Choosing the players who will succeed and benching the ones who will not is essential to winning in fantasy football. Each week, fantasy owners will have to make the tough decision to put a player they like on the bench because the truth is that players bust. The willingness to do so is what separates good fantasy owners from bad ones. Let’s take a look at five players who could bust in Week 1.
Josh Jacobs – RB, Las Vegas Raiders (vs BAL)
Some fantasy owners are fading Jacobs in drafts due to the addition of Kenyan Drake and there’s a chance that the move looks good early on. The Raiders are facing a tough Baltimore Ravens defense which allowed the sixth least rushing yards per game to opposing running backs last season. With Drake taking a portion of Jacobs’ carries it is unlikely he finishes with big numbers in Week 1. Additionally, the Raiders’ offensive line could look shaky this year. They chose to replace three of their starters from last year which creates uncertainty in the position. Jacobs is a risky option during Week 1 against the Ravens.
Melvin Gordon – RB, Denver Broncos (vs NYG)
Another player many are choosing not to draft is Gordon. The Broncos recently added Javonte Williams with the 35th pick in the draft showing that they are likely not confident in Gordon. They have a below-average offensive line and the number of touches Gordon will receive is still up in the air with Williams in that backfield. The New York Giants have a solid run defense as well making it tough to see Gordon having a big week.
D’Andre Swift – RB, Detroit Lions (vs SF)
Although the Lions have a good offensive line, it might not matter for Swift during Week 1. The Lions as a team are not talented. They are projected to have one of the worst defense’s in the league and if the San Francisco 49ers build a lead early, the Lions will have to pass the ball more. In addition, Jamaal Williams could cut into some of the work Swift receives similar to how he did in Green Bay with Aaron Jones. Swift is a high upside option in Week 1 due to his talent, but he is a risky player to start due to the lack of skill around him.
Darnell Mooney – WR, Chicago Bears (vs LAR)
Mooney is a player that some fantasy owners are calling a ‘steal’ in the later rounds, but it may not show in Week 1. The Bears are playing a tough Rams defense with Darious Williams matched up against Mooney. The Rams cornerbacks are very talented and the Bears offense may have not had enough time to mesh with Andy Dalton. Mooney is a risky option and should be stayed away from in Week 1.
Mike Gesicki – TE, Miami Dolphins (vs NE)
Lastly, Gesicki could be a bust in Week 1 for fantasy owners who chose to start him. The Dolphins drafted Jaylen Waddle with the sixth overall pick which suggests their receivers could receive more targets. Additionally, Tua Tagovailoa‘s play was not consistent last year and the Dolphins are facing a tough defense against the New England Patriots. If Gesicki does not find the end zone, it is unlikely he puts up big numbers in Week 1.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Kamran Nia on Twitter @kamran_nia
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
