Week 1 fantasy football tips
A few additional fantasy nuggets to help owners set their Week 1 lineups, including injuries, sit/start matchup, a fantasy tip and the stat of the week.
Injury report
RB LeSean McCoy, Bills (probable)
Practiced fully on Wednesday and seems to be over the hamstring issues that rendered him ineffective in the preseason.
WR Alshon Jeffery, Bears (questionable)
Team’s top wideout didn’t see action in the preseason due to a calf injury. Likely won’t be 100% even if he does play.
WR Randall Cobb, Packers (questionable)
Aaron Rodgers’ top target is still recovering from a sprained shoulder. Will try to play through the pain in a plus matchup vs. Chicago.
RB Joique Bell, Lions (questionable)
The veteran has been out with an Achilles injury, but is in line to start. Rookie Ameer Abdullah could steal touches, though.
RB Arian Foster, Texans
Ahead of schedule in recovery from a groin injury; Alfred Blue will lead the backfield committee for first few weeks.
WR Michael Floyd, Cardinals (questionable)
He’s missed the past month after surgery on three dislocated fingers. Sleeper John Brown may get a majority of his snaps.
RB Tre Mason, Rams (questionable)
With first-round pick Todd Gurley out, Mason’s ailing hamstring could make Benny Cunningham the go-to back in Week 1.
WR Mike Evans, Buccaneers (questionable)
Hamstring injury suffered in preseason may still be lingering, but Bucs have been silent on Evans’ progress.
WR T.Y. Hilton, Colts (questionable)
Not yet participating in contact drills while he awaits clearance for concussion symptoms. Late Sunday start complicates matters.
-- Steve Gardner, USA TODAY Sports
Week 1 fantasy football rankings
Key matchup
START: RB Doug Martin, Buccaneers
Martin is a great bounce-back candidate this season. He couldn't have asked for a better matchup against the Titans run defense, who gave up a league-high 2,003 rushing yards in 2014 and 17 touchdowns to running backs. At a salary of $4,100 in FantasyScore, Martin will be an excellent bargain in Week 1.
SIT: RB Mark Ingram, Saints
Ingram will produce for his fantasy owners in 2015; just don't expect much in Week 1. The Cardinals allowed only three different backs to rush for 100 yards against them in 2014 and their defensive line is solid. While Ingram ($6,300) is expected to get a high volume of touches, if he doesn't find the end zone it's going to be a lackluster afternoon.
— Marc Caviglia, BrunoBoys.net
FantasyScore 1-Day Fantasy Leagues
Tip of the week
Daily fantasy games represent the fastest growing segment of the fantasy sports industry. Just in time for the NFL season, USA TODAY’s daily game, FantasyScore, gives fantasy owners the chance to pick a new lineup each week and win cash prizes.
Stat of the week
33.3
League-best scoring average for the Philadelphia Eagles this preseason. They also set the pace in total yards (404.2 per game). But coach Chip Kelly can mix and match his skill players, so fantasy owners of DeMarco Murray, Jordan Matthews, Zach Ertz and the like best be prepared for some bouts of fantasy frustration mixed in with the high-scoring weeks.
-- Ken Pomponio, TheHuddle.com