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QUARTERBACKS
Carson Palmer vs San Diego Chargers
With Ellington out in Arizona’s Week 1 Matchup, expect the Arizona Cardinals to stray away from running Jonathan Dwyer into the ground. We like Carson as he takes on a Chargers Defense that allowed nearly 17 points per game to opposing QB’s season. With Ellington out, we’re expecting a heavy aerial attack from Coach Arians; they have the receivers to do it!
Tony Romo vs San Francisco 49ers
Let’s get one thing straight – Tony Romo is a more valuable Fantasy QB than real life QB! As the Dallas Cowboys are steady competition for one of the worst Defenses ever, we like the odds of Tony Romo and pass happy Offensive Coordinator, Scott Linehan, to throw the rock all around this season. With this battered 49ers Defense that is just a shell of what they were last season, expect a lot of Fantasy Production in this Week 1 Matchups
RUNNING BACKS
Frank Gore at Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys Defense isn’t exactly better than what it was last season. With Sean Lee, DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher not playing for Dallas this season, it’ll be hard for this Dallas Defense to improve at all from last year! In 2013, this horrid Cowboys Defense allowed a league worst 23.0 Points Per Game to opposing RB’s. Of course, Carlos Hyde will take production away, but we’re sticking with Gore in this very favorable matchup.
Arian Foster vs Washington Redskins
Arian Foster said this week that he “feels wonderful physically” which is great news for Fantasy Owners as we recommend plugging him into your Week 1 lineup against a Redskins Defense that allowed the 4th Most Points Per Game to opposing RB’s last season. If Foster struggles gaining yardage early in the game, he’ll be in line to at least score TD’s. This Redskins Defense allowed the most Rushing TD’s last season at 23!
WIDE RECEIVERS
Andre Johnson vs Washington Redskins
With this Houston Texans team, it’s just a matter of time before their two star players (Andre & Arian) go down. Until that time comes, we’re sticking with Andre Johnson as start this week against a bad Washington Redskins Defense that allowed 11.8 Fantasy Points Per Game to WR1’s last season.
Michael Floyd vs San Diego
It’s going to be an exciting year for Michael Floyd this season, especially with Andre Ellington possibly Out for a multiple week absence. San Diego did improve their secondary this season with Brandon Flowers and Jason Verrett, but Carson Palmer won’t shy away this week as the Cardinals looks to implement a heavy aerial attack in their season opener.
Michael Crabtree at Dallas Cowboys
With the 49ers Defense down from last season and the Dallas Cowboys Defense, well, the Dallas Cowboys Defense, we’re expecting a lot Offense in this game. In fact, Vegas set the Over/Under at 52.0 yesterday! Cowboys CB Brandon Carr is expected to match-up against Crabtree in this one, which is great news for Crabtree. The disappointing corner was dreadful in 2013.
TIGHT ENDS
Jordan Reed at Houston Texans
In order for Griffin to snap out of his Pre-Season lackluster he’s going to need to rely on Jordan Reed to play a major role. The Texans have one of the best front 7, if not best in the NFL. With this, we can expect a lot of pressure on RG3 in this Week 1 matchup. Reed has the Aaron Hernandez type potential and is an easy target for Griffin III. I’m playing Reed while he’s healthy!
Antonio Gates at Arizona Cardinals
Antonio Gates is obviously at the end of his career, especially with Ladarius Green waiting in the wings. However, this week we’re going with Gates against the Arizona Cardinals who are terrible at guarding the TE position. This preseason Ladarius Green didn’t get near as much the playing time with Rivers as many expected (hoped). For this reason, we expect Gates to open the season with a bang against this Cardinals Defense who allowed 13.1 Points Per Game to opposing TE’s last season.