Commissioner’s Corner: How Succeed in Week 1 of Fantasy Football

The NFL is back, baby! And with it comes the excitement of fantasy football. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rookie in the world of virtual pigskin, success in your first week can set the tone for the entire season.

This is just the beginning of our fantasy football series. With every week of the NFL season, a new blog will be published each Thursday, featuring the most up-to-date predictions.

Before we dive into player predictions, it is important to ensure you understand your league’s scoring system and rules. If you’re new to fantasy, here are some winning strategies to help you get a strong start:

5 Rules for Rookies

1. Do Your Homework

If you’re not that serious about fantasy or just playing for fun, you can skip this part. But, if you’re playing competitively, research is key. Stay updated on player news, injuries, and depth chart changes. Keep an eye on the waiver wire for any last-minute pickups that could give your team an edge.

2. Optimize Your Starting Lineup

This may seem a bit elementary, but it’s important to make note of player updates and predictions when choosing who to start. Ensure you have a solid quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, and a tight end. Flex positions can be crucial, so choose wisely. Consider matchups, player performance history, and recent trends. When NFL Week 5 rolls around and Bye weeks start, this will be another important factor to consider.

3. Be Cautious with Rookies

While rookies bring new excitement and energy to the game, their performance in their initial NFL debut can be uncertain. Keep your expectations in check when it comes to rookies, particularly during Week 1. It’s often wiser to depend on seasoned players until the rookies have a chance to demonstrate their abilities.

4. Watch the Injury Report

Keep an eye on the injury report leading up to game day. Don’t start a player who’s doubtful or questionable to play. Injuries can significantly impact a player’s performance, and it’s better to play it safe with a healthy backup.

5. Don’t Panic (Right Away)

Don’t panic after a single bad game. Fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. Avoid major roster changes after one poor performance. Allow your team to adjust and evolve as the season unfolds.

Week 1 Predictions: Starters & Farters

Starters

Quarterback

1. Josh Allen, Bills (@ NYJ)
2. Dak Prescott, Cowboys (@ NYG)
3. Jalen Hurts, Eagles (@ NE)
4. Joe Burrow, Bengals (@ CLE)
5. Justin Fields, Bears (vs. GB)
6. Justin Herbert, Chargers (vs. MIA)
7. Lamar Jackson, Ravens (vs. HOU)
8. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (vs. DET)
9. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (@ IND)
10. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (@ LAC)

Running Back

1. Austin Ekeler, Chargers (vs. MIA)
2. Bijan Robinson, Falcons (vs. CAR)
3. Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (@ PIT)
4. Derrick Henry, Titans (@ NO)
5. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (@ KC)
6. James Cook, Bills (@ NYJ)
7. J.K. Dobbins, Ravens (vs. HOU)
8. Joe Mixon, Bengals (@ CLE)
9. Najee Harris, Steelers (vs. SF)
10. Nick Chubb, Browns (vs. CIN)

Wide Receiver

1. A.J. Brown, Eagles (@ NE)
2. Amari Cooper, Browns (vs. CIN)
3. Calvin Ridley, Jaguars (@ IND)
4. DeVonta Smith, Eagles (@ NE)
5. Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals (@ CLE)
6. Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins (@ LAC)
7. Justin Jefferson, Vikings (vs. TB)
8. Stefon Diggs, Bills (@ NYJ)
9. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins (at LAC)

Tight End

1. Dallas Goedert, Eagles (@ NE)
2. Darren Waller, Giants (vs. DAL)
3. David Njoku, Browns (vs. CIN)
4. George Kittle, 49ers (@ PIT)
5. Juwan Johnson, Saints (vs. TEN)
6. Kyle Pitts, Falcons (vs. CAR)
7. Mark Andrews, Ravens (vs. HOU)
8. T.J. Hockenson, Vikings (vs. TB)
9. Travis Kelce, Chiefs (vs. DET)
10. Tyler Higbee, Rams (vs. SEA)

Defense

1. 49ers (at PIT)
2. Bills (@ NYJ)
3. Jets (vs. BUF)
4. Ravens (vs. HOU)
5. Steelers (vs. SF)

Farters (Leave ‘Em on the Bench)

Quarterback

1. Aaron Rodgers, Jets (vs. BUF)
2. Brock Purdy, 49ers (@ PIT)
3. Daniel Jones, Giants (vs. DAL)
4. Deshaun Watson, Browns (vs. CIN)
5. Matthew Stafford, Rams (@ SEA)

Running Back

1. Breece Hall, Jets (vs. BUF)
2. D’Andre Swift, Eagles (@ NE)
3. Dalvin Cook, Jets (vs. BUF)
4. Jamaal Williams, Saints (vs. TEN)
5. Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (@ LAC)

Wide Receiver

1. Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers (@ PIT)
2. Gabe Davis, Bills (@ NYJ)
3. George Pickens, Steelers (vs. SF)
4. Juju Smith-Schuster, Patriots (vs. PHI)
5. Marquise Brown, Cardinals (@ WAS)
6. Cooper Kupp, Rams (@ SEA) – Confirmed OUT for Week 1

Tight End

1. Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans (@ NO)
2. Cole Kmet, Bears (vs. GB)
3. Dalton Schultz, Texans (@ BAL)
4. Evan Engram, Jaguars (@ IND)
5. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (vs. SF)

Defense

1. Dolphins (vs. LAC)
2. Falcons (@ CAR)
3. Panthers (@ ATL)
4. Patriots (vs. PHI)
5. Vikings (vs. TB)

Conclusion

Navigating your way through Week 1 of fantasy football requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and adaptability. Understanding your league’s rules, staying informed about player updates, and making informed lineup decisions are key steps toward success. Remember that fantasy football is a season-long journey, and one week does not define your entire campaign. Stay patient, make thoughtful adjustments, and most importantly, enjoy the thrill of the game. May your fantasy football season kick off with a resounding victory, setting the stage for a memorable and triumphant journey ahead.

Featured Image Credit: John Munson/AP