It's here, it's finally here! The 2018 NFL season is upon us and that means so is fantasy football. We all know how important start/sit decisions are in fantasy, and I'm here to help.

Unlike other articles that cover just a few players at each position, I am analyzing every player, for every game either with my written analysis or with the data tables. Technically this is a write up for the Sunday games only, but I do list the players for all games, though I will not be giving them specific write-ups.

Check back here each week to get the absolute best advice for your toughest start/sit decisions and take a look at our consensus rankings each week.

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received five total writing awards and 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, tops in the industry! Congrats to all the award winners and nominees including Best NFL Series, MLB Series, NBA Writer, PGA Writer and Player Notes writer of the year. Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!

 

How To Use This Information

• "Matchups We Love" and "Matchups We Hate" mean that the player has an especially good or an especially tough matchup. It doesn't necessarily mean that player should be started or benched.
• At the end of each positional section is a table that will show every fantasy-relevant player for the week and their corresponding matchup. If a player didn't get a write-up, it means their matchup didn't stand out for whatever reason, good or bad. Use the accompanying tables to find players who didn't get write-ups to see where they rank in terms of their matchup.
• Opportunity is KING in fantasy football. Don't sit a player expected to get 20 touches in a bad matchup for a player expected to get eight touches in a good matchup. Use the matchups as a tie breaker for players in similar situations/tiers.

If you are a nerd like me and want to read about the data behind the matchups, and how I formulated the rankings, click here. Otherwise, on to the matchups!

 

QB Matchups We Love

Ben Roethlisberger (QB, PIT)

By now you have likely heard all about his home/road splits, but have you heard about his Le'Veon Bell splits? In 13 career games without Bell in the lineup, Roethlisberger averages 20.1 PPG. In games with Bell, just 17.1. Assuming Bell doesn't play, which seems highly likely at this point, Roethlisberger could actually post BETTER numbers. But even if you ignore the Bell splits, the matchup is also very good. The Browns defense, while much improved, is still far from elite. The Steelers possess one of the game's best pass blocking lines, and Roethlisberger should have plenty of time to throw in this one against a good, but not great, Browns front. The secondary features a rookie in Denzel Ward, a cornerback who ranked 84th in Terrance Mitchell, and their best corner, nickel Brian Buddy-Calhoun ranked 35th. Antonio Brown and Juju Smith-Schuster should have no trouble giving Roethlisberger plenty of open targets and he is an easy start this week.

Case Keenum (QB, DEN)

Need a streaming option in Week 1? Look no further than Keenum. Going against a Seahawks defense that is practically gutted, and with two talented receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, Keenum is in a great spot to continue where he left off in 2017. On the defensive line, the Seahawks lost Michael Bennett and Sheldon Richardson, and are now left with Frank Clark as their best edge rusher, who graded 51st at the position a year ago. The Broncos line should keep the pocket relatively clean for Keenum. The Seahawks also posses no one in the secondary who should be able to cover Thomas or Sanders. Keenum is a great option this week and my number one streaming choice.

Alex Smith (QB, WAS)

Like the Seahawks, the Cardinals defense is a shell of its once dominant self. Yes, they still have Patrick Peterson, but he was not the dominant corner we were used to in 2017. Jamar Taylor on the other side ranked just 70th, and they will likely use safety Budda Baker in the slot. Up front, Chandler Jones is a force, but the Redskins will pit Trent Williams against him, a beast in his own right. If Williams can win that battle Smith should have a clean pocket to operate from. While he doesn't have a receiver like Tyreek Hill anymore, he has enough weapons that he should be a solid start this week.

Blake Bortles (QB, JAC)

Bortles had a bit of a bounce-back year in 2017, leading the Jaguars to the AFC title game on his way to a QB13 finish. He looks to be another good option this week against the Giants defense. While the Giants do possess an above average pass rush, the Jaguars offensive line is one of the games best. In the secondary, Janoris Jenkins is coming off a down year and Eli Apple made strides but still has a long way to go. The downside with Bortles is the Jaguars propensity to be a run-first team which lowers his volume, but this is a good spot and he should produce solid numbers.

 

QB Matchups We Hate

Andrew Luck (QB, IND)

After missing the entire 2017 season with a shoulder injury, Luck is finally back and ready to go. Owners should be cautious, however, not just because he's playing his first game action in that long, but also because of the matchup. The Bengals have a strong pass rush, and although rookie Quentin Nelson looks like he'll be a great addition along the offensive line, Luck's pass protection is still not great. On top of that, the Bengals are strong in the secondary which isn't great for a team weak at the receiver position. I still like Luck's long-term outlook, but owners may want to let him ride the bench this week.

Eli Manning (QB, NYG)

Manning has one of the most loaded offenses he has ever had, with rookie running back Saquon Barkley, stud receiver Odell Beckham Jr., third-year receiver Sterling Shepard and second-year tight end Evan Engram. But not even all that talent can make up for the brutal matchup that he faces this week. The Jaguars were the league's top defense a year ago and there is no reason to think they won't be again. Talented from top-to-bottom, they should make life miserable for Manning. He should not be started in any format.

Derek Carr (QB, OAK)

Carr is coming off a disappointing 2017, and starts his 2018 against one of the league's best defenses. With DPOY Aaron Donald signed and ready to go, the Rams should put tons of pressure on Carr and force quick throws. When he does have time, the secondary is loaded at all positions and should be able to clamp down on the receivers. It's hard to see a scenario were Carr does well on Sunday, and owners should look elsewhere.

Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, TAM)

Fitzpatrick gets the start for suspended Jameis Winston, and draws a brutal matchup against a defense that hit the lottery with draft picks in 2017. Led up front by Cameron Jordan, and with stud corners Marshon Latimore and Ken Crawley, the Saints will make things extremely difficult on Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is rarely a reliable option anyways, and this week is no different.

 

QB Matchups Data

Below is a positional data table for this week's matchups based on a variety of factors (you can read about the process here). The players are ranked by RotoBaller's PPR consensus staff rankings. The "Matchup" column is a numerical representation of the players matchup, a higher number is better. Use this matchup data as a tie breaker for players in similar situations/tiers:

Player	Team	Opponent	RBRank	Left	Middle	Right	Pressure	Coverage	Matchup
Aaron Rodgers	GBP	CHI	1	35	30	35	10.8	-10.365	-4.965
Tom Brady	NEP	HOU	2	40	30	30	-0.44	3.48	3.04
Drew Brees	NOR	TAM	3	40	20	40	4.21	13.62	17.83
Cam Newton	CAR	DAL	4	40	20	40	-4.34	-5.55	-7.72
Matthew Stafford	DET	NYJ	5	35	30	35	7.01	12.635	16.14
Deshaun Watson	HOU	NEP	6	40	25	35	11.28	0	5.64
Kirk Cousins	MIN	SFO	7	33	33	33	-3.07	-1.1253	-2.6603
Russell Wilson	SEA	DEN	8	35	30	35	12.71	1.51	7.865
Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	CLE	9	33	33	33	15.22	12.0813	27.3013
Philip Rivers	LAC	KCC	10	35	30	35	-5.82	4.66	1.75
Andrew Luck	IND	CIN	11	33	33	33	-11.16	-10.065	-15.645
Jared Goff	LAR	OAK	12	40	20	40	1.3	5.69	6.34
Andy Dalton	CIN	IND	13	33	33	33	-5.36	4.125	1.445
Marcus Mariota	TEN	MIA	14	40	25	35	7.61	-1.89	1.915
Matt Ryan	ATL	PHI	15	35	30	35	2.08	5.775	7.855
Alex Smith	WAS	ARI	16	35	30	35	1.94	2.925	3.895
Tyrod Taylor	CLE	PIT	17	35	30	35	1.69	-6.205	-5.36
Dak Prescott	DAL	CAR	18	35	30	35	-7.9	5.655	1.705
Patrick Mahomes	KCC	LAC	19	33	33	33	14.32	-14.652	-7.492
Blake Bortles	JAC	NYG	20	33	33	33	17.79	4.3923	13.2873
Case Keenum	DEN	SEA	21	35	30	35	8.72	1.375	5.735
Jimmy Garoppolo	SFO	MIN	22	33	33	33	-3.45	12.177	10.452
Nick Foles	PHI	ATL	23	40	15	45	12.35	-6.23	-0.055
Mitch Trubisky	CHI	GBP	24	30	25	45	-6.68	-3.2	-6.54
Sam Bradford	ARI	WAS	25	33	33	33	-9.99	2.1483	-2.8467
Joe Flacco	BAL	BUF	26	30	35	35	5.61	-2.625	0.18
Derek Carr	OAK	LAR	27	35	30	35	1.54	-20.575	-19.805
Ryan Tannehill	MIA	TEN	28	33	33	33	9.19	-1.4223	3.1727
Sam Darnold	NYJ	DET	29	33	33	33	11.83	8.712	14.627
Eli Manning	NYG	JAC	30	33	33	33	-5.32	-8.646	-11.306
Ryan Fitzpatrick	TAM	NOR	31	35	30	35	-7.32	-11.04	-14.7
Nathan Peterman	BUF	BAL	32	33	33	33	1.07	-0.627	-0.092

 

RB Matchups We Love

Alex Collins (RB, BAL)

Collins broke-out over the second half of last year, and could continue that level of play against a Bills team that has one of the league's worst rosters. The Bills have no elite run-stoppers on their defense and are starting rookie Tremaine Edmunds at linebacker. While Edmunds has a bright future in this league, it's a lot to ask of a rookie in his first start, and Collins should find plenty of running room in this one.

Dion Lewis (RB, TEN)

While Lewis and teammate Derrick Henry will likely split carries, Lewis appears to be the team's preferred option in the passing game. He gets a plus matchup on both fronts in this one against a Dolphins defense that struggles against the run, and whose linebackers struggle in coverage. Lewis isn't getting talked about much, but he has sneaky appeal this week in a game that should favor the Titans.

Chris Thompson (RB, WAS)

With the injury to Derrius Guice, and senior citizen Adrian Peterson being named the starter, Thompson should once again have a large role in this offense, especially in the passing game. That is great news for his owners, as he gets a Cardinals linebacker group that struggles in coverage. Thompson was hyper-efficient a year ago, and will likely come back down to earth, but still offers solid value in Week 1, especially in PPR formats.

Duke Johnson (RB, CLE)

With Carlos Hyde locked in as the starter, and rookie Nick Chubb looking like nothing more than a bench warmer, Johnson should re-assume the role that saw him finish as PPR RB12 in 2017. While the addition of Jarvis Landry may hurt his value some, he's in a great spot against a Steelers linebacker group who is missing their best player. Johnson should have the advantage in this one, and makes for a good value in PPR leagues.

Javorius Allen (RB, BAL)

Allen doesn't offer much in the run game with Alex Collins leading the way, but he possesses plenty of upside in the passing game. Against a Bills defense weak at the linebacker position, Allen should be able to get open at will and is a sneaky start in deeper PPR leagues. If you're one of the unlucky owners who drafted Le'Veon Bell or Jerick McKinnon, and you're in a pinch, Allen can bail you out.

 

RB Matchups We Hate

Saquon Barkley (RB, NYG)

I know. You drafted him in the first round. You have to start him. But man, what a tough way to make your NFL debut, against the league's number one ranked defense. Whether on the ground or through the air, Barkley will face tough matchups. If he excels this week he is the real deal and the sky's the limit. You have to start him, of course, but owners should temper expectations.

Joe Mixon (RB, CIN)

Mixon is another breakout candidate for 2018, but he gets a tough first test against the Colts tough run defense. Most people don't realize this, but the Colts front is loaded with run-stoppers. In 2017 they were a classic funnel defense, good against the run and bad against the pass. Not much has changed for 2018 and Mixon may find running room tough. While the Bengals did improve the offensive line, the Colts front is still much better and should win this battle.

LeSean McCoy (RB, BUF)

McCoy is in one of the worst situations of his career, on an offense that may finish the year ranked dead last and running behind one of his worst offensive lines. It doesn't help matters that he faces an extremely strong Ravens front this week, who will likely focus on stopping McCoy and making Nathan Peterman beat them. If there is any hope for McCoy, it is in the passing game where he does have an advantage over the Ravens linebackers. Still, in a game the Bills are expected to lose handily, it's hard to see the upside with McCoy.

Alfred Morris (RB, SF), Matt Breida (RB, SF)

While no one knows who will actually start for the 49ers in the wake of the McKinnon injury, what we do know is it probably doesn't matter. The Vikings boast one of the league's strongest run defenses, and should shut either Breida or Morris down. With the uncertainty in this backfield, and the tough matchup, both should be left on benches this week.

Marshawn Lynch (RB, OAK)

Lynch was a lot better in 2017 then people gave him credit for, as he was a victim of terrible play calling and game script. While bigger things are expected for him this year, it may take a while to get rolling. Facing a Rams defensive front that may be the most talented in the league, the Raiders offensive line is likely to get whipped in this one. With Lynch offering little in the passing game it seems he is nothing more than touchdown dependent in Week 1.

Carlos Hyde (RB, CLE)

The Browns look set to make Hyde the starter with rookie Nick Chubb nothing more than a backup. Hyde is a talented runner, but he has a tough test in front of him against a Steelers defense that is strong up front. While the Browns do have a good offensive line, the Steelers front is better and they should limit Hyde's room. The volume should be there for Hyde, the results not so much.

 

RB Matchups Data

Below is a positional data table for this week's matchups based on a variety of factors (you can read about the process here). The players are ranked by RotoBaller's PPR consensus staff rankings. The "Matchup" column is a numerical representation of the players matchup, a higher number is better. Use this matchup data as a tie breaker for players in similar situations/tiers:

Player	Team	Opponent	RBRank	Role	Rushing	Receiving	Matchup
Todd Gurley	LAR	OAK	1	3	8.1	22.13	30.23
David Johnson	ARI	WAS	2	3	8.38	12.3	20.68
Alvin Kamara	NOR	TAM	3	3	5.26	24.37	29.63
Ezekiel Elliott	DAL	CAR	4	1	-4.84	-20.37	-4.84
Christian McCaffrey	CAR	DAL	5	3	-5.05	11.2	6.15
Leonard Fournette	JAC	NYG	6	1	-9.07	10.03	-9.07
Melvin Gordon	LAC	KCC	7	3	-10.06	0.67	-9.39
Kareem Hunt	KCC	LAC	8	3	3.51	13.87	17.38
Saquon Barkley	NYG	JAC	9	3	-27	-20.3	-47.3
Dalvin Cook	MIN	SFO	10	3	6.6	-19.87	-13.27
Joe Mixon	CIN	IND	11	1	-18.29	-11.1	-18.29
Devonta Freeman	ATL	PHI	12	3	1.665	5.73	7.395
Alex Collins	BAL	BUF	13	1	11.53	-20.07	11.53
Jordan Howard	CHI	GBP	14	1	-11.89	-31.2	-11.89
Lamar Miller	HOU	NEP	15	3	-10.54	20.13	9.59
LeSean McCoy	BUF	BAL	16	3	-10.55	8.03	-2.52
Duke Johnson	CLE	PIT	17	2	-8.24	24.23	24.23
Kenyan Drake	MIA	TEN	18	1	-4.88	-15.2	-4.88
Rex Burkhead	NEP	HOU	19	1	-12.75	10.53	-12.75
Royce Freeman	DEN	SEA	20	1	-10.8	-19.2	-10.8
Jay Ajayi	PHI	ATL	21	1	8.55	-17.23	8.55
Dion Lewis	TEN	MIA	22	3	9.06	18.97	28.03
Tarik Cohen	CHI	GBP	23	2	-12.69	14	14
Carlos Hyde	CLE	PIT	24	1	-10.29	-23.87	-10.29
Derrick Henry	TEN	MIA	25	1	5.46	-11.23	5.46
Chris Thompson	WAS	ARI	26	2	-5.14	27.2	27.2
Jamaal Williams	GBP	CHI	27	1	-6.61	-26.2	-6.61
Tevin Coleman	ATL	PHI	28	3	-1.485	16.83	15.345
Marshawn Lynch	OAK	LAR	29	1	-10.99	-8.63	-10.99
Chris Carson	SEA	DEN	30	1	-2.31	-21.57	-2.31
James White	NEP	HOU	31	2	-12.05	3.03	3.03
Peyton Barber	TAM	NOR	32	1	-9.92	-1.5	-9.92
Kerryon Johnson	DET	NYJ	33	1	-8.19	-16.9	-8.19
Ty Montgomery	GBP	CHI	34	2	-4.31	-1.5	-1.5
James Conner	PIT	CLE	35	3	-2.19	-13.57	-15.76
Bilal Powell	NYJ	DET	36	1	-8.41	-8.9	-8.41
Giovani Bernard	CIN	IND	37	2	-23.54	6.5	6.5
Adrian Peterson	WAS	ARI	38	1	-7.24	-28	-7.24
Sony Michel	NEP	HOU	39	1	-17.25	-24.57	-17.25
Isaiah Crowell	NYJ	DET	40	1	-11.96	3.6	-11.96
Alfred Morris	SFO	MIN	41	1	-12.01	-4.93	-12.01
Matt Breida	SFO	MIN	42	1	-8.86	-17.23	-8.86
Ronald Jones	TAM	NOR	43	1	-19.67	-10.7	-19.67
Jordan Wilkins	IND	CIN	44	1	-10.51	-4.67	-10.51
Rashaad Penny	SEA	DEN	45	1	-16.46	-30.37	-16.46
Marlon Mack	IND	CIN	46	1	0.89	-0.87	0.89
Theo Riddick	DET	NYJ	47	2	-0.59	9	9
Devontae Booker	DEN	SEA	48	2	-4.95	-1.8	-1.8
C.J. Anderson	CAR	DAL	49	1	1.3	-15.8	1.3
Latavius Murray	MIN	SFO	50	1	1.4	5.73	1.4
Frank Gore	MIA	TEN	51	1	-11.08	-1.9	-11.08
Corey Clement	PHI	ATL	52	2	8.2	8.97	8.97
LeGarrette Blount	DET	NYJ	53	1	-0.39	-9.8	-0.39
Nick Chubb	CLE	PIT	54	1	-18.49	-15.17	-18.49
Austin Ekeler	LAC	KCC	55	2	-12.61	11.37	11.37
T.J. Yeldon	JAC	NYG	58	2	-8.77	15.63	15.63
Rob Kelley	WAS	ARI	61	1	-10.39	-14.6	-10.39
Jeremy Hill	NEP	HOU	62	1	-14.75	-6.47	-14.75
Mike Gillislee	NOR	TAM	63	1	-1.84	-12.03	-1.84
Doug Martin	OAK	LAR	65	1	-21.54	-16.53	-21.54
Javorius Allen	BAL	BUF	66	3	1.18	12.13	13.31
Chris Ivory	BUF	BAL	67	1	-19.2	16.13	-19.2
Kyle Juszczyk	SFO	MIN	68	2	-19.61	-18.23	-18.23
Spencer Ware	KCC	LAC	69	1	-11.69	-12.93	-11.69
Wayne Gallman	NYG	JAC	70	1	-14.8	-16	-14.8
Kalen Ballage	MIA	TEN	71	2	-20.53	-18.9	-18.9
Nyheim Hines	IND	CIN	72	2	-10.51	-4.67	-4.67
C.J. Prosise	SEA	DEN	73	2	-12.66	-14.27	-14.27
Phillip Lindsay	DEN	SEA	74	2	-10.8	-19.2	-19.2
John Kelly	LAR	OAK	76	2	-5.1	-15.67	-15.67
Chase Edmonds	ARI	WAS	77	1	-0.77	-27.7	-0.77
Alfred Blue	HOU	NEP	78	1	-11.44	8.63	-11.44
Jonathan Stewart	NYG	JAC	79	1	-22.8	-25.7	-22.8
Corey Grant	JAC	NYG	#N/A	2	4.23	30.73	30.73
Jalen Richard	OAK	LAR	#N/A	2	-15.99	16.87	16.87
Darren Sproles	PHI	ATL	#N/A	3	1.3	7.17	8.47
Le'Veon Bell	PIT	CLE	#N/A	3	-4.69	12.73	8.04
Jacquizz Rodgers	TAM	NOR	#N/A	2	-14.97	0	0
Deandre Washington	OAK	LAR	#N/A	2	-21.09	-3.13	-3.13
Cameron Artis-Payne	CAR	DAL	#N/A	1	-4.65	-11.8	-4.65
Tyler Ervin	HOU	NEP	#N/A	2	-17.89	-4.97	-4.97
Kenneth Dixon	BAL	BUF	#N/A	1	-6.92	-8.87	-6.92
Rod Smith	DAL	CAR	#N/A	1	-9.49	-6.17	-9.49
Malcolm Brown	LAR	OAK	#N/A	2	0.7	-10.77	-10.77
Trenton Cannon	NYJ	DET	#N/A	1	-17.66	-12.2	-17.66

 

WR Matchups We Love

Michael Thomas (WR, NOR)

Thomas is our chalk play at wide receiver this week, facing a Tampa defense without its best corner in Brent Grimes. It will now be up to Vernon Hargreaves, Ryan Smith and rookie Carlton Davis to shut down Thomas. No chance. Fire him up everywhere you can.

Larry Fitzgerald (WR, ARI)

In 2017, Fitzgerald ran 62% of his routes from the slot and should once again dominate snap slots. He gets a fantastic matchup against nickel corner Fabien Moreau who was one of the worst graded corners a year ago. With Sam Bradford under center, Fitzgerald should be a target machine and is a must start this week.

A.J. Green (WR, CIN)

Drafters were a bit low on Green this year compared to season's past, but they shouldn't be as he dominated the Bengals targets and air yards. Those who have them on their fantasy team should expect a big reward Sunday. Primarily playing on the outside, Green will get looks at both Kenny Moore II (graded 70th) and Nate Hairston (graded 107th). Green should have his way with these corners and has top-5 upside.

Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR)

With the addition of Brandin Cooks the Rams now feature a three-headed monster at receiver, but Kupp's role out of the slot is safe. Running 60% of his routes from the slot, Kupp will get Raiders slot corner Leon Hall who ranked near the bottom of all corners in 2017. With the Raiders having decent corners on the outside, Kupp should be the beneficiary in the softest matchup of the three.

Demaryius Thomas (WR, DEN)

It's likely there will be weeks where Thomas is the play, and weeks where Emmanuel Sanders is the play. This week it is Thomas. The one bright spot amongst the Seahawks corners is slot corner Justin Coleman, who ranked 31st a year ago. Sanders has been moved to the slot, which will leave Thomas outside against Shaquill Griffin (ranked 76th) and Dontae Johnson (ranked 114th). Thomas should have little trouble getting open and is a solid start.

Jamison Crowder (WR, WAS)

Crowder should benefit from the addition of new quarterback Alex Smith, but also has a plus matchup in Arizona this week. With the departure of Tyron Mathieu, the Cardinals are likely to use second-year safety Budda Baker in nickel packages. While Baker looked great in 2017, he struggled in coverage, grading at just 57. Crowder should win this matchup with ease, and makes for a great start especially in PPR formats.

Will Fuller (WR, HOU)

With DeAndre Hopkins facing shadow coverage from Stephon Gilmore, Fuller will be left on the Patriots weakest corner, Eric Rowe. Rowe graded at 109 a year ago, and with DeShaun Watson back, Fuller has tons of upside in this one. The Patriots play almost entirely man coverage, so Fuller will get to attack Rowe all game. Start him with confidence if you've got him.

Keelan Cole (WR, JAC)

With Marqise Lee out for the season, Cole appears to be the Jaguars number one receiver. If you drafted him he's in a great spot to role out Week 1. Lining up all over the field, he'll get chances against Janoris Jenkins (ranked 60th), Eli Apple (ranked 79th) and B.W. Webb who missed all of 2017. Cole has limited upside in a low-volume attack, but he makes for a solid start especially in PPR formats.

 

WR Matchups We Hate

Odell Beckham, Jr. (WR, NYG)

Look, you are starting Beckham regardless of matchup, but this is as tough as it gets. He will spend the majority of his afternoon being shadowed by Jalen Ramsey, the leagues best corner in 2017. Beckham is a stud in his own right, and this is must-watch TV, but owners might want to temper expectations this week.

Mike Evans (WR, TAM)

Many are expecting a bounce-back year from Evans, but he has a tough first game, drawing shadow coverage from Marshon Latimore. Latimore was a sensation as a rookie a year ago, ranking seventh among all corners. You may not have a better option than Evans, and you made need to role with him, just temper expectations.

Amari Cooper (WR, OAK)

Like Evans, many are expecting a bounce-back from Cooper, but he draws a tough first test against one of the league's best defenses in the Rams. Wherever Cooper lines up he'll be at a disadvantage. New additions Aqib Talib (ranked 14th) and Marcus Peters (ranked 15th) man the outside, while Nickell Robey-Coleman (ranked 17th) man's the slot. Cooper was taken in the first four rounds of most drafts, so he's hard to bench, but if possible, owners should consider it.

Jordy Nelson (WR, OAK)

See above.

Randall Cobb (WR, GBP)

Big things are expected from Cobb in 2018 with the departure of Jordy Nelson, but Cobb owners may have to wait a week. Playing 77 percent of his snaps from the slot, he'll primarily get slot corner Bryce Callahan who ranked 25th among all corners a year ago. Cobb always has touchdown upside in an offense led by Aaron Rodgers, but you should find other options if you can.

Sammy Watkins (WR, KC)

Watkins had a disappointing 2017 and now starts 2018 facing off Chargers stud corner Casey Hayward, who was the NFL's second-best corner. It's hard to see Watkins getting the better of this matchup, and Hayward could completely shut him down. If you have any decent options on your bench you should probably start them.

 

WR Matchups Data

Below is a positional data table for this week's matchups based on a variety of factors (you can read about the process here). The players are ranked by RotoBaller's PPR consensus staff rankings. The "Matchup" column is a numerical representation of the players matchup, a higher number is better. Use this matchup data as a tie-breaker for players in similar situations/tiers:

Player	Team	Opponent	RBRank	L%	S%	R%	Matchup
Antonio Brown	PIT	CLE	1	50	14	36	31.9
Michael Thomas	NOR	TAM	2	47	24	29	33.365
DeAndre Hopkins	HST	NEP	3	52	16	32	3.1
A.J. Green	CIN	IND	4	43	15	41	22.531
Julio Jones	ATL	PHI	5	41	24	35	23.503
Keenan Allen	LAC	KCC	6	27	51	21	13.743
Davante Adams	GBP	CHI	7	45	20	34	3.286
Larry Fitzgerald	ARI	WAS	8	17	62	19	24.326
Odell Beckham Jr.	NYG	JAC	9	34	13	53	-21.8
Stefon Diggs	MIN	SFO	10	25	24	50	9.379
T.Y. Hilton	IND	CIN	11	21	36	43	-3.502
Mike Evans	TAM	NOR	12	46	22	33	-25.5
Golden Tate	DET	NYJ	13	9	80	11	20.611
Jarvis Landry	CLE	PIT	14	16	65	17	1.569
Adam Thielen	MIN	SFO	15	27	52	20	6.402
Chris Hogan	NEP	HOU	16	18	47	34	-4.64
Demaryius Thomas	DEN	SEA	17	51	18	30	14.733
Doug Baldwin	SEA	DEN	18	9	73	14	9.131
Tyreek Hill	KCC	LAC	19	31	36	30	-2.091
Corey Davis	TEN	MIA	20	50	11	39	-8.254
Amari Cooper	OAK	LAR	21	38	22	40	-19.112
Allen Robinson	CHI	GBP	22	33	33	33	8.118
Michael Crabtree	BAL	BUF	23	41	20	38	4.851
Jamison Crowder	WAS	ARI	24	10	75	14	12.859
JuJu Smith-Schuster	PIT	CLE	25	17	58	23	9.211
Marvin Jones	DET	NYJ	26	44	12	44	12.684
Brandin Cooks	LAR	OAK	27	55	18	27	1.73
Cooper Kupp	LAR	OAK	28	29	59	12	17.751
Josh Gordon	CLE	PIT	29	26	23	51	1.497
Emmanuel Sanders	DEN	SEA	30	29	28	42	4.48
Robby Anderson	NYJ	DET	31	31	28	41	8.983
Randall Cobb	GBP	CHI	32	8	77	8	-11.297
Pierre Garcon	SFO	MIN	33	26	24	49	14.991
Nelson Agholor	PHI	ATL	34	7	86	6	6.459
Robert Woods	LAR	OAK	35	12	31	55	8.765
Sammy Watkins	KCC	LAC	36	50	31	19	-23
Marquise Goodwin	SFO	MIN	37	48	26	25	13.206
Kenny Stills	MIA	TEN	38	26	48	26	-4.934
Jordy Nelson	OAK	LAR	39	31	31	38	-14.958
Sterling Shepard	NYG	JAC	40	5	84	10	7.788
Will Fuller	HST	NEP	41	28	25	46	11.8
Kelvin Benjamin	BUF	BAL	42	50	20	31	3.538
Devante Parker	MIA	TEN	43	44	20	36	-1.88
Devin Funchess	CAR	DAL	44	38	22	40	1.182
Allen Hurns	DAL	CAR	46	11	75	14	14.058
Keelan Cole	JAC	NYG	47	32	36	32	11.148
Mohamed Sanu	ATL	PHI	48	15	68	17	16.669
Rishard Matthews	TEN	MIA	49	22	33	44	10.527
John Brown	BAL	BUF	51	22	47	31	-4.379
DeSean Jackson	TAM	NOR	52	35	21	44	-5.448
Kenny Golladay	DET	NYJ	53	32	26	41	5.664
Geronimo Allison	GBP	CHI	54	27	41	31	-23.411
Josh Doctson	WAS	ARI	56	44	20	35	-2.461
Calvin Ridley	ATL	PHI	57	33	33	33	-15.576
John Ross	CIN	IND	58	33	0	67	-3.861
Michael Gallup	DAL	CAR	59	33	33	33	-5.181
Tyler Lockett	SEA	DEN	60	16	52	31	-5.185
Anthony Miller	CHI	GBP	61	33	33	33	-10.296
Danny Amendola	MIA	TEN	62	5	83	11	7.799
Ryan Grant	IND	CIN	63	31	34	33	-6.924
Tyrell Williams	LAC	KCC	64	29	38	32	-8.161
Dede Westbrook	JAC	NYG	65	49	10	41	-3.294
Mike Wallace	PHI	ATL	66	51	13	35	-3.41
Ted Ginn	NOR	TAM	67	27	33	40	9.422
Quincy Enunwa	NYJ	DET	68	33	33	33	7.326
Paul Richardson	WAS	ARI	69	54	17	29	0.988
Phillip Dorsett	NEP	HOU	70	20	37	41	-9.048
Courtland Sutton	DEN	SEA	72	33	33	33	-12.54
Donte Moncrief	JAC	NYG	74	61	17	22	-2.336
Cole Beasley	DAL	CAR	75	5	87	6	-0.252
Taywan Taylor	TEN	MIA	78	23	61	15	-0.074
Seth Roberts	OAK	LAR	86	6	83	10	-28.147
Zay Jones	BUF	BAL	87	41	31	27	-11.876
Antonio Callaway	CLE	PIT	89	33	33	33	-25.08
Cordarrelle Patterson	NEP	HOU	90	31	33	35	4.804
Jaron Brown	SEA	DEN	91	38	27	34	-9.141
Travis Benjamin	LAC	KCC	93	26	37	37	-3.039
Chester Rogers	IND	CIN	95	31	41	28	-16.842
Chris Conley	KCC	LAC	97	42	12	45	-24.834
Torrey Smith	CAR	DAL	98	38	16	46	-19.63
Taylor Gabriel	CHI	GBP	99	41	15	44	1.294
Laquon Treadwell	MIN	SFO	100	63	8	29	-19.324
Adam Humphries	TAM	NOR	101	10	83	6	-26.077
Trent Taylor	SFO	MIN	103	10	76	13	12.852
Tyler Boyd	CIN	IND	106	6	89	4	-6.634
Bruce Ellington	HST	NEP	109	15	67	16	-18.5
Jeremy Kerley	BUF	BAL	#N/A	11	78	11	11.135
Jermaine Kearse	NYJ	DET	#N/A	26	52	21	11.06
Jarius Wright	CAR	DAL	#N/A	9	80	9	10.111
Austin Carr	NOR	TAM	#N/A	33	33	0	-1.122
Willie Snead IV	BAL	BUF	#N/A	18	59	21	-2.369
Justin Hunter	PIT	CLE	#N/A	40	17	44	-2.752
Cody Latimer	NYG	JAC	#N/A	19	57	23	-2.754
Chad Williams	ARI	WAS	#N/A	29	28	41	-5.674
J.J. Nelson	ARI	WAS	#N/A	38	26	35	-7.233
Shelton Gibson	PHI	ATL	#N/A	60	0	40	-17.24

 

TE Matchups We Love

Delanie Walker (TE, TEN)

Walker seems to get no love from the fantasy community, but each year he puts up solid numbers for his owners. He is a great start this week against a Dolphins defense starting two rookie linebackers and weak at safety. Walker appears fully healthy entering Week 1 and owners can fire him up with confidence.

Jack Doyle (TE, IND)

With the return of Andrew Luck, all of the Colts pass catchers stock has risen, and that includes Doyle. With Jacoby Brissett, Doyle finished as TE7 last year and gets a Bengals defense whose linebackers struggle badly in coverage. They are also starting a rookie safety. Doyle should be heavily targeted by Luck and should find plenty of room against this defense.

Eric Ebron (TE, IND)

See above. Makes for a good streamer in deeper formats.

David Njoku (TE, CLE)

Njoku was a breakout start in preseason for the Browns, and looks to be headed for a larger role in 2018. With Tyrod Taylor under center, Njoku should see plenty of opportunity. He's in a plus spot here against a Steelers defense missing Ryan Shazier and starting rookie safety  Terrell Edmunds. Njoku is a big red-zone threat as well and has a nice ceiling in this one. Fire him up with confidence.

Ricky Seals-Jones (TE, ARI)

Seals-Jones burst onto the scene in 2017 with a pair of big games before eventually fading out again. But the second-year tight end has been named the starter and appears ready to see a big uptick in snaps. He'll benefit not only from having Sam Bradford under center, but from playing a Redskins defense whose linebackers struggle covering tight ends. Seals-Jones is still a risky start, but if you're looking for a streaming option you could do much worse.

 

TE Matchups We Hate

Jared Cook (TE, OAK)

Cook has sleeper appeal in 2017 on a Raiders team lacking in pass catchers, but he could get off to a slow start. The Rams linebackers and safeties are above average in pass coverage, and the entire defense should make things tough on this offense. Cook still has plenty of value, but owners should leave him on the bench this week.

George Kittle (TE, SF)

After Hunter Henry was lost for the season, George Kittle assumed the mantle of tight end sleeper that everyone loved. Tied to a good quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo, and coming off a solid rookie season, it made sense. But things may be rough out of the gate against a Vikings defense whose linebackers are good in coverage, but have two of the best safeties in the game in Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo. Kittle will likely need a touchdown to pay off this week.

Jimmy Graham (TE, GB)

Moving from Seattle to Green Bay was likely a great move for Graham's long-term outlook, but short-term he draws a brutal matchup against a Bears defense that just added Kalil Mack. The Bears have one of the best linebacker groups in coverage, and are also very strong at safety. Wherever Graham lines up the Bears should make things difficult, and he'll need to find the end-zone to make his owners happy.

 

TE Matchups Data

Below is a positional data table for this week's matchups based on a variety of factors (you can read about the process here). The players are ranked by RotoBaller's PPR consensus staff rankings. The "Matchup" column is a numerical representation of the players matchup, a higher number is better. Use this matchup data as a tie breaker for players in similar situations/tiers:

Player	Team	Opponent	RBRank	LBRating	SafRating	Matchup
Rob Gronkowski	NEP	HOU	1	16.13	31.15	23.64
Travis Kelce	KCC	LAC	2	24.17	26.95	25.56
Zach Ertz	PHI	ATL	3	25.67	20.6	23.135
Greg Olsen	CAR	DAL	4	-0.9	0.8	-0.05
Kyle Rudolph	MIN	SFO	5	15.53	-5.05	5.24
Jimmy Graham	GBP	CHI	6	-12.9	-13.95	-13.425
Delanie Walker	TEN	MIA	7	23.27	21.2	22.235
Jordan Reed	WAS	ARI	8	2.1	-23.5	-10.7
Trey Burton	CHI	GBP	9	1.7	8.4	5.05
Jack Doyle	IND	CIN	10	13.63	7.9	10.765
Evan Engram	NYG	JAC	11	-4.4	-2.75	-3.575
Austin Seferian-Jenkins	JAC	NYG	12	-0.77	-5.65	-3.21
David Njoku	CLE	PIT	13	5.93	22.75	14.34
Tyler Eifert	CIN	IND	14	1.8	4.1	2.95
Jared Cook	OAK	DAL	15	-8.5	-6.8	-7.65
George Kittle	SFO	MIN	16	-0.73	-18.95	-9.84
O.J. Howard	TAM	NOR	17	4.1	-2.85	0.625
Benjamin Watson	NOR	TAM	18	-16.93	-13.25	-15.09
Jesse James	PIT	CLE	19	-8.47	-4.1	-6.285
Ricky Seals-Jones	ARI	WAS	20	12	16.9	14.45
Cameron Brate	TAM	NOR	21	14.1	7.15	10.625
Charles Clay	BUF	BAL	22	6.33	0.9	3.615
Eric Ebron	IND	CIN	23	15.23	9.5	12.365
Mike Gesicki	MIA	TEN	24	-18.9	-13.6	-16.25
Austin Hooper	ATL	PHI	25	3.73	-19.45	-7.86
Jake Butt	DEN	SEA	26	-19.2	-36.25	-27.725
Luke Willson	DET	NYJ	27	-8.1	-0.8	-4.45
Antonio Gates	LAC	KCC	29	-5.23	14.1	4.435
Garrett Celek	SFO	MIN	30	4.87	-13.35	-4.24
Tyler Higbee	LAR	OAK	31	-4.97	0.85	-2.06
Vernon Davis	WAS	ARI	32	5.8	-19.8	-7
Ryan Griffin	HOU	NEP	33	6.43	-15.1	-4.335
Dallas Goedert	PHI	ATL	34	-12.53	-17.6	-15.065
Nick Vannett	SEA	DEN	35	-23.67	-5.55	-14.61
Gerald Everett	LAR	OAK	36	-13.37	-7.55	-10.46
Tyler Kroft	CIN	IND	37	-0.6	1.7	0.55
Jonnu Smith	TEN	MIA	#N/A	-0.23	-2.3	-1.265
Nick Boyle	BAL	BUF	#N/A	2.83	-28.95	-13.06
Jeff Heuerman	DEN	SEA	#N/A	-6.5	-23.55	-15.025
Christopher Herndon	NYJ	DET	#N/A	-12.2	-27.5	-19.85
Mark Andrews	BAL	BUF	#N/A	-8.87	-40.65	-24.76
Blake Jarwin	DAL	CAR	#N/A	-24.97	-26.25	-25.61

 

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