Fantasy football has finally arrived and it’s time to make sure your rosters are all set for the big day.
Based on some unfavorable matchups, here are six players to avoid, or at least to expect less of, in Week 1.
Russell Wilson, quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Say what? Surely Wilson was targeted as your trusty QB1 in early draft rounds.
However, Wilson has a tough road game against the St. Louis Rams that could challenge him to live up to that QB1 status.
Last year, the Rams’ defense allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Plus, Wilson is coming from a rocky preseason that saw him pass for only one touchdown over the course of four games. He also didn’t manage any rushing scores.
It might be difficult to avoid starting Wilson if he’s your best option, however, expectations should be tempered for this Week 1 not-so-ideal matchup.
Melvin Gordon, running back, San Diego Chargers
Gordon struggled with pass protection and was completely underwhelming in his preseason attempts at rushing, averaging only 2.2 yards per carry.
As a result, he is going to lose some late-down work to pass-catching running back Danny Woodhead moving forward. A Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions that allowed only seven rushing scores all last year, along with an average of 45 rush yards per game proves this is no time to gamble with Gordon.
Surely, there are better options when it comes filling your RB2 or flex spot.
Alfred Blue, running back, Houston Texans
For those wanting to kick the tires on Blue thinking he’ll magically produce Arian Foster-like results in Week 1, think again.
Blue and the Texans face the stingy Kansas City Chiefs that allowed only four rushing touchdowns to running backs last season. Additionally, Blue managed only 3.1 yards per attempt while covering for Foster last year.
The Texans will likely give some ground time to Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk as well making it an all-around bad idea to put Blue into any fantasy lineups for Sunday.
Frank Gore, running back, Indianapolis Colts
Gore, suiting up with his new team doesn’t have the prettiest of fantasy matchups on the schedule for Week 1.
He faces the Buffalo Bills that allowed only eight total rushing touchdowns and the seventh-least fantasy points to running backs all last year. Where normally Gore would be a on track to post 80-100 rushing yards per game, his first outing as a Colt facing a challenging Bills’ defense will be limited.
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Sammy Watkins, wide receiver, Buffalo Bills
If Watkins was playing with a superior quarterback such as Aaron Rodgers, it might be worth giving him a whirl in Week 1 as a flex or WR2. However, we’re talking about Watkins catching balls from Tyrod Taylor, who has zero career regular-season starts.
Watkins could certainly become the victim of Davis, who might just have some luck in catching one of Taylor’s passes in Week 1.
Mike Evans, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Evans has been dealing with a pesky hamstring injury, and if he plays, then it’s best to avoid him in Week 1 playing with rookie quarterback Jameis Winston.
The Buccaneers face the Tennessee Titans that allowed the third fewest touchdowns to wide receivers last season. Evans could be challenged, especially if he is still a little hobbled or re-aggravates his hammy.
He was a stud last season, however Winston is bound to have some opening day jitters as we witnessed in the preseason, which could easily trickle down and impact Evans’ fantasy output in Week 1.