NFL Week 1 Picks + Fantasy Start/Sit

NFL Week 1 Predictions:

We made it! I have no idea how we got here, but somehow we are just hours away from the start of the NFL season. This is the Week 1 NFL column, and I will be joined by my good friend Derrick Brown in making weekly picks and projections throughout the 2020 season. We would love to hear your feedback on our opinions, what you think will happen, and any other situational fantasy football questions you may have. Thank you for reading!

Thursday Night Football

Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs (-9):

Tommy: Kansas City (-9). Although the defending Super Bowl champions are a heavy favorite to kick off the 2020-21 season, they will still cover this spread. Reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes will outperform his draft day counterpart Deshaun Watson on a broadcast that is sure to bring up Mitchell Trubisky multiple times. Expect this game to come down to offense given the stardom at QB and two defenses that are vulnerable despite containing some top-tier talent. The Chiefs will prove too much for the Texans to overcome as Watson & co. figure their way through an offense that no longer has All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins. This one may stay close for awhile, but Kansas City separates and wins 31-20.

Derrick: Chiefs (-9). "I'm taking the reigning Super Bowl champs at home here playing against an injury-plagued Houston team that now features David Johnson at running back. I do believe Deshaun Watson will shine in the loss and start his year off the right way, but Kansas City will be too much on offense. Take KC."

Sunday 1 EST/10 PST

Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons (+1.5)

Tommy: Atlanta (+1.5). Seattle travels across the country to open their season down in Atlanta in a game that features two teams hopeful they can get back to the Super Bowl. The Atlanta Falcons retooled their offense this offseason by adding multiple former first-round picks, highlighted by Todd Gurley III, and now they look stacked - on paper. Meanwhile, MVP runner-up from a season ago Russell Wilson returns a lot of his favorite weapons on offense and looks poised to have another monster year. Atlanta wins a tough offensive battle due to sneaky important home-field advantage.

Derrick: Seahawks (-1.5). "Easy pick for me here. Seattle has a chance to blow this Atlanta team out. This is the first time in a long time that Russell Wilson has a full arsenal of weapons, and I expect him to capitalize early and often. Metcalf, Lockett & Carson will all take turns eating up this weak Falcons defense. Take SEA."

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills (-6.5):

Tommy: Buffalo (-6.5). Easy pick here for me (which means Buffalo should probably be concerned) but I think the Bills have answers for the Jets on both sides of the football. Sam Darnold and Josh Allen will both have a chance to lock up second contracts with their play this season, but out of the gate Allen is in a much better position to succeed. This Bills defense is one of the most well put together units across the NFL. They have a chance to suffocate a Jets offense that will be searching for an identity early on in the season. Josh Allen will have a chance to win this game from the pocket, something #BillsMafia (and the front office) would love to see.

Derrick: Bills (-6.5). "I'm taking Buffalo here. Looking at what the Jets offense has done the past few seasons with Sam Darnold, I don't expect them to put up many points against a Bills defense which was one of the best in the league last year. I expect Buffalo's defense to shine and give Darnold a lot of problems in this one. Take Buffalo."

Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions (-3):

Tommy: Chicago (+3). This pick was not as easy as I wished given I'm a Bears fan, but I still think that defense will be too much of a problem for Detroit. Many people see this Detroit team contending in the North this year, but I have to see it under Patricia before I believe it. I don't believe the Bears offense warrants any confidence right now outside of Allen Robinson, but Trubisky historically handles the Lions better than other teams. I think Nagy finds a way to do enough with that offense to squeak out of Detroit with a win...or at least the cover.

Derrick: Lions (-3). "I'm not buying Chicago's offense. It's so much of a problem for me that I'm taking Detroit here. I expect Detroit to rebound and build off of last season when they got off to a promising start before Matthew Stafford got injured. If Kenny Golladay and Stafford can stay healthy, they could pose a big threat to that NFC North."

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (-3):

Tommy: Green Bay (+3). Aaron Rodgers was obviously put in a weird situation by his organization this offseason when they traded up and selected Jordan Love in the first round of the NFL draft. For at least this year, though, Rodgers is the guy and he's familiar with this Vikings team. Minnesota is starting very young corners and I expect A-Rod to take advantage. I even think Allen Lazard is a sneaky cheap DFS pick this week.

Derrick: Packers (+3). "This is definitely one of the tougher picks for me. I expect both teams to do well this year. I think both have strengths on both side of the ball, so for this one I'm going to take Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay. I think the departure of Stefon Diggs is going to slow this Vikings offense down just enough for Green Bay to cover the spread and likely win the game."

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (-6.5):

Tommy: New England (-6.5). I am upset with this week 1 matchup because it seems like the NFL is robbing us of that beautiful week 1 Fitzmagic by pinning him up against Belichick in New England. The Patriots have a lot of things to figure out, and Brian Flores is going to bring his guys ready to play, but there's simply too many holes on the Dolphins. The Patriots will be calculated in a smooth victory to begin the Cam Newton era.

Derrick: Patriots (-6.5). "First thing's first, I definitely don't expect to see the Dolphins team from a year ago. Tua will get his chance to start eventually, DeVante Parker is still there as a viable #1 option, and they added some nice veterans into the backfield in Jordan Howard and Matt Brieda. HC Brian Flores gets the most out of his guys every week and I expect them to put up some battles this season, but it won't be enough in an early matchup in New England against Belichick. Cam Newton will have a solid game and you should never bet against BB at home. Take the Pats."

Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Football Team (+6):

Tommy: Washington (+6). The Washington Football Team has a ton of questions surrounding their offense, but it still contains some firepower. Terry McLaurin on the outside and Antonio Gibson out of the backfield can get 6 on any play from scrimmage, and this Washington defense should disrupt the Eagles offense enough to stay close. The Eagles return a strong defense but the offense is riddled with injuries and question marks. I expect Philly to win the game, but I think it stays within a score.

Derrick: Eagles (-6). "Last season I remember the spread for this game being very similar and Washington almost won the game. HC Ron Rivera seemingly will be an upgrade from Jay Gruden who I believe lost the locker room early on last year. Washington should have a very solid front seven, and they will be facing an Eagles O-line that has been banged up and moving pieces around all preseason. With all that said, I still like the Eagles in this matchup. Washington has an unproven quarterback with unproven weapons and will be facing one of the best D-line rotations in the NFL. Philly also made improvements to that secondary bringing in key players such as Darius Slay and Robey Coleman. I'm predicting an Eagles win by 10+."

Las Vegas Raiders @ Carolina Panthers (+3):

Tommy: Carolina (+3). This game might make me look really stupid because this Panthers defense could end up having no answers for a strong Raiders rushing attack. But, Christian McCaffery is a dangerous rushing attack himself, and Teddy Bridgewater knows how to manage games. He has some other solid options in Robby Anderson and Curtis Samuel, so I expect Carolina to have enough to defend home field against a team traveling cross country.

Derrick: Raiders (-3). "I see this being a better year for the Raiders. They have an established running game with Josh Jacobs and all 5 returning O-linemen. I believe in their talent at pass catcher with the drafting of Henry Ruggs coupled with Darren Waller and dare-I-mention Nelson Agholor. I think the Raiders win this game behind that offense against a Carolina defense that has been getting worse since Super Bowl 50 and now seems to be completely depleted."

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars (+8):

Tommy: Indianpolis (-8). This year's Jaguars team reminds me a lot of last year's Dolphins team. If my memory serves me correctly, Miami got blitzed by 49 week 1 last year. This Jags team will be scrappy and stay in games this year, but it'll take time to get playing at a level that can compete with other NFL teams given the talent gap. Especially playoff hopeful teams like Indy.

Derrick: Jaguars (+8). "I honestly don't think the Jaguars offense is going to miss Fournette too much. I think they knew they were ready to move on from him and were prepared to start the season without him on their roster. I also don't believe in the aging Philip Rivers moving over to a new offense in Indy. I'm not sold on Jacksonville winning this game, but I think they do enough to cover the spread at home."

Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens (-8):

Tommy: Baltimore (-8). These two teams split the season series last year, but had seasons that went in opposite directions - the Ravens 14-2 & the Browns 6-10. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson is eager to follow in Pat Mahomes' footsteps and win a Super Bowl. The Ravens improved as a team around him, bringing on strong acquisitions through the draft (JK Dobbins, Patrick Queen) and free agency (Calais Campbell). I just mentioned the Dolphins 59-10 loss from week 1 last season in my last pick. The winner of the matchup? Baltimore Ravens.

Derrick: Browns (+8). "This is another one of those picks that I went back and forth on. I wanted to go with Baltimore because of the obvious - MVP Lamar Jackson - but if we look back at last year, Cleveland blew out Jackson and the Ravens. With Baker Mayfield adding a new HC & OC, getting Odell back healthy, and adding Austin Hooper onto Landry and Njoku, this Browns team should have more than enough to work with. I think the Browns keep this game close enough to cover the spread in Baltimore."

Sunday 4:25 EST/1:25 PST

Los Angeles Chargers @ Cincinnati Bengals (+3):

Tommy: Cincinnati (+3). The Bengals were disturbing to watch play football last season, so I understand why some might fade them this week. I am a Joe Burrow believer through and through, and I think the fact that he was voted a captain of this team proves that his teammates believe in him as well. The O-line is still shaky, but he has Tyler Boyd, a healthy AJ Green and a paid Joe Mixon ready to ball with him. The Chargers just didn't play very inspiring football last season, and I'm not sure Tyrod Taylor will give them the jolt they need to compete on the road.

Derrick: Chargers (-3). "Vet > Rookie when it comes to opening day QB. I think Cincy has built up a decent arsenal of weapons for Joe Burrow, but with all the uncertainty entering this season I am scared off of the rookie. I believe it will take time for the Bengals offense to get going. Tyrod Taylor's veteran leadership will give the Chargers a close win, just enough to cover the spread."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints (-4):

Tommy: New Orleans (-4). Last year the Saints won their opener on a GW field goal by Wil Lutz in a close game against the Houston Texans. I don't expect this game to be so close, even with the trendy Super Bowl pick Buccaneers coming to town. I think the Saints benefit from the COVID-19 filled offseason more than any other team given the offensive and defensive cores they are returning. Tampa Bay should be solid, but the team is not as familiar with one another.

Derrick: Buccaneers (+4). "This game is strong candidate for Game of the Week. There is firepower everywhere on both of these squads. I like Tampa Bay to cover the spread in this one. Tom Brady has NEVER been surrounded by a team like this, so it'll come down to Arians' coaching versus BB. Regardless, Brady should be locked in to having himself a crazy year throwing the ball to guys like Godwin, Evans, and Gronk."

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers (-7):

Tommy: San Francisco (-7). The 49ers enter week 1 with a lot of questions around that offense, but George Kittle is my answer. Arizona gave up SIXTEEN touchdowns to tight ends last season, including 1 to Kittle in one matchup. I think he has the ability to dominate the Cardinals secondary and Kyle Shanahan should scheme up a rushing attack that works. I think the Cardinals offense will be one of the most dangerous in the league this year behind Kyler Murray and Deandre Hopkins, but it will get off to a slow start against a stout San Fran defense.

Derrick: Cardinals (+7). "Making this pick kind of twisted me up because I feel like San Fran at home should be the choice here. But, thinking about Kyler Murray getting blessed with Kenyan Drake last year, and now this offseason with Nuk, I expect them to have the offensive attack to hang in the football game and cover. Arizona also went O-line in the first round of draft which should help that offense flow better and will be critical with them facing up against the 49ers' great D-line. Kyler was a top-8 fantasy QB last year and now they are starting to fill out the rest of that roster. He's due for a huge year offensively as well.

Sunday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys @ Los Angeles Rams (+3):

Tommy: Dallas (-3). I really like Dallas' offense and I think they'll get off to a hot start in L.A. The addition of CeeDee Lamb gives them weapons that can beat you all across the field and can expose weaknesses of which the Rams have plenty. I think this is the year the Rams' financial decisions will become a real thorn in their side. Dak Prescott will look to make a splash on national TV in his "money year."

Derrick: Cowboys (-3). "This pick was a no brainer to me. The Rams have gotten worse each year since 2016. They are now without their workhorse Todd Gurley and are sure to have a mediocre running game to go along with their mediocre QB. Even though Dallas had key losses to their team including Travis Frederick and Byron Jones, they still seem like the more complete football team in this matchup. Take Dallas on Sunday night."

Monday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New York Giants (+5.5)

Tommy: Pittsburgh (-5.5). A lot of people are expecting Big Ben to come back and put this Steelers team back in Super Bowl discussions. I'm not as optimistic about how he'll perform this year, and I think JuJu still has to prove that he can be a WR1 against top cornerbacks which was the narrative beginning last year before Big Ben's injury. Still, they have a healthy James Conner and a solid offensive line. Not to mention one of the best and most complete defenses in the NFL.

Derrick: Steelers (-5.5). "Big Ben is back, and I think that's all you need to know for this matchup. I'm looking for the Steelers to have a huge bounce back year. I believe the Giants are improving and have really solid building blocks, but they have a new HC, a young QB and a pretty bad O-line. That is recipe for disaster, especially against an elite Steelers defense. Take Pitt."

Tennessee Titans @ Denver Broncos (+1.5):

Tommy: Tennessee (-1.5). Really tough pick here. Had it not been for Von Miller's injury, I may have taken the Broncos here. It is really difficult to go into Denver and win early in the season, but Tennessee has the recipe to do so. I imagine an inspired Denver defense will do their best to sell out and stop Derrick Henry, but does that even work against Derrick Henry? Ryan Tannehill also has a go-to guy in AJ Brown off the play action. Titans defense is solid, they should win a close(ish) one.

Derrick: Titans (-1.5). "WHO IS GOING TO STOP DERRICK HENRY? When you look at the Broncos on paper, the first thing that jumps out is the tandem of Von Miller & Bradley Chubb - lethal, right? Problem is, Miller is now out indefinitely and Chubb is likely to start the season on a "pitch count." When I evaluate what's left for Denver, I think they have upside but it's all going to come down to Drew Lock. If he's for real, they can get back on track. If he's a bust, it's back to square one for the Broncos. Look for Derrick Henry to have a dominant performance to start the year and the Titans to get a big road win."

Tommy's Picks

Chiefs (-9) v Texans

Falcons (+1.5) v Seahawks

Bills (-6.5) v Jets

Bears (+3) @ Lions

Packers (+3) @ Vikings

Patriots (-6.5) v Dolphins

Football Team (+6) v Eagles

Panthers (+3) v Raiders

Colts (-8) @ Jaguars

Ravens (-8) v Browns

Bengals (+3) v Chargers

Saints (-4) v Buccaneers

49ers (-7) v Cardinals

Cowboys (-3) @ Rams

Steelers (-5.5) @ Giants

Titans (-1.5) @ Broncos

Derrick's Picks

Chiefs (-9) v Texans

Seahawks (-1.5) @ Falcons

Bills (-6.5) v Jets

Lions (-3) v Bears

Packers (+3) @ Vikings

Patriots (-6.5) v Dolphins

Eagles (-6) @ Football Team

Raiders (-3) @ Panthers

Jaguars (+8) v Colts

Browns (+8) @ Ravens

Chargers (-3) @ Bengals

Buccaneers (+4) @ Saints

Cardinals (+7) @ 49ers

Cowboys (-3) @ Rams

Steelers (-5.5) @ Giants

Titans (-1.5) @ Broncos

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Week 1 Fantasy Football Start 'Em & Sit 'Em

Start 'Em:

Quarterback

Tommy: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills. (Home vs. Jets)

Josh Allen gets a dream fantasy match to start the season, facing off against the Jamal Adams-less Jets. He should get plenty time in the pocket all day and also will have the opportunity to throw to his new #1 receiver Stefon Diggs. In addition, Allen returns top weapons John Brown, Cole Beasley, Dawson Knox and Devin Singletary out of the backfield. I believe Buffalo will look to let Allen loose in this one, as they should control the game in all three phases.

Derrick: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers. (Road @ Giants)

"A lot of people are already calling Roethlisberger a serious candidate for Comeback Player of the Year, and I absolutely agree. Big Ben is a HOF'er facing off against a really weak secondary. I think he'll be juiced to get back on the field, and he has some solid weapons. Put him in your lineup."

Running Backs

Tommy: Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks (Road @ Falcons)

I almost went with Malcolm Brown for the Rams here, but I wanted to go with a player likely to be rostered in more leagues. But still, don't sleep on Brown as an RB plug-in early on in the year while Darrell Henderson Jr. gets healthy and Cam Akers gets acquainted to the NFL. As for Carson, I think he sees massive volume against a weak Atlanta defense. Whatever the game flow, Carson figures to be the focal point of the Seahawks attack and could find the end zone multiple times on Sunday.

Raheem Mostert, San Fransisco 49ers (Home vs. Cardinals)

Mostert struggled in two games against the Cardinals last season, but is in a prime position to get some revenge this coming Sunday. Mostert wasn't a sexy pickup in fantasy drafts because HC Kyle Shanahan loves to shuffle his RBs and go with the hot hand, but the hot hand out of camp is Mostert. 49ers have a beat up receiving core entering week 1 and should look to rely on that strong running game that led them to a Super Bowl last season. Let us not forget Mostert's 220 yard, 4 TD performance in the NFC Championship game was the highlight of that run.

Derrick: Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (Road @ Bengals)

"Remember last year when Ekeler was battling Melvin Gordon for touches and STILL outperformed him week after week? Yup, now it's just him in that backfield. Set him and forget it. He's also facing a terrible Bengals run D. Good luck if you're facing Ekeler this week..."

Josh Jacobs, Oakland Raiders (Road @ Panthers)

"Jacobs was a fantasy stud last season but got hurt late in the year. Look for him to have a huge game out of the gate against maybe the worst rushing defense in the league in Carolina? The loss of Kuechly will burn the Panthers early and Jacobs will eat this weekend against the Panthers."

Wide Receivers

Tommy: Will Fuller V, Houston Texans (Road @ Chiefs)

Week 1 is a dream week for Will Fuller fantasy owners simply because he isn't questionable for maybe the first time ever. Every fantasy football owner is familiar with Fuller's injury history, but he starts this season healthy with a juicy matchup against a Kansas City team that should put up a ton of points and play from ahead. Plus, Deshaun Watson just got paid and will be looking to ball out in a head-to-head matchup against the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Watson and Fuller have always had great chemistry and they'll have plenty of opportunity to hook up in the season opener.

Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons (Home vs. Seahawks)

I expect Seattle's new signee Jamal Adams to spend much of the afternoon playing over the top of Julio Jones, which will give Ridley opportunity to hit for big plays in this one. New Falcons Todd Gurley III and Hayden Hurst should attract plenty of defensive attention as well. Ridley has the talent to jump into that WR1 category, and I expect him to make that leap this season starting with a strong week 1 outing.

Derrick: DJ Chark Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (Home vs. Colts)

"Shark is the best offensive weapon that Gardner Minshew and the Jaguars have at their disposal this season. I expect him to be used early and often. Coming off a monster campaign last year, Chark Jr. has a prime opportunity to add to those numbers and establish himself as a solidified go-to-guy."

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Road vs. Saints)

"Reports out of Tampa Bay this week have been discussing a minor soft tissue injury for Mike Evans leaving his week 1 status in doubt. Whether he ends up suiting up or not, that means Chris Godwin is in a perfect position to be Brady's #1 option this week. Like many others, I'm expecting a huge season out of Godwin already even with Evans on the field. If Evans is a late scratch, Godwin has the opportunity to put up the top point total for all WRs in week 1."

Tight End

Tommy: Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders (Road @ Panthers)

Waller really became a security blanket last season for QB Derek Carr, finishing 2nd in TE receptions with 90. This year, he begins with a strong matchup against the Carolina Panthers sans Luke Kuechly. The Las Vegas receiving core figures to be relying heavily on rookies with Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards slotted as starters on the depth chart. Waller should be a ppr beast this Sunday with touchdown upside.

Derrick: Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons (Home vs. Seahawks)

"I'm huge on Hayden Hurst this season. Depending on how this week goes, I think he could be a 'set him and forget it' type of player in this Falcons offense. Atlanta has already said they expect Hurst on the field for the majority of downs, and Austin Hooper's departure leaves Hurst with every opportunity to fill that role - which was fantasy rich last year."

Sit 'Em:

Quarterback

Tommy: Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns (Road @ Ravens)

If you're looking for an explanation on this one, you can probably go ask a Baker Mayfield or Odell Beckham Jr. owner from last season. Honestly, I believe they will connect better this year and the Browns offense as a whole will improve. Baltimore is a brutal matchup, though. The Ravens should come storming out the gates this year and they have the talent on their defense to match the Browns on the outside. If the Browns want to keep this one close, they will be feeding those RBs - especially with Stefanski in there at HC.

Derrick: Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (Road @ Broncos)

"This isn't a knock against Tannehill at all. This is a knock against the Broncos run defense. Look for Derrick Henry to take on about 75% of the Titans offensive attack in Denver, leaving Tannehill too low of volume for any fantasy relevance in week 1."

Running Backs

Tommy: Le'Veon Bell, New York Jets (Road @ Bills)

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Le'Veon Bell enters the 2020 season with a ton of questions surrounding him and his role in that offense. He continued to butt heads with HC Adam Gase through the preseason, and is liable at any time to lose workload because of it (Gase is kind of insane). Plus, Bell gets a terrible draw against a stellar Bills defense. Fading him and seeing how it goes.

Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos (Home vs. Titans)

I really don't know what to think about Melvin Gordon entering this year. The Broncos were the team that decided to pay him (albeit way less than I figure he wanted) but I still am not convinced he is going to be a workhorse of any kind. Phillip Lindsay is still in the backfield, and Denver focused their draft capital this season on improving the passing game (3 WR, TE). Gordon displayed the ability to be a serviceable pass catcher last season in L.A., but I don't expect Drew Lock to be as dedicated to the dump off as Philip Rivers was a year ago. This is another situation where I want to see how things play out before inserting MGIII in my starting lineup.

Derrick: Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals (Road @ 49ers)

"I fully believe in Drake's ability to have another monster fantasy year for the Arizona Cardinals. But, he has been banged up during the preseason and spent a good amount of time in a walking boot at camp. The Cardinals have a trustworthy backup in Chase Edmonds that could steal work. Drake is also slotted up against on of the best run defenses in the NFL, San Francisco. I still believe he has RB2/Flex value this week, but tamper expectations out the gate."

Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Road @ Saints)

"We all know how much volume Fournette has seen since entering the league in 2017. That's not the case in Tampa Bay as he is still getting acquainted with the offense and will be competing for carries at least early on in the year. If Tampa Bay gets momentum going, Fournette could blossom into a RB1/RB2 fringe guy later in the year, but you don't want to throw him in your lineups yet."

Wide Receivers

Tommy: Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys (Home vs Rams)

I expect this Cowboys team to move the ball well in this matchup, but Amari Cooper is likely going to face Jalen Ramsey for most of the night. I think Zeke will have a big game, and the other Cowboys targets (Gallup, Lamb, Jarwin) should have no problem getting open against the Rams secondary players. Cooper is mega-talented and could prove me wrong here, but I'm sure at least Ramsey would agree with me.

Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns (Road @ Ravens)

This is a sad moment for me because I have been the biggest Jarvis Landry truther for so long. No doubt about it, Landry has WR1 talent, but right now there are a lot of mouths to feed in Cleveland and not many cafeteria workers on that Ravens D. Landry is likely to see a combination of Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters and Jimmy Smith all afternoon. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, I expect Kevin Stefanski to run, run, run the football. Hopefully, you have another option(s) in week 1 and can look toward Landry next Thursday against Cincy.

Derrick: DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins (Road @ Patriots)

"I loved DeVante Parker as a later-round pick up in drafts this year. He has plenty of upside, however Stephon Gilmore will likely shadow him around the field on Sunday. Not a good idea to start Parker this week if you have other similar options on your bench."

AJ Green, Cincinnati Bengals (Home vs. Chargers)

"Green doesn't have a terrible matchup this week, but obviously he hasn't played a live snap in a whole year including team drills this preseason. Add to that the fact his quarterback is making his NFL debut and there are other reliable fantasy options on this offense like Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon, it is yet to be determined where Green's fantasy value sits for the 2020 season."

Tight End

Tommy: Evan Engram, New York Giants (Home vs. Steelers)

If Engram can stay healthy, he's in line to get a lot of targets from QB Daniel Jones this season. I know with there being injury buzz around Golden Tate and Darius Slayton, people may want to go Engram here in week 1. If you have no other TEs and don't want to let EE go to the waiver wire, it's fine, I guess. But, you should be looking to avoid this Steelers defense at the TE position all year unless you have one of those elite guys.

Derrick: Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans (Road @ Broncos)

"I think Smith will end up being a reliable tight end at some point this season, but not this week. As I discussed, Henry will be taking on a majority of the workload Monday night. I expect the passing game from Tennessee to be limited and Smith isn't often Tannehill's first option of the play action."