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DraftBattle: Week 1 Targets
Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)
Emeka is set for a major Week 1 role due to the lingering injury to Chris Godwin (ankle), who is still not ready for game action, and Jalen McMillan (neck) being sidelined with an injury of his own. This puts Egbuka in position to be a target hog as the clear-cut number two option behind Mike Evans. Egbuka can thrive in the slot, but is more than capable of winning consistently on the outside. The Falcons’ defense is much improved on paper, but Emeka will face little resistance from the Falcons’ rookie nickel back and group of linebackers when he lines up inside, so expect him to man the Godwin role until the veteran returns to action. Emeka is teaming with WR2 value, but is someone who can be had as your WR3 or flex at DraftBattle, thanks to the contests consisting of just eight teams. Draft Emeka, where possible, he should start his season off with a bang.
Ricky Pearsall (WR – SF)
Pearsall is another player who is going to benefit greatly from injury attrition in Week 1. Brandon Aiyuk (knee) remains sidelined and is not expected back until Week 6, and Jauan Jennings, who missed much of the offseason with a calf injury, may not be ready for a full complement of snaps. Make no mistake, this is a run-first offense that will see George Kittle pace the team in targets some weeks, but there is more than enough offensive creativity to scheme Pearsall some high-value touches on all four levels. Pearsall is someone to target as a best ball special. He could explode with a higher-than-expected value in Week 1, especially if the Seattle Seahawks can keep the game competitive. Target Pearsall in the later rounds of your 11-round drafts.
TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)
TreVeyon is not getting enough love. Sure, he was one of the buzziest names of the preseason, but he is still going later than he should in DraftBattle drafts. Many think Henderson will be splitting carries with Rhamondre Stevenson, who, while excellent in 2022, has been a declining volume back ever since. Henderson would beat out the 2022 version of Rhamondre; the current version is TreVeyon’s backup and ‘veteran’ mentor. Expect the Raiders to ratchet up the pass rush to try to fluster Drake Maye, something that could lead to frequent targets for the rookie running back. Henderson should approach 20 touches in Week 1, regardless of gamescript, and will spend most of his day schemed away from Maxx Crosby. Draft Henderson in at least one of your DraftBattle drafts for Week 1.
James Conner (RB – ARI)
Conner looks set for a heavy workload in Week 1. He will likely see the bulk of the touches most weeks to begin with, but with the projected gamescript firmly on the Cardinals’ side against the lowly New Orleans Saints, we could see a 20-25 carry night for the veteran running back. He has little behind him in the way of a threat for snaps, even with Trey Benson sharing the RB room. New Orleans does have some solid run defenders, most notably the ageless ones in Cam Jordan and Demario Davis, but they are going to have a tough time containing Conner, even when they know the run is coming. Target Conner as a strong RB2 option, who you may be able to nab as your RB3, depending on your draft strategy and draft room.
Drake Maye (QB – NE)
Las Vegas made some notable moves this offseason, but looks to have taken a step back on defense. They added Germaine Pratt to replace the outgoing Robert Spillane and added Jeremy Chinn, but they released stud defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Malcolm Koonce is returning opposite Maxx Crosby, so they should still have an opportunity to create pressures from both sides, but the loss of what Wilkins can do when on the field and healthy softens this matchup considerably for Maye. The Raiders are going to have fits trying to stop Stefon Diggs, TreVeyon Henderson, Hunter Henry, and DeMario Douglas through the air with their personnel and will likely be gashed by Henderson and Maye on the ground. Look for Drake Maye to take out a monocome of revenge on the Raiders for Josh McDaniels through his play. Add Maye as a superflex option who may very well outscore whoever you tap as your QB1.
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Raju Byfield is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Raju, check out his profile and follow him @FantasyContext.