Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 3
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 3 It’s always a good idea to proceed with caution on your waiver wire after Week 1. Of course, every once in a while a Puka Nacua comes around and destroys that approach. That’s unlikely
It’s always a good idea to proceed with caution on your waiver wire after Week 1. Of course, every once in a while a Puka Nacua comes around and destroys that approach. That’s unlikely this week. However, there are still plenty of appealing options on the Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 3.
Here are the top fantasy football waiver wire: Week 3 players to target—also, a recommended FAAB value to spend.
FAAB denotes Free Agent Acquisition Budget
Zack Moss (RB) Indianapolis Colts (12% FAAB) – After missing Week 1, Moss did a hostile takeover of the Indianapolis backfield. He was the only Colts’ running back to see the field in Houston. Moss logged 56-of-57 snaps and turned 22 touches into 107 scrimmage yards and a score. Deon Jackson didn’t log one snap. Also, we know Jonathan Taylor will miss a minimum of two more games. That puts Moss in a position to compile RB2 numbers for at least two weeks. However, a matchup against Tennessee’s tough run D next week looms, so keep bids reasonable.
Tutu Atwell (WR) Los Angeles Rams (10% FAAB) – I advocated for prioritizing Puka Nacua last week. In retrospect, 20% FAAB wasn’t nearly enough for Nacua, who is making headlines. Conversely, Tutu Atwell is flying under the radar. However, he’s quietly been nearly as good. Atwell is the WR15 headed into Monday Night Football. He’s top 10 in catches and yards through two games. I don’t expect this kind of production to continue, but…
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Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 2
Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 2 FullTime Fantasy has been synonymous with accurate fantasy football rankings for years. Our rankings have garnered numerous industry accolades, with several top-5 finishes in season-long, weekly, and even sports betting accuracy. This is
FullTime Fantasy has been synonymous with accurate fantasy football rankings for years. Our rankings have garnered numerous industry accolades, with several top-5 finishes in season-long, weekly, and even sports betting accuracy. This is the home of our FullTime Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 2.
Ranking You Can Trust
Our staff was ranked No. 1 last season, with not one but TWO analysts inside the top 10. With projections powered by NFBC Hall-of-Fame writer Shawn Childs and former FantasyPro’s Most Accurate Expert Jody Smith, FullTime Fantasy Members get instant access to reliable and trustworthy weekly rankings.
Additionally, Jody and Adam Krautwurst co-host the FullTime Fantasy Podcast, which is live-streamed weekly on YouTube. The guys are also active in the FullTime Fantasy Discord channel, helping answer all fantasy and sports betting inquiries.
Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 2
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Fantasy Football Injury Rundown
In a game like football, that embraces speed and hits, injuries are inevitable. It’s unfortunate, but the hope is that no player suffers any debilitating ailment. FullTime’s Fantasy Football Injury Rundown goes over all the injuries from this past week’s action and breaks down their potential impact moving forward. Also, a great starting point for staying updated on the latest injuries is to bookmark our NFL Injury Report. Finally, FullTime Fantasy Members will get the latest NFL injury news and advice live each Sunday and Thursday in the FullTime Fantasy Discord. Click below to join us today! Now, let’s break down all the latest fantasy-relevant injury news in this week’s Fantasy Football Injury Rundown. Also, we will continually update this list as more news is confirmed. Fantasy Football Injury Rundown: Week 2 Aaron Rodgers (QB) New York Jets – Potentially the most impactful injury occurred after only four plays on Monday. Rodgers was sacked and initially stood up. However, he sat back down on the turf and eventually was carted to the locker room. X-rays were negative. However, the fantasy world is embracing itself for a lengthy absence due to fears of an Achilles injury, which would end his season. Head coach Robert Saleh said the prognosis “is not good” for Rodgers. UPDATE: An MRI confirmed that Rodgers suffered a ruptured Achilles and will miss the rest of 2023. J.K. Dobbins (RB) Baltimore Ravens – The biggest blow from Sunday came when Baltimore’s starting running back was once again felled by a season-ending injury. This time, Dobbins tore his Achilles in the third quarter. Dobbins missed the entire 2021 season and half of the 2022 campaign recovering from a knee injury. Achilles ruptures are notoriously difficult to recover from, putting Dobbins’ dynasty value in peril. Obviously, he’ll miss the rest of 2023 and can be released in redraft leagues. Justice Hill is the priority waiver wire add. However, Gus Edwards and Melvin Gordon will also be involved. Diontae Johnson (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers – Pittsburgh’s star wideout was unable to get up after hurting his hamstring on a 26-yard catch-and-run. Subsequently, Johnson was immediately ruled out. That’s worrisome. Expect him to miss multiple weeks. That’s a huge loss for an offense that really sputtered in Week 1. Calvin Austin would be the next man up for the Steelers. UPDATE: Johnson will miss “a few weeks.” Anthony Richardson (QB) Indianapolis Colts – Richardson missed Indy’s final drive of their opening loss with an ankle injury. However, Shane Steichen told reporters Monday that the injury wasn’t serious and Richardson was held out as a precaution. Assuming he’s clear, Richardson will be a QB1 against Houston in Week 2. Mark Andrews (TE) Baltimore Ravens – Andrews was ruled out for Week 1 with a quad injury. He practiced during the week and it’s possible the Ravens just held Andrews out as a precaution in a game where they were double-digit home favorites. We should know more in the days ahead. Travis Kelce (TE) Kansas City Chiefs – A hyperextended knee kept Kelce out of Thursday’s game. Considering the decision to hold Kelce out went right up until game time, there is optimism that he’ll be good to go this week. We will keep a close eye on practice reports throughout the week. Jerry Jeudy (WR) Denver Broncos – Hamstrings were particularly troublesome for some wide receivers late in the preseason. That ailment kept Jeudy out of Denver’s Week 1 loss to Las Vegas. However, Jeudy wasn’t ruled out until late on Sunday. That is a reason for some optimism for Week 2. Greg Dulcich (TE) Denver Broncos – Dulcich will miss “multiple weeks” with yet another hamstring injury. Adam Trautman is the next man up for Denver. Christian Watson (WR) Green Bay Packers – Yet another hamstring injury kept Watson out last Sunday. Fortunately, the Packers did need his services to dispatch the Bears. The early diagnosis is Watson will be cleared to face Atlanta. We’ll monitor the recovery process this week and update the Discord channel. Aaron Jones (RB) Green Bay Packers – While we’re on the topic of hamstrings, Jones injured his housing his second touchdown of the game. First, it didn’t seem too serious as he was able to keep jogging. Secondly, the initial diagnosis is optimistic. However, hamstrings can be tricky. Especially for running backs. Jakobi Meyers (WR) Las Vegas Raiders – Meyers had a huge debut in Las Vegas but was forced from the game after taking a brutal helmet-to-helmet shot. He’s entered the league’s concussion protocol and won’t be able to practice until he is fully cleared. Pat Freiermuth (TE) Pittsburgh Steelers – Muth was limited to 32 snaps while dealing with a chest injury. The good news is that he was able to finish the game. It doesn’t seem like anything serious. Evan Hull (RB) Indianapolis Colts – The rookie rusher will miss multiple weeks with a knee injury. Also, Deon Jackson was predictably awful, making Zach Moss a priority waiver target in a tasty Week 2 matchup against the Texans. D.J. Chark (WR) Carolina Panthers – A hamstring injury kept Chark out of Carolina’s season-opening loss. The club is hopeful Chark will be able to suit up against the Saints. Graham Gano (PK) New York Giants – Gano hurt his calf during New York’s Week 1 humiliation. Gano missed both of his field goal attempts before going down. Considering how poorly the Giants played on Sunday night, there is no reason to roster Gano in fantasy leagues right now. Kenneth Gainwell (RB) Philadelphia Eagles – Gainwell is dealing with a rib injury. It isn’t considered serious, but the Eagles do play on Thursday, giving him little time to heal. D’Andre Swift should see more than two touches regardless. The 2023 NFL season is underway but it’s not too late to get access to the best help out there! All FullTime Fantasy members get exclusive access to our 24/7 Chat Room on Discord! All morning on
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 2
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 2 We’re only one week into the 2023 season and there is already plenty of turmoil. It isn’t time to hit the panic button quite yet. However, using FullTime‘s Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 2
Scoring was down across the league in Week 1. There were also plenty of injuries to account for. While blowing your entire FAAB budget after one week is inadvisable, it’s always advisable to be proactive.
Here are the top fantasy football waiver wire: Week 2 players to target—also, a recommended FAAB value to spend.
FAAB denotes Free Agent Acquisition Budget
Kenneth Gainwell (RB) Philadelphia Eagles (25% FAAB) – Rashaad Penny was a healthy scratch. D’Andre Swift only logged two touches. For now, this is Kenny Gainwell’s backfield. We saw that play out in preseason and that’s how the regular season opened. However, Gainwell is rostered in about half of the fantasy leagues. Where he’s available, view Gainwell as the top waive priority this week as an RB2 in an elite offense.
Puka Nacua (WR) Los Angeles Rams (20% FAAB) – Cooper who? Fifth-round rookie wideout Puka Nacua drew a lot of hype this summer. And that came to fruition in Week 1. Nacua caught 10-of-15 targets for 119 yards in the Rams’ upset win. Nacua did a phenomenal Cooper Kupp impression, making plays all over the field. Subsequently, he warrants an aggressive FFAB bid as a weekly WR2/3 moving forward. Tutu Atwell (4% FAAB) matched Nacua with 119 receiving yards. However, the Rams are highly unlikely to repeat that kind of volume consistently.
Justice Hill (RB) Baltimore Ravens (20% FAAB) – And just like that, J.K. Dobbins is done for the season. Hill was already projected to be more involved in Baltimore’s new offense. But, those two goal-line touchdown runs were a nice surprise. I expect the Ravens to employ a committee with Hill and Gus Edwards moving forward. However, with his pass-catching ability, Hill should be the more highly coveted add…
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Sunday AM LIVE Q&A
The 2023 fantasy football season is underway. However, drafting a dominant roster is only half the battle. For the next 17 weeks, knowing which waiver wire picks to make and the proper start/sit options can make all the difference. That’s where FullTime Fantasy Members enjoy an edge. With access to the FullTime Fantasy Sunday AM LIVE Q&A. FullTime Fantasy’s Discord channel has everything fantasy football fans need. From sports betting, sleepers, and weekly rankings, we’ve got you covered. We’re also the exclusive home to SUNDAY LIVE Q&A with former MOST ACCURATE EXPERT Jody Smith, who will guide you to the best possible lineup. In addition, Scott Atkins, Adam Krautwurst and the rest of the Fulltime Fantasy staff will be with you every step of the way. Rankings You Can Trust FullTime Fantasy has won many accolades for accurate in-seaon and draft rankings. However, we also know that the best rosters might begin in August. But championships are won Septemer through January. Beginning in Week 1, we’ll be manning the Discord channel before each and every slate of games. Helping FullTime Fantasy Members make though lineup choices and keeping you up-to-date on all the injuries and inactives. Whether it is dynasty football trades, staring lineup questions, daily fantasy advice, or insider info on that week’s NFL lines, FullTime Fantasy has you covered. We’d love to show you what FullTime Fantasy can do for you. Click below to find out how you can join us this Sunday! JOIN OUR MAILING LIST! GET THE LATEST ARTICLES AND UPDATES Subscribe to our FREE newsletter – Breaking Fantasy news & site updates! Like and share our new Facebook page! Be sure to pay attention to our giveaways for your shot at some sweet prizes!
Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week 1
As we saw on Thursday Night Football, expect the unexpected in fantasy football. That’s especially true in the opening week, where it is more difficult to predict outcomes. However, we will try to dig deep to find our favorite Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week 1. The great thing about Week 1 is everyone has championship aspirations. However, now isn’t the time to get cute with lineups. Finding unheralded sleepers in Week 1 is merely looking for flex options or players who are in a good position to out-produce their weekly projections. Subsequently, now isn’t the time to get cute with lineups and overanalyze things. Stick with your studs. You drafted them for a reason. However, if you are in a deep league or got bitten by the injury bug, here are some fantasy football sleepers: Week 1 to consider. Quarterbacks Sam Howell (Washington Commanders) – Howell looked good this summer in Eric Bieniemy’s offense. The sophomore signal-caller has been deemed a season-long sleeper and is primed to get off to a good start. In addition to having a deep group of skill position players as a supporting cast, the Commanders are seven-point home favorites against an undermanned Arizona Cardinals club. Howell’s lone start last year resulted in a QB7 finish. A repeat of QB1 numbers is certainly a possibility. Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts) – Indy’s passing game could be a mess. However, that doesn’t mean that Richardson won’t get off to a fast start. The Colts have an inviting home matchup against a Jacksonville squad that surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last season. Also, Jacksonville was particularly vulnerable on the ground, allowing the third-most rushing yards (469) to the position. Daniel Jones (New York Giants) – Jones experienced a late-season reinsurance under Brian Daibol to close out last year. A rejuvenated Jones has added muscle and additional confidence entering the 2023 campaign. If Jones continues to be a rushing threat and with the addition of Darren Waller, look for a 20-plus fantasy performance on Sunday Night Football. Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks) – Most fans believe Smith’s success last year was a fluke. Meanwhile, the Seahawks added Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Zach Charbonnet in the draft. Also, they will march out one of the most underrated offensive line groups. Smith went for a cool 367 and 3 TDS in his last matchup vs. the Rams. Running Backs Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins) – Rookie running back De’Von Achane was gaining a lot of steam in drafts prior to an injury. And since then, veteran Raheem Mostert has surged in drafts by sharp high-stakes players. Mostert looked spry in the final preseason game and knows the offense well. The week 1 matchup against the Chargers could be the shootout of Week 1. Also, Mostert could get the full allotment of touches. Samaje Perine (Denver Broncos) – New Denver head coach Sean Peyton signed free-agent RB Samjae Perine on the first day of free agency. The Broncos are not going to give Javonte Williams a full run coming off ACL surgery in Week 1. Also, Perine has the chance to get tons of work vs. the Raiders. Perine is more than just a change-of-pace option. He can grind out tough yards and should be a viable red-zone threat in Payton’s scheme. Jamaal Williams (New Orleans Saints) – Alvin Kamara is suspended and Kendre Miller has a hamstring injury. That puts Williams in line for a heavy workload in Week 1. New Orleans hosts a tough Tennessee run defense on Sunday. However, Williams is a volume play that could see upwards of 20 touches. Also, fantasy footballers are well aware of his nose for the end zone. Williams should contend from RB2 numbers. Well ahead of his tenth-round ADP. Wide Receivers Josh Palmer (Los Angeles Chargers) – It’s Palmer, not Quentin Johnston who will open the season as LA’s WR3. Palmer has been ahead of the rookie all offseason. Also, this is a fantastic matchup for the entire Chargers’ offense. Miami’s secondary was already a mess and now they’ll be missing Jalen Ramsey for most of the season. At 49 points, this AFC battle has the highest over/under on Sunday’s slate. I love the Chargers overall and think Palmer was one of the most underrated wideouts on draft day. Subsequently, I think he gets off to a solid start in 2023. Isaiah Hodgins (New York Giants) – Hodgins was the featured wide receiver down the stretch for the Giants in the 2022 season. But many fantasy players have ignored Hodgins in August drafts. Hodgins could continue to prosper with QB Daniel Jones and Brian Daboll’s innovative playcalling. Also, this Sunday night NFC East grudge match has all the makings of another slugfest. K.J. Osborn (Minnesota Vikings) – The Vikings will look to establish themselves as an elite passing team. Minnesota selected USC WR Jordan Addison with their first-round pick to help bolster the offense. It may take some time for Addison to reach his full workload and snap counts as he navigates the transition from college to the NFL. It wouldn’t be a surprise if veteran K.J. Osborn should take advantage of Week 1 playing time in another potential shootout. Tight Ends Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens) – Given the injury status of Mark Andrews, Isiah Likely could be in line for a double-digit fantasy game with major upside. The Ravens will make a major effort to push the ball downfield under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Likely, a 2022 fantasy draft darling should definitely be in lineups in Week 1 if The Ravens play it safe with Andrews. In fact, Likely should be on fantasy radars even if Andrews is active. Gerald Everett (Los Angeles Chargers) – Reverting back to that Chargers/Dolphins game, Miami also struggled to defend tight ends. In fact, the Dolphins allowed the second-most receptions (100) and fourth-most touchdowns (10) to tight ends last season. Everett himself saw eight targets when these two teams squared off in Week 14. Everett
NFL Week 1 Rams at Seahawks: DFS & Fantasy Preview
NFL Week 1 Rams at Seahawks: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: Seahawks – 6 Over/Under: 46.0 The Rams come into 2023 with a rebuilding feel, and their star wide receiver (Cooper Kupp) is battling a hamstring injury heading into
Betting Line: Seahawks – 6
Over/Under: 46.0
The Rams come into 2023 with a rebuilding feel, and their star wide receiver (Cooper Kupp) is battling a hamstring injury heading into Week 1. Matthew Stafford is a proven quarterback, but his secondary receiving options are below the league average. Cam Akers played well late last season, giving the fantasy market hope that he will build on his success this year. I see risk in the secondary for Los Angeles, pointing to Seattle throwing the ball well if DE Aaron Donald can’t shorten the passing window.
The Seahawks bring a high foundation of the receiving corps, highlighted by DK Metcalf and the exciting Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Tyler Lockett has an excellent resume despite being on the wrong side of 30. Seattle lines two exciting young running backs – Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. The biggest question for this team is their defense, which is a win for overall scoring by their offense.
Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1.
The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap).
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford
- Last season, over nine starts, Stafford delivered one playable game (272/3) in the fantasy markets. His completion rate (68.0) was a career-best, but he had a decline in pass attempts per game (33.7 – 35.4) and an increase in his sack percentage (8.7 – 4.8 in 2021).
- In addition, his yards per pass attempt (6.9) declined by 1.2 yards from 2021 (8.1). His year ended after Week 11 with a neck injury.
- With Cooper Kupp trending toward a sit in Week 1, Stafford’s projection will be lowered in the next update.
- The Seahawks ranked 16th in quarterback defense, with one team scoring over 30.00 fantasy points.
- Seattle should score in this game, so a chaser game gives Stafford a chance only if Kupp is a full go.
Cam Akers
- Last season, Akers was a bust in the fantasy market over the first nine games (84/274/1 with two catches for 18 yards) while also missing two games with personal issues (not getting the ball enough).
- From Week 12 to Week 16, he gained 240 combined yards with three touchdowns and five catches.
- The Rams gave Akers a workhorse opportunity over his final three matchups (23/118/3, 19/123, and 21/04 with six combined catches for 63 yards), with the latter coming against Seattle.
- The Seahawks finished 28th in running defense (27.72 FPPG), with five teams scoring more than 35.00 fantasy points.
- There has been talk out of Rams’ camp that Kyren Williams would see more time this season on passing downs. Akers has the tools to rush for 100 yards with a score, putting in range…
To finish reading this in-depth fantasy and DFS breakdown of Week 1…
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Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 1
FullTime Fantasy has been synonymous with accurate fantasy football rankings for years. Our rankings have garnered numerous industry accolades, with several top-5 finishes in season-long, weekly, and even sports betting accuracy. This is the home of our FullTime Fantasy Football
Ranking You Can Trust
Our staff was ranked No. 1 last season, with not one but TWO analysts inside the top 10. With projections powered by NFBC Hall-of-Fame writer Shawn Childs and former FantasyPro’s Most Accurate Expert Jody Smith, FullTime Fantasy Members get instant access to reliable and trustworthy weekly rankings.
Additionally, Jody and Adam Krautwurst co-host the FullTime Fantasy Podcast, which is live-streamed weekly on YouTube. The guys are also active in the FullTime Fantasy Discord channel, helping answer all fantasy and sports betting inquiries.
Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 1
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NFL Week 1 Eagles at Patriots: DFS & Fantasy Preview
NFL Week 1 Eagles at Patriots: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: Eagles – 5 Over/Under: 45.0 Philadelphia comes a sensational season in 2022, but they finished one step short of greatness. Jalen Hurts offers power running with developing value in the passing game. The Eagles have a top offensive line, and their defense created plenty of pressure on the quarterback last season. Philly has three excellent receiving options (A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert) while adding D’Andre Smith in the offseason. New England is struggling to find their offensive identity after losing Tom Brady a few seasons ago. The Patriots have talent on defense, and they want to run the ball to control the clock. Mac Jones is a much better player than most believe. He can’t reach elite status without better play and production from his receiving corps. Rhamondre Stevenson will get plenty of touches this season, while Ezekiel Elliott brings experience off the bench. Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1. The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap). Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts Hurts continues to be a beast in the run game, highlighted by his stats in 2022 (165/760/13) despite missing two weeks. The improvement in his receiving options last year led to career-highs in completions (306), pass attempts (460), passing yards (3,701), passing touchdowns (22), yards per pass attempts (8.0), and completion rate (66.5). He passed for 300 yards or more in five matchups (333/1, 340/3, 380/3, 315/0, and 301/1), lifting him to third in quarterback scoring (423.05) in four-point passing touchdown formats. Hurts scored more than 30.00 fantasy points (37.35, 31.00, 30.05, 31.25, 31.35, 38.20, 32.55, 39.5, and 45.20) in nine of his 18 starts (including the postseason). New England ranked seventh defending quarterback (19.16 FPPG), with failure in two matchups (30.70 and 35.50 fantasy points). Quarterbacks rushed for 322 yards on 70 carries vs. the Patriots with two scores. To reach a winning score in Week 1, Hurts must score more than 30.00 fantasy points. It’s not the best matchup, but he is still a coin flip in any week due to his high floor in the run game and his exceptional receiving options. D’Andre Swift Swift appeared to kick down the fantasy door in Week 1 (15/144/1 with three catches for 31 yards) of 2022. Unfortunately, Detroit only gave him 17 touches over the following two games, leading to 133 combined yards with one score and five catches. A shoulder issue cost him three weeks plus a shallow role over the next five matchups (23/61/2 with 16 catches for 109 yards and one touchdown). Swift gained 453 yards with three touchdowns and 24 catches on 73 touches over his final six games. He finished the year ranked 21st in running back scoring (191.10) in PPR formats, with three weeks of success (26.50, 21.10, and 27.70 fantasy points). The Lions only had him on the field for 34.7% of their plays in 2022, which invites a higher ceiling with a higher role and a healthy season. The Eagles running backs had only 48 catches for 262 yards and no catches on 61 targets last season. Philadelphia should give the most touches in Week 1, but Swift doesn’t appear to have upside in scoring in close or catching many balls. To score 22.00 fantasy points, he needs a touchdown with more than 100 combined yards and about five catches. A three-back rotation isn’t his friend. Kenneth Gainwell With the Eagles’ abandoning the running back position in the passing game last season, Gainwell finished with 409 combined yards with four touchdowns and 23 catches. His only fantasy game of value (12/112/1 with one catch for nine yards) came in the first round of the postseason. There has been positive talk about Gainwell over the summer, but his role/opportunity is unclear. More of a gamble while needing 16.00 fantasy points at DraftKings to pay off. A.J. Brown The Eagles threw the ball 81 more times than I expected to their wide receivers in 2022, giving Brown a much better opportunity. He finished with career-highs in catches (88), receiving yards (1,496), and targets (145) while scoring 11 touchdowns and gaining an impressive 17.0 yards per catch. Brown gained 20 or more yards on 26.1% of his catches. His best output came in five games (10/155, 6/156/3, 8/119/2, 9/181, and 6/103). He averaged 8.5 targets last year. Based on his salary and outcomes in 2022, Brown would have filled his salary bucket 20% of the time over his 20 games played. Wide receivers had 207 catches for 2,688 yards and 15 touchdowns on 338 targets against New England in 2022. I don’t expect a 30.00 fantasy game, so I’ll look for upside elsewhere. DeVonta Smith Last year, Smith saw his opportunity grow by over 30%, leading to an exceptional year (95/1,196/7 on 136 targets). He caught 69.9% of his chances while being an impact player from Week 15 to Week 17 (5/126, 8/113/2, and 9/115) when fantasy championships were on the line. Smith gained more than 100 yards in three other matchups (8/169/1, 5/102/1, and 7/100). His season started with a goose egg on four targets, with emptiness in three other contests (3/17, 5/23, 2/22, and 2/36). Over his final 12 starts (including the postseason), Smith had 70 catches for 951 yards and six touchdowns on 105 targets. Smith needs about 29.00 fantasy points at DraftKings to finish as an edge play in Week 1. He reached that threshold twice (30.90 and 31.30 – 10% of the time) last season. I expect more big plays in
NFL Week 1 Packers at Bears: DFS & Fantasy Preview
NFL Week 1 Packers at Bears: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: Bears – 2.5 Over/Under: 43.5 The theme for the Packers in 2023 has the sound of a boy band (New Direction) after losing Aaron Rodgers and replacing him
Betting Line: Bears – 2.5
Over/Under: 43.5
The theme for the Packers in 2023 has the sound of a boy band (New Direction) after losing Aaron Rodgers and replacing him with their new Love. The summer reports have been positive for Jordan Love, especially his connection with Christian Watson. The running back position remains in the hands of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Green Bay added WR Jaylen Reed and TE Luke Musgrove to improve the depth of their passing options.
The Bears have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball, but they have the tools to be a much better offense in 2023. DJ Moore is an upgrade at wideout, and a healthy Darnell Mooney paired with Cole Kmet gives Justin Fields the weapons to push much higher in his pass production. He remains a beast running the ball. Chicago will rotate in three backs out of the gate.
Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1.
The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap).
Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love
- Love came to the NFL with size (6’4” and 225 lbs.) and a strong arm. He’ll make easy deep throws with a flick of his wrist. Love sometimes has a looker feel when waiting for a player to break open. I expect him to succeed if given time to throw and surrounded by talented receivers. His decision-making and reads need improvement while having some concerns with his accuracy.
- In his first chance to see game action with Green Bay in 2021, Love brought a dull feel, leading to 411 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions on his 62 pass attempts.
- He gained 6.6 yards per pass attempt. Last season, Love saw limited snaps over four games (14-for-21 with 195 yards and one touchdown).
- The Bears ranked 26th in quarterback defense (21.36 FPPG). Despite their lower rankings, only one quarterback posted an impact game (39.85 fantasy points). On the positive side, seven quarterbacks scored between 24.90 and 28.90 fantasy points.
- Love is priced in a favorable range, and he does have one explosive wideout. Let the “Magic” happen.
Aaron Jones
- Last year, Jones gained more than 1,400 combined yards for the third time while setting a career-high in catches (59).
- He was a much better player at home (932 combined yards with four touchdowns and 28 catches) than on the road (584 combined yards with three touchdowns and 31 catches).
- Jones gained more than 100 yards in six matchups. Green Bay had him on the field for the same percentage of plays (57.6) while playing two games.
- In Week 2, he posted an impact game (170 combined yards with two touchdowns and three catches) vs. the Bears.
- Chicago had the second-worst defense against running backs.
- The Packers will rotate in two backs, and Love may not get Jones as many targets as in the past with Aaron Rodgers behind center.
- He needs a 25.00 fantasy point game to be in the mix. I’ll take the under…
To finish reading this in-depth fantasy and DFS breakdown of Week 1…
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