Fantasy Football Starters for 1 Week Leagues

By Staff Writer Ryan Gerrity @RyanGerrity:

If you are in a one-week fantasy football league, below are my top players to start this week.  The best way to maximize your one-week fantasy team potential is to look at the match ups across the board.  I have also looked at 0-2 teams that are going to have to be aggressive this week to avoid the fatal 0-3 start to the season.

QB:

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins:

The Washington Redskins are one of the four teams that have started 0-2 this year along with the Giants, Steelers, and Vikings.  So far this season RGIII has not been the fantasy stud coming off the ACL injury that some fantasy owners were hoping would happen.  The Redskins face the Detroit Lions this week who have a average secondary at best.  The Lions give up over 250 yards per game passing, and RGIII and the Redskins are going to be desperate for a win.  I expect RGIII to step up to the challenge this week and have a great game.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos:    

Peyton Manning against the Oakland Raiders…enough said. Seriously, if Manning torched the Ravens secondary for 7 TDs, what is he going to do to the Raiders? Yes, he’ll be expensive in a salary cap league, but well worth it!

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks:

Russell Wilson is primed for a huge, breakout game against the Jaguars. Unless the NFL puts a point cap or slaughter rule on the Seahawks at home, they will surely score early and often and Wilson should rack up huge numbers.

RB:

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks:    

See Russell Wilson‘s description and apply the same principle to Mashawn Lynch. He had a HUGE week against the 49ers and should easily make it two in a row going up against the Jaguars’ defense.

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Frank Gore is also another player who has disappointed their fantasy owners early in the NFL regular season.  Gore has only rushed for a total of 60 yards and one touchdown in the first two regular season games, and was shut down by the Seahawks defense this past week.  However the 49ers are facing the Colts this week who give up over 130 yards per game rushing.  Expect the 49ers and Coach Harbaugh to run the ball early and often this week.

Giovanni Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals

Against the Steelers in week 2, Bernard scored his first two touchdowns of his early career in the NFL.  The Bengals do split time between Bernard and Green-Ellis, but Bernard has seemed to be on the field on third down and red zone situations.  He should continue to be utilized again this week in the red zone against the Packers this upcoming week.  He is a definite start this week because his touches will continue to rise if he has a nose for the end zone.

WR:

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions    

Calvin Johnson may break any record possible going up against the Redskins defense. Just like Manning, he’ll be very expensive in a salary cap league, but well worth the investment with the points he’s bound to put up.

Eddie Royal, San Diego Chargers

Eddie Royal surprised a lot of people last week by scoring three touchdowns against the Eagles in a thrilling 33-30 win.  The depth chart for wide receiver’s on the Chargers is already thin and with the loss of Malcolm Floyd last week to injury, Royal’s impact in the offense should rise.  The Chargers take on the worst passing defense in the league this week, the Tennessee Titans.  They have given up over 375 yards per game so far this year, and if Philip Rivers continues to play well Royal’s targets should continue to rise as well.

TE:

Tyler Eiffert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Courtesy of ICON SMI

Eiffert is a rookie tight end that has made a huge impact for the Bengals offense in the preseason and start of the regular season.  The Bengals are splitting the tight end time with Gresham and Eiffert, but Andy Dalton is getting both of them involved in the passing game.  So far this season, Eiffert has 8 catches for 103 yards and he could see his role in the offense grow this week against the Packers.  The Packers defense has allowed over 360 yards per game passing and Dalton has the arm to continue that trend.

Julius Thomas, TE, Denver Broncos:

So far he’s looking like a main target for Peyton Manning and he should be a huge weapon this week for him when they face the Raiders. Look for lots of TD opportunities for Thomas in the red zone and plenty of catches which will help in a PPR league.