Start:
Josh Allen
A full offseason removed from their playoff loss, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are set to take on the New York Jets in Orchard Park on Sunday. The Jets are depleted by injuries which gives the Allen the perfect opportunity to start the season off on a high note. Without CJ Mosley (COVID opt-out), Avery Williamson (out), Jamal Adams (traded), Marcus Maye (questionable), the Jets defense could have trouble keeping up with this revamped Bills offense. Don’t think twice about letting Allen loose this week for your fantasy team.
Jonathan Taylor/Marlon Mack
There’s a world where Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor both have fantasy relevance on Sunday. Frank Reich recently revealed that JT’s role will be Mack’s backup. However, Indianapolis has a great matchup versus a weak Jacksonville Jaguars team that allowed the 5th most rushing yards per game last season. The Colts may have a large enough lead by the second half to rest Marlon Mack and give the reins to Taylor in his debut. Watching CEH eat on Sunday made me excited to see what Taylor can do against a weaker Jacksonville defense. Even if the split is 60/40, I’m confident in starting them both this week.
Boston Scott
With Miles Sanders officially out Sunday, Boston Scott will serve as the Eagles’ lead back against a Washington Football team that allowed 146 rushing yards per game last season (2nd most in the NFL). Useful as both a runner and a receiver, Scott should be heavily involved in a Philadelphia offense that is starving for playmakers. The last time Scott started for the Eagles he recorded 23 touches for 138 total yards and 3 touchdowns against the New York Giants last season. Start Boston Scott with confidence this week.
Sit:
Matt Stafford
Stafford was balling out last season until injuries ultimately ended his season 8 games early. Although this is a promising sign to play him, the loss of Kenny Golladay to a hamstring injury and a tough matchup against a Chicago Bears defense that was top 10 against the pass and only allowed 222 passing yards per game last year. Personally, the tough matchup paired with losing his best offensive weapon makes Stafford a risky start this weekend.
David Montgomery
Montgomery had a scary injury a few weeks ago that had many thinking he may miss multiple games. After being listed as questionable, he was finally activated and approved to play for Sunday. I know that he has a great matchup vs a weak Detroit rush defense, but the amount of practice time he missed paired with no preseason has me worried that he may be limited on Sunday. However, if he can handle his usual workload without re-aggravating his injury, he could be productive, but the risk is too rich for my blood.
Jarvis Landry
Landry is set to start against a tough Baltimore Ravens pass defense that allowed less than 200 passing yards per game last year (5th best in NFL). Besides his tough matchup, Landry had hip surgery in February that caused him to open up training camp on the PUP list. Although he was cleared for team drills in mid-August, he admitted he’s still in the process of getting back to full health and “expects to get better as the season unfolds”. If the Browns decide to manage his reps and ease him back into things, it may make it even harder to produce against a tough Ravens pass defense. Start him with caution.