Fantasy Football 2014 Sleepers, Rankings, & Draft: Predictions on Which Players to Start, Sit in Week 1
The first Fantasy Football week is finally here for NFL fans.
Every position is crucial for securing a victory in your league. Here, Latin Post lists notable players at each position that fans may want to start and sit for Week 1:
Start
1. Quarterback
Peyton Manning against the Indianapolis Colts
The Colts did defeat the Denver Broncos last season, but Peyton Manning should have his way against this defense. Manning is coming off an all-time great season and weather should be just fine in Denver.
Nick Foles against the Jacksonville Jaguars
With Chad Henne starting at quarterback for the Jaguars, the Philadelphia Eagles' offense will be on the field all day long. Foles should be able to have a good opening day against this subpar team.
2. Running Back
LeSean McCoy against the Jacksonville Jaguars
If you drafted Eagles players, start them. The game is in Philadelphia, and the Jaguars are one of the worst teams in the league. McCoy led the entire league in rushing last season, and he can do damage out of the backfield catching, as well.
Franks Gore against the Dallas Cowboys
Gore is now 31 years old, but the Cowboys' defense ranks among the worst in the NFL in passing, rushing and total defense. Colin Kaepernick had a rough preseason, so Gore will have to carry the 49ers offense in Week 1.
3. Wide Receiver
Antonio Brown against the Cleveland Browns
The Browns' defense might be a little bit underrated, but they're on the field so much it doesn't matter. Antonio Brown is expected to have one of the best weeks of any NFL wide receiver on opening day.
Andre Johnson against the Washington Redskins
The Texans will be hosting the Redskins at home. Andre Johnson is still one of the receivers in the game today, and the Redskins defense did allow 29 touchdowns through the air last season.
4. Tight End
Vernon Davis against the Dallas Cowboys
Kaepernick hasn't been hitting the long ball lately, so his best option will be tight end Vernon Davis. Davis should do a great job against a mediocre linebacker core that is possessed by the Cowboys.
Greg Olsen against the New Orleans Saints
Cam Newton will be playing without his top four wideouts from last year, most notably Steve Smith. Greg Olsen was his favorite target last season with 816 yards and six touchdowns.
5. Defense
Steelers against the Cleveland Browns
The Steelers defense is still coached by Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau. They're not the Steel Curtain of the 1970s, but they won't have to be against the Browns' offense.
Sit
1. Quarterback
Philip Rivers against Arizona Cardinals
Rivers is a great quarterback, and he has made the Pro Bowl five times. Still, this Cardinals secondary is outstanding led by Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu.
Brian Hoyer against the Pittsburgh Steelers
Hoyer did go 3-0 as a starter last season. He did "win" the starting job over Johnny Manziel. Most people still aren't sold. Without Josh Gordon on the field for support, Hoyer might be in for a long day in Pittsburgh.
2. Running Back
Darren McFadden against the New York Jets
He has a lot of talent, but McFadden just can't stay healthy or play consistent. The Jets and Rex Ryan also have a great defense that still doesn't get enough credit.
3. Wide Receiver
Hakeem Nicks against the Denver Broncos
Nicks was a solid addition for the Colts and quarterback Andrew Luck. You may want to wait to see how he fits in with the system first, and see if Nicks is healthy before starting him. If he does, Week 2 against the Eagles is a green light.
Calvin Johnson against the New York Giants
Calvin "Megatron" Johnson is viewed as the best receiver in today's NFL, but this Giants secondary loaded with talent. The Lions will also be looking to get newly drafted tight end Eric Ebron the ball a lot.
4. Tight End
Gronkowski against Miami Dolphins
There's no doubt that Gronkowski is an elite tight end and worth a pick in fantasy football. The problem is his health. Gronkowski may not even play against the Dolphins, so the risk is just too high.
5. Defense
Falcons against Saints offense
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints offense have been the highest scoring in the league since head coach Sean Payton took over. The only thing going for the Atlanta Falcons is, they're playing at home.
Buffalo Bills against the Chicago Bears
The Bears have a terrific wide receiver combination in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Jay Cutler is no scrub himself. This isn't a good match-up for the Bills at Soldier Field.
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