Fantasy Football 2018: Start or sit for Week 1
By Donnie Druin
Tight Ends
Start
Jimmy Graham vs. Chicago Bears– There is a metaphorical hill every fantasy owner will defend, and die on. This is my hill. Many don’t favor Graham in Green Bay due to lack of success in their recent tight ends, but a Aaron Rodgers/Jimmy Graham warrants respect and excitement. As long as Rodgers is healthy, I’ll take my chances of Graham finding himself in the end zone against Chicago.
Jordan Reed vs. Arizona Cardinals– Take a shot for every sentence you see with “Jordan Reed” and “healthy” together in. Reed’s talent is unquestionable, he simply hasn’t remained healthy over the past few years. With new quarterback Alex Smith having a great relationship with his former tight end Travis Kelce, the hope is the same success can be replicated in Washington. Arizona has given up double-digit points to tight ends on a consistent basis, look for Reed to get back on the track in the desert.
Sit
Evan Engram vs. Jacksonville Jaguars– Even Engram now finds himself fighting for targets with a healthy Odell Beckham and a highly-touted running back in Saquon Barkley. Evan showed some promise in 2017, yet was the definition of inconsistent as he failed to register consecutive games with 10+ fantasy points. Engram has surely solidified himself as an important piece in the Giants offense, but with a poisonous match-up with one of the top defensive units in the league, Engram should take a back-seat in your line-up.
David Njoku vs. Pittsburgh Steelers– 2018 may be the year David Njoku breaks out, as the second year tight end now has a formidable quarterback in Tyrod Taylor throwing him the football. Njoku possesses the athleticism to create a mismatch nightmare, yet the Steelers limited him to two catches per contest in 2017. With Pittsburgh allowing the third-least amount of receptions, Njoku might just be neutralized as a fantasy football weapon in week one.