For the 2020 NFL season, I will be writing weekly articles on behalf of FantasyPros. My recurring topic will detail my Bold Predictions for the week.
My attempt at these predictions is to avoid low-hanging fruit choices as much as possible while providing viable fantasy options that might be going under the radar or are in prime positions to overproduce.
Week 1 is here, it is time to win some leagues.
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Bold Predictions for Week 1
1. Coming off a fresh new contract, Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt scores more PPR points than Nick Chubb. Hunt’s contract is an indication that he will be used frequently in the Browns offense, and if Cleveland finds themselves trailing early, they might have to abandon the run game and rely on Hunt more in the passing game.
2. Las Vegas Raiders third-round wide receiver Bryan Edwards scores more PPR points than 2020 first-round pick Henry Ruggs III. Edwards had a strong training camp and has received praise from coaches and quarterback Derek Carr. I expect Edwards to be a waiver wire favorite next week if he is not already rostered.
3. Despite the lack of wide receiver depth, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo finishes as THE QB1 in a juicy matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Garoppolo exploits a soft matchup and showcases his abilities as a premier quarterback.
4. Garoppolo finishes atop the QB ranks with help from a 20+ point outing from tight end George Kittle, who also finishes the week as the TE1. Kittle finishing as the best tight end in week one might not be a surprise, but his performance will be directly linked to Jimmy G’s success.
5. Christian McCaffrey does not finish as THE RB1 this week but finishes inside the top-5. Fantasy managers should not worry as I expect CMC to put up 20+ points, but perhaps there is a surprise performance that outshines the reigning fantasy MVP during Week 1.
6. Both Seattle Seahawks wide receivers Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf finish as WR1 against the Atlanta Falcons. If this game is a high scoring shoot out, I expect Russell Wilson to sling the ball to his two stud receivers at an efficient rate.
7. Denver Broncos second-year tight end Noah Fant breaks out on Monday Night Football against the Tennessee Titans with a massive game. With Cortland Sutton banged up, the Broncos could rely on the former first-round pick early and often, setting himself up for a big performance.
8. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has 10+ touches in his rookie debut, including a long touchdown run. Taylor will live up to the hype and showcase why the Colts traded up in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft to select Taylor.
9. Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson does not rush for more than 75 yards but throws for 275+ yards. Lamar demonstrates his abilities as a passer more so than a runner during Week 1, further highlighting his dynamism at the quarterback position
Follow along week-by-week as I layout my Bold Predictions and shine some light on potentially rewarding matchups. Some will be misses, others will be hits, but these predictions should allow fantasy managers to understand where to take risks and where to play it safe.
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Joshua Lefkowitz is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joshua, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @JLefkoNFL.