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2013 Fantasy Football: Week 1 Monday Night Football Matchups & Sit/Start Advice

Rotoballer.com's week 1 Monday night NFL matchups and fantasy football analysis by Lou Cappetta. We bring you comprehensive Monday night fantasy football advice so you can set your lineup with confidence .

It's the first Monday night of the football season, so that means it's also time for Monday Night Football! As has been tradition the past few years, the first Monday night of the football season will give us two games. First the Eagles will take on the Redskins, followed by the Texans matching up against the Chargers. We here at Rotoballer.com will guide you through the matchups and tell you who to sit and who to start for Monday night.

 

Week 1 NFL Matchups: Recap of Our Picks From Sunday

Matchups We Loved:

  • Matthew Stafford was the only quarterback we picked and he came through to the tune of 357 passing yards and two touchdown tosses.
  • The running backs we really liked who didn't put up eye popping numbers, but they were solid: Rams RB Darryl Richardson had five receptions and a combined 99 yards (63 rush, 33 receiving).  Darren McFadden helped lead a surprising Raiders team by rushing for 48 yards and a touchdown to go along with three receptions for 18 yards (and was inches from a long receiving TD as well).  Jamaal Charles helped lead a blowout of the Jags with 73 yards rushing and a touchdown, and three receptions for 23 yards.
  • The receivers we loved who came up huge: A.J. Green had a monster 9 catch, 162 yard, 2 TD day. In a losing effort Julio Jones was able to catch 7 passes for 76 yards and a score. Both Mike Williams (4 REC, 52 Yards, 1 TD) and especially Vincent Jackson (7 REC, 154 Yards) had good games in a losing effort against the Jets.
  • The tight ends were a mixed bag: I was wrong about Anquan Boldin, who will be fine to fill in for Michael Crabtree, but Vernon Davis also had a terrific game with 6 catches for 98 yards and 2 scores. That's just slightly better than the other TE we liked this week, Jordan Cameron, who caught 9 balls for 108 yards and a TD.
  • Defense: The Seattle defense also made us look good in a win by allowing only 7 points to go along with one sack and 2 fumble recoveries, the Patriots defense, however, didn't dominate the Bills like we had hoped, but did allow only 15 points and recovered 2 fumbles.

Matchups We Hated:

  • Since we picked the entire Jets offense as a matchup we hated, we'll start there: The Jets sneaked out a win, and Geno Smith showed some great signs, and Kellen Winslow may have resurrected his career, but other than that, still not much to like here.
  • There were three receivers we picked to stay away from: Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson and Cecil Shorts. Jennings was a non-factor in week one with only three catches for 33 yards. Johnson seemed to be on his way to a worse game than Jennings until he caught an 18 yard TD pass late in the third quarter, giving him an uninspiring 3 receptions for 39 yards and a score. Shorts contributed to Jacksonville's terrible day to the tune of 3 catches for 40 yards.
  • The only tight end we picked to avoid was Carolina's Greg Olsen, due to his matchup against Seattle's defense. He had a decent 5 catches for 56 yards, but failed to reach the end zone.
  • The running backs we picked really proved us right: Chris Johnson had 70 rushing yards and nothing else. Giovanni Bernard (22 rushing yards, 1 REC for 8 yards) and Ahmad Bradshaw (26 rushing yards, 1 REC for 7 yards) had similarly terrible days, but it was Lamar Miller who really put up a stinker with 3 rushing yards (on 10 attempts), and a reception for 7 yards.

Remember to check the RotoBaller chat room with any last minute questions you may have regarding the matchups below. Good luck Monday night!

 

Week 1 Monday Night NFL Matchups: Fantasy Football Analysis & Sit/Start Advice

Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins, Monday 9/9, 7 PM

Matchup We Love: Pierre Garçon, WR
Many predict Pierre Garçon to have a breakout 2013 season, and I'm amongst them. Garçon is the number one receiving option for RG3, and he could get off to a fast start going against Philadelphia's suspect defense. Also, don't forget that Chip Kelly's fast paced offense will give the Redskins offense more time on the field as well. Analysis: Start Garçon and expect a big day.

Matchup We Hate: DeSean Jackson, WR
I'm not the biggest fan of the boom or bust DeSean Jackson, but my biggest problem is the unknown with Jackson. Honestly, I'm not starting anyone other than LeSean McCoy until I see exactly what Chip Kelly's offense is going to do in the NFL.  Analysis: If you want to take a chance on DeSean Jackson due to Washington's suspect pass defense, then do it if you must, but I'd prefer to wait and see how the Eagles new offense plays out in the pros first.

Key Injuries:
Kirk Cousins QB, WAS, Brandon Meriweather S, WAS

Start 'Em:
RGIII, Alfred Morris, Pierre Garçon, Fred Davis, Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy

 

Houston Texans @ San Diego Chargers, Monday 9/9, 10:25 PM

Matchup We Love: Andre Johnson, WR
Healthy for the first time in three years in 2012, Johnson had one of the best seasons of his career. There is no reason, even at the age of 32, that Johnson can't continue to be a fantasy monster if he's healthy. His matchup against the 18th ranked passing defense from 2012 means that Johnson has a great chance to pick up where he left off last year. Analysis: Start Andre Johnson with confidence.

Matchup We Hate: Arian Foster, RB
Before you call me crazy, there is a lot to question when it comes to Foster this year. He's already banged up, and while he probably will play Monday night, who knows how much playing time he will see, or how effective he will be. The texans have already planned to use Ben Tate much more this season, and going up against the Chargers solid run defense could mean Foster is in for a 50/50 timeshare in week one. Analysis: If you have Foster, you pretty much have to start him unless you are super deep at the RB position, just don't expect a big day.

Key Injuries:
Arian Foster RB, HOU (probable), Ed Reed S, HOU (questionable), Eddie Royal WR, SD (probable), Malcolm Floyd WR, SD (probable)

Start 'Em:
Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Owen Daniels, Matt Schaub, Antonio Gates, Vincent Brown, Ryan Mathews, Phillip Rivers

 

Don't forget to check back at RotoBaller.com this weekend for any last minute fantasy football analysis & updates, Monday night matchups, and our suicide pool pick of the week. Good luck with your decisions in week one.

 




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
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Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
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to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
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Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
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Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

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Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
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Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

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Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

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Brashard Smith

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Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

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BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

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Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

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Bud Cauley

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Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

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Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
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Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

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Brad Keselowski

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Chris Buescher

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Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
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a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
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Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
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