dailynewsnblog
Each Friday, Adam Rank will provide his take on how developments from around the NFL impact his thinking as it pertains to setting fantasy football lineups for that weekend’s games.
Baker Mayfield signed his long-awaited contract extension (in the dark of night, some say), and I can’t help but think there was some sort of Jack Sparrow-like negotiating going on. While I’m happy for Baker, I’m a little sad that we don’t get the mythical “Baker Mayfield with a chip on his shoulder” narrative to run with for the entire offseason. I mean, is Mayfield still going to be the quarterback we all knew and loved? I hope so.
I’m still starting him this week because it’s the Bengals, who improved with the addition of Dexter Lawrence II this offseason, but old habits are hard to break. The Bengals were vulnerable last season, especially on the road. Smash start for Mayfield.
More quarterback thoughts
Patrick Mahomes is back, but I’m not willing to go in on it. Mostly because I’m upset he didn’t give Justin Fields one start. But for real, the Broncos held Mahomes in check last season in the one game he played against them (6.1 yards per attempt, one TD pass). I need to see more from Mahomes before I push him back into my lineup. Plus, Mahomes was sacked 34 and 36 times the past two seasons, the two highest single-season totals of his career. It might not be about Mahomes’ health but that of the offensive line.
Many of you might have not been happy taking Jalen Hurts in drafts this year. But you’re good. Sean Mannion has already said he wants to reestablish the run, including the Brotherly Shove. Remember, Hurts averaged 21.7 fantasy points in the first eight games of 2025, including putting up 24 in Week 1. The Commanders are such a wild card to me, I love starting him this week.
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Why Cam Skattebo needs to be in fantasy lineups in Week 1
Running backs
We all assumed Bhayshul Tuten was the guy in Jacksonville. But this is what happens when you don’t talk about Liam Cohen’s team enough. He’s going to make us pay with a split backfield of Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Good job, y’all. You just had to make fun of the coach for the way he said “Duval.” But you can start both running backs against the Browns, especially with injuries and other things going on at the position this week. Check on Tuten’s fitness level heading into the game.
I’d also start both Buccaneers running backs. The Bengals might have improved with Lawrence, but did they become “Laney Boggs no longer wearing glasses” good? Bucky Irving has always been a favorite and I’m comfortable with him, but the Bucs didn’t give Kenny Gainwell all that money to sit the bench.
Javonte Williams was one of the most slept-on backs in fantasy drafts this summer. He’s the Cowboys’ headliner at running back, and he has a great matchup against the Giants, who allowed the fourth-most points to running backs last season. And that was before they traded away the aforementioned Lawrence.
My feelings will be hurt if Omarion Hampton doesn’t crush the Cardinals defense this week. The Birds struggled against the run last season, looked bad in the preseason, and I’ve 100% bought into Hampton as the new De’Von Achane with Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. Don’t make me go with Keaton Mitchell as a desperation flex, since he returned to practice this week. (But I am in some deeper leagues.)
RJ Harvey had a pretty nice game against the Chiefs on Christmas Day last year, highlighted by five receptions and a receiving touchdown. I like him as a flex start this week.
David Montgomery is the perfect fit for the Texans this season. A team that would love to play great defense and pound the rock. Montgomery could be set if that offensive line is fit. I also revel in the fact that I don’t have to watch one of my favorite players rock Honolulu Blue.
Wide receivers
Chris Olave could well be the WR1 this week against the Lions. There are the injuries, plus I’m not 100% confident Detroit has solved its defensive issues. Olave averaged nearly 19 fantasy points per game with Tyler Shough last season.
DJ Moore averaged only 10 PPG last season, his fewest since his rookie year. I am starting him with no hesitation this week despite a tough matchup. This is Josh Allen’s guy.
We start CeeDee Lamb. We start George Pickens. How upset will we be when it’s Ryan Flournoy or ol’ Fergie, Jake Ferguson, with the first touchdown of the season for the Cowboys?
Josh Downs is flying under the radar, as the Ravens allowed the fifth-most points to slot receivers last season.
Will Kyler Murray get Justin Jefferson the ball? I hope so. The Vikings should treat Jefferson the way Homer Simpson wanted “The Itchy & Scratchy Show” producers to treat Poochie! (Before he went to his home planet, of course.) Don’t sleep on Jordan Addison, either. The Packers struggle with outside receivers.
Tight ends
My delusion with Kyle Pitts Sr. still feels warranted. He was the TE4 with 12.4 fantasy PPG last season, including nine top-12 finishes (only Trey McBride had more). And Kevin Stefanski loves his tight ends.
I don’t want to pretend I got this all on my own (because Daniel Dopp and I talked about it on “NFL Fantasy Live” on Tuesday), but Juwan Johnson is a pretty decent option against the Lions. He’s likely to be the second or (at worst) third option in the Saints’ passing attack this weekend.
D/STs and a note for those playing NFL Survivor
If you already missed out on streaming the Jaguars defense (62.0% rostered in ESPN leagues) against Cleveland, another great option is the Los Angeles Chargers (58.6% rostered) against the Cardinals. The Chargers face the Raiders next week, so this could be a two-for-one offering.
You should also know Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh (6-0) has never lost a season opener, something to consider if you are playing NFL Survivor on ESPN. Same goes for the Eagles’ Nick Sirianni (5-0).
