Fantasy Soccer is all in regards to the matchups. Despite the fact that you drafted your workforce with sure hopes and intentions, your weekly lineup selections should not be decided by the order you picked your gamers in. It’s essential to test who your gamers play and be sure you’ve obtained the proper guys in — and the unsuitable guys out.
It is too early to be completely certain on which matchups can be simple and which of them can be robust, however we are able to take some educated guesses primarily based on wholesome personnel, defensive schemes, observe information and key particulars of offenses. The issues we all know will help us decrease the affect of the issues we do not know. This could result in higher selections being made.
We’ll undergo each sport and spotlight the gamers who aren’t apparent begins and sits (since you do not must be instructed to start out Bijan Robinson). It’s best to really feel extra snug beginning or sitting gamers primarily based on the data given, and feeling snug together with your Fantasy lineup earlier than the video games begin is the very best feeling on this planet.
All traces from Caesars Sportsbook.
In 4 video games with out Micah Parsons final yr the Cowboys had 10 sacks on a 34.4% cross rush strain fee. In addition they misplaced three of the 4 video games (Dak Prescott began all 4). These charges are very a lot according to an above-average protection, which is at greatest what they’re now given their accidents and lack of a dominant cross rush. It makes for a simple first sport for Philadelphia’s offensive line which returns 4 starters, a number of of whom have been a part of the O-line that is let up 13 sacks to the Cowboys of their previous six head-to-head conferences. … It must also be talked about that Philadelphia’s cross rush has modified dramatically since final season — three front-seven starters (15.5 sacks between them) have been changed. If Dallas’ O-line focuses on stopping the Eagles’ two large defensive tackles then it’s going to be attention-grabbing if edge rusher Nolan Smith can capitalize. Philly’s secondary additionally has some adjustments that may assist Dallas transfer the ball. In the end I do suppose the Cowboys cross loads, which helps provides everybody within the cross sport a shot at a great stat line, Prescott included.
MUST-STARTS: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown
STARTS: Dak Prescott (low-end starter), George Pickens, Jake Ferguson, Eagles DST
FLEX: DeVonta Smith
SITS: Dallas Goedert (low-end starter), Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Cowboys DST
With out an enormous addition to their cross rush, I might be shocked if the Chargers veered from how they performed the Chiefs final yr: rather less zone protection than towards different opponents, rather less blitzing too, however loads of cross rush strain nonetheless. That formulation helped them restrict Mahomes in two video games. If the Chargers efficiently assault the left facet of the Chiefs’ young-but-unproven offensive line, then it is going to be three straight video games. Travis Kelce noticed a goal leap final yr in video games with out Rashee Rice and will see one other right here, particularly if the Chargers decide to cowl him with linebackers in area and never man-to-man.
MUST-STARTS: Ladd McConkey
STARTS: Patrick Mahomes, Omarion Hampton (low-end No. 2 RB), Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, Chiefs DST (low-end starter)
FLEX: Isiah Pacheco
SITS: Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Najee Harris, Chargers DST
Atlanta’s large defensive additions had been a pair of rookie edge rushers, one among whom (Jalon Walker) is working his method again from a hamstring harm. The opposite (James Pearce Jr.) had seven hurries on 40 cross rush snaps this preseason. Not dangerous. I would not fear about them or the Falcons normally towards the Bucs, even with Tristan Wirfs not enjoying left deal with. … The matchup to essentially sweat is backup-turned-starter Elijah Wilkinson at proper deal with for the Falcons. Wilkinson graded out nicely, particularly in cross safety, over 53 preseason cross block snaps in response to Professional Soccer Focus. Nevertheless, he final had significant enjoying time in 2023 with Arizona, permitting 25 pressures and drawing six penalties over 501 snaps — at left guard. He final performed proper deal with in 2021. One thing tells me that blitz-happy Bucs coach Todd Bowles will construct schemes to assault Wilkinson, who will defend the left-handed Michael Penix Jr.’s blind facet. When pressured in three begins final yr, Penix accomplished 36% of his passes for some ugly stats — 5.4 yards per try with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.
MUST-STARTS: Bijan Robinson, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans, Drake London
STARTS: Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers DST
FLEX: Emeka Egbuka
SITS: Michael Penix Jr., Darnell Mooney (deep-league flex), Kyle Pitts, Cade Otton, Rachaad White, Chris Godwin, Falcons DST
Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden’s tendencies at Notre Dame final yr suggests he’ll play extra man-to-man protection than former playcaller Lou Anarumo did, that he’ll use safeties towards the Browns tight ends, and linebackers somewhat extra usually than safeties towards working backs. Security Jordan Battle (73.7% catch fee allowed final yr) versus David Njoku can be one matchup I might search for. … Till rookie Quinshon Judkins indicators and will get ramped up (might take 4 weeks), I feel Dylan Sampson could have the chance to take touches from Jerome Ford if he can show his effectivity. He was the 2024 SEC Offensive Participant of the Yr who broke Tennessee’s faculty document for speeding touchdowns. Sampson additionally had modest effectivity as a pass-catcher. Beginning Sampson won’t be a good suggestion however rostering him in case he breaks out whereas Judkins stays unsigned is a simple gamble to take. Plus, the matchup towards Cincy’s largely unimproved run protection seems to be actually good.
MUST-STARTS: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Chase Brown
STARTS: Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku
FLEX: Jerome Ford
SITS: Joe Flacco (high-end No. 2 QB), Cedric Tillman, Dylan Sampson, Harold Fannin, Samaje Perine, Raheim Sanders, Browns DST, Bengals DST
I spent all offseason speaking about Tyler Warren’s potential as a participant, however I additionally knew his Week 1 matchup can be a goodie. The Dolphins weren’t good towards high-volume tight ends final yr and solely added security Minkah Fitzpatrick as a possible protection man towards the place. Fitzpatrick allowed an 86.4% catch fee to tight ends with the Steelers final yr; Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks allowed an 84% catch fee to tight ends. Given Miami’s actually deep cross rush, I count on Daniel Jones to get the ball out fast to short-area targets like Warren and Josh Downs to allow them to make performs after the catch. Warren is price a Week 1 begin.
MUST-STARTS: Jonathan Taylor, De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill
STARTS: Tyler Warren
FLEX: Jaylen Waddle, Josh Downs (low-end PPR flex)
SITS: Tua Tagovailoa (high-end No. 2 QB), Daniel Jones, Michel Pittman, Darren Waller (good one-week stash), Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins DST, Colts DST
Whereas the Panthers can be an improved protection this yr, particularly with large D-tackle Derrick Brown again, I believe their cross rush can be slower to shine than their run protection. It units up Trevor Lawrence properly for his debut in a neatly schemed cross sport that ought to see Travis Hunter play a great quantity of snaps and win on in-breaking routes towards the Panthers’ zone-heavy protection. However he will not be the one one — tight finish Brenton Unusual would possibly land the very best matchups towards Carolina’s linebackers and could possibly be a very sneaky play. Do not be shocked to see Lawrence with a great sport — if he does not it’s going to elevate some questions. … I additionally count on a great debut from Tetairoa McMillan, who figures to be the highest receiver for the Panthers. Bryce Younger was shaky towards zone protection final yr, and McMillan proved in faculty he can do nicely towards any scheme. The Jaguars determine to maneuver to extra zone ideas after bombing out in heavy man-to-man protection final season, and never numerous cornerbacks within the league can match up with McMillan’s measurement. It could possibly be McMillan who retains the Panthers on this sport. FRIDAY P.M. UPDATE: Panthers left deal with Ikem Ekwonu is not going to play, inflicting some concern over how efficient Carolina’s O-line can be. The Jaguars did add to their cross rush this offseason and can virtually definitely assault backup Yosh Nijman.
MUST-STARTS: Brian Thomas Jr., Chuba Hubbard
STARTS: Trevor Lawrence (low-end No. 1 QB), Tetairoa McMillan (low-end No. 2 WR), Brenton Unusual (borderline starter)
FLEX: Travis Hunter (low-end PPR flex), Travis Etienne (low-end non-PPR flex)
SITS: Bryce Younger, Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten, Xavier Legette, Hunter Renfrow, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jaguars DST, Panthers DST
Pete Carroll deserves heaps of credit score for turning unknown cornerbacks into shut-down stars, nevertheless it may be too quickly to count on him to work his magic towards the Patriots. The truth is, it isn’t simply the cornerbacks however the linebackers and safeties that provide some interesting matchups for Drake Maye to make the most of. Tight ends have at all times been an enormous a part of Josh McDaniels’ offenses and ought to be keys right here, as ought to rookie TreVeyon Henderson contributing towards what’s anticipated to be a zone-heavy Raiders unit. The one catch — and it is a biggie — is that if the Patriots offensive line cannot constantly defend Drake Maye towards cross rush monster Maxx Crosby. FRIDAY P.M. UPDATE: Patriots rookie left deal with Will Campbell is questionable with an ankle harm. That is not such a great factor contemplating there are undoubtedly going to be matchups for Crosby to attempt to feast on.
MUST-STARTS: Brock Bowers
STARTS: Drake Maye (low-end starter), Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson (flex in non-PPR)
FLEX: Stefon Diggs, Jakobi Meyers (PPR flex)
SITS: Geno Smith, Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry (desperation TE starter), Dont’e Thornton (stash), Austin Hooper, Kayshon Boutte, Amari Cooper, Jack Bech, Patriots DST, Raiders DST
Brandon Staley’s uninspiring model of protection (often zone-leaning) mixed with an absence of cross rush pop makes the Saints very susceptible towards Kyler Murray. This might find yourself being a greater matchup for Trey McBride than Marvin Harrison as a result of Saints security Justin Reid figures to be on him essentially the most and that may result in some good numbers. Plus, the Saints secondary undoubtedly has the expertise to run with Harrison (most groups will). The opposite downside New Orleans has is an unimproved run protection that was backside 5 in yards per carry allowed to working backs at 4.8 final yr. It will make for a busy day for linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner towards James Conner and a Cardinals offensive line returning 4 starters from final yr. FRIDAY P.M. UPDATE: Saints cross rusher Chase Younger has been dominated out, making the matchup simpler throughout the board for the Cardinals. … Arizona’s protection ought to be significantly better at attending to the quarterback, an enormous downside for the Saints given their lack of high quality throwers. It’d imply numerous brief throws from Spencer Rattler, which can assist Alvin Kamara but additionally Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed on shorter routes. Arizona’s secondary is not as improved as its cross rush, so perhaps there’s some room for Olave and Shaheed to get by on respectable quantity, however in all probability to not the purpose the place you’d confidently begin them.
MUST-STARTS: James Conner, Alvin Kamara, Trey McBride
STARTS: Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr. (low-end No. 2 WR), Cardinals DST (and so they get Carolina in Week 2)
FLEX: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed (low-end flex)
SITS: Spencer Rattler, Juwan Johnson, Michael Wilson, Trey Benson, Saints DST
True, each quarterbacks are enjoying towards their former groups, however the Jets cleaned home this offseason, whereas the Steelers teaching employees is aware of precisely what they’re getting with Justin Fields after working with him final yr. They’re additionally the identical franchise that has solutions for Lamar Jackson, one other working quarterback. Each groups even have a number of high quality cornerbacks — Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens for the Jets (who will in all probability play far more man-to-man than final yr), Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay for the Steelers (who could not play a lot man-to-man towards Fields). It provides as much as what may be a low-scoring matchup the place not many guys contribute to Fantasy managers.
MUST-STARTS: Steelers DST, Jets DST
STARTS: Breece Corridor (low-end No. 2 RB), Jaylen Warren (low-end No. 2 RB in PPR solely)
FLEX: Garrett Wilson, DK Metcalf
SITS: Justin Fields, Aaron Rodgers, Jonnu Smith, Braelon Allen, Kaleb Johnson, Mason Taylor (stash), Pat Freiermuth
All eyes can be on Washington’s backfield after a month-plus of change, intrigue, highlights, and now an unofficial depth chart. Here is a reality: There have been six weeks the place three gamers cut up the Commanders’ speeding workload in order that none of them performed greater than 53% of the snaps, and solely in half of them did a runner have not less than 15 PPR factors. This may be the brand new regular for Washington till they determine what they’ve between veteran and passing-downs stud Austin Ekeler, rookie Invoice Croskey-Merritt and third-year powerback Chris Rodriguez Jr. Additional complicating issues is a Giants protection that ought to be not less than somewhat bit improved towards the run with Dexter Lawrence wholesome and rookie Abdul Carter becoming a member of a very proficient entrance seven. Washington might discover the matchup tough given their unsure run sport and a Giants cross rush that can be loads quicker in attending to Jayden Daniels than final yr.
MUST-STARTS: Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers
STARTS: Terry McLaurin (No. 2 WR), Zach Ertz (borderline starter), Commanders DST
FLEX: Tyrone Tracy, Austin Ekeler (PPR solely), Deebo Samuel (low-end PPR flex)
SITS: Russell Wilson, Invoice Croskey-Merritt (stash), Cam Skattebo (stash), Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Giants DST
No. 1 total choose Cam Ward will make his regular-season debut towards one of many league’s hardest defenses in one of many league’s hardest locations to play, versus a squad coached by one of many league’s greatest in Sean Payton. Truthfully, it will not be a great matchup for any Titans, together with Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard. Denver’s secondary ought to be a bit stronger past stud nook Pat Surtain and its cross rush can be wound up too. … There’s an opportunity that a clumsy Titans offense might affect how the Broncos offense operates. If the sport will get too out of hand it could current a chance for rookie working again R.J. Harvey to land some good expertise and probably strike gold statistically. There weren’t many video games final yr the place the Broncos working backs put up large numbers, however they did handle to have a again get not less than 12.6 PPR factors in 4 of 8 video games once they gained by 10-plus factors. That was with inferior backs — Harvey is an improve.
MUST-STARTS: Broncos DST
STARTS: Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton, R.J. Harvey (No. 2 RB)
FLEX: Tony Pollard (borderline No. 2 RB/flex), Calvin Ridley (PPR solely)
SITS: Cam Ward, J.Okay. Dobbins, Marvin Mims, Chig Okonkwo, Titans DST
SATURDAY P.M. UPDATE: NFL Media reported that Christian McCaffrey is predicted to play at Seattle.
SATURDAY A.M. UPDATE: McCaffrey damage himself in observe on Thursday, in response to coach Kyle Shanahan. The RB was dressed for observe on Friday however labored on a facet discipline with trainers, touchdown a ‘didn’t observe’ designation for the day and listed as questionable for Sunday’s sport. Shanahan was tight-lipped and terse when requested about McCaffrey on Friday. He additionally appeared fairly honest when he mentioned new rusher Brian Robinson Jr. was “making an attempt” to study the playbook however he is “undoubtedly not there but” after solely three practices. When requested if Robinson can be able to play this Sunday, Shanahan mentioned he knew the gameplan and can be prepared “and I do know [RB] Isaac [Guerendo] can be additionally.” Then Shanahan was truly prompted to say Guerendo and he mentioned he had improved loads and has overcome setbacks attributable to accidents. I would count on the 49ers to make use of a number of working backs no matter who’s energetic and who’s inactive. It is all of the extra motive to be sure you have one among Robinson or Guerendo in your Fantasy roster. If McCaffrey finally ends up not enjoying, neither Robinson nor Guerendo are advisable performs except we study one will play far more than the opposite. It does not assist that the Seahawks have one of the underrated defenses coming into the yr.
Brock Purdy has at all times been strain delicate, and the Seahawks discovered of their second assembly final season that they might have an effect on him with numerous blitzing. That very same formulation figures to be within the playing cards this week, particularly with Seattle’s D-line wholesome and restocked with some strong rushers. It helps Purdy that the Niners offensive line can be near full energy, nevertheless it’s not as dominant of a entrance 5 as he used to have. His greatest threats within the passing sport are essentially the most predictable: George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall, the latter a match towards man or zone defenses due to his fast pace. It makes defending Purdy all of the extra worthwhile in one among his hardest matchups of the season. … Perhaps essentially the most intriguing matchup of the week is Seahawks playcaller Klint Kubiak going up towards his pal Kyle Shanahan and the workforce he labored with two seasons in the past. Offseason studies led us to imagine he would lean on the run with outdoors zone rules and play-action passing working off of it. It is the identical stuff the 49ers used to do a ton of, so it figures to be simpler for them to defend by understanding what to search for. Plus, the Niners restocked their protection up entrance with the hope of enhancing their unit to the dominant method they had been a couple of years again.
MUST-STARTS: George Kittle
STARTS: Christian McCaffrey (if energetic), Kenneth Walker III (No. 2 RB), Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ricky Pearsall (borderline No. 2/No. 3 WR in PPR), 49ers DST
SITS: Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, Jauan Jennings, Cooper Kupp, Zach Charbonnet, Brian Robinson Jr. (if McCaffrey is energetic), Isaac Guerendo (if McCaffrey is energetic), Elijah Arroyo, Seahawks DST
The explanation to be nervous to start out Jared Goff has little to do along with his historical past at Lambeau Subject — he final had 20 Fantasy factors there in 2021. The explanation to be nervous is that he’ll begin with a brand new playcaller and a reconfigured offensive line, and with Micah Parsons and the already-good Packers protection staring throughout the road at him. There have been 5 video games final yr and 11 video games in 2023 (playoffs included) when Goff was pressured on greater than 35% of his dropbacks. Final yr he had 23-plus Fantasy factors twice in 5 video games, and 23-plus in three of 11 video games in 2023. It is clearly a weak spot that the Packers ought to be capable of exploit, even when Parsons is not enjoying each single down. STARTS: Dak Prescott (low-end), CeeDee Lamb, David Njoku, Jake Ferguson, Browns DST, Cowboys DST
MUST-STARTS: Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Jacobs, Amon-Ra St. Brown
STARTS: Jameson Williams (low-end No. 2 WR), Sam LaPorta, Tucker Kraft (low-end starter)
FLEX: Matthew Golden
SITS: Jared Goff (high-end No. 2 QB), Jordan Love, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Isaac TeSlaa, Lions DST, Packers DST
I am actual curious to see how the Texans change up their offense towards a Rams workforce that struggled towards tight ends and working backs by way of the air final yr. The offensive line obtained a full makeover, too, so it may be on C.J. Stroud to get the ball out fast and use everybody within the offense and never simply spam targets to Nico Collins. This is able to have made for a great begin for Christian Kirk, however he is out. Dalton Schultz may need the next-best matchup, however keep watch over Houston’s rookies, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. … The Rams might also have extra of a get-the-ball-out doctrine for Matthew Stafford. Houston’s cross rush is superb and Stafford’s again is clearly a difficulty. If he is holding the ball too lengthy it might result in actually dangerous issues, which is why L.A.’s tight ends could possibly be simply as essential as Houston’s. A minimum of the Rams have a dependable run sport to fall again on.
MUST-STARTS: Kyren Williams, Nico Collins, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams
STARTS: Rams DST, Texans DST
SITS: C.J. Stroud, Matthew Stafford, Nick Chubb, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Dalton Schultz (sneaky sleeper), Terrance Ferguson (stash)
When the Ravens beat up the Payments in Week 4 final season they performed loads of zone protection, did not dial up blitzes too usually and actually annoyed Josh Allen into one other horrible sport towards them. Within the playoffs they switched to man protection extra usually with a barely increased blitz fee and obtained burned somewhat extra by the run, together with Allen working for a few scores. However the sport would not have been as shut if not for a number of Ravens turnovers and a few expensive Ravens penalties. I ponder if the Ravens return to somewhat extra zone protection to maintain Allen from taking off. In the event that they do and so they hold their errors to a minimal, they might stroll away with one other dominant regular-season win. Allen, by the way in which, has one profession sport with 20-plus Fantasy factors towards the Ravens (25.5 in 2022). You will begin Allen it doesn’t matter what, however perhaps expectations for him ought to somewhat bit in test.
MUST-STARTS: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Josh Allen, James Prepare dinner
STARTS: Mark Andrews
FLEX: Zay Flowers, Keon Coleman (low-end flex, be affected person)
SITS: Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, Josh Palmer, DeAndre Hopkins, Rashod Bateman
We do not know the way J.J. McCarthy will fare in stay sport motion, we won’t be so certain that Aaron Jones or Jordan Mason will cut up evenly (or one dominate touches over one other), we won’t make sure the passing sport outdoors of Justin Jefferson can be good. And making issues much more murky is a Bears protection that underwent some main adjustments — new playcaller Dennis Allen has been large on utilizing man-to-man protection his whole profession. So how about one thing that we do know: Minnesota’s re-tooled offensive line with two high quality veterans and a strong rookie ought to make their complete offense higher, together with a run sport that may ask of extra power-gap runs. SATURDAY P.M. UPDATE: Preserve tabs on the standing of Bears rookie working again Kyle Monangai — it feels like he’ll play and will have a good function to start the yr. He is stashable for certain. … Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards will not play, an enormous drawback for that protection.
MUST-STARTS: Justin Jefferson
STARTS: D’Andre Swift (No. 2 RB), T.J. Hockenson, Vikings DST
FLEX: D.J. Moore (PPR solely), Aaron Jones (PPR most popular), Jordan Mason (non-PPR solely)
SITS: J.J. McCarthy (stash), Caleb Williams (stash), Kyle Monangai (stash), Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, Adam Thielen, Luther Burden III, Bears DST
