Week One of the NFL Season is in the bag and there were more than a few surprises in Fantasy Football. Kareem Hunt, Chiefs running back, was MVP of the week with 40.6 points with honorable mention going to Chiefs QB Alex Smith with 31 points. Scoring was down across the league, the sixth lowest scoring week in the NFL since 2012. Some great values on the Waiver Wire to be found this week: Lions WR Kenny Golladay, Steelers TE Jesse James, Bears RB Tarik Cohen and Chiefs QB Alex Smith are all owned in less than 10% of Fantasy Leagues and may be better alternatives to players you drafted.

Starts

Derek Carr, Quarterback, Raiders

Carr’s stellar performance on the road against the Tennessee Titans, who many predicted would challenge for the AFC crown, was impressive. Carr threw for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 26-16 win over the Titans. Expect an even better game this week when he plays the hapless New York Jets in Oakland.

Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Panthers


In his NFL debut versus the 49ers, he rushed for 47 yards and caught 5 passes for 38 yards. Though he did lose a fumble, he showed glimpses of what is to come. The Panthers are at home this week against the Buffalo Bills. He will get a few more receptions this week as a safety valve for Cam Newton and will come close to the 50 yard rushing mark.

Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Falcons

Julio Jones will bounce back from a lack luster performance against Chicago last week and will see the end zone and at least 100 yards in receptions this week at the opening of the Falcons’ new stadium against Green Bay on Sunday Night Football.

Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, Patriots

The Patriots were blindsided in their home opener, losing 42 to 27. Gronkowski also struggled in the home opener, catching 2 balls for 33 yards, losing a red zone touch down to a penalty. Even with a slow start, Gronkowski is a definite start this week against the porous Saints secondary.

Ravens Defense


Pick up the Ravens’ defense; it is owned in only 17.6% of fantasy leagues. In their shut-out win against the Bengals, they grabbed 4 interceptions, and forced 1 fumble. They play the Cleveland Browns this week, and will feast on rookie QB DeShone Kizer and the bottom ranked Browns offense. I can see the Ravens Defense having another great week.

Sits

Cam Newton, Quarterback, Panthers

Newton had a bad game against the 49ers, still rusty recovering from the torn rotator cuff he sustained last year. No relief this week when he will be matched up against the Buffalo Bills. The Panthers weak offensive line will give Newton little time to throw against the formidable Bills front line.

David Johnson, Running Back, Cardinals

If you don’t know already, David Johnson is going to miss significant time with a wrist injury that he sustained in Sunday’s loss to the Lions. Reports say Johnson will miss at least 2-3 months. This is a giant blow to many fantasy owners, Johnson was rated the number one running back and number one player in this year’s draft.

Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Cowboys

Dez Bryant had a horrible game against the New York Giants, he caught only 2 of 9 targets for a total of 43 yards. This week Bryant will line up against the formidable Denver Broncos who many say have the best defense in the NFL. I could see Bryant having another rough week, and you should consider placing him on the bench for this week.

Vikings Defense

The Vikings defense held the New Orleans Saints to four field goals and only one touchdown in week one. This week however, they are on the road against the Pittsburg Steelers. The Steelers are coming off a slow week 1 against the Browns, but I see them picking up the pace against the Vikings. You might not be able to sit the Vikings, but be careful as they will be put to the test.