Fantasy: Start, Sit, Stash, Quit - Week 1
SSSQ is a weekly look at the under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting, and the potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut. For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our weekly rankings.
Start
Sam Bradford, QB, Eagles
at Falcons
Bradford was far and away the most impressive quarterback in the preseason, going a perfect 10-for-10 for 121 yards and three touchdowns in his only extended action. Look for the Philadelphia Eagles to come out flying against the talent-poor Atlanta Falcons' defense in the Monday night spotlight. A shootout is likely, which means Bradford should rack up the stats.
Fearless prediction: 346 yards passing, 3 TDs
Darren McFadden, RB, Cowboys
vs. Giants
The latest reports peg McFadden, not third-round fantasy pick Joseph Randle, as the Dallas Cowboys' likely starter when they hit the field against the porous New York Giants' defense. Some sort of timeshare is likely, but there's little doubt McFadden is the Cowboys' most talented runner when he's healthy - which he is for now. Running behind the the NFL's best offensive line, McFadden could feast. If you scooped him up with a late-round pick, now (before he inevitably gets hurt) is the time to profit.
Fearless prediction: 91 yards rushing, 43 yards receiving, TD
Eddie Royal, WR, Bears
vs Packers
The Green Bay Packers may blow out the Chicago Bears, and Jay Cutler may throw multiple interceptions, but that doesn't mean fantasy owners should stay away from Royal. Garbage-time points count the same as every other point, and Royal should eat up targets as the Bears try (perhaps in vain) to keep pace with the Packers. Brandon Marshall is gone, Kevin White may miss the entire season, and Alshon Jeffery is ailing. Royal and Cutler have chemistry dating back to when they both played in Denver. They could connect for double-digit receptions in this game.
Fearless prediction: 84 yards receiving, TD
Larry Donnell, TE, Giants
at Cowboys
Victor Cruz isn't ready to return from injury, creating a significant opportunity for a Giants pass-catcher not named Odell Beckham Jr. With the Cowboys double- and perhaps triple-covering the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, the middle of the field should open up for Donnell to do some damage.
Fearless prediction: 61 yards receiving, TD
Others to start
- Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals
- Eli Manning, QB, Giants
- Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers
- Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars
- John Brown, WR, Cardinals
- Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers
Sit
Cam Newton, QB, Panthers
at Jaguars
This recommendation isn't an indictment of Newton's offensive prowess, nor is it for fear of the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense. It's simply because of a complete lack of talent on the Carolina Panthers' offense outside of Newton. With Kelvin Benjamin out for the season, Newton's top wideouts are Corey (or is it Philly?) Brown and Ted Ginn. Yuck. The offensive line in front of Newton is equally stomach-turning.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers
vs. Lions
You drafted Gordon to be a starter, so leaving him on your bench out of the gate will hurt. Swallow hard and find a better option, at least until we see how the San Diego Chargers plan to divide up carries. Gordon looked absolutely overwhelmed in the preseason and indications are the Chargers plan to ease their rookie in slowly while leaning on Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver in the interim. Woodhead is a safer start at this point.
Sammy Watkins, WR, Bills
vs. Colts
Watkins has a bright future ahead of him in the NFL, but owners should leave him planted firmly on their benches until we have concrete evidence Tyrod Taylor is capable of delivering catchable balls to his wideouts. Even if we had faith in Taylor's abilities as a passer, Indianapolis Colts shutdown cornerback Vontae Davis is reason enough to downgrade Watkins.
Coby Fleener, TE, Colts
at Bills
Fleener was a top-10 fantasy tight end last season, but it would be stunning if he repeats that feat. Reports suggest Fleener has fallen behind the more talented Dwayne Allen in the Colts' tight end pecking order, and Andrew Luck's prolific offense promises to use three-receiver, single-tight-end sets extensively.
Others to sit
- Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers
- Joique Bell, RB, Lions
- Torrey Smith, WR, 49ers
- Brandon Marshall, WR, Jets
- Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
Stash
David Johnson, RB, Cardinals
We already know Andre Ellington struggles to withstand the punishment of a full workload. We also know Chris Johnson crumbles to the turf at the slightest hint of contact. Johnson has the size to be the Cardinals' goal-line back and is an adept receiver, too. If there's a running back ready to emerge as a top-10 option behind the Arizona Cardinals' underrated offensive line, it could be the rookie.
Christine Michael, RB, Cowboys
The Seattle Seahawks gave up on their 2013 second-round pick after only two seasons, but the Cowboys saw enough in him to trade a conditional late-round pick to acquire him. If you have room on your bench, consider stashing Michael - at least until we have a better idea of how the Cowboys' rushing attack will shake out. It's well within the realm of possibility that Darren McFadden gets hurt and Joseph Randle falls flat on his face. Michael could be starting behind the Cowboys' beastly line by October.
DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins
Parker went undrafted in some fantasy leagues because he missed the entire summer after undergoing foot surgery. Remember that Odell Beckham Jr. missed the first four weeks of the 2014 season with an injury, then shredded defenses over the final 12 weeks. Parker can't compare to Beckham (who can?), but he's getting healthy just in time for the season and he could quickly prove to be the most dynamic receiver in Ryan Tannehill's arsenal. If he's on your waiver wire, you can grab a player with WR2 upside at an incredible bargain.
Quit
Tim Tebow, QB, Free Agent
Don't be the one who still has Tebow on your roster. Don't.