Fantasy: Early-season schedules to exploit and avoid
Get ready for your season with theScore's 2017 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.
Trying to analyze the entire NFL schedule in hopes of gaining an edge in fantasy before the season can often be a foolish endeavor, as injuries and unexpected performances end up altering the landscape throughout the year.
However, taking a look at the first month of the schedule can often reveal which teams/players are set up to start hot and those likely to struggle out of the gate.
Schedules to Exploit
Arizona Cardinals
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| @DET | @IND | DAL | SF |
The Cardinals have been gifted one of the easiest schedules over the season's first month. Since David Johnson is matchup proof, the biggest beneficiary might be Carson Palmer, who should cruise through September. The veteran quarterback is the perfect late-round target for fantasy owners selecting Andrew Luck, as Palmer will get off to a hot start while Luck works his way back from injury.
Atlanta Falcons
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| @CHI | GB | @DET | BUF |
The Falcons have a tough act to follow after they set the entire league ablaze during Matt Ryan's MVP season. They open the year with three straight against the NFC North, fortunately avoiding the Vikings in that span. A Super Bowl hangover is possible, but this schedule should allow them to pick up where they left off a year ago.
Denver Broncos
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAC | DAL | @BUF | OAK |
After a disappointing quarterback competition that Trevor Siemian appeared to win by default, the Broncos early-season slate should help them find their groove on offense. Los Angeles represent a tough divisional matchup to open the year, but the Broncos have scored 27 points or more in their last three regular-season home games against the Chargers. After that it's smooth sailing until their Week 5 bye.
Los Angeles Rams
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IND | WAS | @SF | @DAL |
If Todd Gurley wants to redeem himself in the eyes of fantasy owners, there's no better way than by coming out of the gate strong against a cupcake schedule. Starting off the season against a banged-up Colts' defense is an excellent opportunity for offensive-minded head coach Sean McVay to showcase the Rams' new attack. Gurley owners might want to consider moving him after this stretch though, as his schedule gets significantly more difficult the rest of the way.
Schedules to Avoid
Dallas Cowboys
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYG | @DEN | @ARI | LAR |
Whether Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension is upheld or not, life for the Cowboys' offense is going to miserable in the opening month. Dak Prescott will do battle with three of the leagues best secondaries before having to face a new Wade Phillips-led Rams unit. The good news is the schedule eases up after that, but be prepared to hear about Prescott's sophomore slump throughout September.
Detroit Lions
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARI | @NYG | ATL | @MIN |
Matthew Stafford will need to earn very dollar of his new contract while confronting a murderer's row through the first four games. Stafford has been up for the challenge in the past, airing it out in the fourth quarter to keep his fantasy stat lines high. The real effects of this schedule will be felt by Ameer Abdullah and the Lions' unproven rushing attack. It could lead to a buy-low window for Detroit's skill position stars, like Abdullah, Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Eric Ebron.
New Orleans Saints
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| @MIN | NE | @CAR | @MIA |
We're not actually worried about Drew Brees and the Saints' offense, but the schedule-makers didn't do them any favors in 2017. The Vikings, Patriots, and Panthers are all projected to be top-10 units this season, while the Dolphins game is on the road in London. If Brees and company can't force the issue and turn these games into shootouts, it might result in a slower start than most would expect from Sean Payton's offense.
San Francisco 49ers
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAR | @SEA | LAR | @ARI |
So you probably weren't planning on investing heavily in the 49ers roster, but Carlos Hyde and Pierre Garcon are locked in fantasy starters who might suffer through some adversity early in the year. Kyle Shanahan has proven he can manufacture offensive production, however, the degree of difficultly will be turned way up with a new team, featuring a less talented cast, going up against a fierce quartet of defenses in his debut month in San Francisco.