Looking 2013 Week 1 Advice? It’s already up, HERE!!!
Below is our Week 1 Start & Bench Advice for the 2012 fantasy football season.
This start ‘em and sit ‘em advice is not typical, in fact, it’s both bold and unconventional.
If you are looking for plain and simple, or a “play it safe” analysis, you’re in the wrong place.
Note: This is an update to our early-August Start Bench release.
Let’s get to it!
Smitty’s
Week 1 Projections
*These fantasy football projections are based on a standard PPR scoring format; only the top 6 projections are listed for each match-up
DAL @ NYG
1. Tony Romo: 290pa/3TDs/1INT
2. DeMarco Murray: 125ru/4-40re/1TD
3. Eli Manning: 245pa/2TDs/1INT
4. Dez Bryant: 6-95re/2TDs
5. Victor Cruz: 5-90re/1TD
6. Hakeem Nicks: 4-80re/1TD
IND @ CHI
1. Matt Forte: 110ru/4-40re/1TD
2. Brandon Marshall: 6-90re/1TD
3. Jay Cutler: 245pa/2TDs/1INT
4. Andrew Luck: 240pa/1TD/1INT
5. Donald Brown: 70ru/2-15re/1TD
6. Reggie Wayne: 4-65re/0TDs
ATL @ KC
1. Julio Jones: 6-125re/1TD
2. Roddy White: 5-85re/1TD
3. Matt Ryan: 320pa/2TDs/1INT
4. Jacquizz Rodgers: 40ru/4-65re/1TD
5. Jamaal Charles: 45ru/4-55re/0TDs
6. Dwayne Bowe: 6-80re/0TDs
PHI @ CLE
1. LeSean McCoy: 140ru/4-40re/1TD
2. Michael Vick: 240pa/45ru/2TDs/0INTs
3. Trent Richardson: 75ru/2-20re/1TD
4. Greg Little: 5-60re/1TD
5. DeSean Jackson: 5-90re/0TDs
6. Brandon Weeden: 200pa/2ru/1TDs/2INTs
WAS @ NO
1. Drew Brees: 345pa/3TDs/1INT
2. Jimmy Graham: 6-95re/2TDs
3. Robert Griffin III: 225pa/45ru/2TDs/1INT
4. Darren Sproles: 40ru/5-65re/1TD
5. Marques Colston: 5-70re/1TD
6. Roy Helu: 80ru/4-30re/1TD
STL @ DET
1. Matthew Stafford: 310pa/10ru/2TDs/0INTs
2. Calvin Johnson: 6-110re/1TD
3. Steven Jackson: 95ru/4-30re/1TD
4. Sam Bradford: 250pa/2TDs/1INT
5. Titus Young: 5-70re/1TD
6. Danny Amendola: 5-67re/1TD
NE @ TEN
1. Tom Brady: 325pa/4TDs/0INTs
2. Wes Welker: 7-110re/1TD
3. Ridley: 100ru/4-35re/1TD
4. Chris Johnson: 110ru/2-20re/1TD
5. Rob Gronkowski: 5-80re/1TD
6. Aaron Hernandez: 4-65re/1TD
JAC @ MIN
1. Percy Harvin: 4-60re/40ru/1TD
2. Toby Gerhart: 55ru/1-10re/1TD
3. Justin Blackmon: 4-65re/0ru/1TD
4. Maurice Jones-Drew: 45/3-25re/1TD
5. Rashad Jennings: 45ru/2-11re/0TDs
6. Christian Ponder: 200pa/1TD/1INT
BUF @ NYJ
1. Stevie Johnson: 6-90re/1TD
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick: 220pa/2TDs/1INT
3. Fred Jackson: 65ru/4-40re/1TD
4. C.J. Spiller: 45ru/5-45re/1TD
5. Shonn Greene: 101ru/1-4re/0TDs
6. Tim Tebow: 45pa/65ru/1TD
MIA @ HOU
1. Arian Foster: 140ru/4-40re/2TDs
2. Andre Johnson: 6-80re/1TD
3. Matt Schaub: 245pa/1TD/1INT
4. Reggie Bush: 65ru/4-35re/0TDs
5. Ben Tate: 45ru/1-6re/1TD
6. Ryan Tannehill: 200pa/1TD/2INTs
SEA @ AZ
1. Russell Wilson: 265pa/65ru/3TDs/1INT
2. Marshawn Lynch: 100ru/3-22re/1TD
3. Larry Fitzgerald: 6-90re/1TD
4. Sidney Rice: 6-90re/1TD
5. Beanie Wells: 60ru/2-12re/1TD
6. John Skelton: 210pa/1TD/1INT
SF @ GB
1. Aaron Rodgers: 355pa/12ru/3TDs/0INTs
2. Greg Jennings: 6-90re/2TDs
3. Jordy Nelson: 5-82re/1TD
4. Frank Gore: 80ru/3-20re/1TD
5. Randall Cobb: 6-70re/1TD
6. Cedric Benson: 80ru/2-11re/1TD
CAR @ TB
1. Cam Newton: 240pa/45ru/3TDs
2. Doug Martin: 110ru/3-25re/1TD
3. Steve Smith: 6-85re/1TD
4. Vincent Jackson: 5-70re/1TD
5. Josh Freeman: 200pa/15ru/1TD/1INT
6. DeAngelo Williams: 75ru/2-12re
PIT @ DEN
1. Peyton Manning: 245pa/2TDs/1INT
2. Eric Decker: 6-88re/1TD
3. Ben Roethlisberger: 275pa/8ru/1TD/1INT
4. Antonio Brown: 5-80re/1TD
5. Mike Wallace: 3-85re/0TDs
6. Isaac Redman: 55ru/3-25/0TDs
CIN @ BAL
1. Ray Rice: 135ru/4-40re/1TD
2. A.J. Green: 6-125re/1TD
3. BenJarvus Green-Ellis: 65ru/3-30re/1TD
4. Joe Flacco: 205pa/1TD/1INT
5. Andy Dalton: 210pa/1TD/2INTs
6. Anquan Boldin: 4-65re/0TDs
SD @ OAK
1. Darren McFadden: 125ru/4-55re/1TD
2. Philip Rivers: 240pa/8ru/2TDs/0INTs
3. Antonio Gates: 5-85re/1TD
4. Carson Palmer: 235pa/0ru/2TDs/1INT
5. Robert Meachem: 4-60re/1TD
6. Denarius Moore: 4-60re/1TD
Byes: None
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Stevan Ridley (@TEN)
9/3/12 | Update: This advice below, which was written in early August, still holds true if you ask me. The only difference between then and now is that everyone has caught on that Ridley is a solid fantasy RB2 entering this season.
Written in August: Looking for that super-sleeper running back to start in Week 1? Well, Stevan Ridley might just be your guy!
The Patriots face the Titans on opening day, a defense that ranked 24th against the run last season.
Sure, Ridley is arguably stuck in a timeshare, but all current news indicates that Ridley will be the early-down rusher in Week 1, and if the team is in critical crunch-time, Ridley, who earned the team’s trust down the stretch in 2011, will likely be the rusher that the Patriots lean on.
Here is a 2011 refresher: Ridley had 87 rushes for 441 yards in 2011, which equates to a 5.1 yards-per-carry average. In Week 4, Ridley ran the ball just 10 times, but he managed to total 97 rushing yards. Ridley only received double-digit carries on three other occasions in 2011, and those contests consisted of Week 15, 16 and 17, at which point Ridley ran for 65, 64 and 91 yards, and that was on 11, 13 and 15 carries (which is a 5.3 YPC average over that three-game span).
So the great news? Let’s be honest, New England is likely to get out to an early lead on the Titans in Week 1. That Titans’ defense is awful against the run, and the Patriots will likely run the ball a ton after they get up big; if you ask me, all this spells 100-yard game and a solid shot at a score.
Week 1 Projections: 100ru/4-35re/1TD
 
Who can get me a score?
Toby Gerhart (vs. JAC)
Zach: In early August I had Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Willams listed here in this column. Over a month has gone by and things have changed fast. That’s the risky you take when you write things as early as we do here at DraftCalc.
Gerhart isn’t an exciting start, but if you have a team in need of a RB plug-in, Gerhart could get you 50 rushing and a touchdown. Don’t expect much more, and this is not a fantastic start or anything, but he has TD potential as Adrian Peterson is ease back from his torn ACL.
Russell Wilson (@AZ)
Russell Wilson is my bold start of the week, and he is also my bold full-time fantasy starter on the year.
We called this guy out before it really became trendy to believe in his rise, and while he is everyone’s favorite dark horse fantasy passer right now, not many are running him out onto the fantasy playing field in Week 1. People are excited to own him, but they aren’t necessarily starting him. Well, we are!
We recommend that you do as well, as Russell rolls up against the Cardinals in Week 1 in Arizona.
Arizona has an underrated defense in the talent department, no question, but when your offense can’t move the chains, and they can’t stay on the field, that means your defense gets abused. Arizona will have no answers for Wilson in Week 1; this season, Wilson will be the closest thing to last year’s Cam Newton emergence. If you listened to us when we screamed to pick this kid up, congrats! Get ready for quite possibly a top 5-10 fantasy quarterback season! Feel like calling us crazy? Get in line!
Week 1 Projections: 265pa/65ru/3TDs/1INT
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Dez Bryant (@NYG)
9/3/12 | Update: Assuming that he is not some kind of last minute scratch, I stand by my monster start of the week in Dez Bryant… as I said, last month:
Bryant could be in for a huge Week 1 outing against the Giants. This game is the first game of the week on Wednesday night, and if looking at last year’s stats, Tony Romo and gang face the league’s 29th-ranked passing defense. Not only do the Giants give up a grip of-yards per-contest, they are tied for 7th in surrendering passing touchdowns. Doubt Bryant all you want, call him a problem child, and avoid him at all costs… this only makes him cheaper for those who believe in the receiver, and it turns his trade value into the bargain variety… Look, I can understand why so many doubt this kid, I really can, but I know elite talent when I see it, and Dez has it! He has the skills to become a top 3-4 fantasy wide receiver for years and years to come… The only risk is Dez getting in trouble again down the road, but at his downward-evolving ADP of 4.08, the receiver could miss a couple games and still earn that kind of value. I’m not suggesting that he will miss any outings, my point is that earning that 4th-round value isn’t going to be difficult for the extremely-talented stud-in-the-making. If this kid lands at 4.08-type value and becomes the receiver that I believe he will become, that’s what you call a blueprint for winning a fantasy football championship! So, get ready, because the “Dez Bryant Show” will begin on September 5th, 2012. Get your tickets now, and get ready for truckloads of doubters to soon jump on board!
Week 1 Projections: 6 receptions for 95 yards and 2TDs
Most likely to rush for 150+ yards?
LeSean McCoy (@CLE)
McCoy is going up against the 30th-ranked rushing defense in 2011.
Cleveland gives up 147.4 yards-per-game on the ground, which gives McCoy the best chance for leading the week in rushing yards.
I can also see him having two total scores as well.
Most likely 100-yard rushers?
*2011 regular season stats
9/3/12 | Update: Aside from Ryan Mathews, not too much has changed since early August when glancing down at my list of running back projections.
Ryan Mathews @OAK (*27th against run)
Matt Forte vs. IND (*29th against run)
Ray Rice vs. CIN (*10th against run)
Arian Foster vs. MIA (*3rd against run)
Stevan Ridley @TEN (*24th against run)
Doug Martin vs. CAR (*25th against run)
Chris Johnson vs. NE (*17th against run)
Shonn Greene vs. BUF (*28th against run)
Marshawn Lynch @AZ (*21st against run)
Darren McFadden vs. SD (*20th against run)
Despite tough match-ups against Miami (3rd against the run in 2011) and Tampa Bay (10th against the run in 2011), both Arian Foster and Ray Rice are still strong bets for 100 yards and a score. These two are almost match-up proof.
Ryan Mathews will make his owners proud as he earns top 4-6 running back numbers on opening day. (Ronnie Brown should have a decent day running for roughly 70 and a score)
Matt Forte will have a field day against last year’s 29th-ranked Colts’ rushing defense; Once Chicago gets out to an early lead, Forte and Michael Bush should see a whole lot of touches.
Stevan Ridley, as Smitty highlights above, is a nice start this week. He is very underrated this year and is in a great situation with very little “true” competition.
Doug Martin has a great match-up, but will he get most of the carries, or could he be a Week 1 disappointment due to coaching decisions?
Shonn Greene is not an exciting start, but he is a safe start. Trade him after Week 1 if you can, though. As you can probably tell by looking around DC, we don’t much believe in him on the season.
Chris Johnson should have a big day, even though he could start off hot and then slow down as TEN tries to pass their way back into the game.
The stats will be there in the end for Marshawn Lynch, even if he compiles his stat line slowly against that underrated Cards’ defense.
I have left myself in a bind. With ryan mathews being out, would it be worth putting in Kendell Hunter or robert turbin?
Yeah, not liking having to start either – yet. Turbin, but that’s a coin toss. Good luck in week one, my friend!
gotta start two out of mike wallace, mike williams, randy cobb, brian quick or jon baldwin. plus have offer of miles austin and shonn greene for jamaal charles, who you got???
Wallace and Cobb. Not close IMO. As for the trade, depends, dynasty, redraft, ppr, keeper, what does it do to your line up?
dynasty, no ppr, backs are greene, helu, ridley, spiller and pead. wr’s are calvin, wallace mike williams, baldwin, cobb, austin and quick…leaning towards taking the trade as i just don’t trust austin to stay healthy, already banged up, just like last year…just finished draft, got luck at 1.05, quick at 1.11, pead at 2.05 and josh gordon at 4.05…i think each of those pick represent decent value, what do you think?
Smitty you have Dez down in week 1 for 5-90 1TD and 6-95 and 2TD. Make up my mind.
Correction made. That’s what I get for releasing an early version and migrating it over
Mclovin, As a quick owner myself i am not sure i would start him this early in the season. I figure by midseaon he could be a go. Am i right smitty??
If you have to start Quick, you are quite thin at WR. I would agree, I don’t like him out of the gate. Great long-term prospect, though.
What about Rod Streater for Okaland?
You’re still talking coin toss between guys like that. Lance Moore is a great grab and start this week, in case he is available.
Yeah my wideouts are that bad! I do like Streater though, I think if Ford sits ill put him into my lineup
I am in the same situation in one league, it happens. Sometimes injuries hit, or drafts don’t work the way you plan with a “grab your last starting WR late” strategy, or you build it that way to beef up other line up spots. Dwayne Harris is a player to keep an eye on, he has elite talent, it’s just tough to tell if he will get a big shot anytime soon. The kid is insane. Streater is decent.
I am in a bind for my RB2…i have rice as my RB1 and have to choose between mcgahee, hillis and ronnie brown week 1 (i have lesure and mendenhall for hopefully later in season)..thanks!
tough call. I probably go Hillis or McGahee. Hillis is a touchdown force, McGahee will probably get more carries. I think McGahee wears down as the season moves along, but he could start off strong. It’s close, with McGahee being your safe play and Hillis your high risk/high reward play. You kind of have to decide if your line up is set up to need the safe or risky play.
i recently found this site and see all the great testemonials…i have 2 more questions, one is who is a better start for eli manning or phillip rivers…and my second question is regarding seeing where i can find your information about breakout players…the one testimonial regarding cruz, newton, etc intrigues me, thanks again for all the help and i definitely plan on following from now on!
Thanks. Glad you found us.
As for who to start, if you scroll to the top of this page, you will see my Week 1 projections, where I have both the players you ask about listed with projections:
Philip Rivers: 240pa/8ru/2TDs/0INTs
Eli Manning: 245pa/2TDs/1INT
And our site is loaded with those breakouts. Go to the homepage, click on the big “Upside Board” image, and the sift through our fantasy articles here: http://draftcalc.com/category/fantasy-football-content/articles/
Good luck in week 1, my friend.
harris is gone. I am hoping andre holmes can get the third wr spot. Any thoughts on him? also how about lester jean?
I like Jean.
Who should I go with Donald Brown or Rashad Jennings week 1 ?
I’d go Donald Brown, but that’s crazy-close. Brown has been proving solid this preseason, and Jennings is being given this start as a obligation, so who knows how committed the Jags will be to Jennings if MJD breaks off some nice runs. I go Brown, but it’s coin toss close.
Hi Smitty,
Nonppr…
Ridley @Tenn or DMartin vs Car?
Worried bout Belichek and his rb games. Will Ridley get the bulk? Almost the same question with Martin and do I want to trust a rookie wk 1?
Thanks,
GoPack
Well, remember, my projections are listed up above, which show:
Ridley: 100ru/4-35re/1TD
Doug Martin: 110ru/3-25re/1TD
Anyone else have a different projection to help GoPack with some variety?
I am thinking both Ridley and Martin will not rush for 100 yards. I will say 65 maybe for Ridely and martin around 50 or so.
for my rb/wr spot im terribly stuck on who to play. Its between brandon loyd, donald brown, rashard jennings or torrey smith. pretty much standard 10 team league…so my starters in are Brady qb, demarrco murray rb, fred jackson rb, then rb/wr got loyd plugged in, fitz wr, dez bryant wr, then te hernandez my op is dalton/bradford, lions d n robbie gould as kicker. Im torn on who to start in the rb/wr spot and stuck between those four i mentions any words of wisdom??
I rank them like this: Lloyd, Torrey Smith, Donald Brown. Smith just feels money for a breakout fantasy WR3 season, but Lloyd could be WR2 good at times. Tough call, because both those guys could rotate having good games. Nice dilemma at your WR3/Flex.
Which WRs should I start? Standard scoring Pick 3.
Julio vs KC
Harvin vs JAX
Dez vs NYG
Decker vs PIT
Malcom Floyd vs OAK
Collie vs CHI
Titus Young Vs STL
Thanks
I’ll be curious what everyone thinks. Of course, you have my answers all up above.
the top 3 guys are all solid bets this and every week, but decker and titus young give a lot of flexibility in case they don’t…
Great job on the projections Smitty, I have 2 questions….both these are for ppr leagues, who should I start between (pick 3) B. Lloyd, M. Austin, Demaryius & Garcon. Also should I start MJD this week or leave him on the bench for Quizz? Thanks!
As for the Lloyd, Austin Thomas and Garcon picks, I probably go Austin and Thomas, but it’s real tough putting Lloyd and Garcon on the bench, because those are WRs that could rotate having big games, then mediocre games. Check Austin and Thomas last min., make sure both are playing… if you need to make a last min. swap with one, plug in Lloyd. Tough call. I think we will know who you need to start weekly after Week 1. Lloyd could be a bigger target for Brady than most think, tough to say yet, though.
Im stuck with my rb’s between gerhart and greene. Im also stuck at wr between garcon and harvin. Having a hard time picking n
Between these guys. Any suggestions?
Well for the WRs, i have Harvin listed and not Garcon, so Harvin is my guy. I think Garcon could emerge as a strong sleeper this year, and Many already like him, but for now, you can’t bench Harvin! I go Greene because I just don’t know how successful Gerhart will be this week, even if getting a grip of carries. Greene has a good match up.
I need someone in my flex position between these fellas: Marques colston, fred jackson, justin blackmon, and nate washington. I cant decide. What do ya think?
I’d roll with Colston, he is playing at home in the dome against a suspect pass defense, should be a shoot out
Keep in mind i have these projections up above:
Fred Jackson: 65ru/4-40re/1TD
Marques Colston: 5-70re/1TD
Justin Blackmon: 4-65re/0ru/1TD
Washington: Not ranked in top 6 for his match-up
So, depending on your scoring, that’s who I roll with.
Man I wish I found this site earlier
I noticed you are high on J. Rodgers and he is currently available in the waiver wire of one of my leagues. I would pick him up but problem is I would have to drop either Ben Tate or Shonn Greene because this league has a small limit of RB’s you can carry. I have Arian Foster so I figured Tate is a necessary handcuff. What would you do?
Do not drop Tate. I would wait. With rosters that small, you may get some use out of Greene before Rodgers takes over. Plus, try trading Greene after Week 1, he has a good match up, and try trading Greene and a WR for one better WR (a 2 for 1), which opens up a roster spot for Rodgers. Or do the trade now if a trade can be done.
Hey man just found the site. Love it!
Got a lineup week 1 question.
In a non ppr league with 2 WR 2 RB and one RB/WR Flex spot, who should I start?
D Murray, AP, Gerhart (who I just noticed was announced to be Minn feature back in week 1), P Hillis, W McGahee, D Brown, D Wilson, Reggie Wayne, Miles Austin, Jordy Nelson.
Thanks!
Spacemo
Murray, Greene (or, go McGahee if you want to play it a touch more safe at your RB2). Or just plug McGahee in at flex.
WR: Nelson and Austin, just make sure Austin is healthy at kickoff.
Thanks good info that was my hunch but u didn’t mention bout mjds Backup Jennings start Loyd or Smith over him? I rather start Loyd cuz Brady but then I’d have 3 patriots tarting in week 1
I wouldn’t start Jennings. MJD will be in the mix, and we just dont know what to believe as far as how much “good boy” carries Jennings is going to get for being such a good fill-in over the last few month. Lloyd and Smith? Not sure what Smith you are referring, Torrey Smith? As you can see by the number of questions, tough to know what any previous convos were, so definitely include all detail in each question… If Torrey Smith, I start Torrey over Lloyd, and Lloyd over Jennings all in that order.
Do I start Russel Wilson over Cam Newton this week?
You never sit Cam Newton. Ever. Unless he is hurt, on a bye or retired.
Fast trade help, my team:
QB Cutler, Russell Wilson
RB McFadden, Martin, Ridley, Benson, J. Rodgers
WR Julio Jones, Bryant, Marshall, Britt, Blackmon
Trade offer: Tom Brady, Antonio Brown
FOR: McFadden, Bryant OR Marshall
Trade or not? which WR if so.
Urgent help please!
No. Start Wilson and roll the dice IMO. McFadden is a beast, and I take him ahead of Brady because he dominates his position in just about the same tier as the big 3RBs. Stick with your guys. If you want to upgrade at QB, use Ridley, Benson and Marshall (or Britt) in an upgrade. Don’t use your big guns.
Start Wilson!? We have a 12 man 6 pt per passing td not PPR format league, does that change anything? If not, what QB could I steal in a trade for Ridley, Benson Marshall?
I’m going crazy with your advice but I’m sticking with it.
Thanks alot.
Well, I’m starting Wilson over guys like Matt Ryan and Tony Romo, and that’s not just a week 1 move… I’m really thinking this guy is going to be elite. Give you have Cutler, not saying he is bad, but Wilson over Cutler is a no brainer to me, but trust your guy if you think Cutler is your boy! You’re the one who has to watch the games play out, so be good with the decision and just use any external advice as guidance and guidance alone. I’m not sure what this sentence means that you wrote above:
“I steal in a trade for Ridley, Benson Marshall? ”
Let me know what you mean by that and i’ll try to answer that part. Thanks, Luis.
Lol… sorry about that, I wanted to know your opinion about what good value/sleeper QB could I target in exchange of some of the 3 guys, Ridley, Benson and Marshall.
I’m not so sure I’d trade for a QB using either Ridley or Marshall.. Benson isn’t a bad idea to shop, but trust in Wilson for now! Then talk about getting a back up. Cutler is fine as a back-up, and an ok starter, but what I’m saying is I think you have a top 5-10 fantasy QB in Wilson, so let it play out in Week 1, then go QB shopping if you don’t like what you see.
Someone in my league wants Mathews from me. Is there any trade involving Mathews I could do that would improve my team. Standard Scoring
my Team:
QB Romo RB CJ, Forte, Mathews, D Brown, Jacquizz WR Julio, Dez, Harvin, Decker, Collie, Titus, Malcom Floyd TE Cook
His Team: QB Brady, Luck RB McGahee, Bush, Peterson, Blount, R. Williams WR Fitzgerald, Austin, VJAX, Wright, Holmes, Burleson TE Gonzalez
I feel Brady is the only one on his team that will really help me, but I’m unsure of how to put a trade together involving him and Mathews.
Because your team is so stacked, I thin you can afford to maybe offer Mathews and Romo for Brady and really any decent player he is willing to throw back (Bush, Austin are preferred).. but Brady is going to do that much scoring for your roster.
Hi Smitty,
I am in 6 team standard league and here’s how my team looks like right now:
QB: Rodgers
RB: Forte
RB: S JAX
WR: AJ Green
WR: Roddy White
Flex: Turner
TE: Vernon Davis
DEF: Ravens
K: S Gostowski
BN: Dez Bryant
BN: DeSean Jackson
BN: Antonio Brown
BN: Roethlesberger
BN: Frank Gore
BN: Peyton Hillis
For week 1 I was thinking of playing Bryant instead of turner in flex. What do you think about that? Also what do you think about my team in general?
Thanks
Raj
Yep, up above, I have Bryant as a start of the week, and Turner isn’t even listed in the top 6 projections for his match up. I could be wrong, Turner could have some decent games to start the season then slow, but I’m not feeling it. Scroll back up and read what I have on Dez, that should help with your decision. Good luck in week 1, buddy!
Hi Smitty,
Thanks for the response. I appreciate it and also appreciate all the help you are giving to fantasy owners out there! Couple of more questions if you have some time. I know you like AJ Green but what about Roddy White? You think white will have a good season? Also I am thinking of starting Forte and SJax every week over Gore, Hillis and Turner..will that be a good choice? Thanks for your help.
Roddy will be good, but not so sure he is a fantasy WR1 anymore with Julio Jones set to become a top 5WR. I am not sold on Ryan being a top 5QB this year, which means one of Julio or White will not have as great a season as the other. Julio looks unstoppable, so White will do well IMO, but I doubt he goes nuts. Forte and SJax all the way – for now. Gore could prove healthy and fresh looking, but I have concerns about Turner, Gore and SJax, they are probably my three most “don’t touch veterans” this year. So, selling high, if they play well in week 1 or 2, is advised, if the price is right. Hillis could be a sleeper later on, no question, but SJax and Forte are your guys initially.
Thanks Smitty!
Do I start Bradshaw or Ridley this week, I’m torn. I saw the writing on Ridley but no stats for Bradshaw. Non PPR league. Thanks for the help!
No stats for Bradshaw means he didn’t crack that top 6, but I could be wrong. Any other takes on this for Marlow? Variation is always good!
I’d start Bradshaw waiting for a classic high scoring NYG vs DAL machup, where he takes in one or two.
Awesome, nice to see other perspectives! Keep it up, Luis!
Thanks smitty. Yes I was referring to torrey Smith. It was down to him or loyd for my flex, I was thinking Loyd cuz I.got Brady throwing to him but Smith is a Monday night game and beast. For my op Dalton or Bradford? I got lions d
Bradford.
Hey Smitty,
Quickie…
Maclin?
Not in top 6 or an oversite?
Vick is at 240yds and DJax is down for 90. It seems like Maclin will get his share of the 240.
Thanks,
GoPack
He is right around where Weeden finished for fantasy points, it was close if i remember right. Yep, not predicting a big game, but he could prove me wrong.
David Wilson or Steve Johnson for flex this week? Wilson is projected a bit higher than Johnson and that Jets secondary has me concerned. I would appreciate a second opinion. Thanks!
I have Stevie set for 6-90re/1TD up above. Wilson is a guy that will likely emerge later on. When he does emerge, though, he will be great, but Stevie is a solid WR2 and David Wilson is not yet flex worthy – yet. Not even close IMO.
I’m having trouble deciding who I should start at WR2. I can start either DeSean Jackson or Dez Bryant?
I think your answer is above if your asking smitty
He gave the projections for both players. I go Dez if your actually looking for a second opinion or something. Jackson is a hit away from sitting out an entire half.
I have Marshawn, Fred Jackson, Turbin & Hillis, if Marshawn can’t go, I am presuming that Turbin rather than Hillis is the right play alongside Fred Jackson in week 1…. I am not mistaken am I?
Yep, Turbin would be a solid start if Lynch sat.
I have dilema for week one already. RB, WR, TE
My team:
QB: Mike Vick, Andrew Luck
RB: Arian Foster, Cedric Benson, Doanld Brown, Rashad Jennings
WR: Roddy White, AJ Green, Dez Bryant, Antonio Brown, Kenny Britt
TE: Coby Fleener, Kyle Rudolph
K: Robbie Gould
DEF: Buffalo Bills
Looking for advice on second RB, Flex(WR/RB), and TE
Vick
Foster/Benson
Green/White/Dez
Brown at flex (4th ranked WR IMO from your list).. next up is Donald brown, but Antonio is your clear flex and 4th best WR option IMO.
Rudolph (initially).
Nice squad.
Is it just me or are people asking Smitty to repeat himself? I keep reading people’s questions, this guy or that guy, but he tells you up above just read his projections
Thanks for the concern, Forte, but it’s all good. People are just excited for the season to start!
Flex Question need 2 from Nate Washington,Trent Richardson,Steve Johnson ,Heyward Bey and Kevin Smith.Great Site wish I found it sooner.
Stevie Johnson is a lock, and Trent Richardson if the news swings in his favor. Stay on top of that, but if he looks like he will be limited, I probably go Nate Washington or Kevin Smith, and you have to stay on top of the Kevin Smith news to see if he is going to be limited. Washington is the safe play, and Stevie Johnson is a lock no question. You have a lot of last min. decisions on your hands! Good luck this week!
Time is running out for a trade I’m contemplating In a redraft league I deal Steve Johnson and Trent Richardson for Dez Bryant and Cedric Benson,I know it’s close should I go for it?
Pass on that deal Jeff. As much as I love Dez, you are moving two studs in Stevie and TRich and not getting enough in return.
In redraft, I think I go Dez/Benson. In dynasty I’d say no way, but either way in redraft, it’s close, because I think come mid-season T-Rich is dropping serious points. I think Benson does well for one year, though, I go Dez/Benson.
Thanks Smitty for the site…Great advice. Looking at your projections I see the obvious answer to my start dilima is Blackmon over Bowe…is that how you see it? thanks,
You are on the right path troutcatcher. Blackmon will see a ton of targets this week and should have no problem outproducing Bowe as stated in Smitty’s projections above.
As troutcatcher said, i already answered his question up above, anyone else have a take for him? Variety rocks!
i love dez a ton but i would hold onto S johnson/trent..it is close but once healthy Trent can be a force.
i would go Bowe over blackmon
Need to start 3 of the 4 (I know all good options…)
1. Greg Jennings
2. Dez Bryant
3. Larry Fitzgerald
4. Victor Cruz
Trust me my RBs are weak because of the strong WR core.
You do have a tough decision Zach. Based on the projections above, you should start Jennings, Fitz and Dez. Good luck!
Who should I start for my flex position in a PPR league…Peyton Hillis vs. ATL or Desean Jackson vs. CLE?
I think we will all see a different DJax this season in Philly. I would not hesitate starting him over Hillis this week.
Hillis is a white plague, avoid at all costs
I hope everyone posting in this article has already joined our Draft Calc forum. You will get some great advise and help in answering all of your FF questions. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed!
i agree doogie..look to our forum for more detailed information.This is the top forum in the industry..
need 2 jennings, nicks, a.brown pitt , lloyd and t smith bal 6pt td 1 pt per 20yrds 1`pt per 10 after 100
i have to go with jennings/nicks…but they all are good options.
who do i start peyton Manning or Joe Flacco?
Willis Mcgahee or between Steve smith (carolina) and stevie johnson (buffalo)
I go with Peyton (245pa/2TDs/1INT) between those two. I would also go with McGahee over Smith and Stevie. McGahee will get the touches to outproduce the other two.
Based on much input from this site I fell like I nailed my draft and will have locked in starters in McCoy, J. Jones, A.J. Green, and Dez with Hernandez thrown in at TE and Vick at QB.
Have one big decision to make for week 1 and would love some input.
I have to roll with either Richardson, K. Smith, or Jacquizz for my 2nd RB this week…what do you think??
Go with Quizz. TRich is gonna get light touches this week as he’s still recovering from his knee scope and Smith is still recovering from his own injuries and won’t see normal touches himself. Quizz is healthy and should easily outproduce these two this week.
Go Kevin Smith!Great matchup and more touches.
As I stated above, Smith is still recovering from injury and will not receive a full load this week. I expect that Detroit will come out passing and Stafford, Calvin and Young will benefit for the lack of running game in this contest.
Smitty! Great site!
Quetsions:
QB: Rivers or Cutler?
RB: Foster, AP, D. Martin, S.Vereen
WR: G.Jennings, Dez, Meachem, Amendola
TE: Witten, Cook
DEF: Packers, Patriots
2 RB, 2 WR and flex (w/r), regulard 12 team standard league.
Who to start Smitty??
Nice roster! Here’s who I’d start.
QB: Cutler
RB: Foster, D. Martin
WR: G.Jennings, Dez
FLEX: Meachem
TE: Cook
DEF: Packers
Good luck!
Awesome questions by all. Make sure you join the DC forum and get even more of your questions answered at almost a moments notice. Look forward to seeing you in the DC Nation!
I have Aj Green, Percy Harvin, Antonio Brown, and Dez Bryant…
Pick 3
PPR league.
Right now i have green, dez, and percy but on espn antonio brown is actually projected 24pts…more than any of them with dez at 23 green at 22 and harvin at 18.
cannot go wrong with any of those guys. but i like Dez/AJG/Harvin potential best.
Decker or V. Jackson at WR ? Which RB: R. Jennings, Gerhart, or Reggie Bush?
Decker is the call over VJax and I would go with Bush at RB.
I agree on Decker over VJax but Gerhart over Bush
Hey guys,
I am in a bit of dilemma about my #3 WR.
Should I start a banged up, Stevie Johnson (going against Revis) or play Amendola agains the Lions? It’s non-ppr.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
s johnson even against revis he has been the only wr to abuse revis
I know it’s early in the season but I started Dez Bryant in yesterdays opener against Giants and obviously I am disappointed because like lot of people here I was expecting a big game from bryant. Is this going to be another season of “bryant has talent but could not deliver” type of thing. Also suddenly it looked like Romo trusts other receivers more than Bryant…Ogletree. If Ogletree is next Laurent Robinson then it will hit Bryants fantasy prospects. I know it’s still early but it hasn’t started of well for those of us expecting big season from Bryant…but I do hope I am wrong.
Dnt giveup on him yet he look like a beast out there catching everything throw his way. with the gaints double/triple teaming is why Dez did score over 90 yards and get his 2 tds. he was 4-85 so we weren’t off that far just that olgtree got the tds instead of byrant. He is a beast stick with him.
Hey smitty, I was wondering who would you start d.brown, Ridley, Jennings or c.j. Spiller as my 2rb? I have foster as my 1rb. Standard league. Thanks
Based on his projections above……………
Ridley: 100ru/4-35re/1TD
Donald Brown: 70ru/2-15re/1TD
C.J. Spiller: 45ru/5-45re/1TD
Rashad Jennings: 45ru/2-11re/0TDs
Looks like Ridley is your man.
Hey, love the website and I could use some of your help.
I’m in a Standard 2 RB 2WR 1 FLX (RB/WR). For my backs I got
J Charles, D Sproles and S Ridely and my WRs are G Jennings, B Lloyd, T Young and Torrey Smith.
I am thinking… Charles and Sproles as RBs / Lloyd and Jennings as WRs and Ridley as my flex. Whats your take?
Thanks.
This is how I would role…………
RB – Ridley & Sproles
WR – Jennings & Lloyd
Flex – Young
One quick opinion needed here!
Packers Defense vs SF or Patriots Defense vs TEN?
I really like the Packers defense this week. They should create some turnovers along with a pick-6.
The guy that has A. Foster wants Tate from me. I promised him I would trade him long story. This trade won’t happen till after week 1 but he wants either M Bush or D Williams and B. Tate for Willis McGahee and Jared Cook or Ogeltree. Celek is my tight end and dont have a back up tight end , thoughts.
I wouldn’t trade him Tate for what he’s offering. Tate would be a starting caliber RB on another team so he’s much more than a back-up to Foster IMO.
AWESOME site!!! Stash Morris or Dwyer at the end of bench or neither and pick up Jared Cook to back up Fred Davis. Morris or Dwyer would be my 6 back. Davis only TE.
You need a back-up TE so I would grab Cook. Sounds like Dwyer would never see your lineup as your RB6.
I need to choose a guy for my flex spot. I’m in a 14 man H2H PPR league. LaFell, Boldin or MJD? Thanks! I love your site!
I think your safest flex play is Boldin. Smitty is predicting 4-65re/0TDs. MJD is too risky to start and LaFell is unproven at this point.
I like your site and your projections Smitty. I did notice 1 thing that I didn’t like just because I’m a stickler for consistency. You have Aaron Rodgers throwing 3 TDs, but you have GB WRs getting 4TDs total. Was this just an oversite, or did you feel Cobb would score in special teams or what is your explanation for this?
Quick question all!
Philip Rivers or Jay Cutler this week?
Cutler for me. I think he does very well against Indy.
Hey guys do I start Sjax or Ridley this week. Sjax is always a steady but I think Ridley could blow it up this week. Any opinions are greatly appreciated!
Smitty has it……
Ridley: 100ru/4-35re/1TD
Steven Jackson: 95ru/4-30re/1TD
Those numbers makes this a toss up. I lean towards the vet and start SJax. Rookies tend to get a bit sketchy in their openers.
Richardson, R.Jennings, D.Moore, or T.Smith at Flex this week?
I was leaning towards Smith but would probably go with Jennings between these four. I would like to go TRich but I’m just not too sure how many touches he gets this week coming off that knee scope. Moore is just not startable for me yet.
Alright thanks!
Smitty,
Awesome site man! I found it this summer and can’t get enough.
Week 1 – ppr league, who to start at flex?
A. Brown WR – Pitt or K. Brown RB Det
Your flex spot has Brown’s name written all over it! Start him with confidence.
Waiver wire moves next week Backup qb is Alex Smith should I pick up Russel Wilson my starter is Matt Schaub?
Yes, grab Wilson if you can.
Reg 12 in league. For my flex option, who should I start?
J. Rodgers, D. Amendola, Meachem or AP?
Quizz should be your flex player this week.
Hey Smitty,
PPR, Flex call for this week.
Spiller
S. Rice
Gonzo
I like Rice and his matchup this week but he is a high risk/high reward IMO. The safe play is Gonzo. So, are you a risk taker or do you play it safe?
Here is how I have my line-up set for this week. Any advice or recommendations?
QB RGIII
RB Chris Johnson, Shonn Greene
WR Hakeem Nicks, Deshean Jackson, Denarious Moore
TE Jimmy Graham
Flex RB/WR Deangelo Williams
K Alex Henery
Def Jets
BN Alex Smith, Ryan Mathews, Alfred Morris, Lance Moore, Ed Dickson, Rian Lindell
Also, should I accept a trade, Pierre Garcon for Denarious Moore? I’m a Redskins fan so it’s hard to resist.
Hi, trying to improve my team I can get chris johnson for m wallace and lynch. I still keep Turbin which is good. I was hoping the guy throws in pettigrew and I put in celek and its a done deal. Even without the tight end trade do you think I should do it. Also than plan on trading Tate to the guy that has Foster to upgrade my wr’s since I lose wallace.
Current team
Qb Rodgers
RB Lynch – Turbin , Mike Bush, P Hillis, Mendenhall, D Williams, Tate
WR B Marshall, E Decker, M Wallace, Meachem
TE Celek
Def Pit
K Prater
after seening CJ run yesterday i rather keep lynch and wallace..too much to giveup IMO.
Kevin Smith,Stevie Johnson,Trent Richardson,Nate Washington and Heyward Bey need 3 to start tough decisions for week1!Thanks for your insight
quick smitty! alfred morris or a limited t.rich? thanks
Hi Smitty,
I started AJ Green as my WR1 for week. I know Green is good but Dalton looked bad in his first game against ravens and that affected Green’s scoring as well. I hope Dalton improves for rest of the season.
After week 1 games Smitty, what do you think about AP vs Quizz?