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Fantasy Football 2018: Start or sit for Week 1

By Donnie Druin

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 31: Kenyan Drake #32 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason game on August 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dolphins defeated the Vikings 30-9. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 31: Kenyan Drake #32 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason game on August 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Dolphins defeated the Vikings 30-9. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Chris Hogan #15 of the New England Patriots celebrates scoring a 26-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter of Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Chris Hogan #15 of the New England Patriots celebrates scoring a 26-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter of Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers

Start

Chris Hogan vs. Houston Texans– With Brandin Cooks out-of-town and Julian Edelman currently serving a 4 game suspension, the opportunity for Hogan couldn’t be better. In what is anticipated as a high-scoring game, Hogan should see a high volume of passes from Brady, who’s only other competition for targets is Rob Gronkowski. The Texans were one of four teams to give up 30+ touchdowns through the air last season, leaving a lot to be desired on the defensive side of the ball.

NFL Week 1: 5 teams on upset alert. light. Must Read

Allen Robinson vs. Green Bay Packers– Matt Nagy comes to Chicago with one of the best offensive minds in football. Also arriving in Chicago is Allen Robinson, one of fantasy football’s darlings after four years in Jacksonville. Robinson comes in as the Bears WR1, and should this NFC North battle turn into a shootout (or Chicago plays catch-up), Robinson will see his fair share of targets and opportunities.

It’s up to AR12 to prove he’s the same receiver we saw tear up the league in his first few seasons. Green Bay upgraded their secondary, but it is noteworthy that this Packers team also gave up 30 touchdowns through the air as well.

Sit

Amari Cooper vs. Los Angeles Rams– The Raiders look like an absolute mess of an organization, from cutting Michael Crabtree in favor of Jordy Nelson to trading Khalil Mack. Cooper saw a down year in 2017, and his campaign kicks off this season against one of the league’s best defensive backfields. Cooper failed to reach over ten points in seven games last season, while also missing three games due to injury. It’s unlikely Amari gets his groove back against the Rams, despite a favorable volume.

Josh Gordon vs. Pittsburgh Steelers– Josh Gordon is fantasy football’s most intriguing player. When healthy, he’s been a top-five talent at his position. Gordon flashed some of his talent in the little he played last season, and is now ready for a full season’s worth of play. Yet Browns head coach Hue Jackson said Gordon wouldn’t start week one against the Steelers, but would still play. With Jackson holding Gordon back while sharing the field with PPR-machine Jarvis Landry, fantasy football owners should be hesitant to play Gordon this week despite him being healthy.

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