Fantasy playbook: NFL Week 1 scores, projections, matchups

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Playbook for Week 1, which kicks off Thursday with the Cowboys on the Eagles.

This column options rating projections, over/unders, win chances, and, in fact, simply digestible fantasy recommendation for seasonlong leagues and DFS. This information ought to aid you with all kinds of decision-making, together with sit/begin choices, last-minute waiver provides and lineup selections.

Additionally, we’ve folded the Shadow Report, beforehand a separate column, into the game-by-game breakdowns under. Using our play-by-play knowledge, we’re in a position to determine defensive schemes and the place every large receiver and cornerback strains up on every play. By monitoring these WR/CB matchups, together with potential shadow conditions, we will supply one of the best projections, rankings, sit/begin recommendation and waiver wire solutions every week.

All of this recommendation is centered on 12-team PPR leagues with comparatively normal scoring and lineup settings (1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 flex, 1 Okay, 1 D/ST), though I’ll usually point out “shallow” or “deep” leagues for some starters. The charts present all gamers who’ve been projected for no less than 6.0 fantasy factors this week, in addition to all D/STs. “Matchup” is routinely decided utilizing a proprietary metric that elements in uncooked and volume-adjusted fantasy factors allowed to every place by the opposing protection this season.

(Editor’s be aware: Projections and rankings will align nearly completely, however typically when a projection is shut, a participant could be ranked barely increased or decrease due to different elements, together with upside or danger. This column is topic to updates throughout the weekend, though on the very minimal, rankings will likely be up to date on the positioning and projections will all the time be up to date inside the sport main as much as kickoff.)

DAL-PHI | KC-LAC | TB-ATL | CIN-CLE | MIA-IND | CAR-JAX | LV-NE | ARI-NO
PIT-NYJ | NYG-WAS | TEN-DEN | SF-SEA | DET-GB | HOU-LAR | BAL-BUF | MIN-CHI

Projected rating: Eagles 30, Cowboys 22

Lineup locks: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, George Pickens

Fantasy scoop: The Dallas backfield is one the largest head-scratchers in fantasy. Javonte Williams is totally anticipated to function because the lead again within the opener, however he has struggled with effectivity in latest seasons and has but to ship a top-25 fantasy marketing campaign on a per-game foundation. Miles Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue additionally determine to see some run and both might rapidly emerge because the “hot hand.” Especially in what tasks as a troublesome matchup towards an Eagles protection that allowed the second-lowest EPA towards the run final season, this can be a scenario greatest prevented.

Shadow Report: Dallas will likely be with out 4 depth corners this week and, extra importantly, may very well be lacking Trevon Diggs (knee). If Diggs is out, it is doable Dallas chooses to shadow Brown with DaRon Bland, but it surely possible will not be full time, as Bland could be wanted within the slot. Regardless, the likes of Brown and DeVonta Smith can be working loads towards Kaiir Elam, seventh-round rookie Trikweze Bridges and 2024 UDFA Reddy Steward (zero profession snaps). Upgrade the Philly move assault.

Over/beneath: 52 (2nd highest)
Win chance: Eagles 74% (2nd highest)

Projected rating: Chiefs 26, Chargers 23