Fantasy football Week 1: Top 10 matchups to attack

Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrate after combining on a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 28, 2016; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Marcellus Bennett (88) takes the field for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Martellus Bennett @ Cardinals

With Rob Gronkowski officially ruled out this week, the Patriots will get a good luck at new tight end Martellus Bennett as they head to Arizona to open the season without both Gronk and Brady. Bennett was acquired this offseason from the Bears in a trade which involved the Patriots sending a fourth-round pick and receiving a sixth-rounder.

He had seven catches this preseason for a total of 62 yards, but he showed a strong connection with both Tom Brady and his suspension-replacement Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo and Bennett both got plenty of work this preseason while Brady and Gronk were sidelined, so he should be ready to step up and produce.

Right now, Bennett is un-owned in over 25% of ESPN leagues, and he makes a great pickup option if you need a starter for fantasy football week 1. The Cardinals ranked in the middle of the pack against opposing tight ends last season, so don’t worry even though Arizona has a solid defense. I wouldn’t start Bennett over a more established option, but I have him as #9 on my week 1 rankings making him a starter in most formats.

Next: Another injury replacement

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