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Eric Karabell
Every week within the NFL is its personal story — stuffed with surprises, each optimistic and damaging — and fantasy football managers should resolve what to imagine and what to not imagine transferring ahead. Maybe we can assist. If any of those ideas come true … do not be shocked!
NOTE: All point out of fantasy factors is for PPR codecs, until in any other case talked about.
9 quarterbacks who went No. 1 are scheduled to start out this week, however the one matchup with multiple is the considerably forgotten Jacksonville Jaguars house recreation versus the Carolina Panthers. OK, so this is not precisely Lions-Packers or Ravens-Payments, because the Panthers and Jaguars mixed for less than 9 wins final season, however nonetheless. They’ve quarterbacks that fantasy managers ought to think about.
Do not be shocked if … Trevor Lawrence and Bryce Young ship top-10 fantasy outings Sunday
Let’s begin with Lawrence, since he’s rostered in additional than 35% of ESPN commonplace leagues (nonetheless too low), and thus, extra more likely to be in fantasy lineups. The 2024 model of Lawrence wasn’t having fun with his finest statistical season earlier than the damage to his non-throwing shoulder ended issues prematurely, however let’s bear in mind he was the No. 7 fantasy QB in 2022, and he simply missed the highest 10 in 2023. The highest 2021 decide actually hasn’t been so disappointing in his profession.
This season’s Jaguars are upgraded throughout, with a brand new teaching employees, Heisman Trophy-winning WR Travis Hunter (nice if he performs protection as effectively, however it is not going to harm his WR numbers) and a greater offensive line. Few appear to view Lawrence as a possible top-10 fantasy QB, although that is who he has been. The Panthers look considerably improved off final season’s defensive mess, however it is a optimistic matchup. Maybe we do not suggest Lawrence towards the Houston Texans in Week 3, however this week he ought to thrive.
Equally, the late-season model of Younger, ought to he proceed to make use of his legs to amass fantasy factors, is a professional fantasy sleeper towards the Jaguars and lots of defenses. Younger entered Week 13 with one dashing landing, after which he added 5 extra within the closing six video games. This modified all the pieces. Younger additionally threw seven landing passes within the closing three video games and averaged 26.8 fantasy PPG in that span. Anticipate factors on this one (take the ESPN BET over of 46.5 factors, and Younger over 225 passing yards), and every of those QBs ought to surpass 20 fantasy factors.
Different QB ideas that should not shock: Equally, New England Patriots sophomore Drake Maye can go searching and see upgrades galore, from teaching to playmakers. Maye ought to discover it simpler to scramble this season, beginning Sunday towards the bizarre (at finest) Las Vegas Raiders. … I’m already pondering of commerce affords to make for Chicago Bears sophomore Caleb Williams subsequent week in a league or three if/when he struggles Monday versus the Minnesota Vikings. Hey, the Vikings play robust protection. Nonetheless, Williams stays a worthy long-term funding. … The Los Angeles Rams declare Matthew Stafford (again) is wholesome sufficient to start out Sunday towards the bodily Texans. These in deeper fantasy leagues ought to roster competent (but in addition brittle) backup Jimmy Garoppolo, too. Get forward of this. What if Jimmy G finally ends up taking part in as a lot this season as New York Giants rookie Jaxson Dart or both of the Cleveland Browns rookies? No person is aware of.
Do not be shocked if … Austin Ekeler is the Commanders RB to depend on
The Commanders underutilized Ekeler in his first season with the franchise, and never simply within the passing recreation. He averaged 4.8 yards per rush and confirmed burst when wholesome. Most everybody presumes the Brian Robinson Jr. commerce to the San Francisco 49ers was about getting rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt extra touches. Maybe, however Ekeler warrants extra quantity, too, and he is usually a three-down again. Give bulkier Chris Rodriguez Jr. the short-yardage stuff. Croskey-Merritt is much from secure Sunday towards the New York Giants, and never as a result of the Commanders checklist him fourth on the depth chart. Pay no consideration to workforce depth charts.
The truth is, August fantasy draft darling Croskey-Merritt could watch a lot of Sunday’s recreation and change into free agent materials in lots of leagues by Wednesday, creating a worth alternative. This example stays fluid, however Washington does not need to power the rookie into double-digit touches initially. Ekeler scored 28.8 factors in two video games versus the Giants final season. Anticipate not less than 5 receptions and ample touches this Sunday.
Different RB ideas that should not shock: I’m hardly anti-rookie. For instance, I see the Miami Dolphins giving Ollie Gordon II vital alternatives towards the Indianapolis Colts, and never simply because beginning RB De’Von Achane (calf) is restricted. I ranked Gordon forward of Croskey-Merritt for a purpose. Oh, and cease what real-life spherical these rookies have been chosen in, as a result of coaches do not care. … I’d draw back, just a bit, from Los Angeles Chargers rookie Omarion Hampton. Veteran Najee Harris (eye) is taking part in, he’s confirmed and you already know coach Jim Harbaugh likes him. … I’m all-in for Patriots newcomer TreVeyon Henderson, although. I guess Rhamondre Stevenson is fantasy waiver fodder this week. … Talking of rookies, maintain Cleveland Browns second-rounder Quinshon Judkins rostered, whilst he stays unsigned. That mentioned, Jerome Ford is underrated by all. Watch the Browns rating 30-plus on the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend. That is one other tilt to guess the over (47.5 factors).
Do not be shocked if … Jakobi Meyers scores 20 fantasy factors Sunday
Meyers made shocking information late in August when he requested a commerce, looking for a contract extension. It did not occur. I am unable to add empirical knowledge right here, however it positive appeared like Meyers began to get light extra in drafts after that information, which is ok as a result of I saved investing. Meyers neither held out nor precipitated issues in camp. He saved training. He is taking part in Sunday. The truth is, there was oddly little follow-up to this information. Some suppose the Raiders shortly reacted by signing veteran Amari Cooper, however this may increasingly have occurred even with out this “drama.” Fantasy managers reacted by selecting different large receivers who did not catch 87 passes for 1,027 yards final season.
Apparently, Cooper opted to retire on Thursday, so those that light Meyers could remorse that. I at all times believed Meyers goes to have one other stable season in 2025, particularly with competent Geno Smith at QB changing the substandard crew of Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder. The presence of superior rookie Ashton Jeanty aids the passing recreation, and there is much better teaching in place now. Oh, and this week Meyers heads again to New England for the primary time to face his former group. Timing is all the pieces!
Different WR ideas that should not shock: Fading Miami Dolphins veteran Tyreek Hill (indirect) appears to be a (too) widespread theme as of late, for drafts and in Week 1. I do not suppose Hill’s availability for Week 1 has been in query, and I just like the matchup versus the Colts. I additionally do not suppose we should always assume QB Tua Tagovailoa throws nothing however brief passes, as was clearly the plan late final season. In case you have Hill already, depend on him. If you have not drafted but, do not draw back or you’ll miss a protracted TD this week. … Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman traders ought to love the Browns beginning Joe Flacco towards the Bengals. We may see a pair of 100-yard receiving efforts versus this protection. … I ranked Vikings newcomer/oldcomer Adam Thielen higher than most as a result of I belief he can shortly assimilate into this offense, and QB J.J. McCarthy ought to be positive. In a month, when Jordan Addison is now not suspended, reevaluate. … It’s truthful to fret about New Orleans Saints veteran Chris Olave making it via 4 months. Nonetheless, he’s wholesome this week, and we used to collectively rank him as a WR2. He’s actually playable this and each week, no matter which inexperienced QB is throwing him the ball.
