasy football allowing him to score 25.7 and 34.6 fantasy points respectively. This week the Patriots are up against the Las Vegas Raiders that has a defense that ranks in the bottom 15 allowing 30 points to the Panthers week 1 and and 24 points to the Saints in week 2. Expect Cam to eat up the Raiders young defense this Sunday.

• Ben Roethlisberger (PIT Steelers): Big Ben is back baby, and he has the Steelers looking like a real threat this season. In both of his games this season Roethlisberger has scored 22.1 and 18.2 fantasy points respectively. This week he is up against another weak defense in the Texans. Start Ben Roethisberger this week.
• Other plugs: Matthew Stafford (DET Lions), Justin Herbert (LA Chargers)

Sit em out

• Teddy Bridgewater (CAR Panthers): Teddy Bridgewater is up against a tough Chargers defense this week. The Chargers defense has allowed a 66.09 rating for Joe Burrow and 90.91 rating for the former MVP, Patrick Mahomes. Chargers has one of the best CB duos in Casey Hayward and Chris Harris, along with a top 5 defensive line. Expect Bridgewater and the Panthers to struggle this week.

• Baker Mayfield (CLE Browns): Who was that Thursday night against the Bengals, because it did not look like the Baker Mayfield that we have seen lately. Expect Mayfield to struggle this week against a ferocious Washington front seven. The Washington Football Team, though weak offensively, have made a statement defensively. They have yet to let up receiver get over 100 yards this season. Be cautious of having Mayfield in your lineup this week.

• Deshaun Watson (HOU Texans): Deshaun Watson has scored 20.82 and 14.7 fantasy points respectively with most of the points in the first game coming during garbage time. Watson had a tough matchup against the Ravens last week getting sacked 4 times. This week the Watson has to face one of the best defensive lines led by TJ Watt in the Steelers. The Texans offensive line has struggled to allow Watson time in the pocket and will have a tougher matchup this week. Avoid Watson this week.
• Other sits: Daniel Jones (NY Giants), Phillip Rivers (IND Colts)

Running Backs

Plug em in

• Jerrick McKinnon (SF Niners): Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman are likely to miss a couple weeks, with Coleman likely missing 3-4. The next running backs up are Jerrick McKinnon and Jeff Wilson Jr. I would predict a split in early down work and goal line carries, with pass down work going solely to McKinnon. In weeks 1 and 2 McKinnon was splitting work with Coleman and Mostert and he got 13.40 and 13.70 fantasy points respectively. Kyle Shanahan recently said “With those two being out (Mckinnon) should get more opportunities.” I would start McKinnon this week in what I expect to be a close game with Nick Mullens under center.

• Austin Ekeler (LA Chargers): Austin Ekeler has been a disappointment so far in 2020. In week 2 Ekeler and Josh Kelley nearly split the backfield work even though Ekeler averaged over 5 YPC while Kelley averaged 3 YPC so I would expect Ekeler to get an increase in carries. Also Tyrod Taylor is out for the season and Justin Herbert is likely to get the start. This is beneficial for Ekeler owners as Herbert (7 targets) passed to his running backs a lot more than Taylor did (1 target). The Chargers are up against the Panthers this week, whose defense has let up two top 5 running back performances (Josh Jacobs 35.90 fp and Leonard Fournette 27.60 fp). Start Austin Ekeler this week against the Panthers.

• Jonathan Taylor (IND Colts): I had to check the stat sheet twice during half time when I saw that Taylor had 18 carries at half! He went on to run for 101 yards and 1 TD from 26 carries. Even though he only averaged 3.9 YPC he was used as a true workhorse back. This week the Colts are up against the Jets. The Jets defense has been very bad this year allowing Bills to rush for 98 yards week 1 and Niners to rush for 182 yards week 2. This game also has a high chance of being a blowout by the Colts so look for the Colts to control the clock with their run game (bad news for Hines owners).
• Other Plugs: Deandre Swift (DET Lions), Chris Carson (SEA Seahawks)

Sit em out

• David Johnson (HOU Texans): David Johnson played an astounding 95% of snaps against the Ravens in week 2. However he had trouble anything going, he rushed for 34 yards from 11 carries. With Duke Johnson likely returning this week I expect the snap % to drop. The Texans are also against the Steelers this week who have arguably the best front 7 in the league. With Texans horrible offensive line and Steelers astounding front 7 I would bench David Johnson this week.

• Rams RBs (LA Rams): Rams backfield is a big mess as of now. There is no clear RB1 as Malcolm Brown led the backfield week 1 and Darrel Henderson led the backfield week 2. Cam Akers is likely out due to a rib injury so he will not play a factor this week. However, Brown or Henderson could lead this week and get goal line carries. To make matters worse for the Rams, they are up against a stellar Bills defense that hasn’t allowed a running back to rush for over 50 yards. I would be wary of starting either of these backs this week in this unpredictable backfield.

• Mike Davis (CAR Panthers): Mike Davis is next up for the Panthers this week after CMAC went down with an ankle injury. But expect Davis to have trouble this week against a Chargers defense that shut down Joe Mixon week 1 (69 rush yards on 19 carries) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire week 2 (38 rush yards on 10 carries). Mike Davis hasn’t gotten more than 5 carries since 2018 so he will likely have a slow going on his first start as well. I would be cautious starting Davis this week, at best he is a low end flex with some upside.
• Other sits: Todd Gurley (ATL Falcons), Giants RBs

Wide Receivers

Plug em in

• Marquise Brown (BAL Ravens): Marquise Brown had a great week 1 putting up 5/101/0, in week 2 he had a tougher going putting up 5/42/0. Both weeks he has 6 targets in two blowout games. This week against a Chiefs secondary that has allowed 253 pass yards week 1 and 311 pass yards week 2, expect Brown to play a bigger role. The Chiefs versus Ravens game will be a close high scoring game and Brown will get more than 6 targets. I am expecting a big week from Marquise Brown.

• CeeDee Lamb (DAL Cowboys): CeeDee Lamb has passed Michael Gallup as the WR2 for the Cowboys. Lamb had 6 and 9 targets in the first two games while Gallup had 5 both games. This week the Cowboys are against the Seahawks in another high scoring affair. Seahawks have let up two 395+ yard QBs in both their matchups. Dak Prescott will have a field day against the Seahawks defense this week allowing Amari Cooper, Dalton Shultz and CeeDee Lamb to eat.

• DK Metcalf (SEA Seahawks): DK Metcalf seems to be Russell Wilson’s favorite target this season getting 4/95/1 on 8 targets week 1 and 4/92/1 on 6 targets week 2 against the reigning DPOY. Russell Wilson is putting up MVP numbers so far in the season and has seem unstoppable. The Cowboys are up next against the Seahawks this week and are missing Byron Jones (Dolphins) and Leighton Bander-Esch on their defense. They Just allowed Matt Ryan to throw for 273 yards and 4 TDs. Russell Wilson and DK Metcalf will both have a big game this week against the Cowboys in this high scoring affair.
• Other plugs: Julian Edelman (NE Patriots), TY Hilton (IND Colts)

Sit em out

• DJ Chark (JAX Jaguars): DJ Chark is questionable this week and even if he does play he will be shadowed by standout corner, Xavien Howard in the Thursday night primetime matchup. DJ Chark hasn’t been the top 10 receiver we saw last year either getting only 11.50 and 12.40 fantasy points this year. Its sam\fe to say bench DJ Chark this week and look for Laviska Shenault Jr. to be a sneaky start.

• DJ Moore (CAR Panthers): DJ Moore is another player who was on my start list last week and put up 8/120/0 on 13 targets. This week though I would bench the third year receiver. Moore will likely face Casey Hayward, who is a top 5 CB in the NFL. Hayward held AJ Green to 51 yards week 1 yet allowed Tyreek Hill to get 99 yards on only 5 receptions from 13 targets (majority came on a 1 deep TD throw). I would expect DJ Moore to have trouble against this tough Chargers defense. Robby Anderson however, could be sneaky start as Curtis Samuel will be guarded by Chris Harris Jr. .

• Tyreek Hill (KC Chiefs): Tyreek Hill is tough to bench as he is too fast to be shut down completely. However, I would advise you to be wary of Hill in this tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Since Ravens signed Marcus Peters they have yet to allow a receiver get over a 100 receiving yards. In the 2019 matchup against the Ravens, no Chiefs WR hit a 100 yards. The closest WR was Mecole Hardman who had one big play as he got 2 catches for 97 yards and 1 TD. Tyreek Hill is at best a TD dependent flex this week.
• Other sits: Golden Tate (NY Giants), Robert Woods (LA Rams)

Tight Ends

Plug em in

• Mark Andrews (BAL Ravens): Mark Andrews should have a big game this week against the Chiefs who rank in the bottom third against tight ends. Andrews has been Lamar Jackson’s favorite target since 2019. In the Ravens 2019 matchup against the Chiefs, Ravens TEs accounted for 87 yards on 9 receptions. This year so far, Mark Andrews, has scored 22.80 and 3.90 fantasy points respectively. The low points in week 2 are likely due to the game script as Lamar only threw for 204 yards on 18 completions. Expect Mark Andrews to play a big role in this weeks matchup.

• Logan Thomas (WAS Football Team): Logan Thomas has come to become one of Dwayne Haskins top targets. Week 1 he was targeted 8 times and in week 2 he was targeted 9 times, the volume is there and Thomas should produce. This week Thomas has another easy matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have allowed 2 top 10 TEs in their matchups (Mark Andrews 22.80 and CJ Uzomah 14.20). Logan Thomas should have a nice day especially if Haskins continues to look his way.
• Other plugs: Dalton Shultz (DAL Cowboys), Tyler Higbee (LA Rams), TJ Hockenson (DET Lions)

Sit em out

• Austin Hooper (CLE Browns): Austin Hooper has been a big disappointment so far in 2020. I was high on him before season started and now I don’t believe he is worth rostering. Baker Mayfield isn’t talented enough to support more than one fantasy viable candidate receiver per game. Mayfield has thrown for 300 or more yards only 6 times since he was drafted in 2018 and 10 times for less than 200 yards. This season so far he has thrown for 189 yards and 219 yards respectively. As long as Baker Mayfield continues to struggle, only OBJ is worth starting as a receiver for the Browns.

• Evan Engram (NY Giants): Evan Engram has had tough matchups against the Steelers and Bears to start the season. He has another tough matchup this week against the SF Niners. Even though Niners lost many defensive starters over the past two week, their linebacker core has stayed healthy. In 2019 the Niners were the 5th hardest team against TEs. With Kwon Alexander healthy this year (missed 10 games due to pec injury in 2019) they have an even better linebacker core. Evan Engram will continue to have trouble getting much going this week even with Sterling Shepherd out.
• Other sits: Be wary of Chris Herndon (NY Jets), Eric Ebron (PIT Steelers), Kyle Rudolph (MIN Vikings)

D/ST

Plug em in

• Buccaneers D/ST: The Buccaneers D/ST was the top scoring defense last week accumulating 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions against the Panthers. Week 1, the Bucs defense shut down Michael Thomas to less than 30 yards. The Bucs defense is legit and has another easy matchup this week against a Denver Broncos team that will be without Drew Lock, Courtland Sutton and Philip Lindsay this week. Bucs D/ST should have another bog day this week.
• Other plugs: Colts D/ST, Chargers D/ST

Sit em out

• Rams D/ST: Rams defense has so much talent in Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald, both top 3 at their positions. This week the Rams are against a Bills offense that has got over 400 total yards week 1 and over 500 total yards week 2. Josh Allen is quietly putting together a nice season as well. I expect the Rams defense to have trouble this week against the explosive Bills offensive.
• Other Sits: 49ers D/ST, Bills D/ST

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Week 2 Waiver Wire Adds

Week 2 was plagued by injuries in one of the most painful Sundays I’ve seen. I personally lost Saquon Barkley, Courtland Sutton and Sterling Shepherd this week. These injuries make this weeks waiver wire picks even more important. Here is our list of waiver wire targets for week 2:

1. Mike Davis (CAR Panthers): Christian Mccaffrey was one of the few first round picks that got hurt this week. He is likely to be out 4-6 weeks, but he did say he would work hard and be back sooner than expected. So at least for the next three to four weeks expect Mike Davis to take the workhorse role. The next three games for the Panthers are the Chargers, the Cardinals and the Falcons. Other than the Chargers, the Cardinals and the Falcons both struggle against the run and Davis should have big games. Mike Davis should be the first player targeted this week.
2. Dion Lewis/ Wayne Gallman (NY Giants): Saquon Barkley was the other top pick to suffer an injury this week and sadly, he will be out all year. The next running back in the depth chart is Dion Lewis and then Wayne Gallman. I would expect a committee in the Giants backfield moving forward with Lewis handling third down work along with some early down work and Gallman to handle redzone work. I believe both should be rostered with Dion Lewis having a higher priority and Wayne Gallman being targeted right after.
3. Jordan Reed (SF 49ers): The Niners got the worst of the bunch this past Sunday, losing Jimmy Garoppolo, Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas. The Niners are also missing George Kittle and Deebo Samuel the top two receiving threats for the Niners in 2019. In week two’s matchup against the Jets, Jordan Reed had 8 targets from which he caught 7 passes for 50 yards and 2 TDs. If Kittle misses more time which is probable, Reed should be in for an expanded role in the depleted Niners receiver core.
4. Dalton Shultz (DAL Cowboys): Blake Jarwin went down in week one’s matchup against the Rams and he is expected to be out for the season. Backup tight end, Dalton Shultz, stepped up big in the Cowboys week 2 matchup. Dak Prescott has also already developed a connection with Shultz. Dak targeted Shultz 10 times from which Shultz caught 9 for 88 yards and 1 TD. Week 3, the Cowboys are up against a depleted Seahawks defense that lost another two starters this past Sunday. Dalton Shultz should be in for a big game along with Dak Prescott as Seahawks have allowed two 395+ yard QBs in both their matchups.
5. K’Neal Harry (NE Patriots): Cam Newton is looking better than his MVP season and we saw just a glimpse of that on Sunday night. The Patriots receiver core is very depleted as well, having no one outside of Julian Edelman. The only target Cam Newton has is second year WR, K’Neal Harry. After an underwhelming rookie season due to injuries, Harry cam out Sunday night with a mission. Harry had 12 targets from which he caught 8 passes for 72 yards and was inches away from a game winning TD. Edelman had 11 targets so it is promising to see that Harry had more targets and has a real connection with Cam Newton.
6. Other additions: Devonta Freeman (FA), Justin Herbert (LA Chargers), Drew Sample (CIN Bengals), Gardner Minshew (JAC Jaguars), Van Jefferson (LA Rams), Justin Jefferson (Min Vikings), Kendrick Bourne (SF 49ers)

Week 2: Game by Game Starts/flexes/sits

Start= Solid start.

Flex= Be wary, try to replace but isn’t the worst start.

Sit= Do not start.

• Bengals @ Browns
  • Joe Burrow: Sit
  • Joe Mixon: Start
  • CJ Uzomah: Flex
  • AJ Green: Flex
  • Tyler Boyd: Flex
  • Baker Mayfield: Sit 
  • Odell Beckham Jr.: Flex 
  • Jarvis Landry: Flex
  • Nick Chubb: Start
  • Austin Hooper: Flex 
  • Kareem Hunt: Flex
• Broncos @ Steelers 
  • Drew Lock: Sit
  • Melvin Gordon: Flex
  • Phillip Lindsey: Flex (Watch Injury Report)
  • Jerry Jeudy: Sit
  • Noah Fant: Start
  • Ben Roethlisberger: Sit 
  • James Connor: Sit
  • Benny Snell Jr.: Start
  • Juju Smith-Schuster: Start
  • Dionte Johnson: Flex
  • Eric Ebron: Sit
• Niners @ Jets
  • Jimmy Garoppolo: Sit
  • Raheem Mostert: Start
  • George Kittle: Start 
  • Niners WRs: Sit
  • Sam Darnold: Sit
  • Jets Rbs: Sit
  • Jamison Crowder: Start 
  • Chris Herndon: Sit
• Rams @ Eagles
  • Jared Goff: Start
  • Malcolm Brown: Start 
  • Robert Woods: Start
  • Cooper Kupp: Start
  • Rams TE: Flex
  • Desean Jackson: Start
  • Miles Sanders: Sit
  • Zach Ertz: Start
  • Dallas Goedert: Flex
  • Carson Wentz: Start
• Jaguars @ Titans 
  • Gardner Minshew: Sit
  • D.J. Chark: Start
  • James Robinson: Flex 
  • Lavishka Shelnut Jr.: Flex 
  • Ryan Tannehill: Sit 
  • AJ Brown: Flex
  • Corey Davis: Flex  
  • Jonnu Smith: Sit 
  • Derrick Henry: Start 
• Panthers @ Buccaneers 
  • Christian McCaffrey: No Question
  • D.J. Moore: Flex
  • Curtis Samuel: Sit
  • Robby Anderson: Start
  • Tom Brady: Start
  • Chris Godwin: Start
  • Mike Evans: Start
  • Bucs Backfield: Sit
  • Bucs TEs: Flex Howard or Gronk if desperate
• Bills @ Dolphins
  • Josh Allen: Start 
  • Bill’s Backfield: Flex
  • Stefon Diggs: Start
  • Devante Parker: Flex
  • Preston Williams: Sit
  • Jordan Howard/ Matt Breida: Sit Howard/ Sit Breida
  • Mike Gesicki: Sit
  • Gaskins: Flex
• Vikings @ Colts 
  • Adam Thielen: Start 
  • Justin Jefferson: Sit
  • Dalvin Cook: Start
  • Kirk Cousins: Sit
  • Kyle Rudolph: Sit
  • Johnathan Taylor: Flex
  • Nyheim Hines: Flex
  • Philip Rivers: Flex
  • T.Y. Hilton: Flex
  • Michael Pittman Jr.: Sit
  • Parris Campbell: Start
• Lions @ Packers
  • Matthew Stafford: Start
  • Kenny Golladay: Start
  • Marvin Jones: Flex
  • Lions Backfield: Sit (wait to see who emerges)
  • Aaron Jones: Start
  • Aaron Rodgers: Start 
  • Allen Lazard: Flex
  • Devante Adams: Start
  • MVS: (Flex for deeper leagues)
• Falcons @ Cowboys 
  • Matt Ryan: Start
  • Todd Gurley: Start
  • Julio Jones: Start
  • Calvin Ridley: Start
  • Russell Gage: Flex
  • Hayden Hurst: Sit 
  • Dak Prescott: Start
  • Amari Cooper: Start
  • Michael Gallup: Start
  • CeeDee Lamb: Flex
  • Ezekiel Elliot: Start
• Giants @ Bears
  • Daniel Jones: Start
  • Golden Tate III: Sit
  • Sterling Shepard: Flex
  • Saquon Barkley: Start
  • Darius Slayton: Flex
  • Evan Engram : Start
  • Allen Robinson: Start
  • Anthony Miller: Start
  • Mitchell Trubisky: Start
  • David Montgomery: Flex
  • Tarik Cohen: Sit
• Washington Football Team @ Cardinals
  • Terry McLaurin: Flex
  • Dwayne Haskins: Sit
  • Antonio Gibson: Sit
  • Logan Thomas: Start
  • Peyton Barber: Flex 
  • Kenyan Drake: Start
  • Kyler Murray: Start
  • DeAndre Hopkins: Start
  • Christian Kirk: Flex
• Chiefs @ Chargers

• Patrick Mahomes: Start
• Tyreek Hill: Start
• CEH: Start
• Travis Kelce: Start
• Sammy Watkins: Flex
• Mecole Hardman: Sit
• Austin Ekeler: Start
• Keenan Allen: Start
• Hunter Henry: Start 
• Tyrod Taylor: Flex
•  Ravens @ Texans

• Lamar Jackson: Start
• Marquise Brown: Start
• JK Dobbins: Flex
• Mark Ingram: Flex 
• David Johnson: Start
• Brandin Cooks: Flex
• Deshaun Watson: Start
• Will Fuller V: Start
• Patriots @ Seahawks

• Cam Newton: Start 
• Julian Edelman: Start
• Sony Michel: Sit
• Kneal Harry: Sit 
• Chris Carson: Flex 
• Russell Wilson: Start
• D.K. Metcalf: Start
• Tyler Lockett : Start
• Saints @ Raiders

• Drew Brees: Start
• Trequon Smith: flex
• Emmanuel Sanders: flex
• Alvin Kamara: Start
• Jared Cook: Start
• Josh Jacobs: Start
• Henry Ruggs: Flex (Watch Injury Report)
• Bryan Edwards: Sit
• Darren Waller: Start

Week 2 Plug Em In/ Sit Em Out

Week 2 is upon us! Week 1 was definitely a weird one with all the injuries and the surprising backfield snap percentages. Mainly I believe that due to no preseason, players are being eased into the offense and as the weeks progress we should see an increase in snap percentages. Without further ado let’s get into this weeks plug em and sit em’s!

Quarterbacks

Plug em in

• Jared Goff (LA Rams): Goff had a great game against a stellar Cowboys defense, throwing for 275 yards on 20 completions. Malcolm Brown got both the touchdowns resulting to a low fantasy game for Goff. This week Goff is up against a very weak Eagles defense that blew a 17-0 lead to Dwayne Haskins. I’d expect Goff to air out this very weak Eagles defense that might be without DE Barrnet this week.

• Tom Brady (TB Buccaneers): Brady had a poor first half against the Saints last week, he had trouble getting anything going. His main target, Mike Evans, was shut out by a very good Saints defense. This week, Brady is up against a Panthers defense that allowed Derrick Carr to throw for 239 yards and drop 34 points during week 1. With Evans back in the mix, I would expect this to be a blowout by the Bucs and Brady to take advantage of this week defense and regain his hype.

• Mathew Stafford (DET Lions): Mathew Stafford looked great week 1 against a very good Bears defense and without his favorite target, Kenny Golladay. He threw for 297 yards to TJ Hockenson and Danny Amendola. With Golladay expected to be back for the Lions and Matt Patricia desperate to win, Stafford will air out the Packers who defensively did not look great in week 1. Kirk Cousins and the Vikings dropped 34 points on the Packers defense and Adam Thielen had 6/110/2 stat line. Big day coming up for the Stafford/ Golladay duo this Sunday.

Sit em out

• Derrick Carr (LV Raiders): Derrick Carr was able to have a nice game against a weak Panthers defense. This will not be the case this week against a good Saints secondary that picked off Brady twice and shut down Mike Evans. With a young receiver core, Carr will struggle this week against the Saints.

• Deshaun Watson (HOU Texans): The Texans offensive line looked absolutely horrendous in the season opener against the Chiefs. This made it very hard for Watson to find his receivers. Also majority of Watsons fantasy points last week, came during garbage time when Chiefs were up by 3 scores (only had 7 points first half). Texans are against the Ravens defense in week 2 that has an even better defensive line (Derek Wolfe, Calias Cambell, Mathew Judon, Brandon Williams) than the chiefs. The Ravens shut down OBJ (3 catches for 22 yards on 10 targets) and Baker Mayfield (189 yards and 1 int) in week 1s bout against the Browns. Even with Watson’s rushing ability I would be wary of starting him his week against the Ravens.

• Daniel Jones (NY Giants): Jones had a decent game week 1 putting up 19.36 fantasy points against the Steelers in a close game. He will have a much harder time week 2 against a Bears defense that allowed an average of 13.7 fantasy points to QBs in 2019. The Bears defense includes many big names in Tashaun Gipson, Danny Trevathan, Eddie Jackson, Kyle Fuller Roquan Smith and Khalil Mack. Jones will have a tough time this week against a strong Bears secondary.

Running Backs

Plug em in

• Raheem Mostert (SF 49ers): Mostert was the only thing going for the 49ers offense on Sunday against the Cradinals. The surprising part was that Mostert was given goal line work as well. With a 60% snap percentage among RBs in week 1, Mostert put up 25.10 fantasy points. This week Niners are up against a Jets defense that allowed 98 rushing yards to the Bills rushers (Allen, Singletary and Moss). I am expecting a blowout game this week considering how much the Jets offense struggled against the Bills defense, Mostert should have another nice game running out the clock. Deebo Samuel is also still out with an injury which bodes well for Mostert.

• Todd Gurley (ATL Falcons): Todd Gurley put up 13.70 fantasy points playing only 46% of the snaps for the Falcons. This low percentage may be due to the Seahawks airing it out in the first half and HC Dan Quinn wanting to rest Gurley. Quinn did mention before season started that Gurley will see 15-25 carries a game on a weekly basis. Falcons are against a Cowboys defense that maybe without Leighton Vander Esch and Sean Lee in week 2. In week 1 Cowboys also let Malcolm Brown and Cam Akers run for a 100 yards against them and let uppitiest 2 rushing TDs. Gurley should see a higher snap percentage this week against the Cowboys week run defense.

• Jonathan Taylor (IND Colts) : Phillip Rivers loves throwing to his running backs (Austin Ekeler owners you can cry its okay), in week 1 Rivers targeted Taylor 6 times and Hines 8 times as well as Mack 3 times before he got hurt. Now with Taylor having the starting role he will see an increaser in carries and targets. Colts are also against the Vikings this week who looked decent against the run but still allowed the Packers to have 158 rushing yards (mainly due to Packers running the ball with the lead). The promising part however, is the efficiency of the Packers backs in the passing game and that is where Hines and Taylor will shine this week.

Sit em out

• Mark Ingram (BAL Ravens): 3 headed committee in the Ravens backfield as it seems from week 1. Ingram only played 36% of the snaps and wasn’t targeted at all in the passing game. Even though the Texans defense let CEH run all over them week 1 I would be wary of starting Ingram this week just because of Dobbins and Edwards stealing carries.

• Kenyan Drake (ARI Cardinals): This one hurt to watch week 1. Drake and Edmunds seems to be in a full on committee in the Cardinals backfield. Drake got 16 carries and Edmunds got 6 however, Drake was barely used in the passing game only getting 2 receptions. Edmunds got targeted 5 times by Murray. Cardinals running backs also have a really tough game this week against Chase Young and the talented Washington front 7. Eagles only managed 57 yards with 17 attempts against Washington. Sit Drake this week against the Washington football team

• Melvin Gordon (DEN Broncos): Melvin Gordon owners might have gotten a steal as Phillip Lindsey is expected to miss time due to turf toe. Even then I would bench Gordon this week against a Steelers defense that shut Saquon Barley down to 6 yards on 15 carries! This Steelers defensive line is legit.

Wide Receivers

Plug em in

• Anthony Miller (CHI Bears): Anthony Miller (4/76/1) out played Allen Robinson (5/74/0) week 1 with only 42% snap share! Nagy was easing in Miller who’s returning from a shoulder injury especially since there was no preseason. I would expect this percentage to increase going into week 2 against a very weak Giants secondary that allowed JuJu (6/69/2) and Dionte Johnson (6/57/0) to have great games. If Mitchel Trubisky can keep up his performance I would expect both Robinson and Miller to have great games.

• Cowboys WRs (Dal Cowboys): I was reluctant of drafting Cowboys WRs due to the insane amount of talent on the field however, Dak Prescott was able to get everyone the ball. Cooper, Gallup and Lamb had 18.10, 8.00, 10.90 fantasy points respectively against a good Rams defense that includes pro bowl corner back, Jalen Ramsey. This week against the Falcons who allowed Wilson to throw for 322 yards and drop 4 TDs I would expect the Cowboys offense to have field day.

• Parris Campbell (IND Colts): It was Parris Campbell (6/71/0 on 9 targets) who was Phillip Rivers favorite target week 1 and not veteran TY Hilton (4/53/0 on 9 targets). Campbell plays the same role for the Colts that Keenan Allen played for the Chargers making him a go to target for Rivers. A favorable matchup against a Vikings defense that got aired out by Rodgers in week 1 bodes well for Campbell and the Colts WRs.

Sit em out

• DJ Moore (CAR Panthers): This ones an easy sit em for this week and there are two reasons why. First reason is that Teddy Bridgewater and DJ Moore will be up against a tough Buccaneers defense that shut down Drew Brees (18/30 for 160 yards and 2 tds) and Michael Thomas (3/17/0). Second reason is that DJ Moore wasn’t Teddy Bridgewater favorite target week 1, it was actually Robby Anderson who had 6 receptions fro 114 yards and 1 touchdown. DJ Moore is a must sit this week in a tough matchup.

• DJ Chark (JAC Jaguars): Minshew Mania is back BABY! However, it seems like Chark got left behind. Out of Keelan Cole, Laviska Shenault and DJ Chark, Chark had the least amount of targets with 3 and Cole led the way with 5. I don’t expect it to stay the way but I would be wary of Chark until I see him lead the pack. Jags also play the Titans defense this week that have a solid corner back in Malcolm Butler. There are better options available than Chark this week.

• AJ Green (CIN Bengals): AJ Green is finally back and ready to take the league by storm… it might have to wait a couple weeks. Green had a tough matchup week 1 against Casey Hayward and was held to 51 yards and no touchdown. Green has another tough matchup week 2 against Denzel Ward who ranked as a top 25 CB in 2019 according to PFF. Joe Burrow is also getting eased into the NFL and without a preseason its going to take a few weeks. I would be wary of Green this week in a tough matchup.

Tight ends

Plug em in

• Logan Thomas (WAS Football team): Logan Thomas is this years Darren Waller. Thomas and Haskins have already developed a really promising connection. Thomas led the Washington football team in targets (8) against the Eagles week 1. He hauled in only 4 receptions but got 37 yards and 1 td from it. The promising part are the targets. Week 2 the Washington football team are up against the Cardinals who allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2019. With Scary Terry likely to be covered by Pro Bowl corner, Patrick Peterson, Haskins will be looking at Thomas a lot this week.

• CJ Uzomah (CIN Bengals ): Rookie QBs love their tight ends and that was evident in the Bengals versus Chargers game last Sunday. Joe Burrow targeted Uzomah 5 times from which Uzomah hauled in 4 receptions for 45 yards against a tough Chargers defense. This week the Bengals are up against the Browns who just let up 2 TDs to Mark Andrews in week 1s matchup against the ravens. With Denzal Ward on AJ Green and Joe Mixon struggling on the ground, CJ Uzomah and Tyler Boyd are in for a big game on Thursday night.
• Other starts: Tyler Higbee (LA Rams), Jared Cook (NO Saints), Eric Ebron (PIT Steelers)

Sit em out

• Noah Fant (DEN Broncos): Noah Fant was the only viable fantasy starter for the Broncos since Courtland Sutton did not play week 1. Fant flourished catching 5 passes from 6 targets for 81 yards and 1 touchdown. For a relatively new QB like Drew Lock, a tight end can really be a quarterbacks best friend. I would expect this connection to struggle however in week twos matchup against the Steelers who shut down Evan Engram to 2.90 fantasy points and ranked 5h in 2019 against TEs. If Sutton is able to suit up this week expect Fants numbers to drop even more.

• Rob Gronkowski (TB Bucs): Gronkowski has been on our do not draft list since the Bucs added him. Once again this week, he isn’t someone you should start. OJ Howard led all tight ends for the Bucs in targets and receptions. Howard also got looked at in the red zone. Gronk on the other hand did not get a single red zone target. The Panthers defense was surprisingly tough on Darren Waller last week and held him to 45 yards and 0 TDs. I just don’t like Gronk as a fantasy viable TE this year.
• Other Sits: Hayden Hurst (ATL Falcons), Chris Herndon (NY Jets), Jack Doyle (MIN Vikings)

D/ST

Plug em in

• Rams D/ST: Rams are up against a weak Eagles offense that is missing 3 starting offensive linemen and let the Washington defensive line sack Carson Wentz 8 times week 1! Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd are going to eat this week. Also the Rams Secondary led by Jalen Ramsey are much stronger than the Washington secondary so expect more turnovers.
• Other Starts: Bucs D/ST, Niners D/ST, Bills D/ST

Sit em out

• Cowboys D/ST: Matt Ryan and the Falcons aired out the Seahawks defense throwing for 450 yards during week 1. Cowboys also lost Leighton Vander Esch during week 1s loss to the LA Rams. I am expecting this game to be a shootout and neither of these defenses will show up this week.
• Other sits: Titans D/ST, Patriots D/ST, Chargers D/ST

Week 1 Waiver Wire Adds and Fades

Below is a list of players to add to your lineup and a few to drop. Week 1 waiver pickups can be the most valuable additions you make to your roster throughout the season. These choices should benefit you throughout the season, not necessarily for one or two weeks. Pick up one of these players before picking up a weekly defense!

WAIVER WIRE ADDS:

1. Malcolm Brown (LA Rams): ADD– Brown got 18 carries for 79 yards and 2 rushing TDs along with 3 receptions for 31 yards. He is the clear red zone back for the Rams giving him a high ceiling in the weeks to come. He dominated the snap percentages, playing 44 snaps compared to Cam Akers’ 24. With the Rams offensive line back to full health, Brown is a must add this week.
2. Sammy Watkins (KC Chiefs): ADD– It was Sammy Watkins that unexpectedly led the Chiefs stacked receiving core in the season opener. Watkins had 9 targets from Patrick Mahomes from which he caught 7 for 82 yards and 1 touchdown. Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill both had 6 targets. Even though its unlikely we see a similar stat line from Watkins, given the offensive talent on that team, he is someone to add to your rosters this week as a high-risk high-reward flex.
3. Nyheim Hines (IND Colts): ADD– We were high on Marlon Mack all offseason and were sad to see him go down with an Achilles tear. Next in line is Hines, not rookie Jonathan Taylor. During the Colts week 1 matchup, Hines got 7 carries for 28 yards and 1 rushing TD as well as 8 receptions for 45 yards and 1 receiving TD. Phillip Rivers loves throwing to his backs more than any QB in the league (17 receptions to the RB week 1), and Hines is both the receiving back and the goal line back for the Colts. With Rivers under center and Mack out for the season, Hines is a weekly flex play.
4. James Robinson (JAC Jaguars): ADD– After Leonard Fournette’s departure there was no clear back in the Jaguars backfield all offseason. However, after the week 1 matchup against the Colts it seems like James Robinson has emerged as the true lead back. He had 16 carries for 62 yards, but was the only RB to take 100% of his team’s carries week 1. Even though his performance was unimpressive, the amount of carries alone and lack of competition in the backfield make him a weekly flex play.
5. Robby Anderson (CAR Panthers): ADD– Teddy Bridgewater showed up week 1 against the Raiders and threw for 270 yards and 1 TD. The surprising part however, was that Robby Anderson (115) led in yards, not DJ Moore (54). The targets were similar as Moore got 9 and Anderson had 8. Next week the Panthers are up against the Buccaneers who just shut down Michael Thomas. With Moore being the focal point for most defenses, I wouldn’t be surprised if Anderson has another big game.
6. Other additions: Joshua Kelley (LA Chargers), Myles Gaskin (MI Dolphins), Laviska Shenault (JAC WR), Dallas Goedert (PHI Eagles), Logan Thomas (WAS Football team), Parris Campbell (IND Colts), Dalton Shultz (DAL Cowboys).

PLAYER FADES:

1. Kerryon Johnson (DET Lions): Fade– There is a full on committee in the Lions backfield and Johnson is barely a part of it. It seems as if De’Andre Swift was the most trusted back in the bunch, as he played for the 4th quarter drive. Swift also took 3 goalline carries from which he got the Lions sole rushing TD. Adrian Peterson looked really good as well taking 14 carries for 93 yards and serving as an early down back with over 100 scrimmage yards. There is no room for Kerryon Johnson in the Lions backfield or on your roster.
2. Cooper Kupp (LA Rams): Fade– Cooper Kupp is not a player you should drop… yet. Instead he is someone to stash and wait how the season progresses or someone to trade away. The Rams appear intent on running 12 personnel this season, which reduces Kupp’s opportunities and touches. At best he is a flex play based on his weekly matchup until he proves otherwise.
3. Rob Gronkowski (TB Buccaneers): Fade– We said it earlier and now we are saying it again, “Gronk is not the same TE 1 he once was!” If you drafted him as your starting TE don’t worry there are many others you can target like Logan Thomas, who appeared to be the secondary pass-catching option from QB Dwayne Haskins. Gronkowski got a mere 3 targets from Tom Brady’s 36 attempts, catching 2 for 11 yards. OJ Howard on the other hand had the second most targets on the team, with 6. Howard hauled in 4 receptions for 36 yards. Cameron Brate also got 1 target but no catches. It seems like the Bucs are running a TE committee, and while it may change from week to week, Gronk doesn’t look like he will be a reliable fantasy option.
4. Other fades: Chris Thompson (JAC Jaguars), Baker Mayfield (CLE Browns), Hunter Renfrow (LV Raiders), Cam Akers (LA Rams)

2020 WEEK 1: Every Offensive player to start or sit

Game by Game Starts/flexes/sits

Start= Solid start.

Flex= Be wary, try to replace but isn’t the worst start.

Sit= Do not start.

Game 1: Chiefs VS Texans 

• David Johnson: Start
• Brandin Cooks: Start
• Deshaun Watson: Start
• Will Fuller V: Start
• Darren Fells: Sit
• Patrick Mahomes: Start
• Tyreek Hill: Start
• CEH: Start
• Travis Kelce: Start
• Mecole Hardman: Sit

Game 2: Eagles VS Washington

• Desean Jackson: Start
• Miles Sanders: Sit
• Zach Ertz: Start
• Dallas Goedert: Flex
• Carson Wentz: Start
• Terry McLaurin: Sit
• Dwayne Haskins: Sit
• Antonio Gibson + Redskins backfield: Sit (wait and see who emerges as lead)

Game 3: Dolphins VS Patriots 

• Devante Parker: Flex
• Preston Williams: Start
• Jordan Howard/ Matt Breida: Flex Howard/ Sit Breida
• Mike Gesicki: Flex
• Cam Newton: Start 
• Julian Edelman: Start
• Sony Michel : Sit
• Kneal Harry: Sit 

Game 4: Packers VS Vikings

• Aaron Jones: Start
• Aaron Rodgers: Start 
• Allen Lazard: Flex
• Devante Adams: Start
• MVS: Sit
• Adam Thielen: Start 
• Justin Jefferson: Sit
• Dalvin Cook: Start
• Kirk Cousins: Sit
• Kyle Rudolph: Sit

Game 5: Colts VS Jaguars 

• Johnathan Taylor: Flex
• Marlon Mack: Flex
• Philip Rivers: Start
• T.Y. Hilton: Start
• Michael Pittman Jr. /Parris Campbell: Sit
• Gardner Minshew: Sit
• D.J. Chark: Start
• Jaguars Backfield: Sit

Game 6: Bears VS Lions 

• Allen Robinson: Start
• Anthony Miller: Flex
• Mitchell Trubisky: Sit
• David Montgomery: Start
• Tarik Cohen: Sit
• Matthew Stafford: Start
• Kenny Golladay: Start
• Marvin Jones: Flex
• Lions Backfield: Sit (wait to see who emerges)

Game 7: Raider VS Panthers 

• Josh Jacobs: Start
• Henry Ruggs: Sit (wait and see if he picks it up)
• Bryan Edwards: Flex
• Darren Waller: Start
• Christian McCaffrey: No Question
• D.J. Moore: Start
• Curtis Samuel: Sit
• Robby Anderson: Sit

Game 8: Jets VS Bills

• Le’Veon Bell: Flex
• Chris Herndon: Sit
• Jamison Crowder: Flex
• Josh Allen: Start 
• Bill’s Backfield: Flex
• Stefon Diggs: Start

Game 9: Browns VS Ravens

• Baker Mayfield: Sit
• Odell Beckham: Start
• Jarvis Landry: Flex
• Chubb/Hunt: Start/Flex
• Lamar Jackson: Start
• Marquise Brown: Start
• JK Dobbins: Sit
• Mark Ingram: Start 

Game 10: Seahawks VS Falcons

• Chris Carson: Start
• Russell Wilson: Start
• D.K. Metcalf: Start
• Tyler Lockett : Start
• Matt Ryan: Start
• Todd Gurley: Start
• Julio Jones: Start
• Calvin Ridley: Start
• Hayden Hurst: Start 
• Will dissly: Flex

Game 11: Chargers VS Bengals

• Austin Ekeler: Start
• Keenan Allen: Start
• Hunter Henry: Start 
• Tyrod Taylor: Flex
• Joe Burrow: Sit
• A.J. Green: Sit
• Tyler Boyd: Flex
• Joe Mixon: Start
• John Ross: Sit

Game 12: Cardinals VS Niners

• Kenyan Drake: Start
• Kyler Murray: Start
• DeAndre Hopkins: Start
• Christian Kirk: Flex
• Raheem Mostert: Flex
• George Kittle: Start
• Niners WRs: Sit

Game 13: Buccaneers VS Saints

• Tom Brady: Start
• Chris Godwin: Start
• Mike Evans: Start
• Bucs Backfield: Unclear for Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones:  Sit for now 
• Bucs TEs: Sit (Wait and see snap %)
• Drew Brees: Start
• Michael Thomas: Start
• Emmanuel Sanders: Sit 
• Alvin Kamara: Start
• Jared Cook: Start

Game 14: Cowboys VS Rams

• Dak Prescott: Start
• Amari Cooper: Sit (Jalen Ramsey)
• Michael Gallup: Start
• CeeDee Lamb: Flex
• Ezekiel Elliot: Start
• Blake Jarwin: Start
• Jared Goff: Start
• Ram’s Backfield: Sit (Wait and See)
• Robert Woods: Start
• Cooper Kupp: Start
• Rams TE: Flex

Game 15: Steelers VS Giants

• Ben Roethlisberger: Start
• Juju Smith Schuster: Start
• Diontae Johnson: Flex
• James Connor: Start
• Daniel Jones: Start
• Golden Tate III:Bench
• Sterling Shepard: Flex
• Saquon Barkley: Start
• Evan Engram : Start

Game 16: Titans VS Broncos

• Derrick Henry: Start
• Ryan Tannehill: Sit
• A.J. Brown: Start
• Jonnu Smith: Sit
• Drew Lock: Sit
• Courtland Sutton: Start
• Jerry Jeudy: Flex
• Broncos Backfield: Flex
• Noah Fant: Sit

WEEK 1: PLUG EM IN/ SIT EM OUT

This article goes into depth of some players you should start (plug em in) or bench (sit em out) during week 1. This doesn’t include the top 5 at every position as they are always must start and not dependent on matchups. As always comment any questions and what y’all think!

‘Plug em in’ Quarterbacks

• Ben Roethlisberger: The Giants have arguably the worst defense in the NFL. They lost key pieces of their secondary over the last two seasons, including Landon Collins, Deandre Baker, Eli Apple and Janoris Jankens. Even with last week’s addition of Logan Ryan, the Giants will struggle to shut down opposing offenses. Ben Roethlisberger is coming off an injury but has been having a great training camp. In 2018, (the last time Big Ben played a full season), he led the league with 5129 yards. Expect a big game from Roethlisberger and the Steeler’s passing offense. 

• Matt Ryan: The Atlanta Falcons play the Seahawks this week in a game that should be a shootout due to both teams lackluster defenses and high powered offenses. The biggest weakness of the Seahawks defense is their defensive line. With the loss of Jadeveon Clowny and Frank Clark over the past two seasons their d-line lacks the ability to create QB pressure it once possessed. This will allow Matt Ryan to have an abundance of time in the pocket to read the defense and complete passes. Ryan also benefits from his WR duo that includes Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, along with the Falcon’s new offensive weapons, Todd Gurley and Hayden Hurst. The Falcons are also getting back their right guard, Chris Lindstorm, who was held out his rookie season in 2019 due to an injury. Sit back and watch Matt Ryan air out the Seattle defense. 

• Cam Newton: Dual-threat Quarterbacks are always valuable in fantasy football. Cam Newton is up against a developing Dolphins defense. Since he got signed, Cam has been on a mission to regain his spot as an elite NFL QB. Patriots coaches and players report that Newton practices nonstop, being the first one in and last one out. It’s been a while since Newton has seen the field. He was reinjured early in 2019 after initially injuring his shoulder in 2018. In 2018 Newton was averaging over 20 fantasy points a game before his injury. Now that he is healthy and has new offensive weapons in Julian Edelman, James White, K’Neal Harry and one of the greatest coaches in our generation in Bill Belicheck, Cam Newton should have a good game against the weak Dolphin’s front-seven. 

• Carson Wentz : The Washington Football team has a really good defensive line, but their defense has lots of missing pieces. Their secondary ranks at 30th overall according to PFF for 2020. With the loss of their star CB Quinten Dunbar, WAS’s secondary will be even weaker than last year. Offensively, Wentz will have Desean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery back as weapons. He will also have Zach Ertz, Miles Sanders and Dallas Goedert in the passing game. In 2019 the two games against Washinton, Wentz had 25 and 19 fantasy points respectively. Carsen Wentz should be in for a big game on sunday. 
• Sneaky starts QBs: Daniel Jones, Jared Goff, Jimmy Garroppolo

‘Sit em out’ Quarterbacks

• Aaron Rodgers: Aaron Rodgers is not the same since his injury and one of the biggest reasons for that is the lack of receiver talent for the Packers. Other than Devante Adams the Packers don’t have a clear WR2  rather they have two WR3s. Matt LeFluer also did not make any attempt during the draft to grab one, instead he drafted QB, Jordan Love in the first round. They also grabbed running back AJ Dillon in the draft. Matt Lefluer is also leaning towards running the ball a lot more in Green Bay. Finally looking at Aaron Rodgers’ two games against Minnesota in 2019 he scored 13 and 9 fantasy points respectively. There are lots of better options than Rodgers this week don’t settle. 

• Kirk Cousins: It’s very simple to dissect why Cousins is a bench player for this week. First of all the Packers defense is very good, especially their pass rush led by Za’darius Smith and Preston Smith. Cousins will be under pressure all game and will need to get that ball out quick. This results in a problem because Packers have Jaire Alexander, Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos sitting in the secondary awaiting a bad throw. Secondly, the Vikings lack a receiver other than Adam Thielen. Thielen will be the primary target of the Green Bay defense. Justin Jefferson is a rookie and this will be his first NFL game (due to no preseason), in a tough matchup here it’s likely he struggles. Lastly in 2019 Cousins scored 8 and 7 fantasy points respectively against the Packers and ended as QB20 overall. Kirk Cousins will be a matchup dependent starter for 2020. 

• Phillip River: Phillip Rivers is coming into a run heavy offense with the Indianapolis Colts (in 2019 Colts ranked 4th with 29.4 rush attempts per game). In San Diego with Keenan Allen, Rivers ended as QB6 however, you should expect his numbers to drop without his star wideout and in Frank Reich’s offense. The Colts are also up against a very lacking Jaguars team in a game that is likely to be a blowout. Colts will be running out the clock with the dynamic duo of Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor. Finally the Colts receivers are still very underdeveloped outside of TY Hilton and Jack Doyle. Rivers will likely lean on the run game for week 1 as well as for the majority of the season. 

• Ryan Tannehill: There is no doubt that the Titans are a run heavy offense. In 2019 the Titans ran 48.79% of the time which was the third highest in the league. Week 1 the Titans are up against a very formidable Broncos defense. The biggest talents on this defense include their front seven as well as a solid corner in Bryce Calahan. This will make it very hard for Tannehill to get the ball into his star wideout, AJ Brown’s hands, as he is likely to be shadowed by Callahan or AJ Bouye. Outside of Brown this team lacks reliable receiving targets. Against this tough Broncos defense bench Ryan Tannehill. 
• Bust QBs: Drew Lock, Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater 

‘Plug em in’ Running backs

• Marlon Mack: Marlon Mack has been getting the majority of the first team work throughout training camp. Mack has notably been excelling with passing work, catching everything Philip Rivers throws in his direction. His backup, Jonathan Taylor, has been struggling throughout camp with receiving work and pass blocking. Taylor is likely to get some of the first down work but expect the majority of it to go to the Colts star back who ran over a 1000 yards last season. The Colts are also up against a poor Jaguars defense that has lost its talented players over the past two seasons. Other than Josh Allen, the defensive line includes a few unproven no names who will have trouble stopping Mack and the Colts O-line. Colts are likely to go up in score early and just run out the clock with Mack and Taylor. 

• David Johnson: David Johnson is getting another shot in 2020 with the Houston Texans. Bill O’Brien traded potentially the best receiver in the league for Johnson in the offseason and has claimed he wants the Texans to start running more this season. The Texans offensive line (ranked 22) is also a moderate improvement over the Cardinals offensive line (ranked 29). David Johnson has proven himself as a receiving back for the Cardinals, so in a high scoring game against the Chiefs, Johnson should get his share of targets. The Chiefs also allowed 124.8 rush yards per game last season, which ranked 8th highest in the NFL. In his Texan’s debut, David Johnson should act as a workhorse back and gather a touchdown or two. 

• Todd Gurley: Gurley has a chance to be one of the biggest steals of 2020. As previously mentioned, the Falcons-Seahawks game is projected to be one of the highest scoring games of the week. In a game that is set to be an offensive battle, Gurley should run through Seattle’s defensive line that is devoid of talent. Todd Gurley is coming off a great training camp receiving praise from coaches and players like OT Jake Mathews and FB Keith Smith. The OC for the Falcons has also stated that Gurley will be given 15-25 carries a game, which could give him RB1 potential. Gurley has also said his knees feel much better from the past two seasons. The Falcons have spent numerous high-value draft picks on offensive lineman the past two seasons, and the signing of Todd Gurley makes their intent to run the football more obvious. Plug in Gurley in your lineups this week!

• James Conner: James Conner and the Steelers are up against a weak Giants defense in week 1. The Steelers will be running the ball a lot to control the clock and keep the ball way from Saquon Barkley and the talented Giants offense. James Conner missed 6 games in 2019 due to assorted injuries saw his rushing numbers drop tremendously. Now fully healthy and with Ben Roethlisburger under center, James Conner can hopefully get back to his 2018 pro bowl form. This favorable matchup for the Steelers lead back is a great opportunity for fantasy owners to regain trust in him. 
• Sneaky start RBs: Jordan Howard, James White, Boston Scott 

‘Sit em out’ Running Backs

• David Montgomery: David Montgomery is returning from an injury he suffered at camp just a few weeks ago. It is likely he will need some time to fully recover before he cant get back to his 2019 form. The Bears are also up against a high scoring offense on the Lions. The Bears will have to pass the ball a lot more this game to keep up with Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense. The Lions front seven also added two new weapons in DT Nick Williams and LB Jamie Collins Sr. David Montgomery will have a tough time producing to start off 2020. 

• Lions backfield:  The Lions backfield is a mess fantasy wise. With the addition of rookie, D’andre Swift, and veteran, Adrian Peterson, to the 1-2 punch of Kerryon Johnson and Ty Johnson, the Lions backfield is too crowded. D’andre Swift is a player to keep on your bench for now as he is the RB4 in the Lions depth chart currently. Swift is also returning from an injury he suffered at camp a few weeks back. Adrian Peterson will steal goal line work from Kerryon Johnson as well as some early down work. This would ideally lead to Kerryon Johnson as being a weak flex however, this week he is someone you should bench. This is because the Lions are up against a top 5 defensive line and both Johnson and Peterson are unlikely to produce. If you have any of the Lions running backs on your roster, just wait and see how the season progresses and who emerges as the lead back. 

• Miles Sanders: Miles Sanders is a stud and it will be very tough for you to bench him as he was likely an early round pick. However, I advise you to be wary of him and see if it’s possible to rely on him a little less in week 1. Washington’s defensive line is projected to be one of the best in 2020. With the addition of Chase Young to Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat and Daron Payne, this group will be very tough to run against. Not to mention that Miles Sanders is coming off an offseason injury and will be slow to start. Another reason to be wary is that the Eagles offensive line has lost three starters over the past couple of months. Running the ball may not be as easy with a group of lineman who haven’t had any game time to garner chemistry. More so I would expect the Eagles to go up early and run out the clock with backup RB, Boston Scott in order to keep Sanders healthy. Don’t expect Miles Sanders to put up RB1 numbers during his week 1 match up.

• Melvin Gordon: Melvin Gordon is now in a full blown committee in Denver with Phillip Lindsey and Royce Freeman. What makes it worse is that Gordon is coming off a rib injury that kept him out of practice just last week. This led to Lindsey and Freeman cutting into Gordon’s first team reps. The Broncos are also up against a former playoff contender, the Titans. The Titans were also ranked 13th in 2019 in rush yards allowed per game. With the tough matchup and the limited reps it’s safe to say bench Gordon week one. 
• Bust RBs: Jags RBs, Bucs RBs, Cam Akers

‘Plug em in’ Wide Receivers

• Jamison Crowder: Jamison Crowder looks to be the newest PPR darling in fantasy football. He doesn’t get a whole lot of YAC and doesn’t get many deep targets, but Darnold loves to hit him on short passes. Against Buffalo last season, Crowder scored 24.3 and 20 fantasy points in PPR leagues. Crowder should be able to avoid All-Pro CB Tre’davious White by moving into the slot, where he does most of his damage. With Darnold under center, Crowder is set to produce a consistent 15+ points, and should be considered a high-end flex or WR 2 every week.

• DeSean Jackson: Jackson has been performing great in training camp and is set to explode this week. The Eagles are projected to blow WAS out this week in what should be a decently high scoring performance by PHI’s offense. With rookie WR Jalen Reagor expected to miss the first game, DeSean Jackson should slot in as the #1 option for QB Carson Wentz. WAS also traded away star CB Quentin Dunbar, who was the best coverage back in the NFL according to PFF. Last season, in week 1 against WAS, Jackson caught 8 targets for 154 yards and 2 TDs. While he likely won’t achieve that same level of production, Jackson is the #1 option for a quality quarterback and should see his fair share of targets. I would definitely start him as a high-end flex if you were able to draft him.

• Michael Gallup: All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey will have the responsibility of shadowing WR Amari Cooper on Sunday Night Football. This means that both Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb should be inline for more targets than normal. The Rams-Cowboys game should be a high-scoring affair on both sides of the football and Dak Prescott should have a good game. While Cooper will likely get his fair share of targets, Gallup should see an increased workload with Ramsey on Cooper. I like his odds of ending as a WR 2 this week and I think he should be started in all leagues.
• Sneaky Start WRs: Calvin Ridley, DK Metcalf, Dionte Johnson

‘Sit em out’ Wide Receivers

• Devante Parker: While Devante Parker was able to get the better of Stephon Gilmore in their second matchup last season, I would stay wary of starting him. The reigning DPOY is still a tough matchup and Parker has been limited in practice with an injury. If you have other options to start over Parker I would definitely use them. I would consider Parker a low-end flex this week.

• Terry Mclaurin: While the hype on McLaurin has been out of control this offseason, his week 1 matchup doesn’t look great. Newly acquired CB Darius Slay should shadow McLaurin for most of the game. With a ferocious Eagle’s pass rush, QB Dwayne Haskins will have to get rid of the ball quickly. This means McLaurin will have to win his matchups with Slay, which is no easy task. Whie he likely won’t be shut down, I don’t think McLaurin is a dependable WR 2 this week, and should be relegated to your bench.

• AJ Green: A.J. Green faces CB Casey Hayward in his first game since 2018. While Green was dominant when healthy, he hasn’t played in almost 2 seasons. He comes back to face one of the top corners in football. To add onto that, rookie QB Joe Burrow will take the stage for the first time in his NFL career. With Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram rushing Burrow, I don’t like the Bengal’s passing offense week 1. That being said, as Burrow acclimates to the NFL after the first few weeks (and Green stays healthy) I think Green can become a dependable WR 2 for the future. This week, I would try and find a better option.

• Amari Cooper: Amari Cooper will be shadowed by Jalen Ramsey in week 1. As previously mentioned, Ramsey is one of the top corners in the NFL, and Cooper likely won’t be as effective as usual. Cooper, who tends to be a boom-bust receiver, is set up to bust in week 1. I personally wouldn’t start Cooper if I had better receivers with more favorable matchups, but if you are desperate then he is a high-risk, medium-reward level play.
• Bust WRs: Allen Lazard, Tyler Boyd, Deebo Samuel 

‘Plug em in’ Tight Ends

• Hayden Hurst: The Falcons are playing the Seahawks in a high scoring matchup. Everyone on the field should have a nice outing, especially Falcons newest addition, Hayden Hurst. In 2019 Falcons TE, Austin Hooper, ranked seventh in PPR PPG with only thirteen games under his belt. It seemed like the Falcons finally utilized their TE under their new OC Dirk Koetter. Koetter specifically traded for Hurst for this high powered Falcons offense for 2020. Moreover Seattle is very weak against TEs, in 2019 they allowed 70.8 yards per game to TEs which was the third most in the league. 

• George Kittle: George Kittle is an absolute beast and is a must start most weeks, especially week one against the Cardinals. In 2019 Cardinals allowed the most points to opposing TEs with 13.1 fantasy points per game! Even with the addition of rookie Isiah Simmons, expect this number to stay relatively high mainly with Kittle, who is arguably the best TE in the league. Another reason to expect Kittle to produce this week is that this Niners versus the Cardinals game is a set to be a high scoring divisional game. Expect many targets to George Kittle as Deebo Samuel is likely to be shadowed by standout CB Patrick Peterson. 

• Austin Hooper: Austin Hooper finally broke out in 2019 with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2020 he finds a new home with the Browns. Throughout training camp it’s been reported that Hooper and Mayfield have a real connection on the field and that Mayfield has found him multiple times in the endzone. Expect this connection to carry over to the week one matchup against the Ravens. The Ravens were tough against TEs in 2019 allowing only an average of 5 PPG. However, they lost Tony Jefferson and Earl Thomas during the offseason so expect this number to rise. Especially against a stacked Browns offense because the main targets for the Ravens defense will be to stop Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt. Hooper is our high-risk high-reward starter of the week!
• Sneaky start TEs: Tyler Higbee, Blake Jarwin, Will Dissly 

‘Sit em out’ Tight ends

• Mike Gesicki: Gesicki developed a ton of offseason hype over the past few months. However expect him to under-produce during the start of the season. Ryan Fitzpatrick has gotten the start over Tua which will lead to less receptions to the TE, as Fitzpatrick rarely targeted his TE in 2019. Rookie QBs tend to target TEs more due to them being a security blanket for dump offs. Until Tua gets the start I would be wary of Gesicki. Another reason to bench Mike Gesciki week one is because they are up against a tough Patriots defense that only allowed 6.6 fantasy points to opposing TE in 2019. The first game in 2019 against the Patriots, Gesicki only scored 2.10 fantasy points. It’s safe to say be wary of Mike Gesicki until Tua gets the start.

• Chris Herndon: Chris Herndon will be a vital part of the Jets offense in 2020 however, it’ll have to wait till week two. The Jets are up against a tough Bills defense that only allowed 5.8 fantasy points per game to opposing TEs. In 2019 the Jets also had a tough time involving a TE into their offense. When Herndon went down due to an injury, Ryan Griffen stepped up and also played no role in that Jets offense. With no preseason this year it will take time for Herndon to learn to play a big role in this offense and this tough Bills defense doesn’t bode well for him. 

• Rob Gronkowksi: Rob Gronkowski has been reunited with QB, Tom Brady in Tampa Bay and expectations are high for this duo. However we are not on this hype train especially against the Saints who allowed only 7.1 fantasy points per game to opposing TEs in 2019. The Buccaneers offense includes Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette and rookie Ke’shawn Vaughn. So Gronk will have to compete for targets with all these offensive weapons when he is on the field. Not only that but Gronk will have to compete for field time with Cameron Brate and OJ Howard as Bruce Arians has mentioned he wants a TE committee to keep all his TEs fresh. 
• Busts TEs: Dawson Knox, Packers TEs, Maxx Williams 

‘Plug em in’ D/ST

• Eagles D/ST: Eagles D/ST is up against a weak Washington offense that only has Terry Mclaurin as a weapon. Mclaurin will likely be shadowed by Darius Slay leading the offense to get shut out. Eagles defense also made many new additions during the offseason that include CB Darius Slay, DT Javon Hargrave, CB Nickel Robey-Coleman, LB Jatavius Brown as well as a rookie LB in the third round of the 2020 draft. The defensive line for the Eagles is fully healthy as well. Expect the Eagles D/ST to put up solid numbers against the Washington Football team. 

• Colts D/ST: Colts are up against the Jaguars in week one. Jaguars have one of the weakest offenses heading into the 2020 season. With the loss of Leonard Fournette and Nick Foles during the offseason this offense which ranked the 13th lowest in 2019 is expected to be worse heading into 2020. The Colts also made a big upgrade to their defensive line by adding a top 5 DT in Deforest Buckner. Expect Buckner to make an immediate impact on their defense. The Colts D/ST also has a very underrated secondary in Malik Hooker, Xavier Rhodes and Rock Ya-Sin who will make more plays now that the defensive line, led by Buckner, will be pressuring opposing QBs. 

• Chargers D/ST: The Chargers are up against a newly led offense, the Bengals. Without a preseason it’s hard to predict how Joe Burrow will perform in his first NFL game. To make matters worse for Joe Burrow, he is up against a top ten defense in the Chargers. With the loss of Derwin James during the offseason this defense will take a big hit but that impact will be limited due to the Chargers newest additions. The Chargers drafted Kenneth Murray, LB in the first round who is expected to be their starting LB. They also added a top 5 slot CB, Chris Harris Jr. in the free agency. Their standout LE, Joey Bosa is expected to be fully healthy heading into the 2020 season. The Chargers D/ST is a must start this week against the Bengals. 
• Sneaky stats D/ST: Colts D/ST, Titans D/ST, Bills D/ST

‘Sit em out’ D/ST

• 49ers D/ST: The Niners arguably had the strongest defense in 2019. However, they went all the way to the super bowl so it’s likely they show a slight regression. With the loss of Deforest Buckner and no new additions to their CBs, the Niners defense will struggle against a tough matchup against Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. The Cardinals added Deandre Hopkins, arguably the best WR in the league during the offseason. Since Richard Sherman doesn’t follow and stays on only one side of the field, Hopkins will have a few favorable matchups against Emmanuel Mosely. Against the Niners as a rookie in 2019, Kyler Murray was able to amass 391 passing yards, 4 pass td’s, 0 interceptions, 101 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. It’s clear that even the 49’ers dominant defense wasn’t able to stop him. This is also a divisional game, expect it to be high scoring and controlled offensively. 

• Patriots D/ST:  The Patriots D/ST in 2019 was absolutely insane, averaging a whopping 14.8 fantasy points a game. Expect this number to drop a lot heading into 2020. The New England Patriots had a league high covid-19 opt out with 8 players. Two of those players are linebackers Dont’a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung. The Patriots also arguably have a weaker offense than in 2019 due to the loss of Tom Brady and no sign of a clear running back. A weaker offense puts more pressure on the defense to finish games. There is also a trend of the Dolphins showing out against the Patriots every year. Devante Parker destroyed standout CB, Stephon Gilmore in their 2019 matchup getting 8 catches for 137 yards. I would avoid the Patriots D/ST this week. 
• Bust D/ST: Cowboys D/ST Ravens D/ST, Vikings D/ST, Browns D/ST

2020 FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT GUIDE

First time drafting? Have had a series of bad drafts? Looking for a new strategy to make everyone fear you team? Or maybe just looking to change things up? Look no further! In this following article we will break down our drafting strategy that has made us successful for the last five years! 

Few key words to know for a first year fantasy football player.

• ADP: Average Draft Position
• Sleeper or Dark Horse: Players with a late round ADP who have a good chance of finishing above their ADP. 
• RB: Running Back
• TE: Tight ends
• WR: Wide receivers 
• D/ST: Defense/ special team
• Flex: Either a WR, RB or TE
• Superflex: Either a QB, WR, RB, or TE
• FPPG- Fantasy Points Per Game

Note: Rankings, sleepers and players to avoid are all linked throughout the strategy to provide you with the most optimal level of success.

Round 1: Draft a Running back. If you don’t know which RBs to target take a look at our RB rankings here.  It’s simple, there are 32 teams in the NFL and each team has either one workhorse back or they are going with the committee approach. After looking into every team, there are truly only about 16 backs that have the sole role of being the workhorse on their team. Of those 16 backs about 10 to 12 of those are proven in both, the run and the pass game. Depending on how many people are in your draft (most leagues are 8-14) these running backs will be high in demand during round 1. The exceptions to drafting an RB is if you are targeting Michael Thomas towards the mid-first round or drafting Devante Adams with picks between 12-14 in round 1. This is because these receivers have proven to be consistent WR1s who put up points weekly against even the best corners in the NFL. 

Round 2: If you have an early second round pick (first 3), draft as if you have a late first so use the same rules as above, choosing a running back or one of the receivers mentioned. As you get to the mid-second round (next 4) you should start looking at Julio Jones or Tyreek Hill as the WRs to draft. Other than them, you should continue to target an RB based on the rankings or their ADP. We push our new drafters to go with the RB-RB strategy, taking a running back in round 1 and round 2. During the late-second round target RBs because by this time there are only about 2-4 of those “sole role RBs” left. 

Round 3: This round you can go either RB or WR, however, if you drafted one RB and one WR we strongly urge you to draft a RB here. This is because there are 2 consistent WRs per team compared to 1 RB as previously mentioned so there will be chances later to target a WR. Now if you went with RB-RB then here is where you’ll draft your first WR. If you don’t know which WRs to target look at our rankings here and go off on who is available. Workhorse (this means they are the sole backs on their team and will average more than 15 carries a game) running backs to target in this round include but aren’t limited to David Johnson, James Conner, Nick Chubb and Todd Gurley (respectively). One trend that we have been seeing is drafting a tight end here but it isn’t a huge priority since there are many TEs to target later. 

Round 4 thru Round 6: Fill up on WRs and RBs here. Good place to draft a rookie RB that is due for a big season, if you don’t know much about rookie RBs click here. Also check out our tweets (here and here) on why to avoid Colts RB, Jonathan Taylor. I have seen people very high on him and drafting him at his current ADP which we believe is way too high. Towards rounds 5 and 6 it is also worth looking at a TE as well. TE rankings available here. 

Round 6 thru 8: This is where we recommend looking to target a QB. Don’t know which QBs to target? Click here for our QB rankings. There is an excess of quality fantasy quarterbacks that can be drafted in this range. In these rounds, look to target a dual threat QB like; Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz or Josh Allen (Note: I did not mention Cam Newton or Tyrod Taylor because they have extremely late ADPs). If all these QBs are gone when it gets to your pick, do not panic, draft a flex player here. There are many other sleeper QBs that you will be able to target in the later rounds. During rounds 7 or 8 if you are drafting a flex ADP isn’t as important, and you should go for the high-upside players you feel confident in! This is also a good place to start looking at some rookie WRs (click here to see which ones to pursue). Also these rounds are a good place to target a sleeper TE if you don’t already have one. Click here to see our sleeper TEs, be vary of their ADP however, you might be able to get one of these TEs way later. 

Round 9 to Round 10: These rounds have led us to a few victories over the years and here is why; we call it “handcuff season”. In these crucial rounds you should look to draft a handcuff RB to one of the major workhorse backs. Handcuff RBs are the backup running backs to starters like Ezekiel Elliot and Dalvin Cook who don’t see much time on the field unless the starter goes down. If the starter does however get traded or unfortunately suffers an injury this handcuff RB automatically becomes a first round pick that you got in the 10th round! Don’t know which RBs are good handcuffs? Go for Chase Edmunds (AZ), Tony Pollard (DAL), or Alexander Mattison (MIN)!

Late rounds: Here you target players that are low risk high reward at the running back and WR position. Click here for our WR sleepers and here for our RB sleepers. You might even target a QB if you haven’t grabbed one yet, Mathew Stafford and Jared Goff can give you great value out of this position. We advise holding off on kickers and defenses because of how unpredictable they are on a year-to-year basis. Our normal strategy is to draft some players who are doing great in training camp and see if they can make their way into a starting spot. If they don’t cut them before week 1, go for a kicker and defense. Jerick McKinnon (SF) is a good example of one of these players (explained in our Sleeper RB article).

Last Round: This where you can target a defense if you don’t want to worry about any picking one up before the season. Click here to see which defenses to target and which ones to avoid. For kickers, it’s simple unless your league settings force you to draft a kicker, do not draft one. Kickers are too hard to rank as no one knows which offense will be high scoring in terms of field goals and touchdowns combined. So what we advise is to pick up a kicker closer to when the season starts (literally the day before) by dropping a player who has been underperforming at training camp. To pick a kicker do it based on an easy matchup for week 1. After about week 3 you will see a trend of a team that’s getting to the red zone but struggling to score yet also keeping the games close and that is the kicker you want on your roster. In 2018 that was the Niners kicker, Phill Dawson, in 2019 it was Josh Lambo for the Jaguars and Zane Gonzalez for the Cardinals. 

This concludes our strategies for your fantasy football drafts. As the season goes on and you are wondering if you should take a certain trade, our DMs are open (both instagram and twitter)! Also follow us or subscribe to our mailing list to get season updates on sits and starts for the week, as well as waiver wire targets. Finally just remember Fantasy Football is a fun way to stay engaged with the NFL so don’t stress too much and just enjoy football! 

Sleeper Wide Receivers to target late in your drafts

1. Anthony Miller

ADP: 12.10

Team: Bears 

The Bears have the easiest schedule in the NFL with Allen Robinson as their WR 1 (ADP of 3.10). The only other receiving threat for the Bears is Anthony Miller with the exit of TE Trey Burton. The QB position for the Bears is still up in the air, although it seems Mitchel Trubisky will start and Nick Foles will back him up. After ending as QB19 in 2018, Trubisky had an abysmal season and ended as QB28 in 2019. His low production only allowed Allen Robinson to produce in 2019. However, in 2020 Trubisky has the easiest schedule for a QB, has a top ten defense and more importantly is playing for his starting job. Even if Nick Foles takes over, expect Miller’s production to stay high. In 2017 during his astounding playoff run, Nick Foles had Nelson Agholor in the slot who averaged 12 yards per reception. Anthony Miller also plays slot receiver, and should be in line for a healthy amount of targets if Foles takes over. Anthony Miller has also improved dramatically since his rookie season. From 2018 to 2019 Miller’s drop percentage went from 7.4% to 3.5% and his receptions increased from 33 to 52 in 2019 even with Trubisky’s slump. We saw glimpses of what Anthony Miller could do in a few games in 2019, specifically week 12 against Detroit where he got 9 catches for 140 yards on 13 targets and week 14 against Green Bay where he got 9 catches for 118 yards on 15 targets. There was a trend, from weeks 9 through 14 (before his shoulder injury) where Anthony Miller averaged 6.6 receptions, 10.4 targets and 86.2 yards per average and got his only 2 touchdowns on the season during that stretch. If he can maintain anywhere close to this production this season, Anthony Miller could end up being the sneaky pick that might even lead you to a victory this season! 

2. DeSean Jackson

ADP: 11.10

Team: Eagles 

DeSean Jackson’s 2019 season was cut short due to a core muscle surgery that kept him out basically all season. In the one game that Jackson played in he got 8 catches for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns. Clearly Carson Wentz felt an instant connection with Jackson. The Eagles are desperate for a healthy wide receiver for Wentz as their 2019 receiver core was torn apart by injuries. Moreover the Eagles recently drafted rookie Jalen Raegor (GeekSports analyst Eric will talk more on Raegor), and are expecting Alshon Jeffery to return from injury. However even with two solid receivers, there will be plenty of targets to go around and Jackson will likely face cornerback 2s and 3s since Jeffery and Zach Ertz will get most of the looks by opposing defenses. The last time Jackson had a 1000 yard season was in 2016 but that was also the last time Jackson had a top tier QB in Kirk Cousins who ranked as QB6 in 2018 . From 2017- 2018 Jackson had Jameis Winston under center who clearly struggled as he was QB16 in 2017 and QB26 in 2018. Jackson was vocal about his displeasure with the Buc’s system and left for the Eagles in hopes of being more involved in the offense. 2020 might be the first time in years that Jackson will play a full season with a top tier QB and the sky’s the limit for Jackson. Jackson’s ADP of the eleventh round might be a massive steal if he can stay healthy, offering a valuable role in what should be a much improved offense. 

3. Allen Lazard 

ADP: 14.05

Team: Packers

Allen Lazard is an obvious sleeper for 2020. The Packers have one receiver in Devante Adams (who is top 5 at his position). The Packers made no effort to sign or draft receivers during the offseason and lost Geronimo Allison and Jimmy Graham. The Packers also have the second easiest schedule for receivers and quarterbacks, which should give Lazard favorable opportunities when Adams is doubled. Aaron Rodgers has proved time and time again to be a productive top tier quarterback. Rodgers averages around 4000 passing yards a season. Assuming Adams reaches ~1400 yards, that leaves about 2000-2500 yards for Aaron Jones, Marques Valdez-Scantling, Jace Sternberger and Allen Lazard. Last season, Lazard got his first start in week 6 and since then has put up 35 receptions on 52 targets for 447 yards and 3 touchdowns. Lazard had to work his way up to WR2 on the Packers after he started at the bottom of the depth chart. Matt Lefluer, Aaron Rodger and Devante Adams all mentioned Allen Lazard when asked about the receiver position for the Packers. Matt Lefluer also has said Allen Lazard is “coming into his own” and mentioned him many other times during the offseason. Also it was reported on August 25th that Lazard had a great day at camp, catching multiple passes and showing a real connection with Rodgers. At his current ADP, Lazard isn’t someone many people are looking at but could be someone who could be a weekly starter on your team!

4. Preston Williams

ADP: 12.09

Team: Dolphins

The hype on the Dolphins has recently been skyrocketing as Tua Tagovailoa hopes to play this upcoming season. With Tua under center for the Dolphins can we finally expect a fantasy relevant Dolphins player? Preston Williams in his only 7 starts in 2019 had 60 targets for 32 receptions 428 yards and three touchdowns! These stats were also with Ryan Fitzpatrick, who will likely start in the beginning of the season. With Fitzpatrick and possibly Tua under center, Williams production could increase. While Preston Williams is coming off an ACL injury that took him out for the majority of the 2019 season, reports from the Dolphins camp say Williams looks completely healed from his November surgery. Preston is in line to be the WR2 option across from Devante Parker at the beginning of week 1. The concern with Williams is that the Dolphins have one of the toughest receiver schedules in the league. Notable cornerback matchups include Stephon Gilmore, Richard Sherman, Tre’davious White, Chris Harris Jr., and Jalen Ramsey. However, these cornerbacks are likely to shadow Devante Parker who finally broke out late in 2019. This will leave Preston Williams with easier cornerback matchups. The Dolphins have also lost WRs Allen Hurns and Albert Wilson as they have opted out due to COVID. With a weaker defense and a huge amount of missing targets, Williams could play an important role in the Dolphin’s catch-up endeavors, which will likely happen more often rather than not. Preston Williams is the least talked about second year receiver (Deebo Samuel, DK Metcalf, Hollywood Brown, AJ Brown) who might end up being the most productive from the group. 

RUNNING BACK CLASS OF 2020…AN UNSOLVABLE SERIES OF PUZZLES

The 2020 running back rookie class is a special one. This article will explore which rookie running backs are worth adding to your roster and which running backs to avoid. Without further ado lets get into this!

1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Drafted: Round 1, pick 32

College: LSU

Team: Chiefs

Edwards-Helaire is the sole back for the Kansa City Chiefs since Damien Williams has opted out of the 2020 football season. His current ADP is 1.06 which I believe is slightly high as the Chiefs have a fairly tough running back schedule, ranked third toughest according to fantasypros. Also with Patrick Mahomes under center, the Chiefs will be passing a lot more than running. Even then I believe that Edwards-Helaire should be taken in the second round. There are many running backs who have already proven their worth available at CEHs ADP. However, If CEH does fall to the second round he could be a league winner. The Chiefs offensive line ranks 12th best in the whole league. The last time the Chiefs had a true workhorse back was in 2017, Kareem Hunt who ran for 1327 yards. Finally CEH was a valuable asset at LSU in the passing game due to his quickness and lateral speed.  He was also an average pass blocker. Edwards- Helaire is definitely worth targeting in the second round!

2. Cam Akers

Drafted: round 2, No. 52 overall

College: Florida State 

Team: Los Angeles Rams 

Akers was drafted to replace Todd Gurley for the Rams. Currently he is on a committee with Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown. Les Snead, the general manager for the LA Rams said he wants a committee approach in the LA backfield. This is not ideal for fantasy purposes, however, I believe McVay will roll with the “hot hand” as the season progresses. In 2018, McVay acquired CJ Anderson right before the playoff run and Anderson quickly took the majority of the snap shares from Gruley before heading into the playoffs. I believe a similar scenario will play out with Akers and Henderson. Akers, the talented back from Florida State, should take the majority of the snaps as the season progresses. Again don’t focus on him being a rb1 in 2020 but yet a lowend rb2/rb3/flex option on a matchup basis. 

3. D’Andre Swift

Drafted: Round 2, pick 35 overall

College: Georgia 

Team: Lions

Perhaps the most skilled running back on this list, D’Andre Swift finds himself trapped in the midst of the Lions committee. Swift was a beast in college: he averaged 6.6 yards per carry and 9.1 yards per reception, along with a great combine. He certainly has the talents for a lead back in the NFL. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Swift was drafted to a backfield with fantasy heartbreaker Kerryon Johnson. Johnson has struggled the past two years, averaging 3.6 YPC in 2019 and missing 14 games in the past two seasons. While the Lions (and fantasy owners alike) were high on Kerryon Johnson, his recent inability to stay healthy and productive pushed the front office to draft Swift. With the return of Matthew Stafford, the Lions should see a massive increase in scoring and Swift should see ample opportunities for touchdowns. If Johnson goes down with an injury, it is very possible Swift takes over the backfield for good. This dark horse candidate could win leagues if he is given a chance. His ADP is 73 and that’s a perfect spot to claim him as a flex with decent upside.

4. Jonathan Taylor

Drafted: Round 2, pick 41 overall

College: Wisconsin 

Team: Colts

Taylor in drafts is going late third, early fourth rounds and that is way too early. Yes, Taylor was a beast in college; he actually led Wisconsin for three straight years averaging 2000 yards a season and 6.7 yards a carry. And now he’s coming into a Colts offense who has the best Offensive line in the league so why will he not produce? Here is why the backfield for the Colts is way too crowded. Marlon Mack is coming off a 1000 yard season and he will continue to get carries and as of now Colts are starting him. It’s likely that Taylor will split the early down work with him. Third down work will mainly go to Hines who as Reich claims is a “role playing starter.” Even though Colts ran the ball 46% of the time in 2019 there still won’t be enough carries going Taylor’s way for him to produce as a third round pick. Taylor also has some very big weaknesses that will hinder his performance. He was a bad pass blocker, at best he could only cutblock. Which is why he wasn’t used in the pass game very often. Secondly, his hands were questionable during college; he had a 20% drop rate. Thirdly he has big fumbling problems he fumbled 17 times in 41 games. He is a talented back but in 2020 is not worth his ADP, if he is available after round 6 he is worth a draft and stash. 

5. Ke’Shawn Vaughn

Drafted: Round 3, 76 overall

College: Vanderbilt

Team: Buccanears 

Vaughn is currently sharing the backfield with Ronald Jones and LeSean McCoy for the Bucs. His ADP is number 113 which in our opinion is a steal in the draft and here is why. Vaughn averaged 4.4 yards after contact in the SEC and he also was a very talented receiving back in his college days. If you look at Brady he loves his receiving backs, in New England, Brady had James White. Ronald Jones will come out as the starter for the Bucs and Vaugn will have a limited number of early downs carries and some third down work. This is because Jones has struggled pass blocking and Vaughn excels in that area. Vaughn was also drafted by Arians so it’s likely that Arians has a plan for him. Even with the recent addition of McCoy, Vaughn is a good late round pick to stash and see how the season progresses. If Vaughn can make the most of his carries he will gain the majority of the snaps and could come to be the biggest steal of the draft. Also the cherry on top is that the Bucs have a favorable schedule for running backs. 

6. Zack Moss

Drafted: Round 3, pick 86 overall

College: Utah

Team: Bills 

Moss was drafted for a specific purpose for the Bills and that is to fill Frank Gore’s role. Gore had 166 carries for 599 yards in 2019 he also had 16 catches. But keep in mind that Gore was 36 years old last year and way past his prime. Zack Moss given a similar amount of looks should produce much more. Moss will also get tons of red zone carries as that was his strength in college. In college he had a 38% forced missed tackle rate. Moss also is a very talented pass catcher, he surpassed 25 catches two seasons at Utah. Moss does have many weaknesses especially in his speed but Singletary fills in that weakness. Together Moss and singletary make a great 1,2 punch. Moss’s ADP is currently 146 he’s even going undrafted in many drafts and that could end up being a steal if Singletary gets hurt or if Moss starts cutting into SIngletary’s work load. 

7. JK Dobbins

Drafted: Round 2, pick 55 overall 

College: Ohio State

Team: Ravens

J.K. Dobbins was drafted into the already crowded Raven’s backfield. There is way too much talent in the running back room to fit another fantasy viable player. They have Mark Ingram starting who had a 1000 yard season in 2019 and was a machine in the red zone. In 2018, Gus Edwards started six games and averaged 12.5 yards a carry. He proved to be a capable backup to Ingram in case of injury and offers a good sub when Ingram comes out. Justice Hill hasn’t even gotten his chance to prove himself but the Raven’s coaching staff has expressed their love for him multiple times. Dobbins will be in the mix with these running backs and will get his chances. However, unless there is an injury to the backfield, it is hard to see Dobbins as a viable fantasy option in 2020.