Geno Smith has a favorable opportunity to excel against the new Los Angeles Rams lineup. Smith demonstrated his skills against the Rams last season, and with several key players missing from their roster, the Rams will face a tougher challenge.
One aspect to exploit is the injuries suffered by wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jerry Jeudy. With these absences, Courtland Sutton and Jahan Dotson are expected to have standout performances.
When it comes to deciding who to start or sit in fantasy football, looking solely at the PFF rankings and choosing the higher-ranked players may not always be sufficient. This start’em, sit’em column delves deeper into the factors that can influence a player’s performance in a given week.
It aims to highlight instances where a typically reliable player may have a subpar week or where an overlooked player may shine. It covers both the usual starters and the borderline players.
Let’s begin with the quarterbacks. Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks delivered an impressive performance last season, accumulating 314.9 fantasy points and ranking fifth among quarterbacks.
This week, the Seahawks have the most favorable matchup for quarterbacks, as determined by PFF’s strength of schedule tool. They will face the Los Angeles Rams’ defense, against whom Smith performed well in two previous encounters. He amassed 580 passing yards, 54 rushing yards, and threw four touchdowns, earning him QB3 and QB13 rankings in those respective weeks.
The Rams’ defensive unit has gone through significant changes since then, with only Aaron Donald remaining from the players who earned a PFF defensive grade of 65.0 or higher and had more than 500 snaps.
The Seahawks are clear favorites in this game, and the only concern lies in the possibility of a commanding lead leading them to focus more on the running game in the second half.
Moving on to the next quarterback, Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings had a solid performance last season, ranking eighth in terms of fantasy points.
However, he showed some inconsistency as a weekly fantasy starter, with five top-six performances and six games outside the top 16. This week, Cousins faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which presents a favorable matchup for him to deliver one of his better games.
Cousins has historically performed better against zone defenses compared to man defenses. Last season, he achieved a passing grade of 80.3 against zone and 64.2 against man defenses.
The Buccaneers played zone defense at the seventh-highest rate in the league last season, enhancing Cousins’ chances of success. Additionally, the Buccaneers’ lackluster pass rush benefits Cousins, as the Vikings’ offensive line has a favorable matchup in terms of pass protection and pass rushing.
Tampa Bay’s pass-rush grade in 2022 was the fourth-lowest in the league. Although the Buccaneers added some rookie talent to their roster, it may not have an immediate impact. This combination of factors creates a relatively secure situation for Cousins in Week 1.
In conclusion, both Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins have favorable matchups in their respective games. Smith’s previous success against the Rams and their diminished defensive lineup bode well for him to repeat a strong performance.
Meanwhile, Cousins’ proficiency against zone defenses, coupled with the Buccaneers’ weak pass rush, provide him with an advantageous situation for Week 1. Fantasy football managers should consider starting both these quarterbacks with confidence.
When making decisions in fantasy football, it’s essential to analyze various factors beyond rankings alone. Matchups, historical performance, and team dynamics all play a significant role in predicting a player’s success in a given week.
By digging deeper into these aspects, one can discover hidden gems and optimize their chances of victory.
Furthermore, understanding the changes in a team’s lineup is crucial. The Los Angeles Rams, for instance, have experienced a substantial transformation since last season.
With the departure of notable defensive players and the addition of new faces, their defensive unit might face challenges against skilled opponents like Geno Smith.
On the other hand, injuries can significantly impact a team’s performance. The absence of wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jerry Jeudy from their respective teams opens up opportunities for other players, such as Courtland Sutton and Jahan Dotson, to shine and achieve remarkable performances.
Finally, it’s worth noting that a player’s past performance against specific defensive schemes or the defensive unit they are facing in a given week can provide valuable insights.
Kirk Cousins’ proficiency against zone defenses, for example, positions him well against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who heavily relied on zone defense last season.
While rankings can offer a general overview, managers must consider the nuances of each player’s situation to make the most informed decisions. By employing a comprehensive analysis approach, one can maximize their chances of selecting the ideal starters and achieving success in fantasy football.
In summary, Smith and Cousins present promising options for fantasy managers in Week 1. With their favorable matchups, previous successes, and current team dynamics, both quarterbacks have the potential to deliver strong performances.
Managers should carefully assess all relevant factors, including injuries, lineup changes, and past performances, to optimize their selections and set themselves up for victory.
Remember, fantasy football is an ever-evolving landscape, and staying informed about the latest developments is crucial. Keep an eye on player news, injuries, and any significant changes that might affect player performances. With careful analysis and strategy, success in fantasy football can be within reach.
In conclusion, when making start-or-sit decisions, take a comprehensive approach that involves analyzing various factors that can impact player performance.
As demonstrated with Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins, matchups, historical performance, and team dynamics can heavily influence a player’s success in a given week. By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, fantasy managers increase their chances of making informed decisions that maximize their team’s potential and lead to victory.
Fantasy football is both a science and an art. While rankings provide a useful foundation, they do not tell the whole story.
Utilizing additional tools and resources, such as in-depth analysis and understanding the context of each game, can enable managers to make more accurate decisions. By embracing an informed and strategic approach, the path to success in fantasy football becomes more attainable.