👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 1 NFL Matchups Analysis (Part 2) - Start/Sit for Fantasy Football

What's up RotoBallers. Below you will find part two of our Week 1 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Ben Ruppert breaks down the second half of the Week 1 matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis by Pierre Camus (@pfunk00).

Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individual matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well. It’s essential to analyze the weekly NFL match-ups to find lineup sleepers and gems, while also avoiding those players who may turn out to be busts.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through the playoffs. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Bills @ Ravens - Sunday 9/11 @ 1:00 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Tyrod Taylor, QB, BUF

Tyrod Taylor begins his second year as the Bills starting QB, against the team he left to get this opportunity. An extra motivated Taylor complete with a healthy repertoire of weapons spells trouble for even the stingiest of defenses. Taylor has improved on his passing over the middle of the field this offseason, which was his only real weakness last season. He will be an excellent play this week.

Sammy Watkins, WR, BUF

Tyrod Taylor's number one option in Sammy Watkins always has the potential to pop off when he's healthy, and this game will be no exception. He will be looked to early and often, and will use his speed to get behind the defense for one or two long gains. While Jimmy Smith and Shareece Wright are no slouches, Watkins has the talent to beat any corner in the league.

Matchups We Hate:

Mike Wallace, WR, BAL

Wallace was brought in to fill the outside role that was left vacant when Torrey Smith left for the 49ers last season. The Bills boast one of the top cornerback duos in the league with Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby, who were both rated in the top-20 cornerbacks in the league by ProFootballFocus. Whoever covers Wallace will be able to keep up with his straightaway speed, limiting him in his first matchup as a Raven.

Notable Players:

LeSean McCoy, RB, BUF

LeSean McCoy is fully healthy coming into this season. When he was healthy last season, he flashed that game-breaking ability he had in his prime Philadelphia days. He will get his rushing and receiving yards, but this is a Ravens defense that was above average against the run last season. McCoy may have trouble finding holes, but should make up for things in the receiving game.

Kamar Aiken, WR, BAL

Kamar Aiken is the third receiver in this offense on their depth charts, meaning he will avoid the coverage of both the Bills top CBs. If he covers the intermediate routes, he will find plenty of opportunities to get open for Joe Flacco. The Bills lost Nigel Bradham in the offseason, and linebacker Jerry Hughes will need to help rush the passer with Marcell Dareus out. Opportunities will come for Aiken.

 

Bengals @ Jets - Sunday 9/11 @ 1:00 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Giovani Bernard, RB, CIN

The New York Jets had one of the top rushing defenses in the league last season, and the script figures to be the same in 2016. One of the premier pass catching backs in the league should have a bigger role in the receiving game this season after the Bengals let go of Mohamad Sanu and Marvin Jones in the offseason. He is a legit RB2 in PPR formats this week.

Matt Forte, RB, NYJ

Chan Gailey has always found ways to make good use of his pass catching RBs; from back in his Bills days with C.J. Spiller up to last season where his style of play calling led Bilal Powell catching a career high 47 passes for 388 yards, both career highs. Now with all-pro RB Matt Forte at the helm, Gailey will have an even more dangerous weapon in his offense he can deploy. Forte should have a good week against a solid defense.

Eric Decker, WR, NYJ

Mr. Consistency last season will keep things going in Week 1 this season. Decker could be the best number two receiver in the league, and Ryan Fitzpatrick loves to throw his way. Last season Decker saw a league-high 28 red-zone targets, five more than the next closest player. In an offense that figures to pass more than it runs, Decker makes a great option this week even against a stingy Bengals D.

Matchups We Hate:

Jeremy Hill, RB, CIN

For all of the reasons we love Giovani Bernard this week, we don’t like Jeremy Hill. Hill is a ground and pound runner, going against one of the toughest rushing defenses in the league. Most of if not all of the targets will go to Bernard, so Hill will end up being very TD dependent in this game. He was drafted highly in drafts and expects to be good this season, just keep your expectations in check Week 1.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, NYJ

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been prone to turning the ball over throughout his NFL career, throwing 15 INTs last season. The Bengals secondary has some solid players including CB Adam Jones, and had a +11 turnover ratio last season, third in the league. While Fitz has a good chance to throw for two or three TDs, he will just as likely throw two or three INTs. Go with a different option if you can at QB.

Notable Players:

A.J. Green, WR, CIN

It has been reported that Derrelle Revis will not shadow A.J. Green during the Jets game, but one would figure he would spend most of his time on the most talented offensive player the Bengals have. While Revis isn’t the player he once was, he is still the best CB on the Jets roster. Green will have opportunities in this game to get big chunks of yards. Dalton will look his way plenty during Week 1 with Sanu and Jones now gone.

Brandon Marshall, WR, NYJ

As mentioned above, the Bengals have a solid secondary. Brandon Marshall is coming off the best season of his career at age-32, and his style of play suggests he could keep it going a few more seasons. Marshall will be locked in as a WR1 this week, but I could see Decker getting more of the action due to his ability to make quicker cuts and get open to score in the redzone.

 

Browns @ Eagles - Sunday 9/11 @ 1:00 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Corey Coleman, WR, CLE

Someone in this Browns offense will need to step up and catch passes. In steps first-round draft pick Corey Coleman. Coleman stands at 5’11”, 185 lbs. and used his explosive quickness to get open at Baylor. He was the highest rated rookie receiver according to ProFootballFocus, and got drafted by a team in need of a playmaker. Terrelle Pryor could also fill this role, but I believe Coleman will be the one with the bigger game in Week 1.

Isaiah Crowell, RB, CLE

The power back in the Browns offense will figure to get most of the rushing attempts during Week 1. He is up against the worst rushing defense in the league last season, in what figures to be a closely contested affair. With the Browns wanting to control the ball and the clock, Crowell will have a good chance to put up decent numbers on volume alone. Duke Johnson is the primary pass catcher, but this game should be more rush-oriented for the Browns.

Matchups We Hate:

Zach Ertz, TE, PHI

Zach Erta had finally gained a rapport with Sam Bradford towards the end of last season, leading him to once again be considered a sleeper at the TE position. With the departure of Bradford, out went his high fantasy hopes also. His value takes a hit with Carson Wentz at the helm, as does the entire Eagles offense until he learns the pro game. The Browns were in the middle of the pack in stopping TEs last season, and have a good chance to keep the passing game in check if they can get pressure on Wentz. Ertz and the whole offense may have a hard time in this one.

Notable Players:

Jordan Matthews, WR, PHI

The QB situation in Philidelphia scares me just as much as you guys, trust me. However, this offense is going to need to go through someone. Jordan Matthews dealt with a bone bruise in his knee, causing him to miss the entire preseason as the Eagles are slow in bringing their top WR option back. Matthews should see plenty of chances Week 1 as Carson Wentz learns the pro game the hard way. When he throws, he will look towards his slot man and best receiver in Matthews.

Duke Johnson, RB, CLE

The primary pass-catching back for the Browns should be able to find holes in this matchup with the Eagles. The worst rushing defense in the NFL last season won’t be able to stop the combination of Crowell and Johnson, who should be able to rip off some nice gains in this one. Johnson will be a RB2/Flex play in PPR formats.

 

Lions @ Colts - Sunday 9/11 @ 4:25 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Donte Moncrief, WR, IND

With Darius Slay set to cover burner T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief should be able to find ways to get open during Week 1. Andrew Luck enters this season full recovered from the injuries that plagued him last season, and should ready to sling it around the field again pain free. Luck and Moncrief developed some rapport during the end of last season, which figures to carry over into this season. Moncrief will establish himself as a prime target in this offense early.

Theo Riddick, RB, DET

Theo Riddick will have plenty of opportunities in this one while the Lions pass to keep up with the Colts offense. Riddick caught 80 passes last season, and just had his contract extended three years by the Lions. He figures to play a big role in this offense in 2016. Matt Stafford has plenty of options to throw to, but clearly loves Riddick out of the backfield. He will be a solid option in PPR formats this week.

Marvin Jones, WR, DET

The Colts top defensive back, Vontae Davis, will be covering WR1 Golden Tate on the opposite side of the field, while newcomer Marvin Jones receives more of the action in Week 1. Jones was brought over from Cincinnati, and immediately made a good impression on the offense. While it will take multiple players to make up for the production of the departured Calvin Johnson, Jones will be able to put a significant dent in making up those numbers. He figures to see a high number of passes his was this season.

Matchups We Hate:

Really no one in this matchup I don’t like. Should be a good offensive showdown.

Notable Players:

Frank Gore, RB, IND

Frank Gore is entering his age-33 season, and is still going strong in his 12th season in the league. Gore had a career low YPC last season (3.7) but that issue was more the fault of a banged up offensive line than Gore’s ability. While the age will inevitably catch up with Gore at some point, until he shows signs of it you shouldn’t assume he’ll slow down. Gore should have a good matchup this week against a physical defense.

Golden Tate, WR, IND

Golden Tate enters his first season as the Lions number one WR, only to draw CB Vontae Davis in Week 1. Davis is one of the btter corners in the league, but Tate uses his physicality to help him beat defenders. Marvin Jones should be able to help pull coverage away, so Tate should still be in line for some big chunk plays.

 

Giants @ Cowboys - Sunday 9/11 @ 4:25 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Ezekiel Elliot, RB, DAL

The Cowboys and Giants both have mediocre at best rushing defenses. Last season both teams ranked in the bottom third of the league in rushing yards allowed per game. The Cowboys will look to their lead back Ezekiel Elliot to lead the way offensively with Tony Romo gone and rookie Dak Prescott at the helm. Elliot will explode this week, making those who took the chance on him at draft day happy for Week 1.

Rashad Jennings, RB, NYG

When given the lead back role towards the end of last season, Jennings was able to shine. Heading into this season, word out of camp is they figure to do the same thing again this season with him, meaning he could pay huge dividends for fantasy owners this season. Against a middling rushing defense, Jennings should be able to carve out some holes and gain a good amount of yardage in this one.

Odell Beckham Jr., WR, NYG

After lighting up the Cowboys during his rookie season, the Cowboys focused in on him last season and held Beckham to nine catches for 79 yards over two games. Even with those outings, he went on to out-do his impressive rookie year numbers across the board. In only his third year, we haven’t seen the best of ODB yet. Against this secondary that has its weaknesses, Beckham will have a huge day.

Matchups We Hate:

Terrance Williams, WR, DAL

Terrance Williams already has to compete with Dez Byrant for targets, now he has to do this with an inexperienced rookie at QB? He wont get many opporunities to make plays, since he will likely target his WR1 and solid pass-catching TE Jason Witten on most plays. Prescott looked good in the preseason, but was only making one read then throwing or rushing. Only one receiver has the potential for a good day, and that’s Bryant. Williams will be very mediocre in this one.

Notable Players:

Dez Bryant, WR, DAL

Dez Bryant had injuries most of last season, and when he played he struggled without Tony Romo, averaging only 45 yards per game. Prescott looked good in the preseason, but so have many who go on to fail during regular season action. Bryant should be Prescott’s first read more often than not, so its possible Bryant has a good game. However, it is a risk given his QB play.

Eli Manning, QB, NYG

Eli Manning has an excellent chance this season to have a career year. With Sterling Shepard now in as the WR2, and an established RB set in Rashad Jennings, this offense has tons of potential. Last season, the Cowboys held Manning to 55% passing over two games with no TDs. He will need to figure out the Cowboys attack to find success in this one, but given his weapons he has a good shot at a nice game.

 

Patriots @ Cardinals - Sunday 9/11 @ 8:30 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Martellus Bennett, TE, NE

With Rob Gronkowski out of the game, Martellus Bennett will receive the majority of the action as the TE1. Even with Tom Brady out, Bennett can have a good game with Jimmy Garrapollo given the nature of Bill Belichek’s play calling. The Cardinals were in the bottom half of the league in fanatsy points given up to TEs last season, so Bennett could be in line for a nice game Week 1.

John Brown, WR, ARI

With Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd in to take some of the more difficult coverages away, John Brown should have more freedom to run intermediate routes, while stretching the field from time to time. The Patriots have one of the top secondary’s in the league, but the trio of Fitz-Floyd-Brown is too difficult for most defenses to stop on any given Sunday. I like Brown the best of the three to have a standout week.

Matchups We Hate:

Julian Edelman, WR, NE

Julian Edelman has a lot of important things going against him this week. Not only is he without his hall of fame QB Tom Brady, he will be covered by arguably the games top CB, Patrick Peterson. The combination of those two has expectation levels for Edelman during Week 1 low. This could be a game for New England dominated by their pass-catching RBs and their TE Martellus Bennett. Edelman will have a tough time managing things during this game.

Carson Palmer, QB, ARI

Carson Palmer, as mentioned above, gets to face one of the top secondary’s in the league on Sunday. The Patriots defense as a whole is much improved over a few seasons ago, and will cause some fits for Palmer. Palmer will have some success passing, but for one of the top QBs off the board in drafts he could have a disappointing outing Week 1 even with all of the weapons he has.

Notable Players:

David Johnson, RB, ARI

It will be interesting to see if David Johnson can carry over the immense success he had at the end of last season when he took the league by storm. He is going up against a stingy rushing defense, who are also missing Rob Ninkovich for this one. Johnson is effective as both a rusher and receiver, so look for him to make impacts in both of those areas. They will need all they can get from Johnson to take over this game.

 

The two Monday games, Redskins vs. Steelers and Rams @ 49ers will be covered in a final piece to be released shortly. Until then, good luck this week fantasy owners!

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Could Miss Another Game Monday
Noah Clowney

Sidelined Monday Versus Trail Blazers
Michael Porter Jr.

to Miss Third Straight Game
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez is Day-to-Day with Shoulder Inflammation
Alexandre Sarr

Out Monday Against Golden State
Jeremy Sochan

Returns to Action Sunday
Ömer Yurtseven

Omer Yurtseven Set to Debut Sunday for Golden State
Quinten Post

Cleared to Play Sunday Against New York
Malik Monk

to Miss Third Straight Game Sunday
Devin Carter

Sidelined Sunday Versus Utah
Brendan Gallagher

Rejoins Canadiens Lineup Sunday
Russell Westbrook

Won't Play Sunday Versus Jazz
Josh Hart

Cleared to Play Sunday Against Golden State
Daniil Tarasov

Starting Against Kraken
Quinn Ewers

Set to Back Up New Quarterback
Ty Emberson

Remains Out Sunday
Chris Brooks

the Preferred Handcuff in Green Bay?
Bobby Brink

Questionable Sunday
Kendre Miller

Continues to Fall Out of Favor in New Orleans
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Unavailable Against Wild
Brashard Smith

Ascension Put on Pause?
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

a Game-Time Call Sunday
Corbin Carroll

to Resume Playing Defense This Week
John Carlson

Set for Ducks Debut
Francisco Lindor

Non-Committal About Status for Opening Day
Nathan Eovaldi

Named Rangers' Opening Day Starter
Hayden Birdsong

Diagnosed with Grade 2 Forearm Strain and UCL Sprain
Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars Eyeing Defensive Linemen and a Tight End in the NFL Draft?
Davante Adams

Rams Explored Trading Davante Adams
Dallas Goedert

Eagles Bring Back Dallas Goedert on a One-Year Deal
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Continues to Disappoint in Year 2
Theo Johnson

Facing Increased Competition in New York
Kyle Monangai

Will Continue to Test Fantasy Managers' Patience
Jayden Daniels

' Suppressed Dynasty Value Makes him a Buy-Low Candidate
Zay Flowers

an Early Free Agency Winner
Joe Burrow

Can a Healthy Joe Burrow Challenge for QB1?
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Is Amon-Ra St. Brown the Safest Pick in Fantasy?
Xavier Worthy

Dynasty Value Continues to Tumble
Andrei Iosivas

Overshadowed by Two Stud Receivers in Cincy
Jaylen Wright

a Handcuff Option With Upside Going into Year 3
Tyjae Spears

Figures to be in Backup Pass-Catching Role Again in 2026
Tyler Shough

Looking to Build on Encouraging Close to 2025
Karl-Anthony Towns

Rejoins Knicks Lineup Sunday
Marcelo Mayer

Scratched With Left-Knee Soreness
Zach Neto

Tests Come Back Negative, Dealing With Sprained Hand
Ausar Thompson

Returns to Action Sunday
NFL

Emmett Johnson Could Develop into a Three-Down Workhorse in the NFL
Isaiah Hartenstein

Cleared to Return Sunday
NFL

Does Jordyn Tyson Carry Future WR1 Upside?
Anthony Edwards

Available Sunday
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption, Wins Pole at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

Should Contend for Another Vegas Win
Chase Briscoe

Qualifies 18th Despite Toyota Dominating at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

May Fly Under the Radar at Las Vegas
De'Anthony Melton

Held Out Sunday Versus New York
NASCAR

Ross Chastian Has Been As Solid As They Come at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Finally Break Through With a Win at Las Vegas?
Kristaps Porzingis

Won't Play Sunday Versus Knicks
Brad Keselowski

a Solid DFS Pick at Las Vegas
Kevin Porter Jr.

Sidelined Sunday Versus Pacers
Jarrett Allen

to Miss Fifth Straight Game Sunday
Kyle Filipowski

to Sit Sunday for Rest
Kawhi Leonard

Leaves Saturday's Game with Ankle Injury
Francisco Lindor

is Making Spring Debut on Sunday
Carter Verhaeghe

Anton Lundell Expected to Return Sunday
Kyle Larson

Should Kyle Larson be Considered A Favorite for Las Vegas?
Sam Bennett

Considered Day-to-Day
William Byron

Could Compete for a Top-Five Finish at Las Vegas
Sam Reinhart

Not Traveling on Four-Game Road Trip
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering in Tournament DFS Lineups for Las Vegas?
Michael Rasmussen

Ruled Out for One Week
Tyler Reddick

Could Continue his Top-10 Streak at Las Vegas
Declan Carlile

to Miss 4-5 Weeks
Joey Logano

Should DFS Managers Underestimate Joey Logano for Las Vegas?
Igor Chernyshov

Exits Early Due to Injury Saturday
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Las Vegas DFS Lineups?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Risky DFS Option Who Could Pay Off at Las Vegas
Josh Berry

Has Plenty of Upside for Las Vegas DFS Lineups
Ryan Preece

Scores his First Las Vegas Top-10 Starting Spot in Qualifying
Justin Allgaier

Will Fill In for an Injured Alex Bowman at Las Vegas
Nico Hischier

has Four-Point Performance on Saturday
Seiya Suzuki

Leaves WBC Game on Saturday With Right-Knee Discomfort
Macklin Celebrini

Continues to Dominate With Three Points
Anze Kopitar

Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer for Kings
Linus Ullmark

Posts Shutout Against Ducks
Zach Neto

is Removed After Suffering Hand Injury
TB

Nicholas Paul Rejoins Lightning Lineup
Cole Caufield

Cleared to Play Saturday
Alex Tuch

Set to Return Saturday
Bobby Brink

Remains Out Saturday
Joe Ryan

Won't Pitch in the World Baseball Classic
Zack Wheeler

Throws First Live BP Session on Saturday
Merrill Kelly

Expected to Open Season on the Injured List
Kevin Gausman

Named Toronto's Opening Day Starter
Kyle Stowers

Back in Grapefruit League Lineup
Francisco Lindor

Takes Full Batting Practice on Friday
Brandon Woodruff

Still TBD for Opening Day
Trevor Rogers

to Start on Opening Day for Orioles
Kevin Vallejos

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Josh Emmett

In Dire Need Of Victory
Gillian Robertson

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 114
Amanda Lemos

Set For Co-Main Event
Oumar Sy

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Ion Cutelaba

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Blake Snell

Around Six Weeks From Being Fully Built Up
Zack Wheeler

to Face Hitters in Live Batting Practice on Saturday
Gerrit Cole

Could Pitch in a Spring Game Next Week
Hideki Matsuyama

Brings Strong Course History to TPC Sawgrass
Adam Scott

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Rickie Fowler

on Quite the Run Heading to TPC Sawgrass
Sepp Straka

Needs to Forget What Happened Sunday at Bay Hill
Jordan Spieth

an Enigma Heading to The Players Championship
Justin Rose

Trying to Pick Up the Pieces in Florida
Maverick McNealy

Bounces Back at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Brooks Koepka

Continues His Florida Swing With Some Momentum
Nicolai Hojgaard

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Robert MacIntyre

a Volatile Option at The Players
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Return to Top Form at The Players
Sam Burns

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Players
Keegan Bradley

Hard to Trust at The Players
Xander Schauffele

Rounding into Form Heading to Players Championship
Rory McIlroy

Set to Return at Players Championship to Defend Title
Jake Knapp

Set to Return at Players Championship
Viktor Hovland

Continues Strong Start to 2026 Season
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking for Bounce-Back at Players Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Will Need to Find Putter to Compete at Players Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Continues Improving Heading to Players Championship
Justin Thomas

Continues Competitive Return at The Players Championship
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF