After a long, dark offseason followed by the excitement and hope of fantasy draft season, Week 1 of the 2024 NFL campaign is here—and another year of fantasy football is here with it.
The focus has shifted for fantasy managers. With teams now assembled, it's all about getting the most out of them: setting the best possible lineup, maximizing scoring, kicking tail and taking names. It's about winning games.
The thing is, while the goal may be different, the keys to getting there are the same as those to drafting a solid team. Fantasy managers are looking for values and trying to avoid busts.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Just as B/R helped you navigate draft season, we're now going to help you start stacking victories. Every week, we'll break down the slate game-by-game, provide injury updates, highlight players to start and sit, and identify sleepers and stats that could matter in the weeks to come.
In other words, we'll provide fantasy managers with all the info they need to have a successful week.
So, let's get on with it.
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
The Baltimore Ravens head into Thursday's season opener essentially at full strength, but the Chiefs will be a bit short-handed as they begin their quest for a three-peat.
Wide receiver Marquise Brown's debut for Kansas City will have to wait until at least Week 2 due to the shoulder injury he suffered in camp, while reserve running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the Non-Football Injury list with an illness.
Start of the Week
Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: This is a "start 'em if you've got 'em" type of game, especially in Week 1. But after bizarrely abandoning the run game in last year's AFC Championship, you can bet the rent that the Chiefs are going to see a heavy dose of Baltimore's biggest offseason acquisition.
Sit of the Week
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: You aren't going to sit Flowers out of the gate, and the Chiefs lost cornerback L'Jarius Sneed in free agency. But youngster Trent McDuffie is no slouch in the secondary, and the Chiefs allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to wide receivers in 2023.
Sleeper
Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: This is a game short on "sleeper" plays—just about everyone is wide awake. But with Brown out to start the season, Kansas City's first-round pick in the 2024 draft could see a bigger target share in a game with more than a little shootout potential.
Stat to Know
Six. That was the number of carries Baltimore running backs had in last year's AFC title game loss for 23 yards. Mind you, this wasn't a lopsided affair in which the Ravens had no choice but to abandon the run. For reasons known only to them, they simply elected to do so—and scored 10 points in the game as a result.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers, Brazil
The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are racking up the frequent air miles as they prepare for the first-ever NFL game in Brazil, but both teams are at least at relatively full strength.
Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs is nursing a hand injury, but he's practicing and expected to play Friday night. Green Bay tight end Tucker Kraft is also questionable with a back injury.
Start of the Week
Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: Love's big second half last year earned him a massive contract extension from the Packers, and he gets to start earning all that cabbage against an Eagles defense that led the league in fantasy points surrendered to quarterbacks a year ago.
Sit of the Week
Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: Much like Ravens-Chiefs, this is a game loaded with fantasy-relevant players in starting lineups. But it's worth noting the Eagles were much easier to throw on than run on a year ago. They allowed just 103.4 yards per game on the ground.
Sleeper
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,700]: We have seen flashes of what a healthy Watson is capable of the past couple of years. And with Doubs nicked up, it's possible the third-year pro could see a bump in targets against Philly's revamped secondary.
Stat to Know
252.7. The number of passing yards per game that the Eagles surrendered in 2023, which ranked 31st in the NFL. Philadelphia spent its first two draft picks in 2024 on cornerbacks in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, but opponents are going to go at this secondary until it demonstrates it can stop them.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons
The Steelers and Falcons both head into the 2024 season with new starting quarterbacks, and while Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is the one coming back from an Achilles tear, it's Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson who is questionable for Week 1 with a calf injury.
Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren, who injured his hamstring in the preseason, is back at practice and tentatively expected to play.
Start of the Week
Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: At first glance, the Atlanta defense would appear a stiff test for Harris after only two teams gave up fewer PPR points to running backs last year. But the Falcons' top two linebackers are both questionable for Week 1, and Harris could see an increased workload with Warren carrying an injury.
Sit of the Week
George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: The Falcons weren't much kinder to wide receivers than running backs last year—28th in PPR points surrendered to the position. Throw in the uncertainty of a new QB, and Pickens is a risky play in Week 1.
Sleeper
Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]: Mooney was one of the more underrated signings of the offseason, and given the attention fellow wideout Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts will command from opposing defenses, the 26-year-old should see a lot of single coverage in his new home.
Stat to Know
191. That's the number of career regular-season wins Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson have between them in their careers. Neither veteran signal-caller is especially likely to lead his new team to a Super Bowl, but both have ratcheted up expectations for their respective offenses in the season to come.
Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills
Key Injuries
The Arizona Cardinals head to Buffalo at full strength offensively, but the Bills' new-look wide receiver corps is a little banged up heading into the new season.
However, both Curtis Samuel (toe) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (neck) are back at practice, putting both on track to take the field against the Redbirds.
Start of the Week
James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: Cook had a coming-out party of sorts last year, topping 1,100 yards on the ground and finishing as a top-12 fantasy option. Now he gets to kick off his third season against a Cardinals defense that led the league in PPR points given up to running backs in 2023.
Sit of the Week
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: Murray was a popular value pick this summer after turning it on down the stretch last season, but the Bills aren't a great matchup to start the season. They were 27th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks last season.
Sleeper
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,000]: Someone is going to have to step up at wide receiver with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis no longer in Buffalo. And while Coleman is an untested rookie, he's also the best bet on the roster to emerge as a weapon on the outside.
Stat to Know
1,929. The number of receiving yards from a season ago that walked out the door in western New York when Diggs was traded to Houston and Davis signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bills have Super Bowl aspirations in 2024, but the question marks facing the team at wide receiver loom large. Someone has to step up.
Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears
Key Injuries
The Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears both revamped their offenses in the offseason, but both enter Week 1 with questions at wide receiver.
Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (foot) and Titans wideout DeAndre Hopkins (knee) have been sidelined of late, but there's optimism both will be out there at Soldier Field on Sunday after the duo logged limited practices this week.
Start of the Week
D.J. Moore, WR, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: There's some uncertainty with the Bears' passing game until we see Caleb Williams play in a contest that counts, but Moore opens the season facing a Titans pass defense that allowed the seventh-most PPR points to wide receivers in 2023.
Sit of the Week
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: We may not know yet how the Titans' backfield split will work out between Pollard and Tyjae Spears this season. What we do know is that no team in the league allowed fewer rushing yards per game a year ago than the Bears.
Sleeper
Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,000]: Trusting a rookie wideout catching passes from a rookie quarterback in Week 1 takes some guts. But Odunze's talent is undeniable, and he could see a bump in targets Sunday if Allen is limited to open the season.
Stat to Know
84.2. That was the passer rating of Titans quarterback Will Levis as a rookie. Caleb Williams isn't the only young signal-caller with a lot to prove this season. After an uneven performance in his nine starts in Tennessee a year ago, Levis has to prove he's a viable long-term option under center.
New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals
Key Injuries
The New England Patriots were already arguably the least-talented team in the league at wide receiver, and now they are that much more short-handed after Kendrick Bourne (knee) was ruled out until at least Week 5 after opening the season on the PUP list. Running back Antonio Gibson is also questionable with a hip injury.
The Cincinnati Bengals could have even bigger issues. With star wideout Ja'Marr Chase and the team still at an impasse over his contract, he only returned to practice Wednesday and is in serious jeopardy of missing Week 1, while fellow wideout Tee Higgins is doubtful with a hamstring issue.
Not an ideal start to the season.
Start of the Week
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: The Patriots were a decent defensive team last season, but with Chase looking iffy to play in Week 1, Higgins is rapidly becoming a must-start. Provided he out there Sunday, he should be peppered with targets by Joe Burrow.
Sit of the Week
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: It might seem odd to list a wide receiver as a start and his quarterback as a sit, but Higgins could have a solid game Sunday without Burrow posting big numbers. This could also be a game that gets out of hand in the second half.
Sleeper
Cincinnati Bengals Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,800]: For fantasy managers who like to stream defenses, the Bengals are the dream pickup to open the season. The Patriots were a dumpster fire offensively last year, and there doesn't appear to be much reason for optimism that things will be markedly better in 2024.
Stat to Know
13.9. The number of points per game the Patriots averaged in 2023, tied for dead-last in the league with the Carolina Panthers. The Pats have a decent pair of running backs in Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, but the passing game is as bereft of talent as any in the league. No wonder Drake Maye is sitting to open the season.
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
Key Injuries
Sunday's AFC South showdown in Indianapolis features a pair of exciting young quarterbacks in Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud. It also features a pair of offenses at close to full strength.
The only fantasy-relevant injury in this game is Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. He is rehabbing a high ankle sprain and will miss the season opener.
Start of the Week
Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: Mixon was one of Houston's veteran offensive additions in the offseason, and his Texans debut should be a good one. The Colts struggled against the run last season, allowing 123.8 yards per game for 24th in the NFL.
Sit of the Week
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Pittman's almost impossible to sit right out of the gate. But he's likely to see a lot of Derek Stingley in coverage Sunday, and the Texans weren't an especially favorable fantasy matchup for wide receivers last year.
Sleeper
Houston Texans Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,700]: Admittedly, this is a play that could go sideways if Richardson goes ballistic. But the Texans offense wasn't the only unit that received an infusion of veteran talent in the offseason. The Houston defense could be legit this season.
Stat to Know
Two. That's how many games Richardson made it through in his rookie season without getting injured. He was a top-five fantasy QB in both of those games, which hints at his immense fantasy upside. But he's no good to fantasy managers if he can't stay on the field.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins
Key Injuries
The Sunshine State showdown between the Jaguars and Dolphins features a boatload of fantasy stars, but it also features a few banged-up wideouts.
However, the good news for fantasy managers is that all those receivers are expected to play in Week 1, as Jacksonville's Christian Kirk (calf) and Miami's Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) and Tyreek Hill (thumb) are all back on the practice field.
Start of the Week
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,000]: Armed with a new contract and arguably the most loaded offense in the NFL, Tagovailoa should come out of the gate hot against a Jaguars defense that surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last season.
Sit of the Week
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,200]: Fantasy managers will be starting just about every offensive player who will see real action in this game; it has shootout written all over it. But the combination of a sketchy fantasy matchup and game script could lead to a relatively pedestrian stat line from Etienne.
Sleeper
Gabe Davis, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: Davis was snapped up in free agency to help offset the departure of Calvin Ridley, and his Jaguars debut could be a good one. Kirk is banged up, and if Jacksonville has a chance to win this game, it will be by throwing the ball.
Stat to Know
7.8. That's how many yards per carry De'Von Achane averaged as a rookie in 2023, an NFL record for a player with over 100 carries. He was drafted as a fantasy RB1 in most leagues in the hopes he'll see a sizable bump in touches in 2024, and Sunday's first game should offer a glimpse into just how big that bump is going to be.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
Key Injuries
Not much went right for the Carolina Panthers in 2023, but the team is at least relatively healthy entering this season. However, rookie Jonathon Brooks' placement on the non-football injury list will sideline the rookie running back until at least Week 5.
As for the Saints, they are also in relatively good shape. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed missed a chunk of the offseason with an injured foot, but he's back at practice and on track to play in the opener.
Start of the Week
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Kamara has averaged less than four yards per carry in two of the past three seasons. But the Carolina defense has a tendency to make opposing running backs look good; it gave up the sixth-most PPR points to the position last season.
Sit of the Week
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: Olave came off draft boards as a fantasy WR1 in many leagues this summer, but his first matchup of the season isn't a great one. The Panthers quietly led the NFC in pass defense last year, giving up just 171.5 yards per game.
Sleeper
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: With Brooks on the shelf until at least Week 5, Hubbard enters the season as the lead back for the Panthers. That could make him at least a quality "flex" play Sunday against the Saints and their 22nd-ranked run defense from a year ago.
Stat to Know
265.3. That's how many yards of offense the Panthers averaged a year ago, finishing last in the NFL. Carolina took steps to improve on that side of the ball in the offseason, upgrading both the interior of the offensive line and the skill-position talent around Bryce Young. If the quarterback doesn't take a major step forward this season, Carolina's decision to take him over C.J. Stroud in the 2023 draft is going to look that much worse.
Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Key Injuries
The New York Giants are in good shape health-wise heading into the season, but the injury bug has taken a chunk out of the Vikings.
In addition to losing rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy to a season-ending meniscus tear, veteran tight end T.J. Hockenson will open the season on the PUP list as he rehabs the ACL tear that ended his 2023 season. But second-year wideout Jordan Addison (ankle) was spotted on the practice field this week and appears to be trending toward playing in Week 1.
Start of the Week
Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: Trusting a rookie wideout catching passes from Daniel Jones in Week 1 isn't without risk. But the Vikings struggled mightily against the pass last year, allowing the ninth-most passing yards per game and the sixth-most PPR points to wideouts.
Sit of the Week
Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: This has little to do with the matchup, as the Giants were no better against the pass than the Vikings in 2023. But Addison is nicked up entering the season, and with Sam Darnold under center, there's more than a little uncertainty about Minnesota's passing game as a whole.
Sleeper
Minnesota Vikings Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,700]: Last season, the Giants allowed a league-high 85 sacks and the most fantasy points to defenses in the NFC. The Vikings are hardly a defensive powerhouse, but they rank among the best Week 1 plays for fantasy managers who stream the position.
Stat to Know
169.8. That's the number of passing yards the Giants averaged a season ago, which ranked 31st in the NFL. Granted, many of those struggles came with Daniel Jones sidelined by injury, but it's not like the New York passing attack was rolling before he went down. If the QB starts slow again in 2024, it's not going to take long for fans in the Big Apple to become restless—if they aren't already.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Key Injuries
Both teams in this AFC West showdown have banged-up pass-catchers.
Rookie tight end Brock Bowers of the Raiders has a foot injury, but there's optimism he'll be able to make his NFL debut in Week 1.
Whether the Chargers will have wide receiver DJ Chark is another story. He hasn't practiced this week due to a hip issue, and his Week 1 status is up in the air.
Start of the Week
Gus Edwards, RB, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Edwards isn't an elite talent. But he's the lead back for a Chargers team that will likely run the ball quite a bit under new head coach Jim Harbaugh heading into a matchup with a Raiders team that ranked just outside the top 10 in PPR points allowed to running backs in 2023.
Sit of the Week
Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Not that long ago, Herbert was considered an elite fantasy asset by some. Now, he's a borderline QB1 with a questionable wideout corps facing a Raiders team that quietly ranked outside the top 20 in fantasy points surrendered to quarterbacks last year.
Sleeper
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,000]: Meyers was underrated by fantasy managers for much of the summer, and that appears to be carrying over to Week 1—last season the Chargers surrendered the fourth-most PPR points to wide receivers. Meyers is a quietly affordable WR3 play.
Stat to Know
90.2. The career passer rating of Raiders starting quarterback Gardner Minshew II. He isn't Patrick Mahomes or even Justin Herbert, but his installation as the starter in Sin City offers players like Meyers and fellow wide receiver Davante Adams a higher fantasy ceiling than Aidan O' Connell would have.
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
Key Injuries
The Denver Broncos are in good shape injury-wise as they head to Seattle to face the Seahawks. But the home team has a few nicked-up players.
Tight end Noah Fant (foot) and wide receiver Tyler Lockett (leg) have missed some practice time recently, but both are expected to be OK for Week 1. Running back Zach Charbonnet is dealing with an undisclosed injury, but he's off the injury report and should be a go for Week 1.
Start of the Week
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Last season, the Broncos were last in the AFC in run defense and surrendered the second-most PPR points to running backs. If Charbonnet can't play Sunday, Walker could see a heavy workload in a gravy matchup.
Sit of the Week
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: There are a few things working against Lockett this week. He's not 100 percent, he could lose target share to second-year pro Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and the Broncos were much better against the pass last season than against the run.
Sleeper
Josh Reynolds, WR, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]: With Tim Patrick no longer in Denver, Reynolds will likely assume the duties of primary slot receiver for the Broncos. That could make him at least an OK flex play against a Seattle secondary that is stronger on the perimeter than inside.
Stat to Know
61. That's the NCAA record number of starts Broncos quarterback Bo Nix made while at Auburn and then Oregon. This isn't to say there won't still be rookie ups and downs for him, but he shouldn't rattle as easily as rookie signal-callers with less collegiate experience.
Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns
Key Injuries
The visiting Cowboys could have all kinds of issues at wide receiver in Week 1. After his long holdout, CeeDee Lamb is on the Commissioner's Exempt List, though he could be activated at any time. Brandin Cooks is also questionable with a knee issue.
The Browns will be without the services of starting running back Nick Chubb until at least Week 5 as he recovers from last year's ACL tear. Other than that, Cleveland is in decent shape on offense where injuries are concerned.
Start of the Week
Cleveland Browns Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,100]: Cleveland was the NFL's top-ranked defense in terms of yards allowed, and while Dallas wasn't a favorable fantasy matchup for the position last year, it's a much different situation now, especially given its issues at wide receiver.
Sit of the Week
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,900]: Season-long managers may have little recourse but to start Lamb this week, but DFS managers should stay away from him. If he does play, he'll all but certainly be on a snap count in a terrible matchup for his position.
Sleeper
Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: The Dallas backfield is rather a mess, but Dowdle is the most athletic and explosive running back on the roster. The Browns are easier to run on than throw on, so if the Cowboys can stay in this game, he could be a sneaky-good play in the backfield.
Stat to Know
59.8. Deshaun Watson's completion percentage over his two seasons with the Browns. He may well believe he's still an elite NFL quarterback, but we have seen nothing to indicate that he's going to recapture his 2020 form. Unless he does, the ceiling for the whole Cleveland offense is capped for as long as he's out there.
Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key Injuries
Here's the kind of injury report every fantasy manager can get behind: Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Commanders are without fantasy-relevant issues ahead of their Week 1 matchup.
Start of the Week
Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: The Washington defense should be better this year, if only because it can't get any worse than last year. But the Commanders allowed the fourth-most PPR points to running backs last year, so look for White to start the 2024 campaign strong.
Sit of the Week
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: While Washington was getting gashed on the ground last year, Tampa's run defense was its usual stout self—fifth in rushing yards per game allowed and 29th in fantasy points given up to running backs. This isn't a good week to have Robinson in lineups.
Sleeper
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: The Commanders are hopeful Jayden Daniels will be their quarterback for years to come. But he's still making his first NFL start, and the team surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses in 2023.
Stat to Know
388.9. That's how many yards per game the Commanders allowed last season, for last in the league. The arrival of players such as linebacker Bobby Wagner should help Washington lower that number, but it still has no shortage of issues on that side of the ball. It's a matchup to attack until we see exponential improvement.
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
Key Injuries
The Rams got some good news on the injury front this week. After missing a sizable portion of camp with a knee injury, wide receiver Puka Nacua is practicing in full and off the injury report.
The Lions have a pair of prominent players nursing sore hamstrings, but the availability of running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta for Week 1 isn't believed to be in jeopardy and both are off the injury report.
Start of the Week
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: Since winning the "triple crown" of receiving in 2021, Kupp has struggled through a pair of injury-marred seasons. But the 31-year-old is healthy now and should post a solid stat line against a Lions defense that was 27th in the league against the pass a season ago.
Sit of the Week
Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Few fantasy managers have the depth in the backfield to seriously consider sitting Williams in Week 1. But the Lions were one of three teams that allowed less than 90 yards a game on the ground in 2023, and no team gave up fewer PPR points to running backs last year.
Sleeper
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Calling Stafford a "sleeper" may be stretching the term a bit, but he was drafted well outside the top 15 in most drafts, and Sunday night's tilt with the Lions has considerable shootout potential. A top-10 finish is well within reach in Week 1.
Stat to Know
1,947. That's how many receiving yards Kupp had in his Offensive Player of the Year season in 2021. He also caught 145 passes and scored 16 touchdowns. Expecting those sorts of numbers from him in 2024 isn't realistic, especially after Nacua's emergence last year. But it wouldn't be a stunner if Kupp outpointed Nacua this year.
New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers
Key Injuries
For the Jets, wide receiver Mike Williams is making his way back from an ACL tear that cut short his 2023 season. But despite missing most of camp and the preseason, he is expected to be available for Monday night.
The health of 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey's calf has been a hot topic for the past several weeks. But from all indications, he will be good to go against the Jets.
Start of the Week
Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: It's not going to be easy sledding for either offense in this game given the defenses involved, but Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is going to want to start the season off right—and that means getting Wilson involved early and often.
Sit of the Week
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Aiyuk is another player it's difficult to sit. But in addition to the long layoff from his contract standoff, he draws Sauce Gardner and a New York Jets defense that was dead-last in fantasy points surrendered to receivers in 2023.
Sleeper
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: Rodgers' first year with the Jets ended before it began, and he's a 40-year-old quarterback attempting a comeback from an Achilles tear. But he's also a four-time NFL MVP out to prove he still has something left in the tank. Don't bet against him.
Stat to Know
10. The number of 4,000-yard passing seasons on Rodgers' NFL resume. Granted, his last full season in Green Bay wasn't one of them, and his 12 interceptions two years ago were his most in a season since 2008. But even that Rodgers would be the best quarterback the Jets have had in a long time—and a boost to Wilson, Williams, Breece Hall and the rest of the New York offense.
Looking for more insight to prep for your draft or make some tough roster decisions? Check out all the latest B/R Fantasy Football essentials here.
Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.
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