Week 1 is here! The gratification of our perfect drafts is ready to be ruined, and now athletic 27-year-olds will control our moods for the next five months. So let's dig into every matchup to look at the fantasy implications with every injury and Vegas game line.
Baltimore Ravens +124 @ Kansas City Chiefs -148
Thursday, 8:20 EST Kickoff | O/U: 47 Spread: 3
Fantasy Game Points
A healthy amount of points are expected against two high-powered teams on both sides of the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised if this game hit the under in a slugfest, nor would I be surprised if they blow past the over. I know that seems a bit unhelpful, but it’s true in these high-profile games where both teams have a solid defense. All this means is that we’re going to start our studs and trust them to make a play because we drafted them for a reason. Don’t get cute and trust the process.
Injury Report
OUT
- Rasheen Ali RB. Ravens
- Keaton Mitchell RB, Ravens
- Marquise Brown WR, Chiefs
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire RB, Chiefs
Green Bay Packers +110 @ Philadelphia Eagles -130
Friday, 8:20 PM EST Kickoff | O/U: 49 Spread: 2
Fantasy Game Points
I expect a shootout unless two teams with massive defensive holes turned it around with rookies in one off-season. The Eagles have added Vic Fangio who is a boost to any defense, but the Eagles' secondary has struggled and we don’t know how good the rookies are as of late, nor if Cooper DeJean will be ready soon. And now they lose much-needed LB depth.
Eagles are listing LB Devin White as out for Friday night’s game in Brazil versus the Packers due to an ankle injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 4, 2024
Strongly monitor Romeo Doubs’ situation because it could be wheels up for Dontayvion Wicks truthers in a marquee game. Whoever emerges as the Josh Jacobs RB2 in this game will likely be a huge waiver target.
Injury Report
OUT
- AJ Dillon RB, Packers
- James Bradberry IV CB, Eagles
- Sydney Brown S, Eagles
- Devin White LB, Eagles
Questionable
- Romeo Doubs WR, Packers
- MarShawn Lloyd RB, Packers
- Emanuel Wilson RB, Packers
- Jordan Morgan OT, Packers
- Edgerrin Cooper LB, Packers
- Tucker Kraft TE, Packers
- Johnny Wilson WR, Eagles
- Dallas Goedert TE, Eagles
Arizona Cardinals +240 @ Buffalo Bills -298
Sunday, 1 PM EST Kickoff | O/U: 48 Spread: 6.5
Fantasy Game Points
This is going to sound nuts, but I’m incredibly bullish on the Cardinals this game. The Bills have gutted their defense in a soft rebuild and I can see another shootout where Arizona covers the spread. Trey McBride and Kyler Murray are my TE1 and QB1 respectively, with this thesis in mind. This doesn’t mean that the Cardinals aren't without holes, because I’d start all my Bills players minus maybe Keon Coleman. (Until I see it happen)
Injury Report
Healthy
- Curtis Samuel WR, Bills
- Damar Hamlin S, Bills
OUT
- BJ Ojulari LB, Cardinals
- Matt Milano LB, Bills
Questionable
- Curtis Samuel WR, Bills
- Taron Johnson CB, Bills
New England Patriots 300 @ Cincinnati Bengals -380
Sunday, 1 PM EST Kickoff | O/U: 41 Spread: 8.5
Fantasy Game Points
This game is gross. Say what you want about the Patriots, they’ve had a good defense even throughout the bad years and invested in their secondary. Jerod Mayo was even a major part of that defensive coaching staff. Moreover, who knows how ready that offense is since Chase has only just returned from “holding in.”
Ja’Marr Chase is dressed and appears to be practicing today #Bengals pic.twitter.com/Vp7HGWyUwf
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) September 4, 2024
I’m still starting Burrow and his two receivers and sitting every Patriot not named Rhamondre Stevenson. You’ll want to monitor Demario Douglas’ performance as one to watch if he’s available on your waiver wire or if you want to trade for depth in dynasty.
Injury Report
Healthy
- Hunter Henry TE, Patriots
OUT
- Tyrone Wheatley Jr. OT, Patriots
- Marte Mapu S, Patriots
- Christian Barmore DT, Patriots
- Kendrick Bourne WR, Patriots
Questionable
- Amarius Mims OT, Bengals
- Jermaine Burton WR, Bengals
Houston Texans -148 @ Indianapolis Colts +124
Sunday, 1 PM EST Kickoff | O/U: 48.5 Spread: 3
Fantasy Game Points
I’m hoping for another barn burner if Anthony Richardson can get that offense cooking. He’s flashed both good and bad during the preseason, but he’s essentially still a rookie. The Colts have plenty of holes on defense so the only question for the Texans is which WR is Stroud’s favorite.
Injury Report
Healthy
- Trey Sermon RB, Colts
OUT
- Christian Harris LB, Texans
- Samson Ebukan DE, Colts
- Jelani Woods TE, Colts
Questionable
- Will Anderson Jr. DE, Texans
- Josh Downs WR, Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars +140 @ Miami Dolphins -166
Sunday, 1 PM EST Kickoff | O/U: 49 Spread: 3.5
Fantasy Game Points
I’m lighting prayer candles for the Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. breakout game that seems poised to happen right away in Miami. Vegas anticipates points and two porous defenses can make that dream a reality, especially considering Miami’s injured secondary. I’m even throwing Jonnu Smith in starting lineups in certain deep dynasty leagues or rosters with disaster TE scenarios.
Injury Report
Healthy
- Jaylen Waddle WR, Dolphins
- Jevon Holland S, Dolphins
OUT
- Andrew Wingard S, Jaguars
- Odell Beckham Jr WR, Dolphins
- Cam Smith CB, Dolphins
Questionable
- Aaron Brew G, Dolphins
- Jordan Poyer S, Dolphins
- Jaelen Phillips LB, Dolphins
- Jalen Ramsey CB, Dolphins
- Anthony Walker Jr. LB, Dolphins
Tennessee Titans +154 @ Chicago Bears -185
Sunday, 1 PM EST Kickoff | O/U: 44.5 Spread: 3.5
Fantasy Game Points
Don’t be surprised if Caleb Williams breaks out right away against a soft Tennessee defense that just switched to offensive-minded head coach Brian Callahan. They didn’t get any better beyond Trent McDuffie. Don’t wait to start Rome Odunze. He’s closer to being the WR1 than the WR3 in this offense and the real question is how the carries will be distributed throughout a crowded backfield. The Bears' defense is somehow a sleeper this season. Despite their drastic turnaround after HC Matt Eberflus took over play calling, Ryan Poles ushered in Montez Sweat. All this team has done is improve so I’d be mindful if your Titans players have a slow start because Vegas expects the same. Don’t leave the Bears D/ST on waivers because they have a decent shot at being top scorers.
Injury Report
Questionable
- DeAndre Hopkins WR, Titans
- Chidobe Awuzie CB, Titans
- Arden Key LB, Titans
- Jaquan Brisker S, Bears
- Kevin Byard III S, Bears
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