Kyle Yates’ Week 1 Fantasy Projections (2020 Fantasy Football)

Do you remember the feeling as a kid of going to sleep on Christmas Eve? If you were lucky enough to actually fall asleep – I’ve pulled an all-nighter on December 24th once in my lifetime – you most likely were thinking about the presents waiting under your tree until the moment your brain “shut off” for the night.

That’s how I felt going to sleep last night. If you’re reading this article, you were most likely in the same boat. Football is back and we’ve got an amazing present waiting under the tree for us tonight with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the Houston Texans.

At FantasyPros, we want to deliver you the absolute best content that we can in an effort to make sure that you’re prepared for the upcoming slate of NFL games. This is why Mike Tagliere writes The Primer, which is one of the most useful fantasy football tools on the market. (And it’s free!)

In an effort to continue to serve our readers well, I’d like to introduce you to my weekly article that I will be writing this season. If you’ve followed my work for any length of time, you know that I use projections as the foundation for my rankings. My model takes several different items into account in an effort to spit out the most accurate projections for season-long and weekly rankings. These items include everything from Fantasy Points Allowed for defensive matchups to Red Zone Rushing and Receiving Statistics. It’s a comprehensive model that allows me to take an objective look at a player and their opportunity for the season or upcoming game.

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With that process as the foundation, you’ll find every single game on the upcoming NFL slate here below. This includes valuable information like the Vegas Odds, Over/Under, and Implied Point Totals to help you get a birds-eye view of the matchup as well.

Will these projections be 100% accurate week in and week out? Absolutely not. However, these can allow us to take the necessary objective look into what the most likely outcome is for a player on a given week. By using the Vegas Implied Point Totals and Over/Under, we can ascertain where the touchdowns and touches are most likely going to go in a certain matchup. If you’ve followed football for any length of time, you know that a team can come out and absolutely prove Vegas wrong on any given week, but Vegas is typically not in the business of losing money. They know what they’re talking about, which gives us a solid platform to build off of when doing projections.

All that to say, I highly recommend using this content as a way to flesh out your thoughts on players. We want to create smarter and better fantasy football players here at FantasyPros, which means that we want to teach you how to think rather than just spitting out an answer for you like a Fantasy Football Analyst Vending Machine. Use these projections as a tie-breaker when you’re building out your lineup and choosing between two players.

My ultimate hope is that you’re able to take time and sit down and enjoy reading my thoughts on every fantasy relevant player this week and that it helps you grow as a fantasy football player.

(Note: All fantasy point totals are based on Half PPR scoring)

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

Date/Time: September 13, 1 pm ET
Odds: Bills -300
Over/Under: 39.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Bills 23, Jets 16.5

New York Jets

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Buffalo Bills

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Quarterbacks: Sam Darnold should be avoided like the plague for fantasy football in this matchup. This Bills defense is no joke and Darnold doesn’t have the weapons to supersede the situation. Meanwhile, Allen is a great play this week based on his rushing upside. The Bills are not going to need to throw the ball a ton in this matchup, but Allen’s always a solid play due to his rushing prowess.

Running Backs: Le’Veon Bell is a smart RB2/FLEX play this week due to the involvement he’ll have to see in the receiving game. The Jets need help and Bell’s one of their best options. Gore’s not worth starting any week in fantasy football due to the unknown of his backup role. Additionally, Moss is a very intriguing FLEX play this week. The Bills are going to be running the ball a ton and playing with the lead, which means a huge opportunity for fantasy production is in front of Moss in his first game. The Bills should be in the red zone frequently too, which is where Moss can shine. Singletary is a FLEX play as well this week due to his guaranteed role. I like Moss more, but Singletary’s a fine option.

Wide Receivers: Crowder is the only Jets receiver that you should be considering starting this week. He’s an auto-start every single week in Full PPR leagues until further notice. On the Bills side, I’m not excited about starting any of these options. Diggs is a fine WR3/FLEX option, but the Bills are going to be able to run the ball down the throat of the Jets defense, which means that the WRs are not going to be needed much in this one. I’d look elsewhere if you’re considering starting Brown or Beasley.

Tight Ends: Herndon’s an intriguing streamer this week with how much he’ll be needed in this offense. Vegas doesn’t expect the Jets to put up many points this week, but Herndon has a solid chance of being the guy Darnold looks at in the red zone. On the other side of the ball, Knox is not worth plugging in even in 2TE leagues.

FantasyProjection Buster: Crowder is the player that I feel could easily outperform my projections. He could easily see 13 targets in this matchup with Perriman and Mims dealing with their own injuries and could end up with 10 receptions for 90 yards and maybe even a score. As mentioned before, he’s a must start in Full PPR leagues.

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Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

Date/Time: September 13, 1 pm ET
Odds: Vikings -145
Over/Under: 45 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Vikings 23.75, Packers 21.25

Green Bay Packers

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Minnesota Vikings

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Quarterbacks: Cousins falls just outside my top-20 in QB rankings for the week, so I do not consider him a start-worthy option in this matchup. However, Rodgers has a very good matchup in front of him with a Vikings secondary that’s going through a bit of an overhaul. Mike Hughes and Holton Hill are going to be tasked with stopping Davante Adams, which indicates to me that Adams could go off in this matchup. Rodgers lands just inside my top-12 QBs on the week.

Running Backs: Jones is a fine start this week and you’re hoping that he falls into the end zone for top-tier fantasy production. Dillon should see 5-8 carries on the ground this week, but with Matt LaFleur, you never know what he’s got in mind. With that being said, Dillon’s not someone that you should be looking to start this week anywhere. Dalvin Cook seems ready to go and he’s a must-start option against this Packers run defense that got gashed by Raheem Mostert in the playoffs last year. If you’re in a super deep league and need a FLEX play, Mattison could be considered, but you’re just stuck hoping that he falls into the end zone.

Wide Receivers: Adams is a weekly must-start option, while Lazard becomes an intriguing option in deeper leagues, but only as a FLEX play. From the Vikings perspective, Thielen is a weekly WR2 with upside in this offense due to his target volume. However, Jefferson and Johnson both should remain on your bench until we get clarity on what exactly their roles are like in the offense.

Tight Ends: Sternberger isn’t worth looking at unless you’re in a super deep league, while Rudolph and Irv Smith aren’t exactly someone you should be considering either. You most likely didn’t draft any of these options to be starters on your fantasy roster this season, so they can remain on your bench for the time being.

FantasyProjection Buster: Lazard is the player that I’m the least confident in my projections for in this matchup. While he has an excellent chance of scoring a touchdown in this matchup, there’s also the possibility that Adams commands so many targets that Lazard isn’t left with much opportunity. This pushes him down to a FLEX only start in my rankings.

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Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Football Team

Date/Time: September 13, 1 pm ET
Odds: Eagles -245
Over/Under: 45 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Eagles 25.25, Washington 19.75

Philadelphia Eagles

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Washington Football Team

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Quarterbacks: Wentz is a great low-end QB1 start in this matchup. While he doesn’t have his full arsenal of weapons at his disposal, this Washington secondary is very beatable. Wentz should have a fine day. On the other side of the ball, Haskins is a must-avoid option this week. This Eagles defense is scary and Haskins has shown nothing in his previous starts to indicate that he can overcome great defenses for fantasy purposes. He can remain on your league’s waiver wire.

Running Backs: Sanders is the tricky option this week due to the unknowns surrounding his workload coming off of the injury. Sanders still belongs in your starting lineup, in my opinion, but expectations need to be managed. He’s most likely going to be limited if he does suit up, so he’s an RB2 this week in my rankings. Scott becomes an intriguing play though in Full PPR leagues. On the other side of the ball, Gibson is the only one that you want to consider for fantasy football purposes. Jd Mckissic is a fine desperation play in Full PPR leagues, but otherwise I’m looking to avoid the rest of this backfield. Gibson has the opportunity to finally show everyone what he did in college and I expect him to break onto the scene this week. With that being said, he’s nothing more than a low-end RB2 or FLEX play in this matchup.

Wide Receivers: On the Philly side, Jackson is set to explode in this matchup. I’m starting him everywhere that I’ve got him this week. Additionally, Ward is reportedly going to be the starting slot receiver, which means that he becomes an intriguing FLEX play in Full PPR formats. Outside of that, McLaurin is the only other WR in this matchup you should be looking at. Sims has the opportunity in front of him, but I need to see it happen on the field first before I plug him into my lineup.

Tight Ends: Ertz is a must start every single week this season, while Goedert should remain on your bench. He has the opportunity to score, but I prefer to bet on target volume rather than rolling the odds that a player scores a touchdown. There are other options at the TE position that you can roll out instead of Goedert. Meanwhile, don’t even think about starting any of the Washington tight ends.

FantasyProjection Buster: Washington has said that they plan to use a committee approach to their backfield, which causes me to be a bit more reticent on projecting Gibson’s workload this week. However, there’s a chance that we see him immediately outperform expectations and demand more touches. Gibson’s a player that everyone needs to keep their eyes on this week.

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Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

Date/Time: September 13, 1 pm ET
Odds: Ravens -380
Over/Under: 48.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Ravens 28.25, Browns 20.25

Cleveland Browns

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Baltimore Ravens

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Quarterbacks: This Ravens defense is still one of the league’s top units, which has me looking elsewhere at the QB position if I’m contemplating Mayfield this week. Additionally, Jackson’s a no-brainer plug-and-play option every single week.

Running Backs: Ingram can be started this week as a low-end RB2. He should still see enough volume in this matchup to return that value. However, Dobbins should be avoided until we get more clarity on what his actual role will look like this year. On the other side of the ball, Chubb and Hunt can both be started, but we need to temper expectations. Chubb’s an RB2 in this matchup, while Hunt could return the same type of value in Full PPR leagues.

Wide Receivers: Beckham and Landry can both be started in this matchup, but just like with Chubb and Hunt, expectations need to be managed. This Ravens secondary is stacked and should be able to slow down this receiving duo. As for Baltimore, Brown is the only one you should be considering starting, but he’s nothing more than a FLEX option that you’re hoping reels in a touchdown.

Tight Ends: Hooper is actually an intriguing low-end TE1 start this week. With the strengths everywhere else on the Ravens defense, their linebacking corps is rolling out rookie Patrick Queen and LJ Fort. If Kevin Stefanksi is smart, he’s going to try and take advantage of the potential mismatch here and exploit it. Meanwhile, Andrews is a must-start option every single week and should have a field day against the Browns LB/S unit.

FantasyProjection Buster: Any time that Marquise Brown is playing, he has the possibility of destroying my fantasy projections. If Brown scores a touchdown, he has the potential to finish within the top-10 at the WR position. However, there are some games where he only sees 3 targets and finishes with one or two receptions.

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Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars

Date/Time: September 13, 1 pm ET
Odds: Colts -385
Over/Under: 45 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Colts 26.5, Jaguars 18.5

Indianapolis Colts

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Jacksonville Jaguars

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Quarterbacks: Rivers will have some streaming appeal this season in games where he’s going to have to throw a lot. This is not one of those games. Rivers should be off your redraft radar this week due to the amount of rushing volume the Colts are expected to have against the Jags defense. However, Minshew is someone worth plugging into your lineup this week based on the pure passing volume he’s expected to have. If you combine that with his rushing ability, Minshew could easily finish within the top-12 this week.

Running Backs: Both Mack and Taylor can be started as FLEX options this week in a game where the Colts are going to be running the ball a ton. Nyheim Hines isn’t someone I would specifically be comfortable rolling out in this matchup, but he could have value in games where the Colts are expected to be trailing.

Wide Receivers: On the Colts side, I’m not excited about starting any of these options. All these options should be pretty evenly split when it comes to target share, but if you do need to start Hilton, he’s the best bet to reel in a touchdown in week one. As for the Jags, Chark is a smash play this week and could easily see over 12 targets. However, I’m willing to wait a week and see what the rest of the wide receiver corps looks like before I roll out any of them into my lineup.

Tight Ends: Both Doyle and Eifert fall outside streaming consideration for me this week. However, if you’re in a super deep league and either of them are on waivers, there are worse options to plug into your lineup.

FantasyProjection Buster: There’s a very strong possibility that we see Taylor run away – literally – with this backfield by halftime. If that’s the case, Taylor could easily put up over 100 yards on the ground and multiple scores. It’s impossible to project that right now, but in this matchup, it’s certainly in the realm of possibilities.

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Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers

Date/Time: September 13, 1 pm ET
Odds: Raiders -162
Over/Under: 47.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Raiders 25.25, Panthers 22.25

Las Vegas Raiders

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Carolina Panthers

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Quarterbacks: This game has the potential to turn into a shootout, so both QBs are intriguing options. If you’re looking for a streaming option, both Bridgewater and Carr should have nice games.

Running Backs: You’re starting CMC and Jacobs, but the rest of these options can remain on your bench or even your league’s waiver wire.

Wide Receivers: Ruggs is a perfect FLEX play this week and he has the potential to blow up, while Edwards certainly has some appeal as well. With that being said, I’d prefer to wait a week before I roll out Edwards to see exactly what he looks like in the NFL. On the other side of the ball, Moore is an absolutely fantastic WR2 with WR1 upside if he can score. Additionally, Anderson is an extremely intriguing FLEX option this week due to his big play potential in a potential shootout. Samuel’s nothing more than a low-end FLEX play though, in my opinion. I’d be looking elsewhere.

Tight Ends: Waller’s a weekly start at the TE position and you drafted him to be that player for you. Meanwhile, Thomas can remain on your bench or waiver wire.

FantasyProjection Buster: Anderson is obviously an intriguing option for me this week, but he comes with risk. All indications out of Panthers camp are that Anderson has solidified his role on this team as the WR2 behind Moore. However, there’s a possibility that Samuel becomes that player in this offense and little is left over for Anderson.

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Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

Date/Time: September 13, 1 pm ET
Odds: Lions -150
Over/Under: 43 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Lions 23, Bears 20

Chicago Bears

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Detroit Lions

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Quarterbacks: Trubisky certainly disappointed last season, but he’s had some of his best games in the past against this Lions defense. While he comes with risk that he could get pulled at any point for Nick Foles if he struggles, Trubisky’s a fine play in 2QB formats. Stafford should be fine from a fantasy perspective, but this Bears defense is a stout unit with Akiem Kicks, Khalil Mack, Kyle Fuller, Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith, Eddie Jackson, and Robert Quinn applying pressure. I’m not expecting a big game from Stafford in this one and I’d look elsewhere if you can.

Running Backs: Montgomery is the big question mark in this game. If he is fully healthy, he has an incredible opportunity in front of him with this matchup. However, we still need more to go off of with practice reports before we can determine whether or not to put him into our lineup as a FLEX. For right now, it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and keep him on your bench. Cohen’s a fantastic play in this matchup though even if Montgomery sits. As for the Lions side of the ball, I’m not looking to start any of these options in a messy backfield against a stout run defense. There’s too much uncertainty with these players and it might be best to let them remain on your bench until we see what the carry splits look like with all three on the field.

Wide Receivers: Robinson and Miller are both must-starts, in my opinion. This Lions secondary can be beat and Robinson’s going to have a field day against rookie CB Jeff Okudah. Meanwhile, Golladay and Jones are both fine starts, but expectations need to be managed here. This probably won’t be a high-scoring game, so it’s going to come down to whoever gets the touchdown between these two options.

Tight Ends: Graham is not someone worth rolling out unless you’re in super deep leagues and you’re hoping that he comes down with a touchdown. Additionally, Hockenson’s not someone I’m looking to start either with the reports that his ankle’s still not 100%. In this matchup, I can deploy a wait-and-see strategy to find out whether or not the ankle is affecting his performance.

FantasyProjection Buster: The last time that Miller faced off against this Lions defense, he saw 13 targets and reeled in 9 of them for 140 yards. He absolutely has the ability to go off in this matchup, but also provides a safe floor with guaranteed target volume.

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Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons

Date/Time: September 13, 1 pm ET
Odds: Seahawks -135
Over/Under: 49.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Seahawks 25.75, Falcons 23.75

Seattle Seahawks

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Atlanta Falcons

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Quarterbacks: This game could quietly turn into one of the day’s best shootouts, which means that you should be starting both QBs.

Running Backs: Carson’s a must-start option this week, while Hyde can remain on your bench. Additionally, Gurley’s a fine start as long as he’s healthy and he’ll have scoring opportunities galore with how frequently this team is in the red zone.

Wide Receivers: Lockett is a smash play this week and I love him in this matchup. Metcalf also has the opportunity to put up some big numbers too, which lands him as a WR2 in my rankings with WR1 upside. On the other side of the ball, you need to start Julio and Ridley this week. Shaquill Griffin and Quinton Dunbar are going to be tasked with slowing down this dynamic WR duo, which is not going to go well for them. Both players could have huge games.

Tight Ends: There aren’t any Seahawks TEs that I’m willing to roll out for week one until we get some clarity on what Olsen’s snap counts are going to look like. Meanwhile, Hurst is a fine start this week, but he is most likely going to have Jamal Adams tasked with shutting him down. It’s possible that Adams comes off of guarding Hurst for a while, which would allow Hurst some opportunity, but this puts a damper on my excitement for Hurst for this week. He’s still within my top-10 at the tight end position, but expectations need to be managed here.

FantasyProjection Buster: Hyde is the one player that I’m concerned about in this matchup due to how Pete Carroll has deployed multiple running backs previously. With Rashaad Penny out, Hyde is going to step in and relieve Carson for some of the carries. I expect it to be a significant amount of carries for Carson, but with Carroll you never know…we could be looking back at this game and wondering how Hyde received 15 total carries on the game.

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Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

Date/Time: September 13, 1 pm ET
Odds: Patriots -290
Over/Under: 41.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Patriots 24, Dolphins 17.5

Miami Dolphins

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New England Patriots

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Quarterbacks: Fitzpatrick can be avoided in 1QB leagues, but Newton absolutely belongs in your starting lineups this week. While the Dolphins defense got better this offseason, Newton’s rushing ability is a cheat code for fantasy football. A top-7 finish at the QB position in week one isn’t out of the question.

Running Backs: Both Howard and Breida are intriguing FLEX plays this week, in my opinion. Howard should see plenty of work and Breida’s involvement in the passing game elevates him into RB4 territory with upside if he scores. On the other side of the ball, I’d highly recommend avoiding anyone not named James White in this backfield. Burkhead is a fine desperation play, but with all players healthy – for the most part – you shouldn’t be put in that position just yet. I recommend looking elsewhere.

Wide Receivers: Parker and Williams are tough decisions to roll into your lineup this week. Brian Flores has stated that they may ease players back in that are coming off of injury, which both players fit that qualification. In addition, they not only have that going up against them, but they’re going up against the reigning DPOY Stephon Gilmore. While I do still believe that you can roll out either as a WR3/FLEX option, there’s reason to be concerned. As for the Patriots, Edelman is the only player you should be considering and that’s as a WR3.

Tight Ends: Gesicki should see enough volume in this one to be considered a low-end TE1, while the Patriots options shouldn’t be on the redraft radar.

FantasyProjection Buster: Parker’s projections are slightly optimistic that he’ll play and play like he has previously against Stephon Gilmore. If Flores is telling the truth and Parker plays limited snaps, there’s no way he’s finishing with the projections I’ve listed above.

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Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals

Date/Time: September 13, 4:05 pm ET
Odds: Chargers -170
Over/Under: 42.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Chargers 23, Bengals 19.5

Los Angeles Chargers

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Cincinnati Bengals

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Quarterbacks: Taylor is someone that you can roll out as a low-end QB1 in this matchup against an average Bengals defense. While they made some improvements this offseason, Taylor’s rushing ability and playmakers should elevate him into a nice streaming option. On the other side, Burrow’s an intriguing season-long addition, but this Chargers defense is a powerhouse unit and I’m not willing to start him week one.

Running Backs: Ekeler is an auto-start in this matchup and has overall RB1 upside. Kelley’s an intriguing FLEX play if you need a RB to fill in and he should insert himself immediately into the lineup as the RB2 alongside Ekeler. Meanwhile, Mixon’s a weekly must-start option for the Bengals. Bernard will do enough to eat into his overall workload, but he’s not worth rostering in any format outside of deep Dynasty leagues.

Wide Receivers: Allen is a fantastic play this week, while the same thing can be said for Boyd on the Bengals side. Green is a FLEX play at best this week and he comes with a lot of risk after not playing ball for a full season. Only roll him out if you absolutely have to this week. The rest of the receiving options can remain on your bench.

Tight Ends: Henry’s a fine low-end TE1 option this week based on volume alone, while Uzomah or Drew Sample should never really be considered viable fantasy options.

FantasyProjection Buster: John Ross has the potential to blow up any time that he’s on the field. All it takes is one deep bomb and Ross could easily break my projections for him.

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Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Date/Time: September 13, 4:25 pm ET
Odds: 49ers -300
Over/Under: 46.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: 49ers 26.75, Cardinals 19.75

Arizona Cardinals

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San Francisco 49ers

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Quarterbacks: While you spent a top pick for Murray, which means that you’re forced into starting him, I’m not super excited for him and this matchup. The 49ers pass rush is going to have Murray under pressure all day long and I’d prefer to look elsewhere at some more favorable matchups if I had the chance. Meanwhile, Jimmy G is someone that I’m willing to let someone else deal with the potential range of outcomes. This defense can be beat, but there are significant question marks surrounding the 49ers receiving corps and who will actually be out on the field.

Running Backs: Drake is a RB2 this week due to the matchup, but he can still finish with RB1 numbers if he ends up finding the end zone. Meanwhile, Mostert is a fine RB2/RB3 play in your lineup with this matchup. Additionally, with the need for receiving weapons on this team, Coleman’s actually a sneaky FLEX play this week. I believe you can find better options, but if you’re in dire need, he’s most likely available on your league’s waiver wire. McKinnon is intriguing as well, but we need to deploy a wait-and-see strategy with him before we plug him into our lineups.

Wide Receivers: Hopkins is a top-tier option this week and should be in your starting lineup every game, but the rest of the Cardinals receivers don’t exactly excite me in this matchup. One of them could certainly emerge with a touchdown and prove me wrong, but there’s no telling which one it will be. They’re best left on your bench. As for the 49ers, I’m willing to let someone else deal with figuring out who to start from this roster. All signs point to Samuel actually playing in this game, but we have no idea what his snap count is going to be. It might just be best to look elsewhere.

Tight Ends: Kittle’s an auto start and he’s set to see all the targets he can handle in this matchup. Meanwhile, there’s no one on Arizona that you should ever consider a safe start.

FantasyProjection Buster: Jimmy G actually has the chance to prove me wrong if he can make it work with the receiving weapons that are out on the field in week one. While I am projecting, and expect, the 49ers to keep the ball on the ground as much as they can, there’s a world in which Jimmy G torches this defense yet again. I’m not comfortable projecting it, but it’s in the cards.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints

Date/Time: September 13, 4:25 pm ET
Odds: Saints -190
Over/Under: 47.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Saints 25.5, Buccaneers 22

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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New Orleans Saints

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Quarterbacks: These are two tough defenses, which limits the overall upside for both Brady and Brees, but they should both end up being borderline QB1’s when it’s all said and done. This could easily turn into a shootout.

Running Backs: The presence of Fournette limits Jones’ overall upside against a stout Bucs defense. Fournette shouldn’t be considered a safe option this week and Jones should be viewed as a RB3/FLEX play this week. On the other side of the ball, Kamara’s a great start – if he’s fully healthy – and Murray could actually have some standalone value on his own too.

Wide Receivers: Godwin’s a must-start every single week, while Evans is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury and he’s missed Thursday’s practice because of it. If he’s unable to go, Justin Watson becomes an intriguing addition in a game that should be high-scoring. Meanwhile, Thomas is a lock for top-5 production at the WR position. Outside of him though, none of the other Saints receivers are worth rolling out in your typical 12-team league.

Tight Ends: Both Howard and Gronkowski are dart throws at best at the TE position this week. The same can be said for Cook due to the fact that they all have potential to score a touchdown, but shouldn’t be targeted a ridiculous amount. If any of them score, you’re happy you started them. Otherwise, you might be disappointed.

FantasyProjection Buster: Evans is the clear answer right now due to the uncertainty with his injury. I’m still expecting him to play, but we have no idea what his snap count is going to be like now. With this being published on Thursday, there’s no way to have any further clarity at this moment. Evans should be treated like a low-end WR2 until we receive more news.

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Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams

Date/Time: September 13, 8:20 pm ET
Odds: Cowboys -145
Over/Under: 51.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Cowboys 27.25, Rams 24.25

Dallas Cowboys

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Los Angeles Rams

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Quarterbacks: While the Rams defense boasts talents like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, it’s a very top-heavy unit. Prescott should have a phenomenal game here and could easily finish the week as the QB1. Meanwhile, Goff’s been a mediocre QB for fantasy – and the NFL – over the past couple of years and I’m willing to let someone else deal with the potential range of outcomes against a solid Dallas defense.

Running Backs: Zeke is a lock for your lineup, while Pollard should be left on your bench in typical 12-team leagues. Akers is an intriguing FLEX option if Henderson sits, but if Henderson is reportedly fully healthy and ready to go, my optimism decreases exponentially. This could be a very messy backfield to start the season until someone emerges as the clear starter. If Henderson does indeed miss, Malcom Brown would see more work.

Wide Receivers: Cooper has been struggling with an injury recently and he’s about to face off against Ramsey, who should shadow him the majority of the game. If the Cowboys coaching staff is smart, they’ll avoid throwing to Cooper and lean on their other mismatches with Gallup, Lamb, and Jarwin. Cooper’s a WR3 this week in my rankings and I’m not excited to start him. Meanwhile, Woods is a top-10 option this week at the WR position and Kupp could easily finish within the top-15 as well if he manages to score again.

Tight Ends: Jarwin is a fantastic play this week and he should be targeted heavily in this matchup. Higbee’s a solid candidate to continue his stretch of terror that he was on at the end of last year and he deserves to be in your starting lineup as well.

FantasyProjection Buster: Cooper has gained a reputation, and rightfully so, on showing up when you least expect it and disappearing when you need him the most for fantasy football. If he’s fully healthy, and Ramsey doesn’t shadow him, he could easily finish with more than what I’m projecting him for here.

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Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants

Date/Time: September 14, 7:15 pm ET
Odds: Steelers -250
Over/Under: 46.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Steelers 26.5, Giants 22.25

Pittsburgh Steelers

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New York Giants

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Quarterbacks: Big Ben is absolutely in streaming conversation here this week with the matchup against the Giants defense. While we don’t know how Ben’s arm will hold up as the season progresses, it’s safe to assume that he should be able to hold up for one game. If that’s the case, he’s a safe start this week. Meanwhile, Jones absolutely needs to be out of your starting lineup this week against this Steelers defense. This is one of the best units in the league and Jones has a tendency for giving up the ball. I’d recommend starting Big Ben over Jones.

Running Backs: Saquon’s got a tough matchup, but he sees too much work to not produce. Meanwhile, Conner is a fantastic start this week. A top-5 finish from Conner is not out of the realm of possibilities. Otherwise, there are no other backs in this game that should be anywhere close to your starting lineup.

Wide Receivers: Juju and Johnson are both solid starts this week and both could return top-30 value. Meanwhile, there aren’t any weapons in the Giants WR room that I’m rushing out to plug into my starting lineup. All of these weapons should be pretty even from a target standpoint. If you do plug in Slayton, Shepard, or Tate, you’re simply hoping for a touchdown to save your fantasy day.

Tight Ends: Engram’s a low-end TE1 in this matchup and could have a great day if he finds the end zone. Meanwhile, Ebron is an intriguing name to throw into your lineup if you’re looking for a fill-in.

FantasyProjection Buster: Any of these Giants WRs could absolutely break my projections. Going into the season, it’s very difficult to figure out who is going to be the clear target leader…it’s most likely going to come down to whoever gets the touchdown that you’re happy you started them. Otherwise, the volume won’t be there for consistent fantasy production.

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Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos

Date/Time: September 14, 10:10 pm ET
Odds: Titans -140
Over/Under: 41.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Titans 22, Broncos 19.5

Tennessee Titans

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Denver Broncos

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Quarterbacks: Tannehill was great last year for fantasy football, but he did it on the back of unsustainable efficiency. Tannehill’s a great option for 2QB leagues, but I’d recommend looking elsewhere this week. Meanwhile, Lock has all the potential in the world with these weapons around him, but he’s not someone that you should bet on right out of the gates for fantasy.

Running Backs: Henry’s an auto-start every week based on the volume he sees on the ground. Meanwhile, Gordon is fading in my rankings pretty quickly. While he could absolutely sustain RB2 numbers if he scores, this defense is no joke. Lindsay’s a fine FLEX play in deep leagues, but expectations need to be managed here too.

Wide Receivers: Brown is the only wideout that you should be looking to start from Tennessee. Meanwhile, Sutton’s a fine WR2 option this week and Jeudy has some FLEX appeal as well.

Tight Ends: Both of the tight ends in this matchup can be rolled out as back-end TE1s. Smith is a threat to take any pass to the house and Fant has the same level of athleticism. They won’t be targeted super heavily, but they can absolutely produce for your lineup.

FantasyProjection Buster: Tannehill absolutely has the possibility of breaking my projections in this matchup. While it’s near impossible to project the level of efficiency that Tannehill had last season, he sustained it for multiple weeks. As long as Henry is opening up running lanes, Tannehill can keep that level of production up again.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

Date/Time: September 10, 8:20 pm ET
Odds: Chiefs -525
Over/Under: 53.5 points
Implied Vegas point totals: Chiefs 31.5, Texans 22

Houston Texans

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Kansas City Chiefs

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Quarterbacks: This is a matchup where you absolutely want to start both QBs. Mahomes is a weekly must-start option and Watson isn’t far behind him. While there are some concerns about how Watson will adjust to life without Deandre Hopkins, he has the mobility to provide a safe floor every single week. Watson should be scrambling behind the Houston OL in this matchup, which means easy fantasy points. Both of these QBs are top-6 options in my rankings right now.

Running Backs: David Johnson is a borderline start in this matchup for me. If you have another option, I would be looking to pivot away since we just don’t know what version of DJ we’re going to get on the field. In my rankings, he’s a FLEX play until we actually see him back on the football field again. As for CEH, plug him into your starting lineup and don’t think twice about it. While Darrel Williams should still be involved, it’s not going to be enough to eat into CEH’s receiving workload, which is where the bulk of his fantasy value is going to come from this season.

Wide Receivers: Hill is a weekly must start option at the WR position, but other than that, I’m not looking to start any other Chiefs receiver this week. Watkins can be plugged in if you’re in a pinch, but Hardman is a desperation play and you’re hoping that he scores a touchdown. On the other side of the ball, Fuller is a smash play this week. As long as he’s healthy, he belongs in your starting lineup. Cooks is reportedly a game-time decision, which doesn’t bode well for his fantasy outlook. At this moment, I’m expecting him to play, but he might be on a snap count. Cobb actually becomes an intriguing FLEX play in a game that Vegas is expecting the Texans to be trailing in.

Tight Ends: Kelce is an automatic start and should go off in this matchup. Meanwhile, Fells or Jordan Akins are not worth looking at for fantasy football just yet. They should only be considered on bye weeks as a desperation fill-in option.

FantasyProjection Buster: Hardman has a very good chance of making my projection for him here look foolish. If I had to identify one player that could absolutely destroy my stat line for them, Mecole would be the answer. He can easily take any play to the house or he can end up with one target for zero receptions. The range of outcomes is drastic.

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Kyle Yates is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Kyle, check out his archive and follow him @KyleYNFL.