STUDSDavante Adams, GBP at New OrleansTyreek Hill, KCC vs. ClevelandStefon Diggs, BUF vs. PittsburghDeAndre Hopkins, ARI at TennesseeCalvin Ridley, ATL vs. PhiladelphiaDK Metcalf, SEA at IndianapolisAllen Robinson, CHI at Los Angeles RamsJustin Jefferson, MIN at CincinnatiAdam Thielen, MIN at CincinnatiA.J. Brown, TEN vs. ArizonaMike Evans, TBB vs. Dallas (Thursday, Sept 9th)Amari Cooper, DAL at Tampa Bay (Thursday, Sept 9th)Keenan Allen, LAC at Washington
START
Laviska Shenault, JAX at Houston Shenault hauled in 10 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown during the preseason showing plenty of chemistry with rookie QB Trevor Lawrence. On the flip side, Lawrence did spread the ball around to a plethora of receivers. But, given the matchup versus a weak Houston defense, Shenault should be able to break off a big play or two in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Brandon Aiyuk, SFO at Detroit It’s looking like Aiyuk will be a full go for Week 1 versus the Lions. When healthy, Aiyuk is a YAC machine. The 49ers will be facing a Detroit defense that surrendered the 3rd-most fantasy points to WRs in 2020. Jimmy G needs to make a strong statement against a weak defense if he hopes to keep rookie QB Trey Lance on the bench. And getting the ball into Aiyuk’s hands will go a long way towards that goal.
Julio Jones, TEN vs. Arizona Jones joins a Titans offense that was No. 4 in scoring last season and includes a force of nature in RB Derrick Henry. The issue with Jones has always been if he can stay healthy. He appears to be healthy heading into Week 1 versus a suspect Arizona defense, so let’s get him in our lineups before the nagging injuries set in.
BENCH
Darnell Mooney, CHI at Los Angeles Rams The Rams were the stingiest defense in the NFL when it came to surrendering fantasy points to opposing WRs in 2020. Throw in the fact that Mooney was limited in practice on Wednesday with a back injury, and safe play is to keep him on your bench til Week 2.
Mecole Hardman, KCC vs. Cleveland I just can’t do it. Word earlier this year was that Hardman was ready to take the big leap forward and establish himself as a big-time weapon in this Kansas City offense. Unfortunately, for all of us in dynasty that have been holding Hardman since drafting him as a rookie back in 2019, he just hasn’t looked the part in training camp or the preseason. He’ll be on my bench until I see some consistent production.
Marquez Callaway, NO vs. Green Bay Callaway put up an impressive 8/165/2 stat line in the preseason vaulting himself to the top of the Saints WR depth chart. Callaway’s ability to win 50/50 balls should make him a favorite of QB Jameis Winston whose 30 interceptions back in 2019 show that he’s not afraid to throw into coverage. Winston’s aggressive downfield mentality makes Callaway a must-own in all formats as a breakout year could be in the offing.
As you can see above, I was ready to roll Callaway out in Week 1 and start reaping the benefits of his meteoric rise to the top of the Saints’ depth chart. But after taking a deeper look into this week’s game, it appears that there’s a chance that Packers’ CB Jaire Alexander may be shadowing Callaway. If this is the case, I have no choice but to keep Callaway on the bench until Week 2. Should Callaway get shut down in Week 1, those in dynasty leagues may want to consider an attempt to acquire Callaway on the cheap.
Jim is a current Editor and Writer for ExpandTheBoxscore.com. He was formerly a Senior Editor/Content Manager/Writer at FantasySharks.com. Born and raised in Chicago, Jim currently resides at an unknown location in the suburbs. He’s a diehard Chicago sports fan, as long as it doesn’t adversely affect his fantasy teams.
