The first of 18 Sundays. 17 if you mercifully skip the final week. About 14 if you miss the playoffs. Less than 10 if you bail early after half your team goes on IR (please don't bail; fight to the end!).
So this is the first Sunday many of us are bargain hunting -- searching for a guy to stash on our bench in the hopes he breaks out today. Here are some players I think will be much more valuable tomorrow, including Week 1 rankings based on FantasyPros' composite of roughly 150 industry experts:
Two QBs to focus on: Kirk Cousins (QB21 Week 1 ranking) and Sam Darnold (QB25). Viewed both as undervalued this summer, and that carries into the regular season. Cousins has three young playmakers who were early-first-round draft picks for all the right reasons. We've watched him consistently outperform expectations over the years (i.e. he's often under the radar in fantasy). As for Darnold, you've heard it all before on this page. Still young, still talented, and finally with a chance to start games without looking over his shoulder. He has three fantastic playmakers with a fourth (T.J. Hockenson) returning around October. One of the best Superflex bargains, period.
At RB, as shared yesterday and at other times, Bucky Irving (RB52) should be rostered in all big leagues. He was a prolific pass-catcher in college and should carve out a role quickly. The same goes for Jaylen Wright (RB61), who might be a co-starter on some teams. Raheem Mostert is a huge sell-high for Mostert reasons and for Wright reasons. It's easy to see Wright as, at minimum, a fantasy streamer by midseason, if not sooner.
At WR, don't give up on Jameson Williams (WR50). Worst-case, he flops, and you (and I, because I drafted him) cut him by Week 4. Best-case, he asserts himself as the #4 or #5 offensive option in a very plus offense. There's not much competition behind him on the depth chart. This is likely a make-or-break season, and he's worth the investment. Also keep an eye on Michael Wilson (WR62), Arizona's presumed #2 WR. While Marvin Harrison Jr. deservedly garners the most attention, Wilson was a 2023 third-round draft pick who realistically could hit 50-850-4, placing him somewhere in the top 36-44. Not bad for someone available in many/most leagues.
And at TE, as discussed in July and/or August, a healthy Greg Dulcich (TE26) should crush diminished expectations as long as he's healthy, while Cade Otton (TE18) and Cole Kmet (TE19) are ranked near their floors. Anytime someone's ranked near their floor, it's time to pounce.
Good luck today.
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