We're only two games into the season, but several preseason top-30 players are already off to shaky starts -- and some of them haven't even played. Christian McCaffrey (overall-5 ADP) was limited because of cramps, and Kaelon Black looks too good to ride the bench. A.J. Brown (overall-18) is on injured reserve. Ashton Jeanty (19) has been working his way back from injury, putting his workhorse role is in doubt after rookie Mike Washington Jr.'s strong camp.
Drake London (20) will begin the season catching passes thrown by third-stringer Cooper Rush, who was a free agent until late July, and whose impressive spot starts for the Cowboys in 2022 and 2024 shouldn't ignore the fact that in his last four games, he's thrown one TD pass and six interceptions. Additionally, Rush has been dealing with back spasms as recently as yesterday. Not ideal.
Meanwhile, Brock Bowers (21) is on the shelf. Kyren Williams' (28) continued lead-back role isn't guaranteed while running alongside an impressive Blake Corum. Malik Nabers' (29) Week 1 status is still too "iffy" to feel confident, and Jeremiyah Love (30) realistically could be out-touched by Tyler Allgeier today.
That's a lot of question marks for guys who *should* be no-brainer weekly fantasy starters. Many of you are dealing with these questions. Week 1 usually is one of the toughest weeks to figure out, because most team norms haven't been established. The Bengals' "big four" and Cowboys' "big four" are easy. Figuring out an offense like the Steelers or Browns is a little more complicated without seeing how their current skill players are utilized.
So give yourself from grace today. There are plenty of knowns and a lot of unknowns. Lean in when we can, and make the most informed guess when we can't. I'll be here all morning to share my two cents if you post comments.
Finally, for those who compete in DFS, in today's podcast episode I walk through a recommended slate.
Good luck today.
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* Today's FF4W podcast, episode 251: "DFS Week 1 Recommended Sunday Lineup" -- podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-football-for-winners/id1800490745
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