5 Bold Predictions for Week 1
As we dive headfirst into the season’s opening week, it’s time to unveil some daring predictions that just might redefine the game. Seeking that DFS diamond in the rough or that miraculous fantasy league play? Look no further. We’re about to embark on a journey where boldness meets the gridiron, where calculated risks could turn into fantasy gold. Buckle up for a ride through the realm of football’s most audacious forecasts.
Hyperbole aside, what sounds insane in week 1 very often will sound reasonable when we look back after the season. We’ve spent the entire offseason forecasting fantasy performances, but we get a lot wrong, especially in the first few weeks. So read these predictions with an open mind and consider that each of them is within the range of outcomes for these players.
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Deshaun Watson torches Cincinnati in a win against the Bengals
Watson was not at his best last year in his six starts with the Browns. Maybe it was because of his two-year layoff or because the Browns’ offensive line wasn’t very good. In any case, I’m expecting Watson to bounce back this year.
Before losing to the Bengals in week 14 last year, a game in which Watson threw for 276 yards, the Browns averaged 33 points per game in five consecutive victories against Cincinnati. Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, coming off ACL surgery, will play in his first game back since his injury and is likely to show some signs of rust. I think Cleveland will be aggressive in their play calling and attack the Bengals’ secondary early and often.
At the end of the day, I believe Watson can throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns in an upset victory over the Bengals.
Aaron Jones finishes as the RB1
Green Bay rolls into Chicago as an underdog in week 1. The Bears were 31st in the league, giving up 157 yards on the ground last season. They surrendered 28.2 PPR fantasy points per game to running backs. They also allowed a league-worst 27.2 points per game. Chicago upgraded their defense in the off-season, and they looked good in the preseason, but until I see it in a regular-season game, I’m all-in on any opponent’s lead back.
Jones finished 9th in rushing yards and 6th in receptions among running backs last season. He scored 32 fantasy points against the Bears in week 2 last year. I believe he’s poised for a huge day and will finish as the top overall running back in week 1.
Michael Thomas finds the end zone twice
Thomas missed half of 2020, all of 2021, and 80% of 2022. But, when he did play, he played well. He averaged 17 fantasy points per game and was on pace for 90 receptions and 17 touchdowns before he got injured last season. He also scored two touchdowns in week 1 against the Falcons.
The Titans had the worst passing defense last year and gave up 29 receiving touchdowns, the second most in the league. With Derek Carr leading the Saints’ offense, I expect it to be more efficient with fewer turnovers and more opportunities to score. I think the stars are aligning for Thomas this week, and he’ll catch two touchdown passes.
Saquon Barkley finishes as an RB3 against the Cowboys
I know this one will raise some eyebrows, but if you look at the Giants’ week 12 matchup against the Cowboys last season, Barkley only ran for 39 yards. He saved his fantasy day by scoring a touchdown but was effectively shut down by the Dallas defense. He finished as an RB3 or worse three times last season, so it’s not as shocking as one might think.
We know Dallas has one of the top defenses in the NFL, and as good as Barkley is, the Giants are not exactly an offensive juggernaut. I foresee New York struggling to extend drives and find the end zone. I certainly wouldn’t bench Barkley if you have him, but don’t be surprised if he has a disappointing week 1 performance.
Jordan Addison outscores Justin Jefferson in Week 1
Call me crazy, but I’m predicting a Bucs upset this week. In order to do that, Tampa Bay will have to shut down Justin Jefferson. Jefferson was held to fewer than 15 PPR fantasy points in six games last season. In four of those games, he was outscored by K.J. Osborn. Rookie receivers have been making a big splash in the league in recent years, and I think Jordan Addison will have a great NFL debut and outscore Jefferson this week.
