Week 1 of the NFL season is here and with it comes Week 1 of the fantasy football season! So, with that, welcome to the weekly wide receiver/cornerback breakdown! We will review each of the outside matchups, as well as my 10 favorite matchups in the slot. Then, below the charts in this article, I break down my five absolute favorite matchups to use for DFS purposes. The first week of the year always brings about uncertainty so, when in doubt, play the guys you drafted to be your starters. This article is also critical for daily players, as this will help you gain a competitive advantage when setting your lineups. Good luck to you all and let’s crush it not only in Week 1 but all season long! Follow me on Twitter (@fightingchance) as well!

 
Wide Receiver vs Cornerback Matchup Report Week 1
   
Left WR vs Right CB
Wide ReceiverCornerbackMatchup
Amon-Ra St. BrownDarius SlayRisky
A league-winner last year, St. Brown comes into 2022 ready to show that his rookie season was no fluke. The Lions have brought in more weapons to compete with him, but excuse me for not being overly scared of D.J. Chark, and rookie Jameson Williams isn't ready to start the season. The only thing to be worried about here is a matchup against Eagles stud Darius Slay who is the sixth rated corner according to PFF. St. Brown is likely still to get seven to ten targets in this game, but not likely to come out of the gate rocking. Obviously he is still someone you start in season-long leagues but there are definitely better targets for DFS purposes.
Marquise Brown ARZRashad Fenton KCSafe
I am so interested to see what this season holds for Brown. For the first six games he will be the undoubted WR1 for the Cardinals as DeAndre Hopkins is suspended and Christian Kirk left for Jacksonville. He was always inconsistent under Lamar Jackson but gets a fresh start with Kyler Murray who is a better thrower of the football. We know Brown has speed to burn, and Fenton is a starter because Charvarious Ward headed off to San Francisco. Brown did have the offseason arrest, but it isn't going to impact his availability. There's some trepidation with a guy on a new team, but Brown is a weekly starter, and in this case a solid DFS start for Week 1 as he should rack up the targets, and the Chiefs secondary took a step back.
Drake London ATLMarshon Lattimore NORisky
In a wide receiver rich draft, London was the first one off the board. That doesn't mean he will be the best, but we know he has little competition for targets at wide receiver in Atlanta. Besides being a rookie, another concern is that quarterback Marcus Mariota has thrown 30 passes in games in the last two years. Honestly, I was never a fan of his in Tennessee. Combine that with going against Pro Football Focus fifth-best cornerback coming into the season in Lattimore and if there's a way to not start London on your teams in the season opener you might want to look at that other option. I don't see the rookie getting off to a flying start in 2022.
Rashod Bateman BALD.J. Reed NYJModerate
Here is another incredibly intruiging storyline coming into 2022. With Marquise Brown gone, it looks like the second year man is set to be the Ravens primary receiver. Brown had nearly 150 targets last year as the Ravens basically throw to one wide receiver and the tight end. If Bateman gets that kind of attention he should be in for a very good year. The Jets secondary was one of the worst in football last year, but Reed coming over from Seattle should help. Despite being just 5'9", Reed allowed only 51% of passes to be caught last year and two touchdowns and they were both in the same game. Bateman doesn't get the easiest battle to start the year but is still a guy you want in your Week 1 lineups.
Stefon Diggs BUFJalen Ramsey LARModerate
This one should be fascinating to watch as one of the best receivers in the league faces off against a very solid corner. The season opener will likely be a defensive battle, so you might want to look elsewhere for your DFS showdown lineups even though we will all be excited to play regular season DFS again. Diggs is going to get his and likely ten targets, but we know that Ramsey is a menace at cornerback. He is someone that you never sit in your season-long lineups, but be sure to keep those expectations in check and don't freak if he doesn't put up 15 fantasy points.
D.J. Moore CARDenzel Ward CLERisky
It is a new era in Carolina with Baker Mayfield at starting quarterback and while that might be a very *yawn* boring declaration for most teams, that is actually an upgrade for the trash that the Panthers had at quarterback last year. This can only mean good things for Moore who still had 93 catches and over 1,100 yards. What it should help is his paltry four touchdowns last season. He does get a tough draw against Ward who comes into the season ranked tenth among cornerbacks from Pro Football Focus. Moore is a definite every week starter, but with the transition to a new quarterback and a tough matchup against a solid cornerback you can find better options for your DFS lineups.
Darnell Mooney CHICharvarious Ward SFModerate
There are several reasons to love Mooney. He enjoyed a breakout year in 2021 with over 80 catches and 1,000 yards. He is on a team with almost no competition for targets and his chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields has been the talk of training camp. Ward came over from Kansas City and has been a very good corner lately, averaging about a 50% catch rate over the last three years. He does allow some long passes though and allows 14 yards per reception for his career. How has Justin Fields progressed from last year? How will Ward's move from the Chiefs play out? How much will the Bears run the ball? These are all questions that we will answer in the opener which is why I feel much more comfortable with Mooney in my seasonal lineups than in any DFS contest even with the chance of a deep ball against Ward.
Tee Higgins CINLevi Wallace PITSafe
He did have offseason shoulder surgery, but Higgins will be ready for this game. The Bengals offense exploded last season with their two big receivers, and Higgins could get even better in 2022. Wallace comes over from the Bills where he was always the number two behind Tre'Davious White and had some struggles when White was hurt. He allowed 12 touchdowns in the last three years and I am curious to see how he transitions in Pittsburgh. You never bench Higgins, the trouble in DFS though is whether he or Chase go off in the game. I like Higgins in the season opener and while I wouldn't have huge exposure to him, he can be a DFS target in Week 1.
Amari Cooper CLEDonte Jackson CARModerate
Ugh, Cleveland. Cooper is their number one option by a mile, but what can we expect from this passing game. Jacoby Brissett will be at quarterback as we know and he is, well, not that good. He has averaged a whopping (sarcastic)129 yards per game in his career, and the Browns should be a run heavy team early on. Donte Jackson is a very solid corner and at no point this season should you consider a Browns receiver for DFS purposes. Even in a showdown slate. Cooper shoul likely still be in your seasonal lineups though.
CeeDee Lamb DALJamel Dean TBSafe
He was set to have a huge season before the Cowboys started losing receivers left and right to injury. This is a super tough matchup against one of Pro Football Focus top-15 cornerbacks, but I don't care. Lamb should get a plethora of targets, and the dude is just loaded with talent. He has shown the ability to be a strong slot receiver with lower to mid-range passes, but also some big play ability. You can never sit the Cowboys stud receiver, and with the options limited on the team I could see him being a DFS cash game option.
Courtland Sutton DENSidney Jones SEASafe
Things have never looked better than they do for Sutton right now. He is healthy and he has the best quarterback of his young career. Russell Wilson is now under center for Denver and that changes the dynamics of this offense completely. Suttton has already had success with garbage piles at quarterback, so he should excel this year. There is some competition for targets with Jerry Jeudy, K.J. Hamler, the tight end and running backs, but Sutton should still be looking at 120+ targets. Jones allowed over 13 yards per catch last year, after over 21 yards per grab the season before. Seattle should be a dumpster fire this year and Wilson will probably want to stick it to them. Look for a great game from Sutton to begin the year.
Allen Lazard GBPatrick Peterson MINRisky
Davante Adams is gone so everyone is wondering who will be the new number one for the Packers. Given his career, I find it hard to believe that Lazard is going to take this huge step forward this season. He's been with the Packers for several years, if he was that good, why didn't he do more before? I am sure that his targets will go up, but I just can't see him having this big, breakout season. Is he startable in Week 1? Sure, even with a tough matchup against Peterson who is starting to age, but is still one of the top-20 corners in the NFL. However, until I see how the targets are going to shake out, I am not willing to risk Lazard in a DFS game.
Brandin Cooks HOUStephon Gilmore INDRisky
He has had two straight very productive seasons for the Texans and they just gave him a contract extension, so why would we think he wouldn't be great again? He always has those concussion concerns from a few seasons ago, but they are starting to feel like old news. Gilmore isn't the guy he once was, but Pro Football Focus still has him ranked as the 16th best corner in the game. Quarterback Davis Mills has shown the ability to get the ball deep to Cooks last season and I am very excited for his 2022 season. I might wait for an easier matchup to play him in DFS, but he should bring home 13-15 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
Michael Pittman INDSteven Nelson HOUSafe
I love Pittman for 2022 and I have leagues where he is my top wide receiver. However, my only cause for concern is this sentiment that he got some upgrade at quarterback. I know no one likes Carson Wentz, but did we see Matt Ryan throw the ball last year? I don't see Pittman getting a ton of deep bombs. That being said he is by far the top receiver on this team and should see 150 targets. Nelson was a disappointment for the Eagles last year allowing 68% of passes his way to be caught and he has allowed four or more touchdowns in three of the last four years. While the Texans D looked solid in the preseason, I'd fire up Pittman in all formats of fantasy!
Marvin Jones JAXKendall Fuller WSHRisky
He has always been a high volume target guy, but Jones crapped the bed like everyone else in Jacksonville last year with just 73 catches. This year should be different, although the Jags spent a bunch of money on bringing in more options for Trevor Lawrence, like Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram. Like Indy, I want to see a week play out in Jacksonville before I go trusting any of their players outside of the running backs and Kirk. If jones has 6+ targets this week, I will be much more apt to trust him in Week 2.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling KCMarco Wilson ARZRisky
He dealt with a concussion this preseason, but is cleared for Week 1, and now we find out what to expect from him in a new offense. Honestly, I think he will be the same guy with potentially a little less opportunity. Valdes-Scantling is a guy who can pop the big play and give you a 3/132/1 kind of game and wrap that around four or five games where he has three to five fantasy points. I don't know about you, but I trust that guy even less in his first game on a new team.
Allen Robinson LARDane Jackson BUFModerate
I'm sure many of you had a hard time trusting Robinson in your drafts after the epic disaster that was his 2021 season. However, he is still only 29 and a year removed from a 100-catch season. Put him on the high powered Rams offense and I am eating that up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Van Jefferson isn't a threat and Robinson will be the number two target on this team. With Tre'Davious White out, the Bills secondary is a bit thinner, and while Jackson is okay, it is a huge step down. Robinson is a sure start in seasonal and a receiver I like for opening night DFS showdowns.
Mike Williams LACAnthony Averett LVSafe
He got PAAAAAAAID after finally having the season many had been hoping for a while to see. Williams showed last year that he wasn't just a deep ball threat and showed more consistency from week to week. It sure helps when you have one of the best quarterbacks in the league throwing you the ball. Williams is a physical beast and has a good size advantage on Averett who allowed 14.2 yards per catch and three touchdowns last season as he struggled for the Ravens. I am all about Williams in Week 1 as this game should feature lots of points.
Davante Adams LVMichael Davis LACSafe
Simply one of the best in the game, I feel like Adams was overshadowed this draft season by the flashy new toys of Jefferson and Chase and the impossible to repeat Kupp. Adams just catches everything. It doesn't matter where it is thrown. Sure, he is on a new team but it is the one with his college quarterback and best buddy so the chemistry should be there from the start. Sure, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller will get touches, but the Raiders pulled out all the stops to get Adams, he is going to be their alpha male. Play him in all formats regardless of opponent.
Jaylen Waddle MIAJonathan Jones NEModerate
He was slot receiver gold last year, but that spot is now taken up by Tyreek Hill. How will Waddle's production be hindered by a new top dog coming to Miami? Honestly, it should help. He was really the only receiving option for the Dolphins last year and still had a killer season. He scored in both games against the Pats last season, and I see him being a target hog again in 2022. I likely would look another way in DFS with some uncertainty in a new offense and a tough opponent, but I am loving Waddle for this season.
Justin Jefferson MINJaire Alexander GBModerate
It is the matchup of the week! One of the best receivers in football against arguably the best corner in the game. Alexander missed a lot of last season with injury, but he is back now and gets a great test right off the bat. Jefferson is a dynamic deep ball threat, but has also become a complete receiver and an absolute darling for fantasy football. While there is never a scenario where you sit Jefferson in season long games, I don't want to pay his price tag when he goes against an elite corner. Jefferson's DFS time will come, but for me it won't be in Week 1.
DeVante Parker NEXavien Howard MIARisky
Do you buy into the revenge game narrative? I usually don't, and I'm not going to here either. Parker is a decent receiver, but he has proven to be inconsistent and it is his first game on a new team. It is also his first pro game not in a Dolphins uniform, but Miami will be his opponent across the field. Parker does have a couple of inches on Howard, but the Dolphins stud corner is ranked seventh coming into the year according to Pro Football Focus for defensive backs. I don't anticipate the Patriots playing an aerial attack right out of the gate, and I think you can do better than Parker in your Week 1 lineups.
Michael Thomas NOCasey Hayward ATLRisky
He is one of the more interesting players coming into 2022 just because we haven't seen him play in so long. And there's new coaching and a new quarterback. Oh yeah, and he came up with a hamstring injury late in the year. I am staying as far away from Thomas as I can this year, but if you did draft him it will be hard to sit him. He doesn't have an easy first game against Hayward that PFF ranks as the 17th corner coming into the year. Thomas is an absolute no go for me in DFS games as well.
Kadarius Toney NYGKristian Fulton TENSafe
So, what do we expect from the Giants offense? Their QB might be a bust, Golladay is a mess, Sterling Shepard is made of glass and Toney can't stay healthy either. He didn't play at all in the preseason, and who knows where he stands. He has definite big play ability, but we have also seen him disappear plenty too. Fulton is ranked as the 30th corner in the league and I would have a real hard time starting Toney in Week 1 in any format.
Elijah Moore NYJMarlon Humphrey BALModerate
There is a lot of hype coming into the year for Moore, but the Jets still don't have a good quarterback and they also drafted another receiver high. Moore did look good at times last season, so the talent is there, I am just concerned about the situation. He will have Joe Flacco at quarterback in this one and the Ravens secondary is solid. Humphrey is ranked in the top ten by Pro Football Focus coming into the season, so while Moore is likely a start in a season long format, he isn't someone that I will target in Week 1 DFS.
A.J. Brown PHIAmani Oruwariye DETSafe
It was a bit of a disappointing season in 2021 for Brown as he dealt with injury and subpar quarterback play but everything starts new for him in Philly in 2022. There is always concern about Jalen Hurts accuracy and ability to throw the long ball, but all reports are that Brown was awesome in training camp. He is a big dude with great ability and big play capabilities. Oruwariye has shown flashes in the past and gets a little better each year, but still allowed four touchdowns last season. He isn't a corner to avoid in DFS and Brown should be an option for you in all fantasy formats.
Diontae Johnson PITChidobe Awuzie CINModerate
He came down awkwardly on his shoulder in the final preseason game, but Johnson is set to go for the opener. Even with a new quarterback I don't see any reason why Johnson won't be the focal point of the passing game again and a target hog. Awuzie was good for the Cowboys, but he was even better for the Bengals He is a top-20 corner according to Pro Football Focus, but this is just about volume. Johnson had nine catches for 95 yards in the meeting against Cincinnati last year and I can see him having a similar output in Week 1 this year.
D.K. Metcalf SEAPatrick Surtain DENModerate
He actually wasn't terrible with Geno Smith at quarterback last season, but something just isn't feeling good about Metcalf this year. It certainly doesn't help that he will be locked up with one of the best corners in the game, even though Surtain hasn't been in the league that long. I expect Seattle to get crushed in this game so there should be ample garbage time capabilities, but given the matchup I can't put Metcalf in a DFS lineup. Unless Smith is really bad, Metcalf still belongs in season long lineups each week.
Deebo Samuel SFJaylon Johnson CHISafe
There was a lot of chatter of whether Samuel would be on the team this year but he got paid big time. There is a new quarterback, and some worry he won't run as much, but the Niners would not have doled out that huge contract if Deebo wasn't going to be the man again. There is some dependency on Trey Lance's ability to handle an NFL offense, so while I am very confident in the offense, you might want to wait a week on Deebo for a week for DFS purposes. There is never a reason to consider not playing him in a season long league.
Mike Evans TBTrevon Diggs DALModerate
Tampa lost half of its offensive line this preseason, but we know the Tampa Bay offense is still going to be really good as long as they have all of these weapons. Diggs burst on the scene last year as one of the better corners in the league. However, he loves to go for the big play a lot and ends up getting burned a decent amount. Also, Evans is a touchdown magnet, so even if he doesn't have a great game with a lot of catches there's a good chance he will find the end zone. Fire him up in all fantasy formats.
Robert Woods TENAdoree Jackson NYGModerate
He tore his ACL midseason last year and is on a new team, but Woods should be all set to go for the start of this year. He certainly gets a downgrade in offense going from the Rams to Tennessee, but he also should be the top dog there with A.J. Brown out of town and Treylon Burks getting mixed reviews. Adoree Jackson actually had a strong season for the Giants, but I don't think he is someone you need to avoid. Considering the injury and the team change I wouldn't be focused on Woods for DFS purposes but I do think he is a solid start for your seasonal leagues.
Terry McLaurin WASShaquill Griffin JAXSafe
I am very excited for McLaurin this season. I know everyone loves to crap on Carson Wentz, but the guy isn't that bad and he surely is an upgrade over what the Commanders have had in the recent past. I know there is some buzz about rookie Jahan Dotson but McLaurin is the no doubt number one receiver in Washington. He has had over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons with garbage quarterback play, so I think this can be his best season yet. Griffin is an inconsistent corner, but very good when he is on. I'm not sold on him though and I would be willing to put McLaurin in all of my season long lineups and some DFS builds as well.
   
Right WR vs Left CB
Wide ReceiverCornerbackMatchup
A.J. Green ARZTrent McDuffie KCModerate
He might be 352 years old, but somehow the guy keeps producing some. He had five games of five catches or more and five games of 70+ receiving yards. I know those aren't big numbers, but they certainly are usable fantasy numbers in PPR league. With Rondale Moore out and Zach Ertz very iffy, Green is certain to be second in targets on the team and could actually have a fantasy relevant day in Arizona. However, it is Week 1 and you should have drafted enough receivers that you shouldn't have to rely on freaking A.J. Green. I would not use the former Bengal in lineups this weekend.
Bryan Edwards ATLPaulson Adebo NORisky
The good news for Edwards is that he got out of Vegas where they clearly weren't using him. The bad news is that he went to an offense that doesn't appear to be a high-powered passing offense. There is a chance that he can stand out here, but there haven't been any signs of it in the preseason. Adebo had a solid rookie season, and is an up and coming corner in the league. Edwards was a late best-ball target of mine, but no one I would put in a Week 1 lineup.
Devin Duvernay BALSauce Gardner NYJRisky
Marquise Brown is gone which opens up the chance for someone to take the next step. Rashod Bateman is the popular pick to be that guy, but could Duvernay do better than the 47 targets he got in 2022? Sure, I would say that is nearly a guarantee, but I wouldn't count on a good start for Duvernay. The Ravens are not a big passing team, Duvernay hasn't shown any great burst yet, and while he is a rookie, Sauce Gardner is expected to come in and have an impact right away.
Gabe Davis BUFDavid Long LARModerate
Well, this should be interesting. Davis has been one of the most polarizing players in fantasy this offseason as he is certainly the second option in Buffalo. But is he worth the fourth or fifth round pick he became? Davis is a solid receiver who has a strong relationship with Josh Allen and has caught a lot of touchdowns compared to his target share. Long will be asked to step up with Darious Williams leaving town, and this will be a strong test for him right from the opening game. Davis will be a guy to start in your season long leagues and makes a very interesting target for the opening night DFS showdown slate.
Robbie Anderson CARGreedy Williams CLEModerate
He has been dealing with a bit of a quad injury, but Anderson will be fine for the opener. However, with a new quarterback at the helm in Baker Mayfield, how will he connect with him and what will the target share be? Anderson was a colossal disappointment last season, and even with 110 targets he didn't even catch half of them. The talent is there, the opportunity is there, but will we see a bounce back? Mayfield surely would love to show his old team they gave up on him too soon, but I don't think that I trust Anderson enough to make him a starter in any of my lineups this week.
Equanimeous St. Brown, CHIEmmanuel Mosley, SFModerate
St. Brown has never been fantasy relevant in his career, and that isn't going to start now. The Bears don't have a high powered passing attack and he is at least the fourth or fifth best option on the team. In no way should he even be in a conversation that you have about fantasy football this week, forget about near a lineup. 
Ja'Marr Chase CINAhkello Witherspoon PITSafe
I mean, what do we have to say here? Sure, Witherspoon is a fine corner, but is there ever a reason not to play Chase? He was a sure fire first round pick in almost all drafts, and the Steelers defense is one that can be passed on. This kid is one of the top shelf elite talents, and is a definite start in season long games and is always in play for DFS as well.
Donovan Peoples-Jones CLEC.J. Henderson CARRisky
DPJ had a few good games last season, but I can't suggest using him this week. Henderson was a high draft pick at corner very recently, and the Browns will have Jacoby Brissett at quarterback for the first three months of the season and that does not instill confidence in me that the offense is going to do any damage throwing the ball. Take a look after the game to see if Peoples-Jones got a fair number of targets, but I am expecting a pedestrian game from the Browns wideout.
Jalen Tolbert DALCarlton Davis TBModerate
It might not be the best start for the Cowboys passing game. There will be no Michael Gallup, there will be no James Washington, and they are facing one of the best secondaries in the NFL in Tampa. Carlton Davis is probably a top-20 corner, and Tolbert is being thrust into a high-leverage role right from the start. The third round pick has looked good, but it might be tough to trust a guy in his first game against this level of opponent. I can see using him in the Sunday night DFS showdown slate and hope for the best, but as a guy in your season long lineups, I want to look another way.
Jerry Jeudy DENArtie Burns SEASafe
After two seasons of pretty terrible quarterback play, the former first round pick will finally have a chance to fully show what he is capable of. While he might not match his career numbers so far (90 catches, 1,323 yards and three touchdowns), I would think he has a shot to hit those lofty targets. He gets a greaet matchup to start the season against a dreadful Seattle team and he should get off to a great start. Jeudy is a stud in both season long and Monday Night DFS showdown slate lineups!
D.J. Chark DETJames Bradberry PHIRisky
New team, new beginning for Chark, and if he can stay healthy, he should be in for a very good year. Jared Goff and the Lions aren't a downgrade in offense from what Chark has had in his career, in fact, I think it will be a slight upgrade. Health aside, Chark has shown the ability to be the alpha in a team's receiving group. He will likely play second fiddle to Amon-Ra St. Brown here, but there should be plenty of passes to go around. The problem is that they go against the best secondary in football in Philadelphia. Bradberry was a little shakier last year for the Giants, but the whole defense was so bad, I can't lay the blame on Jackrabbit. Chark could be a flex play for you but it comes with some risk and he can't be a DFS target in the opening week.
Romeo Doubs GBCameron Dantzler MINModerate
The stock on this kid has been ridiculous coming into the season as the Packers keep sending mixed messages that he is awesome and yet the ball will be spread around. Doubs showed in preseason that he is fully capable of making the big play, but also had some ugly drops. So to me, he is just a younger MVS. Dantzler had a very strong year last season, allowing just 9.4 yards per catch and a 52% catch rate. You might love Doubs, but a rookie in his first game against a strong corner is not generally a recipe for success.
Nico Collins HOUBrandon Facyson INDSafe
What will the Texans offense be like this year? I am a fan of Davis Mills, and while Brandin Cooks is the clear number one receivers, I think Collins will be the clear number two. Facyson allowed 13 yards per catch last year and a whopping six touchdowns, so this could be a sneaky great start to the year for Collins. The Texans are a bit of a question mark and he is the number two receiver, but the matchup and the price tag make him an intriguing Week 1 bargain to look at.
Alec Pierce INDDerek Stingley HOURisky
Pierce was a second round pick of the Colts and has been considered a first-team offense player from the start, and it will be interesting to see how targets are distributed in Indy after Michael Pittman. Things could be different with Matt Ryan at quarterback, but I'm not sure he is much of an upgrade from Carson Wentz. The Texans secondary has improved, but I am not sure after Jonathan Taylor and Pittman that I want to trust anyone in this opening week.The Colts are a team I am watching in Week 1 to see just how all of the changes play out
Zay Jones JAXKamren Curl WSHModerate
After being a colossal bust for most of his career, Jones had a little awakening last year for the Raiders. Of course, the Jaguars opened their pocketbook and paid a fortune considering his career accomplishments. There are a number of solid options in Jacksonville including three receivers, a couple tight ends, and a great pass catching running back. You definitely should have drafted plenty of receivers with better prospects than Jones so I see no reason to put him in your lineups, but he is definitely someone to watch in Week 1.
Van Jefferson LARKaiir Elam BUFRisky
The team bringing in Allen Robinson really stunted any potential growth that Jefferson could have this year, and the knee surgery he had recently makes him a no go in fantasy for me in the opener. He can make some big plays, but Jefferson is incredibly inconsistent and the Bills secondary is top notch. Even for the Thursday opener DFS showdown slate, I am not looking Jefferson's way.
Joshua Palmer LACRock Ya-Sin LVModerate
There is some hype for Palmer coming into this season as he had 33 catches and four touchdowns in his rookie year. And yeah, the Chargers are a pass heavy team, but Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are still in front o f him and they throw to the running back a lot. Rock Ya-Sin is a beatable corner but I need to see Palmer do it for a week or two before I think about putting him in any of my lineups.
Mack Hollins LVAsante Samuel LACRisky
This passing game is going to run through Davante Adams first, Darren Waller when healthy second, and Hunter Renfrow third, and probably Josh Jacobs fourth. There isn't enough here to think that Hollins can be anything close to fantasy relevant so you can just avoid him completely.
Cedrick Wilson MIAJalen Mills NERisky
He had some nice moments in Dallas, but Wilson is going to be behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle who are going to command a lot of targets in this balanced offense. Hell, even their "tight end" lines up at receiver a lot. Unless we see something crazy this week or there is an injury there's no reason to consider Wilson for fantasy early in the year.
Adam Thielen MINEric Stokes GBSafe
I will admit that I was not on the Thielen bandwagon in 2021 as I just thought he was starting to fade. And while his receptions and yards were definitely down and he dealt with injury again, he still had ten touchdowns. The defense just has to pay Justin Jefferson so much attention that he sees softer coverage. Stokes is the 29th ranked corner coming into the season, but I still think there will be a good amount of passing in this game, and while he might not be a solid DFS target, I like Thielen for sure in season long contests.
Nelson Agholor NEByron Jones MIARisky
I'm far from sold. Reports have been solid this preseason, but Agholor tricked us for a few weeks in 2020 with the Raiders but has been nothing but an average receiver at best in his career. The Patriots are going to run more than they pass and Byron Jones is a damn good corner. Whether it is Agholor or Kendrick Bourne who is the other outside receiver for the Patriots, you can easily stay away.
Chris Olave NOA.J. Terrell ATLRisky
If Michael Thomas wasn't a thing, perhaps I would be more excited for the rookie. However, he has to contend with Thomas and Jarvis Landry for targets, and as you've seen the theme from this article, I am not huge on rookies in their first game. And what in the world are we going to get from Jameis Winston? There are too many variables here and that isn't even taking into account that Terrell is one of the better young corners in football. Stay away!
Wan'Dale Robinson NYGCaleb Farley TENModerate
Kenny Golladay has looked awful, Darius Slayton hasn't made an impact in a long time, so can Robinson come in and be fantasy relevant right away? Well, I will say that he gets a less than stellar secondary to start his career as the Titans are beatable. However, I am also not sold on Daniel Jones and I don't expect a lot of offense in this game. If you have Robinson on your roster in a PPR league perhaps he might be worth a start, but for a rookie in his first game, I hope you drafted three or four receivers you feel better about than the rookie.
Corey Davis NYJMarcus Peters BALRisky
He has been ok. I mean I think that as nice as I can be for Davis. The Jets also went out and drafted another receiver so now Davis has even more competition for targets on an offense that I don’t think is going to be very good, and the quarterback play is going to be awful. Oh, and the Ravens secondary is really good. Have you gotten that I am not even considering Davis for Week 1?
DeVonta Smith PHIWill Harris DETSafe
The Eagles did bring in A.J. Brown, and I think that might even help Smith. He was the only decent receiver the team had last season and he was still able to have some success. Now he will be seeing a lot of a team's second cornerback, and on a team like the Lions that doesn't mean a solid defender. Smith is a strong start in season long leagues, but I want to see how Jalen Hurts is throwing the ball and how involved Brown is before I consider Smith for DFS purposes.
Chase Claypool PITEli Apple CINRisky
He became unuseable in the second half of last season, but Claypool is a talented kid, and hopefully now he has a quarterback that can throw the ball more than ten yards down the field. The Steelers did also draft George Pickens so there is a little more competition for targets this year. Eli Apple came into his own last year on the Bengals and is now a really good corner. With a new quarterback and a tough matchup you really should be able to find better options on your roster to start in Week 1.
Brandon Aiyuk SFKyle Gordon CHISafe
This one is going to come down to how good Trey Lance is going to be. Aiyuk had a good rookie season, a strong end of last year and all reports are that Aiyuk has been one of the most locked in players this preseason. He was in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse for a good part of last year because he was not engaged with the team or practicing hard. Deebo Samuel is obviously still the number one, but Aiyuk is the second option. If Lance is good, Aiyuk should have a really strong game. If Lance struggles, he's going to have a hard time producing. I would definitely take the chance in season long leagues, but the risk is more prohibitive in DFS lineups.
Tyler Lockett SEARonald Darby DENModerate
The talent is undeniable, but the situation is a little scary. He wasn't very good when Geno Smith was quarterbacking last year, and that who will be under center on Monday night. Lockett makes a a bunch of big plays, but does he have the quarterback to get him the ball? The Broncos secondary is very strong, but I would still give Lockett a start this week if you drafted him among the first three or four receivers on your roster.
Julio Jones TBAnthony Brown DALModerate
I know people are excited because he's had a great career, but Jones is just washed up. Russell Gage likely plays, and there's a chance that Chris Godwin does as well. There are just so many options for the Bucs, including the running back, that I just can't see Jones being a big part of the passing game. I would not put him in your starting lineups for Week 1.
Treylon Burks TENAaron Robinson NYGModerate
Publicly the team is saying that Treylon Burks is in for a big role with this team. However, he did miss a little time in the preseason with injury, but he played a lot in the exhibition games so maybe he will be ready. Robinson is not a good corner, but Burks is at best the second option on a less than stellar passing offense and it is his first pro game. The Titans are going to run the hell out of the ball and Robert Woods is going to be the main receiver. I would sit Burks in Week 1 just to see how many targets there are (I think Tannehill throws less than 25 times) and how they are distributed before I trust the kid.
Jahan Dotson WSHTyson Campbell JAXModerate
There's plenty of hype for this kid coming into the season, but I am not in on it. Sure, after Terry McLaurin we don't have any real strong competition for targets, but I am not sold that Dotson is as good as his draft position would tell you. The Commanders are going to run a bunch, and honestly I dont' think they are going to score that much. I've railed against rookie wide receivers pretty much this entire article and I'm not going to suggest you to start Dotson either.
Mecole Hardman KCTrayvon Mullen ARZRisky
I can't believe this is Year 4 for Hardman and there are still some people carrying a fantasy torch for him. Yes, Tyreek Hill is gone. However, the team brought in two more veteran receivers and drafted a third. If they were so bullish on Hardman, they would have let him claim a top spot. He is the ultimate boom or bust player, but he only booms maybe twice a year. This isn't going to be it folkls, don't even roster this guy.

Now, here are my 10 favorite matchups in the slot in Week 1.

Slot WR vs Slot CB
Wide ReceiverCornerbackMatchup
Cooper Kupp LARTAron Johnson BUFSafe
There is a bit of a concern as Godwin tweaked a quad earlier this week, but he wasn't on the last injury report so he is a full go on Thursday. Godwin tends to be the most targeted receiver on the Bucs even if he doesn't always have the most production. The Bills secondary is down a big piece with Tre'Davious White out and that only opens the door more for Kupp. I expect him to come out of the gate quickly, and while he is still the highest salaried player on the board, he likely will be worth it and if you don't use a quarterback for your captain, Kupp could be another option.
Tyreek Hill MIAMarcus Jones NESafe
Many are concerned that Hill will be hindered by his quarterback, but I really feel that people are not giving Tua Tagovailoa the credit he deserves. We have already seen some deep balls in the preseason and training camp. Hill is still going to be one of the elite receivers in the NFL. Marcus Jones is a rookie third rounder and while he had a solid college career this should be quite the welcome to the NFL for the youngster. I like Hill a bunch in Week 1 in all formats.
Keenan Allen LACNate Hobbs LVSafe
You can't catch the ball if the quarterback doesn't throw it to you, and Allen is one of the most targeted receivers in football. The Chargers are also one of the highest powered passing games in the league. I would love to see Allen score a few more touchdowns, but in PPR leagues or DFS contests he is always a great value. Hobbs allowed 83% of passes his way to be caught in 2021, and Allen ate him for lunch twice last season. The Chargers slot man should be in for a solid Week 1 where he scores at least 15 fantasy points.
Hunter Renfrow LVBryce Callahan LACSafe
I still think that his target share is going to take a hit with Davante Adams in town and Darren Waller starting out healthy. However, he is still going to be a strong part of the passing game. The Raiders also paid renfrow in the offseason, so clearly they see him as an important part of the team. Even though I feel like this game is going to be high scoring and plenty of passing, I still like Renfrow in season long leagues but trusting him in DFS lineups is a line I'm not willing to cross.
Christian Kirk JAXBenjamin St-Juste WSHSafe
While Kirk's role was often a mystery in Arizona, there is no doubt that he will be the number one target in Jacksonville after the ridiculous contract they gave him. His season will come down to the quarterback in my opinion. Will Trevor Lawrence look like the guy we saw last year or the stud we saw in college? I am of the opinion that we will see a much better Lawrence this year, which is only good news for Kirk. St-Juste allowed nearly 15 yard per catch in 2021, and I am excited about the prospects for Kirk in Week 1. I might wait a week to be sure the offense isn't a disaster before I trust him for DFS, but I believe we are looking at a solid first game for him.
JuJu Smith-Schuster KCByron Murphy ARZModerate
I don't love that he is starting a new year on a new team with a new quarterback being hampered by a knee injury. All reports are that he is ready to go for the opener, but the book on Smith-Schuster has been "lots of talent, but can't stay healthy." He has a great opportunity with Tyreek Hill gone and Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, but I am not as excited as others about him this year. That being said Wilson was a fourth-round pick last year that allowed 74% of passes to be caught although he finished the season stronger than he started it. Smith-Schuster is still a definite start in the opener even if he isn't quite 100%.
Jarvis Landry NODee Alford ATLModerate
He isn't overly exciting, but when used properly can be a valuable asset in a PPR league. His role was diminished the past couple of years, but it was on a bad Browns offense. He goes to New Orleans which should be a little more prolific, but I am still unsure of what we will get from Jameis Winston, and Michael Thomas still should be the top option there. I wouldn't consider using him in a DFS game, but Landry certainly has enough outlook for success that he could bring in 10-12 fantasy points in a PPR league and should safely be able to be used there.
Chris Godwin TBJourdan Lewis DALSafe
The big news on Monday is that Godwin practiced without a knee brace, signaling that he very well could/should be ready to go for the Sunday night matchup. He did tear his ACL late last season so this is quite the recovery and he could be used more of a decoy than a huge threat in the season opener. That being said, unless we are told he is on a play count or his availability for the game is in question right up until Sunday it would be very hard not to plug a guy of his caliber into your season long opening week lineups.
Byron Pringle CHISamuel Womack, SFModerate
He is also dealing with a bit of a quad issue, but Pringle is also ready to go for Week 1. He showed some nice flashes in a Chiefs offense that didn't give much opportunity past Hill and Kelce, but Pringle lands in Chicago where after Darnell Mooney there is plenty of targets to go around. The problem could be the offense will likely be run-heavy, and will we see progression from Justin Fields? You likely didn't draft Pringle at all, or if you did it wasn't in a starting spot, so keep an eye on him to see how the targets shake out in Chicago, but he is no one to consider playing this week.
Tyler Boyd CINArthur Maulet PITModerate
He can definitely be hit or miss as the third option on this offense, but I really think the Bengals are going to have a prolific passing attack again this year. I know, spicy hot take there. Maulet allowed 72% of passes his way to be caught in 2021 for a 14.5 yards per catch which is really high out of the slot considering a lot of times those aren't deep routes. I don't trust this enough for a DFS spot as you are looking for receivers who are going to pop off big, but if Boyd can give you five catches for 50 yards in a PPR league that is worth a flex spot.

Elite

Davante Adams vs Michael Davis – Justin Jefferson has Jaire Alexander on him and Deebo Samuel has a a brand-new quarterback. While he may have changed teams, I have no doubt that Adams is going to excel among the elite receiver options this week. The team paid him a lot of money, and they certainly are going to want to show off their new weapon right off the bat. The guy is a target machine and although there are more options in Vegas than there was in Green Bay, I still see Adams topping ten targets and finding the end zone in his first game with a great chance at 100 yards. 

Ja’Marr Chase vs Akhello Witherspoon – This might be my favorite play of the week. Chase is obviously an absolute stud the Steelers defense is a step down from what it once was and Witherspoon allowed 16.5 yards per catch last season. Chase had a two-touchdown game against the Steelers last season, and while predicting something like that isn’t smart, it is hard to see the Steelers keeping him in check. The Bengals will start their run back to the Super Bowl by putting up big points against their division rival and doing a lot of it through the air. 

Affordable

Michael Pittman vs Steven Nelson – He had a great season in 2021, but Pittman is going to be even better this year. Matt Ryan doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world, but with that offensive line and running game to keep the defense off of him, he should have much more success than he did in Atlanta at the end. Pittman has very little competition for targets among wide receivers, and he should get off to a great start. Nelson has allowed just under 13 yards per catch for his entire career and while the Texans defense shouldn’t be as dreadful as it was last season, the Colts should start the year by putting up 30+ points. 

Adam Thielen vs Eric Stokes – Justin Jefferson is certainly going to continue to get all of the attention, and that will just keep the opportunities opening up for Thielen. The reception number hasn’t been incredibly strong lately, but the guy has 24 touchdowns in the past two seasons. Stokes isn’t a bad corner at all, but he is going to have his hands full chasing Thielen around all game. He had eight catches for 82 yards with a score last year against the Packers and I know that last year isn’t always a barometer to look at, but these teams stayed pretty similar from last season on the Packers secondary and the Vikings receiving group. 

Bargain Bin

Christian Kirk vs Benjamin St.-Juste – He should be mostly lining up in the slot for the Jags and that should be a great thing for Kirk. Sure, there is some uncertainty when moving to a new team, but the Jags really emptied the checkbook on him, so they surely want to prove it wasn’t a mistake. St-Juste had a quarterback rating against of 114.5 last season and allowed a bunch of big plays. Kirk is a bargain this week as Jacksonville should have a much more competent offense this season and they will show it off in Week 1. 

Other Week 1 bargains I like not named Sammy Watkins: Nico Collins, Kadarius Toney

*Information gathered from research done at Pro Football Focus.

 

 

 

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