Fantasy Football: Should you sit Cam Newton in week one?
By markoyler
Hello Fantasy CPR! I hope everyone enjoyed the Seahawks dominating performance. I hope you also were not too disappointed by Aaron Rodgers’ less than spectacular performance. Now there are still 15 other games to be played this week, and it is time to nail down the other tough fantasy decisions you could be facing this week.
Quarterbacks:
Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) signals during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Start:
Carson Palmer, Cardinals:
Palmer comes into the season facing lofty expectations. ESPN pegged Palmer as a candidate to join the exclusive 5,000 yard club. Palmer opens up the 2014 season on Monday Night Football against the San Diego Chargers, who last season were less than impressive against the pass. The team did add cornerback Brandon Flowers from division rival Kansas City, so their secondary will be improved from last year. However, I believe with weapons such as Larry Fitzgerald and Micheal Floyd, Palmer could put up very nice numbers Week 1 for fantasy owners.
Sit:
Cam Newton, Panthers:
Cam Newton comes into the 2014 season looking to build on a solid 2013 season. Week 1 could be a bit of a struggle for Newton, as he will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though last season Newton seemed to excel against the division rival, this year Newton will be throwing to an entirely new cast of wide receivers, headlined by rookie Kelvin Benjamin. For someone who is a borderline QB1, I believe there are better options for Week 1 than Cam Newton
Running Backs:
Jun 10, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) during minicamp at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Start:
Pierre Thomas, Saints:
Fantasy Football is a game of opportunity, and no running back might have a bigger opportunity to prove himself more than Pierre Thomas. Over the past few seasons, Thomas has found himself sharing carries with the likes of Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles. Now both of them are gone, and this should be the Pierre Thomas show. Thomas also has a great match up versus Atlanta, who was the second worst team against the run last season. Pierre Thomas also has Khiry Robinson, whom the Saints could be looking to turn to at any point this season, and Mark Ingram who is in a contract year. I believe Thomas will have a chip on his shoulder and could have a nice fantasy day for owners as a flex play with RB2 upside.
Sit:
Doug Martin, Buccaneers:
Most owners probably don’t have the luxury of being able to sit Doug Martin this week since he was a pick in the first two rounds. However, if you find yourself with a few better options, it could be a wise decision to let Doug Martin ride the bench as he prepares to take on the tough Carolina Panthers defense. Coming off a rough 2013 season, it looks like Martin will start off with a chance to disappoint fantasy owners once again.
Wide Receivers:
Aug 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) catches a pass over Tennessee Titans cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (24) during first quarter of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Start:
Brandin Cooks, Saints:
Cooks steps into what could be the dream scenario for any rookie wide receiver. Drew Brees is his quarterback, and coach Sean Payton absolutely loves his play-making ability. Payton and Brees will find plenty of chances to get Cooks the ball as they look to replace Darren Sproles. I expect Cooks to get off to a hot start in the NFL. Make sure to plug him into your starting lineup.
Sit:
Keenan Allen, Chargers:
Keenan Allen caught the attention of Fantasy owners in his rookie season. The beginning of his sophomore season could cause a problem from him, as he will have to deal with the great Patrick Peterson. Allen could struggle mightily, and probably will have a hard time producing the kind of fantasy numbers his owners expect.
Tight Ends:
Jul 24, 2014; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) catches the ball during practice on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
For the tight ends, I will be taking a different approach. If you have any of the elite tight ends, you are obviously starting them. However, if you maybe waited in your draft to get a tight end, you might be wondering who could potentially have a big week. Look no further than Washington’s Jordan Reed. The Redskins main priority this season is to keep Robert Griffin III on the field for 16 games. This year I believe they will look to run a lot more short routes for Jordan Reed. Look for Reed to see a lot of work as RGIII could find himself under a lot of pressure against the Houston Texans pass rush.
Defense/Special Teams:
Aug 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Corey Wootton (99) celebrates with cornerback Shaun Prater (27) after recovering a fumble against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings will probably be a hot wavier wire option for fantasy teams looking to play the wire from week to week to pick up a defense. The simple reason is this: they have a great week 1 match up with the Jaguars. No one really knows what the Jaguars have to offer at this point, but we can all agree they are not very good on offense. Start the Vikings this week and you should be rewarded. Apologies to all the fantasy owners who have to go up against the Vikings defense this week, for they could find themselves forcing a lot of turnovers and getting to quarterback Chad Henne for a few sacks.
Now it is time for everyone’s favorite part of fantasy football: the sleepers. Who are those guys ranked low that are worth taking a chance on this week? Here are just a few:
Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer (20) dives for yardage in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
QB Jake Locker
RB Bernard Pierce
RB: Jonathan Dwyer- If Ellington is out, which seems likely Dwyer could be a top 15 back
WR: Danny Amendola
WR: Kenny Britt
TE: Travis Kelce
Defense: Houston Texans
That is all for this week. Best of luck to you in Week 1 of your quest towards your fantasy title. If you have any lineup questions either comment in the article or tweet me at @Marky_Mark2018.