5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 1

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 21: Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of a NFL preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Keane/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 20: Running back Jerick McKinnon #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores on a one-yard touchdown reception ahead of linebacker Zeke Turner #47 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 20, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 17-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Week 1 Fantasy Football pickups – Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon

Another winning strategy in fantasy football leagues is to try and find a stake in elite offenses. There aren’t many more profitable offenses for fantasy players than the Kansas City Chiefs, but finding the right opportunities to buy in is tricky.

There are two elite pass catchers in Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce while Patrick Mahomes is a candidate to be the best quarterback in fantasy. The running game is another story and there is a value play available by taking a flier on Jerick McKinnon.

A one-time starter for the San Francisco 49ers before knee injuries stalled his career, McKinnon has looked healthy in camp for the Chiefs. McKinnon is currently the third running back on Kansas City’s depth chart but he doesn’t have insurmountable obstacles ahead of him in Darrel Williams and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, with the latter coming off a disappointing fade at the end of his rookie season.

McKinnon’s pass-catching skills could make him a trusted receiving threat for Mahomes, which should enable McKinnon to establish himself as a third-down back at the start of the season. That skill set makes McKinnon a valuable flex option in PPR leagues who could be a valuable bench piece when bye weeks hit.

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