The regular season is about to begin, and so is the Fantasy Football season. Allow me to help you determine who should play and who should stay on the bench.
Chig Okonkwo, TE, Titans- Play
The Denver defense was dominant against the pass last season. With the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Patrick Surtain III, it’s probably a good idea to bet on them being tough against the pass again. However, one area they struggled in last year was against tight ends. The Broncos were among the worst in the NFL at defending tight ends, giving up 799 yards to opposing tight ends last season.
Okonkwo is a tight end who can make you pay with his athletic ability and speed. Sure, he has had his struggles catching the football at times, but he surely has made the most of his receptions when he does catch it, averaging 10.6 yards per catch over his career. With the attention that wide receiver Calvin Ridley is going to get, Okonkwo could be a recipient of Cameron Ward’s passes.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans- Stay
The Titans are optimistic about their young rookie quarterback, Cameron Ward. One of the things that gives them optimism is not only Ward's play and maturity but also his connection with Calvin Ridley. This connection has blossomed quicker than the connection Ridley tried to create with Will Levis but never fully grew. The result is some good feelings about the potential year that Ridley could have in his second year in Nashville.
While Ward and Ridley’s connection is unbelievable, the Broncos have an unbelievable secondary, led by Patrick Surtain II. And more than likely, Ridley will often see the reigning Defensive Player of the Year on Sunday. Ridley usually draws Surtain II, which may affect his effectiveness in this game.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts- Play
The Dolphins were somewhat inconsistent against the run last season. But a couple of things stand out in the troubles they had stopping the run. Athletic quarterbacks give them issues. Just watch the game last year against the Arizona Cardinals, where Kyler Murray was in giving them problems. Another notable aspect is that the Dolphins struggle against offensive lines that are known for their physicality in the trenches. The Titans and Colts pushed them around in the trenches last season when they beat Miami.
The Colts are still that physical team and they also have an athletic quarterback in Daniel Jones who can make some plays with his feet. With that combination, it would not be a surprise if Jonathan Taylor feasts on this defense and makes fantasy football team owners rejoice this week.
Nick Chubb, RB, Houston Texans- Stay
When Nick Chubb signed with the Houston Texans, it was to complement Joe Mixon. But with Mixon out, Chubb now becomes the featured back for Houston. The Texans' first game is against the Los Angeles Rams on the road. The 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jared Verse, is on the defensive line the Texans are going to have to face, and that is going to be a task in itself.
But when you factor in the Texans' wholesale changes on their offensive line, you really have to worry about the run game for Houston. Nick Chubb has been solid in his career. But in this game with the personnel the Rams have on their defensive line, along with the personnel the Texans added on the offensive line, it’s tough to trust Chubb making magic happen in this game. He’s got to stay on the bench in fantasy football for this game.
Brian Thomas Jr, Jacksonville Jaguars- Play
Brian Thomas Jr. is the top wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars. That is without question. But along with that, he did a lot of what he did last season without someone to take the pressure off him in the passing game. Enter Travis Hunter. The Jaguars added a two-way playmaker who is explosive in short distances and can take the top off defenses, and Hunter will surely draw the attention of defenses.
With Hunter on the opposite side and the Panthers presenting a defense that was pretty porous last season, Brian Thomas Jr. should pick up where he left off. And if that is the case, then Sunday will be a long day for the Panthers' defense and the opponents of those who have Brian Thomas Jr. on their fantasy football team.
Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars- Stay
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Etienne have been teammates since their days at Clemson. Both were highly successful in college, which is what made them first-round picks for the Jaguars. However, in the NFL, both have had some inconsistencies. The difference is that Lawrence has shown enough consistency to earn a big-time contract with the Jaguars to link him to Jacksonville for some more years. Etienn was not blessed with a new contract and will be a free agent next offseason.
With that being said, and with a new head coach there in Jacksonville, it looks like the Jags are not committed to Etienne and having him around past this season. Additionally, the Jaguars drafted some young running backs that the new coaching staff may want to give more playing time. With that being known, you don’t know how many carries or touches Etienne is going to get and that makes him a risky play against this Carolina team.