From a physical standpoint Garoppolo has had a smooth return from
ACL surgery. It's the mental part that has caused some consternation
in fantasy circles this offseason, so much so, that Jimmy G was
going undrafted in some leagues a few weeks ago. Things seemed to
have righted themselves, but I think this Niner offense is being
undersold here in Week 1. Yes, the receivers are young and raw,
but this week against a bad Tampa defense has a chance to be very
high scoring, as Vegas has this game as the fourth highest over/under.
With Nick Bosa
coming off a long pre-season layoff, San Fran is going to have trouble
stopping the Bruce Arians passing game. With a potential shootout
in the Florida sun, I like JG as a sneaky QB1 value play to start
the fantasy season.
I’m all about finding value at the QB position, especially in Week
1 when everything is fresh and new. Fewer things are more fresh
then the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck, and the subsequent ascension
of Brissett. There’s plenty of analysis out there about Brissett’s
season long outlook, but I actually think this is a great spot in
Week 1. The Chargers don’t have much of a home field advantage playing
in a little league stadium, and the loss of Derwin
James makes this secondary suddenly vulnerable. Sure they still
have an elite pass rush, but the Colts have the horses up front
to hold things down, and Brissett has a much better set of skill
position players to work with that he did the last time he started
in 2017. I think the Colts rally around their new leader, and he
makes a few big plays, enough to sneak into starting territory.
If you are playing QB roulette, or in a daily fantasy or auction
league, Brissett could be great value.
It’s been a rough couple of seasons for Carson Wentz. On the fast
track to stardom after an MVP-level season in 2017, a late season
ACL tear cost him a chance to play for a Superbowl. Rusty from the
rehab, Wentz lacked the precision of his pre-injury form before
going down yet again, this time with a back injury. The good news
is that Wentz enjoyed a healthy offseason, and the Eagles threw
all their weight behind their franchise player with new long-term
contract. Surrounded by the best skill position players of his career,
the sky's the limit for Wentz in 2019. The Eagle offense should
have their way in this one against their division rival, as I envision
a 300-yard, 3 touchdown down QB1 week.
Nope, your eyes do not deceive you. Mahomes is indeed in the “Grab
a Headset” section this week. Readers of the SCR know that players
here are not necessarily “sit” candidates, but sometimes guys that
might fail to score to their draft position or expectations. This
is likely the only chance Mahomes has to see this area of the column
(unless Joseph get’s real brave), so here’s why. Jacksonville, much
like 2017, is sneaking up on people again. They have been very quiet
this offseason, and are anxious to put their disappointing 2018
behind them. The Jaguars have the pass rushers and guys in the secondary
to frustrate Mahomes and match his physical gifts. Maybe it’s misguided
faith, but the Jags will be fired up at home against a team many
predict to go to the Super Bowl and I wouldn’t be shocked to see
Mahomes as a lower scoring QB1 this week.
It’s hard to feel sorry for a Harvard educated, professional athlete
who’s made millions of dollars in his career, but I truly worry
about Fitzpatrick this week against Baltimore. The Dolphins traded
away the anchor of their offensive line and a major playmaker at
receiver just a week before the regular season. They will have to
adjust on the fly against what is traditionally one of the best
defenses in the league. Fitz is a gritty, gutty vet, but he’s going
to be a constant threat for an in-game benching for Josh
Rosen. I’m trying to find ways that Miami can stay competitive
in this game, and I’m struggling to come up with any reasons. Fitz
might be the worst fantasy start of any quarterback in the league
in Week 1.
Injuries and inconsistency have combined to make Mariota,
a once rising fantasy star, into nothing more than a QB2. He and
the offense have looked terrible this offseason, unable to generate
much of a rhythm. Having a revolving door of offensive coordinators
certainly hasn’t helped, but Mariota has trouble with his deep
ball accuracy, mid-level touch and quick decision making. Things
got so bad this summer that there were rumblings around Ryan
Tannehill taking his job. Ouch! The Titans are going to try
to keep this game close with a conservative run-based game plan,
especially with the loss of their anchor left tackle Taylor Lewan.
Mariota was sacked 11 times in a game last year, and if they have
to throw to stay in the game, we could be looking at a repeat.
