Fantasy Match-ups I Love – Week 1

By Staff Writer Ryan Gerrity @RyanGerrity:

1. Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans VS. San Diego Chargers

Arian Foster is the starting running back for the Texans going into week 1.  However he is dealing with a injury plagued offseason, so I do not expect Foster to have more than 20 touches in the first game Monday night.  During the preseason Tate averaged 5.7 yards per carry and looked like a starting running back in the NFL.  Don’t be surprised if Tate gets the third down and goal line touches this week.  After week 1 look for Tate to be a solid Flex player in your lineup.

2. David Wilson, RB, New York Giants VS. Dallas Cowboys            

I love this matchup for Wilson and the Giants against the Cowboys Sunday night for two different reasons.  The first reason being that the New York Giants have not lost in the new Cowboys Stadium since it was built.  Secondly, Andre Brown who was Wilson’s only threat to take carries away from him is injured for the next 4-6 weeks.  Wilson is a slippery, quick hitting running back who can break a 60 yard run at any moment.

3. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons VS. New Orleans Saints

Reports coming out of Falcons camp is that Roddy White is not 100% healthy, but he will play in Sundays season opener against the Saints.  If White is not 100% that means that Julio Jones will be getting more targets from Matt Ryan.  They are playing in a dome which is great news for the Falcons because they play very well indoors, even though the game is in New Orleans.  Expect Matt Ryan and Julio Jones to hook up for a lot of big plays, especially against one of the NFL’s worst defense’s in New Orleans.

4. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys VS. New York Giants

Last year against the Giants Witten put on a show recording 18 receptions for 167 yards, but he did not score a touchdown which is the only down side for Witten.   Tony Romo has always had Witten as his safety blanket and loves to get him the ball early and often. The New York Giants secondary was already skeptical and now that starting Safety Stevie Brown is out for the year, expect Witten to put up some big numbers.

5. Greg Little, WR, Cleveland Browns VS. Miami Dolphins

This is a surprise pick for my readers because I would not suggest starting a wide receiver from the Browns week 1, however this is a different story.  The number one wide receiver in Cleveland, Josh Gordon is suspended for week 1.  This means a bunch of targets are going to come to Little especially since they are playing the 27^th ranked pass defense from last year in the Dolphins.  I expect at least 10-12 targets for Little week 1 and some surprising numbers.