Week one of the NFL season is finally upon us and fantasy seasons are under way, best of luck to you my friends. Back in the day the running back ruled fantasy league and it was all about Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, and other power backs that were sure to get 20 plus carries per game. But with the change in the NFL wide revivers have made a case to be the most valuable position on your fantasy team. So let’s take a look at who the best playmakers will be in week one at receiver.
Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery Chicago Bears
These are two of the best receivers in the league and their going up against a suspect Bills secondary who lost their leader in Jairus Byrd to the Saints in free agency. These two big receivers will be targeted early and often, you can count on them to earn your team a nice chunk of fantasy points. If you have these guys on your fantasy team its a no brainer this week start them.
Brandin Cooks New Orleans Saints
The rookie speedster out of Oklahoma St has the opportunity to rack up on fantasy points in this New Orleans offense. With Darren Sproles being dealt to Philadelphia this off season Cooks is a prime candidate to replace him in the offense. Especially with Kenny Stills missing practice, Cooks will no doubt play a mix of Stills deep route and Sproles screens. I expect him to get a lot of targets this week against the division rival Falcons. Give the rookie a chance he might just go off and put up Sproles like numbers.
Vincent Jackson Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jackson has been one of the top fantasy wideouts over the years and nothing changed when he moved from San Diego to Tampa Bay. This is one of the only receivers on the list going up against a pretty good defense. Unfortunately for Carolina the weak part of that defense is the secondary. The Buccaneers will rely on Jackson and rookie Mike Evans to move the ball when Doug Martin and the running game run into Luke Kuechly.
Demaryius Thomas Denver Broncos
Thomas was already going to be one of the top of the fantasy receiver rankings being Peyton Manning’s top guy. But with his partner in crime Wes Welker taking four weeks off to audition for a role in “Something about Molly”, a huge load will be on his shoulders to help keep this offense moving. This week they go up against the Colts who have a pretty solid secondary, but with the amount of passing plays and most of them targeting Thomas, he is sure to have at least a decent game.
A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
Green is a monster, he’s in that top echelon of receivers that you need to start each week no matter who he’s playing. This week the Bengals take on the Ravens who have been known for their shut down defense for the past couple years. Unfortunately for them there’s no one in that secondary that can stop Green. Start him for sure.
Calvin Johnson Detroit Lions
Johnson may actually be the most dangerous offensive weapons in the NFL. This week he goes up against the New York Giants who have a decent secondary but nothing to be concerned about. Johnson has beat each and every type of coverage coordinators have thrown at him in his time in the league. We’ve seen him beat double teams and even catch a touchdown over three defenders in Dallas. What I’m saying is simply if its not the Lions bye week then Johnson should be your starting receiver.