What a way to kick off the NFL season with Kareem Hunt and Mike Gillislee combining for 6 touchdowns and 291 total yards. And how about that Alex Smith doing a better impression of Tom Brady, than Brady himself throwing for 368 yards and 4 touchdowns? With Thursday out of the way, Sunday is where it’s time to shift our focus. Whether you have a stacked lineup or a tricky FLEX decision, there are tough choices to make.

Using the expert consensus, we reached out to the most accurate experts who have some differing opinions on a few specific players heading into Week 1. To help with your decision-making, we asked them to tell us why.

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Christian McCaffrey (RB – CAR): at SF

Matt’s Rank: RB9 | Consensus: RB16

“From the minute the Panthers drafted McCaffrey as a top-10 pick, I expected him to play a big role in the offense. Jonathan Stewart did a fine job, but McCaffrey brings way more to the table, especially in the passing game. Considering this is Cam Newton‘s first regular season action since offseason surgery, the Panthers should feature McCaffrey and try to take some pressure off Newton, especially if they are controlling the game in the second half. He can be a PPR monster right out of the gate.”

– Matt Camp (Bleacher Report)

Adrian Peterson (RB – NO): at MIN

Matt’s Rank: RB15 | Consensus: RB29

I like to back up my claims with hard evidence whenever possible. This won’t be one of those times. While I don’t believe Peterson will play a huge role all season, I fully believe Sean Payton will feature him against his old team in a primetime game back in Minnesota. Peterson will never be fresher than he is right now and at the very least, he should get all of the goal-line carries.”

– Matt Camp (Bleacher Report)

Paul Perkins (RB – NYG): vs. DAL

Scott’s Rank: RB25 | Consensus: RB33

“For the reasons I like Eli Manning less (see later in the article), apply to why I like Paul Perkins more than others in Week 1. Without OBJ, the Giants game plan changes because with him in, the Giants are likely to be in more pass heavy sets which could mean more Shane Vereen. Brandon Marshall can’t be the #1 anymore due to lack of separation, but he can win balls in a phone booth. This controlled offensive scheme plays into Perkins’ role and with the Cowboys controlling the clock with Zeke, the Giants are going to be forced to run the ball more if not just to give their defense a rest. However, as noted in the Eli blurb, stay tuned to further ranking updates as game availability develops for OBJ.”

– Scott Whitfield (RotoRankings)

Golden Tate (WR – DET): vs. ARI

Brett’s Rank: WR11 | Consensus: WR24

“The love for Tate comes primarily from the love of Arizona this week. Detroit ranked dead last in Football Outsiders’ pass DVOA last season, and they did little to improve the back end of their defense. Expect Larry Fitzgerald to eat out of the slot where he should avoid Darius Slay, and expect DJ to do his thing. Arizona’s success on offense should lead to a pass-heavy game script for Detroit. Tate is a high volume guy with 90+ receptions in each of the last three seasons, and this game should play to his volume strength.”

– Brett Talley (Fantasy Alarm)

Ted Ginn (WR – NO): at MIN

Jake’s Rank: WR21 | Consensus: WR35

“Ginn was already underrated before the Willie Snead suspension, and while his loss more directly helps Coby Fleener, Ginn should still see a boost. The Brees home/road splits are overstated, and often it’s more about being indoors… which just so happens to be where Minnesota plays. Ginn has plenty of ability to be 80-90% of what Cooks was for the Saints, and that’s WR2 level production.”

– Jake Ciely (RotoExperts)

Marvin Jones (WR – DET): vs. ARI

Joe’s Rank: WR37 | Consensus: WR45

“Everybody remembers the fall off from the amazing start to the season Jones had so I feel like that’s why they are so down on him this season. There are two major reasons why I like Jones more this week though. One, he is not having to compete for targets with Anquan Boldin. Yes Kenny Golladay this, Golladay that. Do something when games mean something first. Second, the Cardinals were ranked 24th against WR2’s last season in DVOA rankings. That tells me he could wind up having a much bigger game than most think.”

– Joe Bond (Fantasy Six Pack)

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Bilal Powell (RB – NYJ): at BUF

Kevin’s Rank: RB29 | Consensus: RB20

“I project Powell for roughly 15-18 touches. But a horrid supporting cast and a road matchup with a solid Buffalo front 7 has me worried about his efficiency. The Bills also allowed the 3rd fewest RB receptions last year and should have a schematic upgrade under new HC Sean McDermott.”

– Kevin English (DraftSharks)

Jeremy Maclin (WR – BAL): at CIN

Brett’s Rank: WR54 | Consensus: WR34

“It’s understood that Maclin should see more depth on his targets this season with Joe Flacco throwing him the ball as opposed to the pre-Patriot killer version of Alex Smith. So maybe Maclin is in line for a bounce-back season, but don’t expect it to start Week 1. Matchups can be a bit overrated this early in the season, but Cincy was so good against receivers last year that it’s a concerning matchup. Sure, Adam Jones is out with a suspension, but Maclin was unlikely to see much of him working out of the slot. Baltimore’s implied team total in Vegas in under 20 points, which only adds to reasons not to like Maclin.”

– Brett Talley (Fantasy Alarm)

Adam Thielen (WR – MIN): vs. NO

Brett’s Rank: WR47 | Consensus: WR32

“Minnesota ranked 12th in passing attempts last season and 25th in rushing attempts. But with Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray added to the mix this season, that balance should shift. Last year Theilen had only Kyle Rudolph and Stefon Diggs to contend with, and teams would often focus on Diggs on the outside, leaving Rudolph and Theilen as Minny’s best options. But a stronger running game gives Minnesota more options to go to. Minnesota will also likely want to extend drives and keep Drew Brees off the field this week, which could lead to a run-friendly game script.”

– Brett Talley (Fantasy Alarm)

Eli Manning (QB – NYG): vs. DAL

Scott’s Rank: QB18 | Consensus: QB14

“I like Manning less than others at this point in the week because of two players, Zeke and OBJ. With the Dallas Cowboys getting some Week 1 reprieve allowing Zeke to play in a game that they figure to showcase their embattled running back, I expect him to be fed and I expect him to eat while his judicial circus unfolds. So, if Zeke is running wild, that means Eli is on the bench; and just who may be joining him, OBJ. Eli sans Odell Beckman Jr. is not a great spot for Eli owners on Sunday Night Football. Stay tuned for rankings updates as injury and practice reports are updated due to Odell’s game time decision status.”

– Scott Whitfield (RotoRankings)

Russell Wilson (QB – SEA): at GB

Jake’s Rank: QB8 | Consensus: QB3

“While you could argue it’s a small sample, the scenarios aren’t the same and/or Wilson wasn’t healthy, it seems as it’s always something going wrong for him against the Packers. Last year in Green Bay, Wilson had just 240 yards and one touchdown with five interceptions. In 2015, he was slightly better with 206/2/1, but after opening with 191/2/0 in 2014, Wilson had 209/1/4 in the playoff game against the Packers. Sure, the Packers secondary stinks, but it did last year too, and again… five interceptions.”

– Jake Ciely (RotoExperts)

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Thank you to the experts for explaining their dissenting opinions. Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter if you’re not already doing so and check out our latest podcast below for more great advice.



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