Opening Week Optimism

Pierce is a 'buy the dip' candidate at his ADP, but he should be benched for week one as he likely won't see the volume needed to be a fantasy starter immediately.

The source is bullish on Baker Mayfield, expecting a slight leveling up in performance and noting he played through multiple injuries last season.

The source considers Breece Hall a must-start and expects him to be a tremendous profit at his current draft cost.

John Laghezza advises starting Brian Thomas, noting that despite uncertainty about his role, he is a player you should roll out after spending draft capital on him.

The source is out on Bryce Young, citing his poor efficiency metrics (6.3 YPA, 6.5 air yards per attempt) and lack of rushing upside, which is a critical flaw for undersized quarterbacks who cannot attack the middle of the field.

The source has been avoiding Bucky Irving but notes that if Sean Tucker is ruled out, Irving becomes a viable start. He warns of a crowded backfield with Kenneth Gainwell as a threat.

The source recommends starting Caleb Williams, noting that the Panthers' defense is inefficient and struggles to create pressure, which should allow Williams to perform well.

Bell is a must-add player who is in line for a starting role without restrictions; if he returns to his pre-injury form, he could significantly improve the Dolphins' offense.

John Laghezza highlights Chris Rodriguez as a deeper flex play who projects to be the goal-line back for the Jaguars; he recommends adding him if he is on the waiver wire.

Watson is in line for a breakout season, with the source noting he looks like the best player on the field when working intermediate routes.

The source views Chuba Hubbard as a boring but likely lead-back option for Carolina, though he expresses skepticism about his explosive play ability, noting he struggles to break 20-yard runs.

John Laghezza is pessimistic about Cooper Rush starting for the Dolphins, citing his poor performance in Baltimore last year (179 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INTs) and the difficulty of facing a Pittsburgh defense that excels at creating pressure.

Moore is a 'freestyler' who excels at finding space when plays break down, which fits perfectly with Josh Allen's playstyle; he is a must-start despite coming off a down season.

Kincaid was underpriced all offseason and is a strong breakout candidate for a top-five tight end finish, especially if Khalil Shakir is limited by injury.

Schultz is a deep-league option who earns consistent targets but lacks the high-end upside of a player like Dalton Kincaid, as he is primarily a 'catch and fall' tight end.

Jones is practicing without restrictions and is a player to watch; while starting him this week might be risky, his ability to tuck and run makes him effective, and he has the tools to facilitate a high-scoring offense.

John Laghezza prefers Dylan Samson over Quinchon Junkins due to superior advanced receiving metrics; he views Samson as a sneaky flex start in deeper leagues.

The source labels Garrett Wilson as a smash pick for the upcoming week.

The source is starting Dulcich over Andrews and all other 'catch and fall' tight ends, noting that he is a strong play for crossers and out routes in the Dolphins' offense.

Jalen McMillan is doubtful to play due to a potential setback, making him an easy sit for fantasy lineups.

Cook has significant potential to catch more passes this season, and the addition of DJ Moore should help open up the field, making Cook a must-start player.

The source views Daniels as a top-five quarterback who should have been drafted closer to Lamar Jackson, noting his ability to break down plays similarly to Josh Allen.

Reed is preferred over Matthew Golden as a high-probability start in divisional games due to his reliability when the chips are down.

John Laghezza is bullish on Jalen Warren, projecting him to step into a high-volume role similar to Kenny Gainwell's usage, making him a rare Steelers player worth starting.

The source is pumping the brakes on Jonathan Brooks until he proves he can handle volume or make a big play in an NFL game, suggesting those who drafted him in the seventh round were likely overpaying.

Addison is considered talented but risky; the source warns that his playing time may be limited by game script and Juwan Jennings' run-blocking role.

Downs is a major breakout candidate who should be started, with the hope that he earns a role in two-wide receiver sets despite the arrival of Keenan Allen.

Jefferson is described as a fantastic, legitimate WR1 candidate, though the source expresses uncertainty about Kyler Murray's ability to maximize his ceiling.

Allen has a solid PPR floor and could see significant targets if the Colts are trailing, making him a viable start despite potential usage concerns.

Gainwell is a viable PPR flex option who projects to catch passes, providing a solid floor, but he is unlikely to see red zone or green zone work; expectations should be tempered unless Bucky Irving's shoulder injury becomes a long-term issue, in which case Gainwell could reach top-eight to top-ten weekly RB status.

The source views Kenneth Gainwell as a significant upgrade over Rashad White due to his pass-catching ability. He is considered a flex-plus option in PPR formats, though he likely lacks red-zone work.

John Laghezza recommends starting Kyle Pitts but notes he would consider benching him for a proven TE1 like Michael Bayer, given the uncertainty surrounding the Falcons' passing game with Cooper Rush.

Willis is a highly rostered quarterback who could 'break fantasy' due to his rushing ability and passing upside; he should be started over any questionable QB options.

Andrews is a concern due to poor camp buzz and competition for targets; he is a start if drafted as a TE1, but he is a player the source would rather have Michael Bayer over.

John Laghezza suggests he would prefer starting Michael Bayer over Sam LaPorta, citing Bayer's proven ability to perform as a TE1 when filling in for Brock Bowers.

The source advises against starting Washington, expecting his role to diminish as Gentty reclaims the majority of the Raiders' backfield work.

Collins is a freak athlete and a top-tier breakout candidate with the potential to finish as the overall WR1; he showed sustained efficiency last year and could benefit from formation movement and the addition of Kayshawn Booty as a field stretcher.

John Laghezza advises starting LaPorta because most drafters lack a better replacement, though he expresses caution regarding back-end TE1 consistency against a Saints defense that defended tight ends well last year.

Diggs is projected for a monster season in Washington, with the source noting he could provide value on volume alone if the team is playing from behind.

While a must-start for draft capital, the source advises tempering expectations for McLaurin against a legitimate Eagles pass defense.

The source identifies Tony Pollard as one of the few Titans players worth starting, even in a difficult matchup, due to his role.

Tucker is identified as the clear-cut WR1 for the Raiders in the absence of Brock Bowers and is considered a smash play due to his role in the Kubiak system.

With no restrictions reported, the source is rolling with Kraft as a starter, though advises having a backup plan like Dulcich or Mike Meyer.

Flowers is a must-start who has the potential to finish the season as a high-end WR1.