Fantasy football Week 1: Top 10 matchups to attack

Raiders passing attack @ Saints

The Saints pass defense was the worst in the NFL last season by a pretty wide margin. They allowed more fantasy points to opposing QB’s than any other team in the league, were the fourth-best matchup for wide receivers, and the most giving defense to opposing tight ends. This offseason, New Orleans has tried to shore things up with draft picks, but their salary-cap situation only allowed them to land Nick Fairley as a notable free agent.

Any team playing the Saints was a good matchup last year especially when the games were at the Superdome where things often turned into a track meet. In fantasy football week 1, the Raiders rising offense will get the boost from the matchup making all their receiving options and Derek Carr solid options to consider.

Derek Carr makes a great start this week after looking good throughout the preseason.  He threw for just short of 4,000 yards last season while firing 32 touchdowns.  He gets the boost from the matchup which takes him from a high QB2 to a low QB1 this week.

Wide receiver Amari Cooper is also a name to watch this week as a low-WR1, and Michael Crabtree could definitely be started as your third WR or flex play. If you need a sleeper tight end (sorry Gronk owners), Clive Walford might be worth a look since he’s securely the team’s top tight end and the Saints gave up more fantasy points to opposing TE than any other NFL team.

Don’t overrate the Raiders and sit much better options, but if you’re torn over a decision leaning their way is a strategy that should pay off.

Next: A borderline RB1 this week