Spencer Ware among overlooked fantasy starts in Week 1

Every Wednesday the Noise highlights 12 under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week using the scoring system shown here (Thresholds – QB: 18 fpts, RB: 13 fpts, WR: 11 fpts: TE: 10 fpts; .5 PPR). If you’re a member of TEAM HUEVOS, reveal your Week 1 Flames in the comments section below.

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Dak Prescott, Dal, QB (16 percent started, $20)

Matchup: vs. NYG

When an unproven player bursts onto the scene, fans and analysts inevitably toss out veteran comps. The obvious, and lazy, side-by-side is Russell Wilson, but the rookie reminds me of a right-handed Mark Brunell. He’s highly intelligent, extremely versatile and can make all throws. Still, imbeciles contest when the real bullets fly, Prescott will suddenly resemble a one-legged Christian Hackenberg, but his sharp reads/progressions, intermediate/deep-ball accuracy and rushing abilities suggest otherwise. What he accomplished in the preseason (78.0 cmp%, 7:0 TD:INT split, 9.1 ypa) is unsustainable, however, he’s a highly functional, efficient passer blessed with reliable weapons (Dez Bryant, Ezekiel Elliott, Jason Witten) who is fixed behind an ironclad offensive line. Dallas’ forgiving defense only tops the statistical sundae. New York’s trench work should be much improved, but vulnerabilities on the back end are visible. Janoris Jenkins, for example, has surrendered 22 touchdowns in his first four seasons. He also yielded an unsavory 0.30 fantasy points per route last fall according to Pro Football Focus. More enticing, Eli Apple may start as a boundary corner with Leon Hall questionable. That happens and Dez detonates. Piecing together the positives, the Dak Attack should chomp on the competition. He’s terribly under-priced at $20 in Yahoo DFS.

Fearless Forecast: 238 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 42 rushing yards, 20.7 fantasy points

Spencer Ware, KC, RB (10 percent started, $12)

Matchup: vs. SD

Call Ware “The Judge.” Why? Because he’s about to dole out some serious punishment. With Jamaal Charles still rounding into form, the elevated backup is expected to shoulder a significant workload in the opener. Ware was a Sherman tank over 2015’s second half. His 3.8 yards after contact ranked No. 1 among all RBs. His sharp vision, decisiveness and toughness between the tackles are sterling attributes. Entering camp, the lone knocks against Ware involved pass pro and receiving, but he eliminated all doubts in preseason play going 8-for-8 in targets-receptions while routinely standing up blitzers. Charcandrick West will also be involved in the rotation, but Ware, who was the featured first-string back in the dress rehearsal, is a strong candidate for 15-plus touches. Against a San Diego defense that shuttered at the mere sight of a running back in exhibition action and was largely ineffective bottling up rushers last year (fourth-most fantasy points allowed), it’s very conceivable Ware resembles vintage Priest Holmes. If he storms out of the gate, Charles may take a backseat for some time. At a bargain basement $12 in Yahoo DFS, you sir/madam are welcome.

Fearless Forecast: 17 carries, 86 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 10 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15.4 fantasy points

James White, NE, RB (5 percent started, $10)

Matchup: at Ari

Any signal-caller with a propensity for short throws and holding onto the ball needs a little buddy. For Jimmy Garoppolo, White is a true bestie. The new “joker” has Dion Lewis’ giant shoes to fill, figuratively speaking. Like many Wisconsin RBs before him, White has never fulfilled expectations, but he’s been at least serviceable when thrust into a measurable role. Last season, for example, he hauled in 37 receptions during the Patriots’ final eight games. Over that stretch, his 1.61 fantasy points per opportunity and 10.8 yards per route penetrated the top-10 at the position. LeGarrette Blount will dominate short-yardage and goal-line touches, but White is quite useful despite the “inadequate” common belief naysayers regurgitate. His ability will be on display in the desert. Arizona boasts a balanced, aggressive defense. When Calais Campbell increases pocket heat, White will surely be Garoppolo’s bailout. Also, to combat blanket coverage from Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, a few designed screens and swings for the scat back are sure to be called. A FLEXY SEXY option, White is a highly desirable PPR play and rock bottom DFS buy.

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