It is no accident that the period between the Super Bowl and week one of the NFL season is roughly the same length of time it takes for a human fetus to develop inside a mother's womb. The beginning of the NFL season is a time of rebirth, of wild hope, and for fantasy football owners, of belief that this will finally be the year.
That's why we are here every this season: to guide you towards that promised land, in fantasy NFL week 1 and beyond.
You've drafted by now and, to an extent, you're stuck with your mistakes. But we're here to help you with those borderline calls. We are the fantasy angels on your fantasy shoulder.
Week 1 Studs
Sam Bradford - QB, Philadelphia Eagles
You know the Eagles QB is ranked 4th overall in overall QB fantasy points since Chip Kelly arrived in Philly. We don't have a frickin' clue what Chip is doing bringing in DeMarco and Ryan Matthews but we're 100% certain there's going to be a million fantasy points for Sam Bradford if not this season, well definitely this week. Ride it while you can.
Danny Woodhead - RB, San Diego Chargers
History tells us there's going to be a lot of fantasy points going around when the Chargers but where the hell are they gonna go this season? Matthews gone, Royal gone, Gates suspended. The Chargers have traded up for Melvin Gordon but that doesn't mean he's any good. I see Mr. Woodhead cleaning up this week against Detroit.
Vincent Jackson - WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There's nothing flashy about Vincent Jackson and he's got a pretty boring name for an NFL wide receiver but the dude delivers. He's got a new QB, he's playing the woeful Titans and Mike Evans is half-crippled. Feeling good about this one.
Eddie Royal - WR, Chicago Bears
I'm ready to jump out the window out of the Eddie Royal bandwagon, but the hype makes sense. The stars seem to be aligning for a year of Royalty.
Week 1 One Duds
Cam Newton - QB, Carolina Panthers
Once one of fantasy footballs great treasures, now fantasy football's Job. His receiving weapons, and by weapons we're talking the kinds of weapons the Swiss army own, are all ravaged by injury, Fozzy Whitaker and Fat Mike Tolbert linger in his backfield and everything that is good must run through manmountain Greg Olsen. Poor Cam. What did he do to deserve that? Avoid.
Joseph Randle/Darren McFadden - RBs, Dallas Cowboys
Steer clear, lads. That's all we'll say. Until the Shoplifter delivers, play it safe.
Carlos Hyde - RB, San Francisco 49ers
As a hyped rookie, Hyde couldn't displace Frank Gore's corpse as the Niners #1 RB. Now he's got the job to himself, except his team have now acquired the stink. Like last year, San Fran seem certain to again be a fantasy wasteland. Leave them out.
Brian Quick - WR, St Louis Rams
More like Brian Slow after that serious injury. I like him to come around by the end of the season but not Week 1. He's going to be Shermanated.
