With Week 1 of the NFL season finally upon us, fantasy football is in full effect. While drafts have concluded and team rosters are set, to gain a competitive advantage over the other teams in your league, identifying sleeper players to take a chance on to have a big week is always very important. Without a preseason this year, projecting under the radar players across the league to target for Week 1 is a little more challenging than usual. However, here are five players that will have a big opening game this season. In choosing these players, anyone in the top 30 rankings for running back and wide receiver, and in the top 15 for quarterbacks and tight ends weren’t eligible for the list.
Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts
Opening up the season on the road against the woeful Jacksonville Jaguars, Mack should be in for a big day. Due to the lack of preseason games, expect Frank Reich and Nick Sirianni to ease rookie Jonathan Taylor into game action, making way for Mack to have an expanded role in the offensive gameplan in Week 1. Finishing last season as the 21st ranked defense in the league, expect Jacksonville to become even worse this season, following the losses of defensive ends Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell. Behind one of the best young offensive lines in the league, this game could quickly become ugly if the Colts begin to enforce their will on the undermanned Jaguars, making Mack worthy of your team’s start this week.
Tyrod Taylor, Los Angeles Chargers
The longtime Buffalo Bill opens up his career with the Chargers this weekend after winning the job in training camp. With a matchup against the rebuilding Bengals in Cincinnati, Taylor could be in for a big day on Sunday. After allowing the most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks in 2019, the Bengals failed to upgrade their defense in the offseason, making this a perfect matchup to start Tyrod. Along with this, the team finished 20th in the league in passing yards per game. Featuring a loaded group on offense, led by Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry, expect the Chargers skill players to enforce their will on new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s group. Currently projected as QB29, according to Fantasy Pros, Taylor presents fantasy owners an intriguing sleeper option.
Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts
Freed up after starting tight end Eric Ebron signed with the Steelers in the offseason, Doyle should see plenty of targets against Jacksonville’s horrendous pass defense. Operating a primarily shotgun offense over his time in Indianapolis, Reich’s scheme relies on his running backs and tight ends. Furthermore, the Jaguars allowed the 13th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2019. A large body and frame at 6’6, Doyle possesses strong hands and is a strong red zone threat, making him worthy of a look in deeper leagues.
Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers
A team that has been decimated by injuries at wide receiver, the 49ers will be searching for help from within. Second-year receiver Deebo Samuel is likely out due to a foot injury and rookie pass-catcher Brandon Aiyuk is questionable with a hamstring injury. If both miss the game, Bourne could see many balls thrown his way on Sunday. Gaining momentum in the postseason last year, Kendrick posted six receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown in three games. With a favorable matchup against the 28th ranked defense from a season ago in the Arizona Cardinals, the opportunity for big plays will present itself Sunday, making him a worthy option for players searching for options at wide receiver.
Anthony Miller, Chicago Bears
Finishing with the second-most targets on the Bears offense a season ago, expect Miller to get the ball early and often in another year in Matt Nagy’s offense. A favorite of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago opens the season against the hot and cold Detroit Lions, who finished a pitiful 26th overall against the pass in 2019. With success against the Lions over his career, hauling in 18 passes while averaging over 70 yards per game, combined with the departure of Taylor Gabriel from the team’s offense, Anthony rounds out the list of sleepers for Week 1.
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