I've already given you a set of players to stream in week 1. Now I'll target a few guys that will likely be on a roster in your league already (and some who may not). These guys may be gambles, but they could provide you with some nice upside. The key word here is "gamble." These players may have a good game week 1, but they might also might burn you. Prepare accordingly.
Rueben Randle, WR, NYG. Rueben Randle is a guy that flashes potential every season. He's also systematically improved in every season of his young NFL career. Randle has a chance for a big game this week. Victor Cruz is still struggling with injury woes, and even if he plays week 1, he could be limited. Randle could be the #2 by default in this game. He's not a guy that will win your matchup on his own, but he projects as a nice flex play. There's some upside there.
Eddie Royal, WR, Chi. If you have Eddie Royal on your roster, start him this week. Alshonn Jeffery is banged up and Kevin White is out for the season. Royal has a very good chance to be the Bears leading receiver this week. He has history with Cutler; the two played together in Denver as rookies. He has also looked good during the preseason and offseason. Royal is a guy that might put up some nice numbers for you in week 1.
Darren McFadden, RB, Dal. Nobody has ever questioned Darren McFadden's raw talent. Everybody questions his ability to avoid injuries. McFadden is healthy, and from the sounds of it, will essentially be the Cowboys' starting running back in week 1. This backfield smells like a committee, but McFadden has the potential to deliver a big game in week 1 against the Giants. He's worth a speculative start, especially if you don't have better options. (SATURDAY UPDATE: Now it sounds as if Randle will start. McFadden is still worth a gamble if needed, but don't expect RB1 numbers from him).
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Mia. This could be the week that the Ryan Tannehill breakout begins. He's surrounded by offensive weapons. He's facing an extremely mediocre Redskins Defense. He's also at a stage in his career where he needs to take the next step in his development. I expect him to have a solid game against the Redskins. The only thing that might hold him back this week is if this game turns into a blowout; Miami could focus on running out the clock in the second half, bringing me to...
Lamar Miller, RB, Mia. If you're intelligent, you're already starting Miller in your league. If not, consider the odds that Miami blows out the Redskins. Those odds are good. What happens in a blowout? You run the ball a lot in the second half. What happens when you run the ball a lot in the second half? Your running back generally puts up nice fantasy numbers. Miller is worth a start in all formats this week. Start him.
Corey "Philly" Brown, WR, Car. Brown is a huge gamble. He could get you a ton of points, he could get you zero. However, the Panthers have essentially named him their WR1 for week 1. If you're looking for a cheap waiver-wire type gamble, snag Brown now. If nothing else, you can trade him after a big game or two.
Markus Wheaton, WR, Pit. The Steelers have a history of making at least two WRs fantasy relevant each season. With Antonio Brown drawing most of the attention from New England's defense in the passing game tonight (and with Martavis Bryant's suspension), Wheaton could be in for a big game in what could amount to a shoot-out. He's worth a spot start as a flex player tonight if needed. Final stat line: 3 catches, 55 yards.
Hope this helps, and good luck in week 1!
Mike B
Rueben Randle, WR, NYG. Rueben Randle is a guy that flashes potential every season. He's also systematically improved in every season of his young NFL career. Randle has a chance for a big game this week. Victor Cruz is still struggling with injury woes, and even if he plays week 1, he could be limited. Randle could be the #2 by default in this game. He's not a guy that will win your matchup on his own, but he projects as a nice flex play. There's some upside there.
Eddie Royal, WR, Chi. If you have Eddie Royal on your roster, start him this week. Alshonn Jeffery is banged up and Kevin White is out for the season. Royal has a very good chance to be the Bears leading receiver this week. He has history with Cutler; the two played together in Denver as rookies. He has also looked good during the preseason and offseason. Royal is a guy that might put up some nice numbers for you in week 1.
Darren McFadden, RB, Dal. Nobody has ever questioned Darren McFadden's raw talent. Everybody questions his ability to avoid injuries. McFadden is healthy, and from the sounds of it, will essentially be the Cowboys' starting running back in week 1. This backfield smells like a committee, but McFadden has the potential to deliver a big game in week 1 against the Giants. He's worth a speculative start, especially if you don't have better options. (SATURDAY UPDATE: Now it sounds as if Randle will start. McFadden is still worth a gamble if needed, but don't expect RB1 numbers from him).
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Mia. This could be the week that the Ryan Tannehill breakout begins. He's surrounded by offensive weapons. He's facing an extremely mediocre Redskins Defense. He's also at a stage in his career where he needs to take the next step in his development. I expect him to have a solid game against the Redskins. The only thing that might hold him back this week is if this game turns into a blowout; Miami could focus on running out the clock in the second half, bringing me to...
Lamar Miller, RB, Mia. If you're intelligent, you're already starting Miller in your league. If not, consider the odds that Miami blows out the Redskins. Those odds are good. What happens in a blowout? You run the ball a lot in the second half. What happens when you run the ball a lot in the second half? Your running back generally puts up nice fantasy numbers. Miller is worth a start in all formats this week. Start him.
Corey "Philly" Brown, WR, Car. Brown is a huge gamble. He could get you a ton of points, he could get you zero. However, the Panthers have essentially named him their WR1 for week 1. If you're looking for a cheap waiver-wire type gamble, snag Brown now. If nothing else, you can trade him after a big game or two.
Markus Wheaton, WR, Pit. The Steelers have a history of making at least two WRs fantasy relevant each season. With Antonio Brown drawing most of the attention from New England's defense in the passing game tonight (and with Martavis Bryant's suspension), Wheaton could be in for a big game in what could amount to a shoot-out. He's worth a spot start as a flex player tonight if needed. Final stat line: 3 catches, 55 yards.
Hope this helps, and good luck in week 1!
Mike B
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