National Football League

Fantasy Football 2016: 5 Must Starts for Week 1 and Why

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Week 1 has already begun and there are nine interconference matchups on Sunday and Monday. But while the dance card may lack familiarity, there are some opportunities to pick up some big fantasy points out of the gate.

We know it’s just a fantasy. Fantasy football is not the real thing. But let’s get real when it comes to football fans and their latest obsession; you can’t pull them away from this.

Each weekend, we will present our five best fantasy picks, addressing quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and defense/special teams.

There will be no Ouija Board employed, rather statistical history when it comes to these choices. Because fans want to know not only who to pick but why.

Onward and good luck this season.

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) points and calls a play against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback

Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons

A year ago, with Lovie Smith as head coach, the Bucs swept their divisional rivals from the Peach State. And in both instances, quarterback Jameis Winston made his presence felt both through the air and on the ground.

In the sweep, the first-overall pick in 2015 threw for one score and ran for another. He was picked off once and sacked a combined three times in two outings against Dan Quinn’s club.

Now it’s Dirk Koetter at the helm in Tampa, who played a big role in Winston’s improvement over the course of last season. After the former Florida State Seminoles’ star threw just six touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions in his first four contests, the young signal-caller threw for twice as many scores (16) as picks (8) in his final 12 outings.

Winston also ran for five touchdowns in those final dozen games, compared to one such score during the team’s 1-3 start. You can look for the improving quarterback to have another solid performance against an Atlanta defense that still doesn’t scare opponents with its pass rush.

Jun 16, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) works on fundamentals during minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back

Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

While the Jacksonville Jaguars brought in a lot of new faces on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, we are not quite ready to anoint them as a force when it comes to stopping the opposition.

On the other hand, the feeling is that Green Bay’s top running back is primed to rebound after a disappointing 2015. Called out due to his lack of conditioning one year ago, Eddie Lacy looked like a player this summer capable of once again running for 1,100-plus yards while being a valuable part of Aaron Rodgers’ aerial attack.

Yes, Gus Bradley’s club added pieces such as defensive end Malik Jackson and rookie linebacker Myles Jack to bolster a shaky front seven. But the Packers are one of the most talented teams in the league on offense and look a lot healthier (in more ways than one) than they did at this time last season.

Lacy will make life easier for his quarterback and help keep the Green Bay defense off the field. He’s primed for a big workload of 20-plus carries and at least five receptions in this season debut in Florida.

Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver

Steve Smith Sr., Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills

Before he was shelved for the season due to injury last fall, Steve Smith was still showing us that he could get the job done.

In his 15th NFL season and second with the Baltimore Ravens, the feisty performer finished second on the club with 46 catches, good for 670 yards and three scores. Keep in mind that he played in only seven games last year but appears primed for a bounce back campaign, especially with quarterback Joe Flacco also coming back from injury.

Smith now ranks 15th in NFL history with 961 career receptions and needs 72 receiving yards to tie Pro Football Hall of Famer James Lofton for 10th place in that category.

The jury is still out on the Buffalo Bills defense, a huge disappointment in 2015 during head coach Rex Ryan’s first year on the job. But this is a unit that has some pretty good cornerbacks in Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby. But can this team do a better job of rushing the passer after a season in which they totaled a mere 21 sacks.

With Smith and well-traveled Mike Wallace at wideout, teams will really have to respect Baltimore’s deep passing game. On Sunday, Smith will remind the Bills that he still has plenty left in his tank.

Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) carries the ball as San Diego Chargers safety Dwight Lowery (20) tackles in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End

Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans

Now that we know who head coach Mike Zimmer has opted for behind center, you have to feel a little better about the defending NFC North champions. At least for this week.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media recently reported that the Vikings were notified at veteran Shaun Hill will get the starting nod against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Nashville.

Common sense tells you that the team would be in better hands with a player that knows the system rather than a newcomer cramming for his Minnesota SATs. Then again, if Hill struggles against Dick LeBeau’s defense, perhaps we will see Sam Bradford on Sunday.

Regardless of who’s throwing the ball, tight end Kyle Rudolph is a solid play against Tennessee’s 3-4 defense. He’ll prove to be quite the safety valve and also find some holes downfield as the Titans’ outside linebackers preoccupy themselves with getting to the quarterback.

There may not be a lot of points scored in this game but the Vikings’ tight end will get his chances and is an excellent play in a PPR setup.

Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Mario Williams (94) and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Dolphins 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Defense/Special Teams

Miami Dolphins vs. Seattle Seahawks

While the playoff prospects for the Miami Dolphins in 2016 remain very much up in the air, it may be hard to blame their defense for any shortcomings this season.

But first things first and this matchup with the Seahawks across the country. Facing Pete Carroll’s team is never easy, much less when making a trip from South Florida to the Pacific Northwest. However, there is a major concern for Seattle as they prepare to kick off the regular season – the offensive line (again).

It was an area that proved to be the club’s undoing in ’15. Against the better defensive fronts in the league, Carroll’s five blockers were pushed around. The ‘Hawks lost twice each to the Rams and Panthers (including playoffs), two clubs with impressive front fours.

Miami’s starting defensive front has Ndamukong Suh and Earl Mitchell up the middle to go with ends Cameron Wake and newcomer Mario Williams. Depth is provided Andre Branch and versatile Jason Jones, along with defensive tackle Jordan Phillips.

We’re not calling for a Miami upset but Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson could wind up spending the majority of Sunday on the ground.

More from NFL Spin Zone

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League