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5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 1

By William Schneiderhan

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 20: Darius Slayton #86 of the New York Giants runs a route against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 20: Darius Slayton #86 of the New York Giants runs a route against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 06: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at FedExField on October 6, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 06: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at FedExField on October 6, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Chris Thompson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Roster%: ESPN 36%

With the season so close, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a late surprising move and released running back Leonard Fournette. He has two 1,000+ rushing yard seasons in three years, and last year he was a receiving threat with a career-high 76 catches to go with another career-best 1,152 yards on the ground.

Now, the Jaguars will operate with a running back by committee, which means Ryquell Armstead and Chris Thompson become hot adds on the waiver wire.

The latter name, Thompson, is probably the safer add right now. Armstead did a fine job backing Fournette up last year, but Thompson is more versatile. In an offense that will likely see a lot of third downs, his pass-catching is where his value resides.

Simply, the Jaguars do not project to be a good football team this year. Releasing a player like Fournette reinforces that notion. Therefore, on offense, the game plan likely will not revolve around a heavy rushing attack since they will play behind quite a bit.

Therefore, you are not losing much with Thompson’s lack of rushing production, and you gain in his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Yes, for Week 1, it seems to be a roll of the dice with which player gets the bulk of reps behind Gardner Minshew. However, based on the current roster construct and opponent, Thompson would be a wise add and flex option, especially in PPR. He can slip out of the backfield and get grabs, and maybe sneak a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.

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