Adam Dawson's Fantasy Favorites For Week One

Finally... the time for Week One has arrived and I could not be more excited! With that being said, I have decided to do a weekly writeup of some of my Fantasy Football favorites for each Sunday's games. Instead of writing my prediction for each individual game, I will be giving my prediction on players and how I think they will do in the land of Fantasy Football. This is very similar to ESPN's Love/Hate article written by Matthew Berry, but I do not hate any player, as I believe each fantasy manager has the right to start whoever they want. Some of my favorites will be obvious ones, but every once and awhile I may throw one in that may be in consideration. As a bonus, I will throw in other strong plays for each game I will begin with the early games on the schedule and end with the Sunday night game to keep it organized in some sort of way so that it is easy to follow.

Jaguars vs. Texans, 12:00 PM, CBS

Best Fantasy Play: James Robinson- JAC

Robinson, in my opinion is the best fantasy player going in this one. Taking over as the lead back once again, he should get a lot of touches, as he should remain the early down back. All three Jaguars receivers are solid options as well, but I see Robinson to be the main contributor. Laviska Shenault Jr. is also a sneaky option, as I could see him playing a big part as well.

Other Strong Plays:

Trevor Lawrence- JAC

Laviska Shenualt Jr- JAC

Marvin Jones Jr-JAC

DJ Chark Jr.-JAC

Brandin Cooks-HOU

How the Rest Stack Up: Lawrence will be eager in his debut and as a result I see him slinging the ball every which way. With three solid receivers, their numbers may vary, so I would be cautious with who you start. Cooks will be the leading target getter in Houston, as I predict he will get double digit targets in week one.

Chargers vs. Washington, 12:00 PM, CBS

Best Fantasy Play: Keenan Allen- LAC

After thinking about the four main choices for a few minutes, I decided to go with Allen over Ekeler, Gibson, and McLaurin. Ekeler would have been the easy choice, but he is coming off of a hamstring injury earlier in the week. Personally, I like Allen over McLaurin, the Washington receiver. Allen projects to get a lot of attention from second year quarterback, Justin Herbert. A PPR machine, Allen should have solid numbers all across the board in Week One, as I project Allen will lead either side in receptions. Both teams should pass the ball quite a bit, as both defenses are great.

Other Strong Plays:

Justin Herbert-LAC

Austin Ekeler- LAC

Antonio Gibson-WFT

Terry McLaurin-WFT

Logan Thomas-WFT

Washington D/ST

How the Rest Stack Up: Justin Herbert will have a big day, as Washington's defense is going to cause havoc. Austin Ekeler will probably not be 100 percent, but I still see him as a must start option. Gibson should be involved more in the passing game and if that is the case, expect his value to go to the moon.

Seahawks vs. Colts, 12:00 PM, FOX

Best Fantasy Play: Chris Carson- SEA

This one could be up for debate, but over the last two week one contests, Carson has at least put up 24 fantasy points in PPR formats. As much as I would love to put my guy, DK Metcalf in this spot, I believe Carson will have a great day on the ground and in the passing game. Sure, Jonathan Taylor is a great play, but splitting carries with Nyheim Hines and Marlon Mack kind of scares me for week one.

Other Strong Plays:

Russell Wilson-SEA

DK Metcalf-SEA

Tyler Lockett-SEA

Jonathan Taylor-IND

Michael Pittman Jr-IND

How the Rest Stack Up: With Seattle bringing in a new offensive coordinator, Wilson should get more passing opportunities in a more fast paced offense. Metcalf is a strong, must start receiver, as is his teammate, Tyler Lockett. Taylor is still must start material, as he has all the skill in the world, I just wonder how many carries he will get. Pittman is a risky play, but with Ty Hilton out, Pittman's role should expand.

Jets vs. Panthers, 12:00 PM, CBS

Best Fantasy Play: Christian McCaffrey-CAR

CMC will have a strong chance to be the best play during each week that the Panthers play, so it looks like I will get the chance to write about him another sixteen times this season, boy am I excited! For those who play Fantasy Football obviously know CMC was the number one pick in drafts. Among the Fantasy landscape, McCaffrey is known as the "PPR god." With that being said, I am not going to waste your time telling you all about how good he is, because you all are busy and have things to do. Anyone who is unfamiliar with CMC, go watch his highlights on YouTube, they are quite good.

Other Strong Plays:

Corey Davis-NYJ

DJ Moore-CAR

Robby Anderson-CAR

Panthers D/ST

How the Rest Stack Up: Aside from CMC, there is not much fantasy appeal here. DJ Moore is the top guy Sam Darnold will be looking for, as Moore's value should go up this season with a boost in his touchdown numbers. I would love to put rookie Elijah Moore on the list, but do not see much opportunity for the Jets receiver in week one.

Vikings vs. Bengals, 12:00 PM, FOX

Best Fantasy Play: Dalvin Cook-MIN

Another player who could be the best play in Minnesota's games this year, Cook is a league winner. Kirk Cousins will look to feed Dalvin the ball in bunches, as I expect him to have close to 30 carries and a handful of receptions mixed in. Knowing the Bengals they will be losing in this one, as a result, this should give Cook even more carries in "garbage time" trying to run out the clock.

Other Strong Plays:

Justin Jefferson- MIN

Adam Thielen-MIN

Joe Burrow- CIN

Joe Mixon- CIN

Tee Higgins- CIN

How the Rest Stack Up: Joe Burrow will be throwing for a lot of yards, as I see Tee Higgins getting the majority of targets. Joe Mixon will easily top 20 carries on the ground, as he will have a lot of opportunities this season. Justin Jefferson is Cousins top option and will do great in the passing game.

Cardinals vs. Titans, 12:00 PM, CBS

Best Fantasy Play: Derrick Henry- RB

This one was the toughest to pick out of any game on the opening week slate, but I decided to go with King Henry as the best play. The back to back NFL leading rusher will look to dominate the Cardinals, as I predict close to 100 rushing yards and a touchdown mixed in.

Other Strong Plays:

Kyler Murray-ARI

DeAndre Hopkins-ARI

Ryan Tannehill-TEN

AJ Brown-TEN

Julio Jones-TEN

How The Rest Stack Up: Both quarterbacks will have great performances, as Julio Jones delivers in his Titans debut. A high scoring game is in store, as this will be a great game for fantasy managers. Ryan Tannehill's value may boost a bit after week one considering his new look offense.

49ers vs. Lions 12:00 PM, FOX

Best Fantasy Play: George Kittle-SF

Kittle is a top three tight end in the league and will look to prove it in week one against a weak Lions team. Kittle is likely to score a touchdown in his 2021 debut, as Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel look to contribute as well.

Other Strong Plays:

Raheem Mostert-SF

Brandon Aiyuk-SF

Deebo Samuel-SF

49ers D/ST

D'Andre Swift-DET

TJ Hockenson-DET

How the Rest Stack Up:

Mostert is one of the best plays among the running back position on Sunday, as he looks to run all over Detroit.

The 49ers receiving core is a tricky one to figure out, because you do not know where the ball is going. With that being said, if you are in a deeper league, (12 teams or more), playing Samuel would not be a bad idea, as I would play Aiyuk in 8 and 10 team leagues. Going into the season, aside from Josh Jacobs, Swift is the running back I have avoided. Depending on your options, Swift is a fine RB2 or flex play, but I would not expect a lot from him. Hockenson is another solid tight end who should be started in all leagues, as Goff will be looking his way a lot this year.

Steelers vs. Bills 12:00, CBS

Best Fantasy Play: Stefon Diggs-BUF

Diggs enters year two with Josh Allen as his quarterback. He should have a very strong week one against a very good Steelers secondary. Having Diggs in one of my leagues, I look forward to what he can do in the opening week.

Other Strong Plays:

Najee Harris-PIT

Diontae Johnson-PIT

Chase Claypool-PIT

Josh Allen-BUF

Bills D/ST

How the Rest Stack Up: I paced my basement debating if Juju is a strong play in week one. Let's just say, he seems to be more worried about dancing before the game than doing his actual job, meaning I have no shares of him in any four of my leagues. All jokes aside, his value has seemingly dropped with two other receivers now in the mix. Najee Harris should have a wonderful rookie debut, while Josh Allen will be airing the ball out all day. Look for Claypool and Johnson to be the two main options Big Ben targets. The Bills secondary could play a huge factor in the game, limiting Steelers receivers from having a big opening week.

Eagles vs. Falcons 12:00 PM, FOX

Best Fantasy Play: Calvin Ridley-ATL

Ridley is going to explode in week one against the Eagles, well at least in my opinion. Talking Ridley up this offseason has been great, because he could end the year as fantasy's WR1. Expect big numbers in week one.

Other Strong Plays:

Jalen Hurts-PHI

Miles Sanders-PHI

Mike Davis-ATL

Kyle Pitts-ATL

How the Rest Stack Up: We will get a look at Jalen Hurts in week one, as he provides so much upside with his legs in PPR scoring. Miles Sanders I was not as high on, but he should still be productive. Mike Davis is just the opposite, as I love him as my RB2 or someone off my bench that I can rely on. Davis has the clear RB1 role in Atlanta's offense and I predict that he will score and add on a solid amount of rushing yards, as well as receiving yards. Aside from Ridley, rookie tight end Kyle Pitts should be in your lineup, as Matt Ryan will have to spread the ball around to someone other than Ridley.

Browns vs. Chiefs 3:25 PM, CBS

Best Fantasy Play: Travis Kelce-KC

This decision was between Kelce and Tyreek Hill, as I could have flipped a coin to decide on who to choose. Kelce is one of the most consistent players year after year, as I expect nothing less in week one at home against Cleveland.

Other Strong Plays:

Nick Chubb-CLE

Kareem Hunt-CLE

Patrick Mahomes-KC

Clyde-Edwards Helaire-KC

Tyreek Hill-KC

How the Rest Stack Up: We all know what the Chiefs high powered offense can do. The four big options are always strong plays and you should feel confident playing them each week. The Browns receivers are hard to trust as "strong" plays, so for this week they did not make my list.

Packers vs. Saints 3:25 PM, CBS

Best Fantasy Play: Davante Adams-GB

Let's just say, Adams is money when it comes to Fantasy Football. The best receiver right now, Adams and Rodgers chemistry is just insane. Predicting big numbers for Adams in New Orleans would be a wise thing to do, as he can carry a team any given week.

Other Strong Plays:

Aaron Rodgers-GB

Aaron Jones-GB

Robert Tonyan-GB

Alvin Kamara-NO

Marquez Callaway-NO

How the Rest Stack Up: Rodgers is one of the safest quarterbacks you can draft, as he is a must-start every week. Aaron Jones is a solid RB1 who looks to get more involved in the passing game. AJ Dillon may take away from Jones' goal line opportunities, so if I were a Jones owner I would look out for that. For the Saints, Kamara is the face of the franchise, as we will see how they use him with Jameis Winston under center. Week One will be all about seeing how they use Kamara, but obviously you start him with confidence. Marquez Callaway is the WR1 in New Orleans, although he should only be started in deeper leagues for week one.

Broncos vs. Giants 3:25 PM, FOX

Best Fantasy Play: Jerry Jeudy- DEN

With Saquon Barkley likely limited in the first week, I have picked Jeudy for this spot. Jeudy should gel with Bridgewater and should have a solid week one. The second year receiver could surprise people with the upside that he could provide all season long.

Other Strong Plays:

Courtland Sutton-DEN

Noah Fant-DEN

Broncos D/ST

Saquon Barkley-NYG

Kenny Golladay-NYG

How the Rest Stack Up: Sutton and Fant should join Jeudy in being effective in this young Denver offense, as I expect Sutton to have more of an impact than Fant in week one. Barkley will play, so yes, play him unless you have a better option. He will still be effective, although do not expect more than 20 carries. Golladay is the top option on offense for Daniel Jones, as he is a fine WR3.

Dolphins vs. Patriots 3:25 PM, CBS

Best Fantasy Play: Myles Gaskin- MIA

Gaskin is by far the best option to play in this game. No offense to Damien Harris of the Patriots, but Gaskin has a bit more upside. This is not one of the best games from a fantasy perspective, but Gaskin should have a solid week one as your RB2 or flex play.

Other Strong Plays:

Jaylen Waddle- MIA

Mike Gesicki-MIA

Damien Harris-NE

Jakobi Meyers-NE

How the Rest Stack Up: Having Will Fuller out for a week, means Miami receivers receive a boost. Expect Waddle to be the top option for Tua to begin his second year at the helm for the Dolphins. Jakobi Meyers is one of my sleepers who I expect will have a great season with Mac Jones. With that being said, I would only play him in deeper leagues.

Bears vs. Rams, 7:20 PM, NBC

Best Fantasy Play: Robert Woods-LAR

Woods will lead the Rams into battle on Sunday Night Football, although I could see Cooper Kupp outdoing his teammate. Both receivers I expect will have great performances with Matthew Stafford making his Rams debut.

Other Strong Plays:

David Montgomery-CHI

Allen Robinson-CHI

Matthew Stafford-LAR

Darrell Henderson Jr-LAR

Cooper Kupp-LAR

Tyler Higbee-LAR

Rams D/ST

How the Rest Stack Up: Robinson will get the majority of targets for Chicago, but with Jalen Ramsey on him, expect solid, but not great numbers. Henderson Jr should have a great game, leading the rushing attack. Henderson was one that I targeted in drafts and I expect him to pay off big time. Cooper Kupp is wonderful, as I predict he may have a better game than Woods. Finally, the Rams defense should be the top defense in week one.

Final Thoughts: I hope you all have enjoyed reading my week one fantasy favorites. Everyone has their own opinion on who to start and who to sit, but I thought giving my opinion would be fun to either compare, or just to look at who my must starts are for the given week. Granted, some of my predictions could be way off, so please be aware of that!!! As of this writing, the first NFL Sunday is tomorrow and I cannot be more excited!

See you at the Field!!!

Adam