Controversial Starts
Nelson Agholor – Philadelphia Eagles
Agholor doesn’t have the best matchup, The Falcons are an underrated defense but he is going to get a massive opportunity share in a game with shootout potential. Agholor was Nick Foles’ second favorite target while starting in 2017 and the duo proved to have an incredible chemistry in the postseason. Agholor lead the league in post-season catch rate posting 15 receptions on 18 targets (83%). Heading in to Week 1 The Eagles will be without Alshon Jeffery which will undoubtedly lead to more opportunities for Agholor. If you’re struggling to find a flex player, Agholor should be on your radar.
Randall Cobb – Green Bay Packers
Nobody wants to start Randall Cobb in Week 1 but in PPR leagues he could easily post top 20 numbers. In the five games with Aaron Rodgers last season, Cobb compiled 45 targets resulting in 30 receptions 302 yards and a pair of Touchdowns. That’s the equivalent of 14.4 PPG which is more than respectable and now the team no longer has Jordy Nelson. In return they signed Jimmy Graham but Graham will not impact Cobb’s role and will have a greater impact on the red zone targets of Davante Adams. With Adams also wrapped up with underrated CB Kyle Fuller, Cobb will be in line for a solid performance.
Kenny Stills – Miami Dolphins
Stills has been known as a high upside low floor play due to his lack of consistent volume in the passing game. That issue is resolved now that Jarvis Landry is no longer a Dolphin and Davante Parker has been ruled out. Stills faces a Titans secondary that allowed the 25th most passing yards in 2017. This Miami team is likely to be playing from behind late in the game which may provide an extremely positive game script for a player like Stills.
Controversial Sits
Mike Evans – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans is currently looked at as a draft day steal. Historically he has been a receiver who has compiled over 1000 yards in every season and has double digit touchdowns in multiple seasons. In reality he is an inefficient receiver who needs massive volume to consistently produce at a high level. That volume may not come this season and in Week 1 he faces The New Orleans Saints, matching up with Marshon Lattimore who is one of the best young corners in the NFL. On top of that, Jameis Winston is suspended leaving veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm. Most people see a positive game script due to the Saints high scoring ability but the more you look into it, the less there is to like.
Josh Gordon – Cleveland Browns
Unfortunately Gordon is a bit banged up. Usually we feel the need to start players that we invest high draft capital into. Don’t make that mistake with Gordon this week. The Cleveland Browns coaching staff has already came out and said that they do not intend on giving Gordon a high workload and without volume, Gordon is essentially “Touchdown or Bust”. Avoid this situation completely and opt to start one of your mid round receivers while we wait on Gordon to come back to 100%.
Doug Baldwin – Seattle Seahawks
Baldwin will get a taste of Chris Harris this week in a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos. It’s tough to get excited about Baldwin considering he is currently dealing with a knee injury which may impact him the entire season. Does this mean a snap count? Possibly.. Its tough to say without seeing Seattle play in their first game. For those reasons it’s a situation that is best handled using a wait and see approach. This means if you have a better option than Baldwin, use it this week.
Follow Dare @FFADare.
