Bold Predictions for NFL Week One
I've been tasked this season with putting down some heat!
This NFL season, I'll be adding some bold fantasy football predictions to add some spice to the mix. Now, I won't be throwing crazy nonsense to the wall and hoping it sticks. But I will back up my "hot takes" with research and perspective.
Week 1 is just getting started and we just got a taste of the season with the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs getting things started on Thursday Night Football. So here's what I have heading into the rest of the week!
And if you like my takes (or don't), feel free to hit me up on Twitter (@hype_phinest) and we can talk about them. Or if you have some takes of your own for this week, we can talk about those too.
Bold Predictions
Zach Ertz will finish as Top 12 tight ends for Week 1
Both Zach Ertz and Hayden Hurst have similar situations as they've worked with their offensive coordinators and are familiar with the offensive scheme. The Commanders' lack of weapons should allow Ertz to see added targets against the Bucs. The Bucs allowed the third most fantasy points per game to opposing TE's last season. With Jayden Daniels debuting and in need of sure-handed pass catchers, look for Ertz to be involved early and often on key downs and in the red zone.
Brian Thomas Jr grabs two touchdowns vs. MIA
"Anything you can do, I can do better", right? That's what I'm looking for in Brian Thomas Jr after Xavier Worthy scored two touchdowns against the Ravens on Thursday Night Football. Thomas is a starting WR for the Jags, going up against a Miami Dolphins defense that allowed 37 FPPG to wide receivers in 2023. Thomas's big-play ability could be used to fill that "Calvin Ridley" role this year as Ridley led the Jags receivers in Air Yards Per Game at 106. Thomas's 4.3 speed should also allow him to be used as a deep threat and strike for touchdowns.
Daniel Jones cracks the Top 12 for Week 1
I can't believe I'm coining this one, but the news that Brian Daboll will be taking over as the play-caller for the Giants this season has me intrigued. Under Daboll, the Bills were in the top 5 offenses in 2021 and 2022. Any improvement for the Giants would be better than what they've shown under Mike Kafka. Allowing Daniel Jones to utilize his legs more could be the key. The Vikings also allowed 234.5 passing yards per game, ninth-most in 2023.
Caleb William will throw for 270 yards vs. TEN
Caleb Williams's preseason showing didn't impress some in the sports media world but I think that changes this time against the Titans. Granted, it won't be easy as the Titans were one of the better defenses against the pass, allowing just 227 yards per game and allowed just 139 Air Yards per game. This is a perfect opportunity for Williams to showcase the reason why he was taken as the first QB overall in the draft.
Najee Harris hits double-digit fantasy points vs. ATL
Najee Harris could be in for a bigger role in Week 1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers with fellow Steelers running back Jaylen Warren still working his way back from a hamstring injury that hampered him during the preseason. Harris's increased workload could catapult him into a top RB option for fantasy managers. The Falcons did allow 4 y/a and 118 yards per game on the ground but surrendered the ninth-fewest touchdowns on the season to running backs last year. Harris averaged 17 touches a game last year. That number can jump up in Week 1 if Warren is eased back in after just returning to practice. That's what I'm aiming to see.
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