WRs who will outperform their ranking in Week 1 ESPN Fantasy Ranking.

John Brown vs. NO (Ranked  30): See above under Carson Palmer. The Saints DBs are hurting and they have no one who can keep up with Brown. The speedy 2nd year player could have a big day with a long TD.

Charles Johnson vs. SF (Ranked 32): No team took as many hits to its defense as the 49ers. Johnson was a bright spot last year and developed a strong rapport with Bridgewater. He’ll be a prime target once again on MNF.

Rueben Randle vs. Dal (Ranked 33): Cruz is iffy and not sure to play. Randle will step in as the #2 WR and will have a lot of opportunities against a suspect Cowboys secondary. This could be a high scoring game which would translate to a strong showing on Randle’s part.

Eddie Royal vs. GB (Ranked 39): Alshon Jeffery is not at full strength and rookie Kevin White may not play this year. Look for Royal to step up early and is a strong flex play in PPR leagues.

Markhus Wheaton vs. NE (Ranked 36): The Pats have a complete revamped secondary and don’t appear particularly impressive defensively on paper. Wheaton will see increased looks with Bell and Martavius Bryant out for the opener.

Allen Robinson vs. Car (Ranked 21): He was Bortles go-to receiver a year ago and possess the best RAC (run after catch) skills. The Panthers D was much softer in ’14 than ’13 and its pass D was exposed plenty.

Nelson Agholor vs. Atl (Ranked 31): Kelly didn’t draft him to sit. Look for the rookie to come out of the gates strong on MNF.

WRs who will underperform their top 10 ranking

Dez Bryant vs. NYG: (Ranked 3): The Giants have issues entering the game but feature one of the better CB duos in the league. Bryant will underperform.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. Bal – (Ranked 10): The 2nd half of last season was a completely different offense in Denver and expectations should be tempered until we see how this year’s will be run. Sanders was a casualty of the run-first offense down the stretch a year ago.

Jordy Nelson, Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Dez Bryant, Brandon Marshall and Demaryius Thomas

Tier 1

TY Hilton vs. Cin – He and Luck are absolutely dialed in.

Alshon Jeffery vs. Mia – He’s past his leg issues. Look for another big day here.

Golden Tate vs. NO – He’ll be the Lions No. 1 again.

Michael Crabtree vs. Den – The 49ers will get their No. 1 WR involved again.

Randall Cobb vs. Car – The Packers have a decided advantage in the pass game.

Andre Johnson vs. Pit – The Steelers are vulnerable on D. He’ll top 100 yards with a score.

Percy Harvin vs. Stl – Seattle will look to get their best playmaker involved early.

DeSean Jackson vs. Ten – Jackson’s speed is proving too much for opposing defenses.

Pierre Garcon vs. Ten – There will be balls to go around. Garcon has a breakout game in him.

Steve Smith vs. Atl – Look for Smith to torch an old nemesis.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. SF – Peyton will pick on whoever is covering Sanders. He’ll top 100 yards with a score.

Anquan Boldin vs. Den – He’ll have more value in PPR leagues.

Sammy Watkins vs. Min – Watkins won’t have Revis blanketing him this week.

Tier 2

Odell Beckham vs. Dal – He’s quickly become the Giants top threat with Cruz gone for the season.

Mohamed Sanu vs Ind – AJ Green’s replacement shined in Week 6.

Mike Wallace vs. Chi – Look for Wallace to get deep against the Bears.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Oak – Fitz is a flex play at this stage.

Reggie Wayne vs. Cin – Luck and Wayne will hook up for a score this week.

Malcom Floyd vs. KC – He and Rivers are firing on all cylinders now.

Torrey Smith vs. Atl – Smith is another who has a great match up here. Look for 10-12 FFL points.

Julian Edleman vs. NYJ – A clear No. 2 in PPR leagues. The Jets are hurting in the secondary.

Brandon Lafell vs. NYJ – For reasons above.

Bust

Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Buf – The anemic passing game has destroyed all fantasy value for Patterson.

Fantasy Sleeper

Justin Hunter vs. Was – The Skins surrender a LOT of passing yards.

1. Calvin Johnson, Det – Top FFL WR once again.

2. Dez Bryant, Dal – Look for the Cowboys to be passing a ton in 2014, and Bryant to benefit tremendously.

3. AJ Green, Cin – As Dalton improves, Green will too. Dominant No. 1 in FFL.

4. Demaryius Thomas, Den – Thomas would rank No. 2 if not for the other receiving threats Den has.

5. Julio Jones, Atl – Expect a fully healthy Jones to finish top 3 by end of the season.

6. Brandon Marshall, Chi – The Bears will air it out this year.

7. Jordy Nelson, GB – Aaron Rodgers go-to guy is a bonus in PPR leagues too. Expect 10 TDs.

8. Antonio Brown, Pit – He’s a strong No. 1 in PPR leagues. Could reach 100 catches this year.

9. Alshon Jeffery, Chi – Jeffery may be better than Marshall now.

10. Vincent Jackson, TB – Things will be much different now that Schiano is gone.

Seattle Seahawks (+2.5) vs. Den – I’m not entirely sure how Denver is the favorite although the “Peyton Manning mania” set in immediately after Championship Sunday. The Seahawks opened up as favorites but then saw the betting line turn and now they’re underdogs.

Let’s look at the game which features the NFL’s best offense vs the NFL’s best D.

When the Broncos have the ball, look for Peyton Manning to run a spread offense and dink and dunk to his receivers. This will act as a rushing attack because Knowshon Moreno will not be able to get going against the Seahawks front.

However, the Broncos will not want or be able to abandon the run because Seattle’s attacking D will make Manning’s life miserable if it turns Denver one dimensional. The two wild cards will be WR Eric Decker and TE Julius Thomas.

While WR DeMaryius Thomas is a tremendous receiver, CB Richard Sherman should be able to contain him. Welker will be contained for the most part, too, as Seattle is excellent covering the middle of the field. Decker could make some plays on the outside as could Julius Thomas, but that will come when they move the TE outside on an island. Seattle’s safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas are the best duo in the game. Look for Denver to put up between 14-20 points on the day.

When Seattle has the ball, look for them to pound Marshawn Lynch mercilessly into Denver’s D. And look for him to have success. The Seahawks OL is big and matches up well with Denver’s front. This will set up the pass. QB Russell Wilson’s struggled lately, but he won’t be asked to put the offense on his shoulders.

When he throws the ball, it will come off play action and by moving him around, and he’ll find some success on the intermediate to deeper routes. Also, expect slant patterns mixed in to keep the chains moving. The Wild Card is Percy Harvin, but even 30-40 yards from him on a few plays will add another dimension to the Seahawks. All in all it’s not flashy, but this offensive unit is physical and efficient.

When the clock hits 0:00, look for Seattle to win by 4-10 points. Super Bowls tend to remain closer in our era of parity, but Seattle is the better and more complete team. And high flying passing games haven’t had much success in the big game facing dominant defenses.

The Seahawks are bullies and will wear this Denver team down late 24-17 or 27-17.

Seattle is solid on the money line (+115) too.

Cream of the crop

1. Calvin Johnson vs. Bal – The Ravens pass D has been vulnerable. Not that Megatron needed anymore help.

2. Demaryius Thomas vs. SD – Thomas killed SD last time and Welker is likely out.

3. AJ Green vs. Pit – The vaunted Steelers pass D is no more.

4. DeSean Jackson vs. Min – His speed will torch the Vikings.

Not far behind

Dez Bryant vs. GB  – He’ll get back on track with a monster effort vs. the Packers.

Josh Gordon vs. Chi – Gordon’s emerged as the top fantasy receiver over the past month by setting NFL records.

Andre Johnson vs. Ind – Look for Johnson’s torrid pace to continue this week.

Rounding things out

Jordy Nelson vs. Dal – If Rodgers is back, he rates even higher. Dallas’s pass D is horrible.

Keenan Allen vs. Den – The Chargers excellent rookie will torment the depleted Broncos secondary.

Brandon Marshall vs. Cle – Tough match-up facing CB Joe Haden but Marshall is tough on all CBs.

Alshon Jeffery vs. Cle – Haden can only cover one at a time.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Ten – Fitzgerald will find the end zone once again.

Roddy White vs. Was – The Skins are going through the motions.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Oak – The Chiefs face a Raiders team whose secondary has regressed.

Pierre Garcon vs. Atl – He is one of the few Washington starters left worth starting.

Eric Decker vs. SD – Decker’s been on fire the past few weeks.

Julian Edleman vs. Mia – Look for him to pick up additional targets with Gronkowski out.

Michael Crabtree vs. TB – He’ll top 80 yards with a TD vs. the Bucs.

Torrey Smith vs. Det – The Lions feature one of the worst secondaries. Smith’s speed will translate to long gains.

Mike Wallace vs. NE – Expect the Fins to get Wallace involved early and he’ll find success against a less than stellar Pats D.

Harry Douglas vs. Was – Also worth starting.

Kendall Wright vs. Arz – The Cards pass D isn’t as good on the road.

Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Phi – The rookie is progressing each week and broke out against the Ravens.

Cecil Shorts vs. Buf – Shorts will top 80 yards with a score.

Potential Bust – Beware

Victor Cruz vs. Sea – The Seahawks D will overpower the Giants and shut Cruz down.

1. Calvin Johnson vs. TB – He’s impossible to stop, and his ridiculous stats weekly prove this.

2. Demaryius Thomas vs. NE – Manning’s looking his way more and more of late.

3. Brandon Marshall vs. Stl. – Marshall should enjoy a solid day and top the century mark on Sunday.

4. Dez Bryant vs. NYG – Bryant has played well over his career vs. the Giants.

Not far behind

Victor Cruz vs. Dal – Cruz topped 100 yards in Week 11 and will match that here.

Jordy Nelson vs. Min – Scott Tolzien aside, these are the Vikings.

Andre Johnson vs. Jax – Johnson will continue to enjoy his 2^nd half breakout vs. the Jags.

Rounding things out

Vincent Jackson vs. Det – The Lions DBs are terrible.

Eric Decker vs. NE – If the Patriots roll coverage towards Thomas, that will open up opportunities for Decker.

Danny Amendola vs. Den – There should be plenty of balls to go around.

Wes Welker vs. NE – Provided he is cleared from his concussion, he’ll be looking for some payback.

Antonio Brown vs. Cle – He’s coming off a stellar performance (147 yards, 2 TDs). Will be tougher against CB Joe Haden but he’s still great in PPR leagues.

Josh Gordon vs. Pit – The Steelers don’t cover like they use to.

Anquan Boldin vs. Was – The Skins secondary gives up yards and scores in bunches.

Alshon Jeffery vs. Stl . – The other receiver in Chicago may put up even bigger numbers.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Ind – The Colts D has been extremely mediocre recently.

Tavon Austin vs. Chi – What will he do for an encore? Expect 70 yards with a TD.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Dal – Is this the week he gets on the board? It’s going to happen soon.

Kenny Wright vs. Oak  – The Raiders secondary has been torched this year.

Marques Colston vs. Atl – Brees will pick this defense apart.

Torrey Smith vs. NYJ – Look for Smith to get behind Cromartie at least once.

Keenan Allen vs. KC – Look for Rivers to get Allen involved early in this one.

Dwayne Bowe vs. SD – The Chiefs made a point of throwing Bowe’s way in Denver. It’ll pay off this week.

Steve Smith vs. Mia – Smith will top 70 yards with a score vs. the Fins.

Denarius Moore vs. Ten – The troubles at QB didn’t hinder him in Week 11.

Pierre Garcon vs. SF – He is on pace to top 100 receptions and the Skins will need to throw a lot in this one.

Aaron Dobson vs. Den – With so much attention being paid elsewhere, Dobson is a nice fantasy sleeper to score in Week 12.

Potential Bust – Beware

TY Hilton vs. Arz – Matching up against Patrick Peterson is not an easy match-up.

1. Calvin Johnson vs. Chi – The top fantasy football WR will top 150 yards with 2 TDs.

2. Dez Bryant vs. NO – Bryant will overmatch the Saints secondary all evening.

3. Demaryius Thomas vs. SD – Look for Thomas to top 100 yards with 1-2 TDs in San Diego.

4. Andre Johnson vs. Arz – Johnson’s stock is up with Keenum behind center.

Not far behind

AJ Green vs. Bal – Dalton’s improved deep ball is paying dividends for Green owners.

Brandon Marshall vs. Det – The Lions secondary ranks near the bottom of the league.

Victor Cruz vs. Oak – The Giants’ receivers are salivating at this matchup.

Rounding things out

Wes Welker vs. SD – Look for Welker to find the end zone once, maybe twice.

TY Hilton vs. Stl – Hilton stepped up in Wayne’s absence a week ago.

DeSean Jackson vs. GB – The Eagles offense works better with Foles under center.

Pierre Garcon vs. Min – The Vikings secondary is one of the worst in the NFL. Look for the Skins to stretch the field.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Oak – Nicks will score his 1^st TD of the season  and top 90 yards.

Alshon Jeffery vs. Det – There’s plenty to go around when facing this Lions secondary.

Terrance Williams vs. NO – He’s a nice fantasy sleeper this week. The Cowboys receivers will stretch the Saints D.

Vincent Jackson vs. Mia – Jackson will top 70 yards with a TD.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Hou – The Texans secondary is vulnerable to big play receivers.

Eric Decker vs. SD – All three receivers are fantasy worthy this week.

Keenan Allen vs. Den – He’ll likely pick up a lot of yards and maybe a score in garbage time.

Antonio Brown vs. Buf – He’s a solid No. 2. 10-15 fantasy points is his range.

Steve Smith vs. SF – Smith has an advantage over the 49ers DBs.

Mike Wallace vs. TB – The Fins will use his deep speed vs. a D that struggles with speed guys.

Jordy Nelson vs. Phi – Make sure Aaron Rodgers is back in the lineup.

Stevie Johnson vs. Pit – The Steelers pass D is no longer feared.

Golden Tate vs. Atl – Tate has emerged as the Seahawks No. 1 threat. However, no more than a flex play.

Potential Bust – Beware

Anquan Boldin vs. Car – The Panthers D will be one of the better ones SF plays all year. Boldin will be limited.

1. Dez Bryant vs. Det – Bryant tops the list thanks to a horrendous Lions secondary.

2. Calvin Johnson vs. Dal – He’s virtually unstoppable, as his 50 yd TD in triple coverage showed last week.

3. AJ Green vs. NYJ – CB Antonio Cromartie’s a risk taker, and vulnerable to the big play. Green’s numbers have been increasingly weekly.

4. Demaryius Thomas vs. Was – This Skins secondary is horrible.

Not far behind

Victor Cruz vs. Phi – Cruz will run circles around the Eagles secondary.

Eric Decker vs. Was – See above. The Skins might give up 450 passing yards this week.

Jordy Nelson vs. Min – The Vikings feature one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL.

Rounding things out

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Atl – He’ll rebound from a 2-catch effort vs. the Seahawks.

DeSean Jackson vs. NYG – He has had a lot of success against the Giants in recent years.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Phi – Look for Nicks to move past his drops for a 100 yard game and a trip to the end zone.

Antonio Brown vs. Oak – Roethlisberger will continue to call Brown’s number 8-10 times this week.

Pierre Garcon vs. Den – The Broncos are vulnerable to the pass and the Skins should be playing a lot of catch up on this day.

Justin Blackmon vs. SF – Expect a 10-15 fantasy point effort from Blackmon in London.

Anquan Boldin vs. Jax – The 49ers should pretty much have their way on Sunday.

Denarius Moore vs. Pit – His speed will cause problems for the Steelers secondary.

Josh Gordon vs. KC – Gordon has dropped to a No. 3 fantasy football receiver with Weeden’s reentry into the starter position.

Steve Smith vs. TB – The Bucs secondary is giving up a lot of big plays.

Marques Colston vs. Buf – If TE Jimmy Graham is unable to go, Colston’s role increases.

Greg Jennings vs. GB – This will be his 1^st shot at his former team.

Mike Wallace vs. NE – Check to see if CB Talib is back. If not, Wallace will play like a No. 1 vs. an injury depleted secondary.

Stevie Johnson vs. NO – Johnson will top 90 yards with a score this week.

Danny Amendola vs. Mia – He should be back this week. Look for Brady to immediately look his way if he is.

Potential Bust – Beware

Vincent Jackson vs. Car – Expect a slowdown in production on Thursday. The Panthers D is legit.

Cream Of The Crop

1. Dez Bryant vs. Was – Bryant will abuse the Redskins secondary all evening.

2. Demaryius Thomas vs. Jax – Look for Thomas to top 100 yards with a TD.

3. AJ Green vs. Buf – The Bills give up a lot of big plays through the air.

4. Calvin Johnson vs. Cle – Should be back this week and will top the century mark.

Next

Brandon Marshall vs. NYG – Cutler will target No. 15 for 100 yards and a TD.

Andre Johnson vs. Stl. – Johnson has a decided edge over the Rams DBs in this one.

Randall Cobb vs. Bal – Rodgers will be looking Cobb’s way which will result in 100 yards and a score.

Rounding Things Out

Wes Welker vs. Jax – The hope is he scores and gets his yards before they pull stars.

Danny Amendola vs. NO – Look for Brady and Amendola to find a lot of success against the Saints pass D.

Victor Cruz vs. Chi – The Giants should post solid yardage against a suspect Bears pass D.

Josh Gordon vs. Det – Gordon moves to a low No. 2/ Flex Play with Weeden behind center.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Chi – Overlooked in the Philly game was Nicks big day.

Alshon Jeffery vs. NYG – The Giants are starting a former practice squad opposite CB Prince Amukamara.

Pierre Garcon vs. Dal – The Cowboys CBs haven’t adjusted to the cover 2 well.

Jordy Nelson vs. Bal – The Packers will be forced to throw the ball all afternoon thanks to a stingy Ravens run D.

Torrey Smith vs. GB – The speedy receiver will get long for a TD against the Packers.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. SF – While the 49ers D has come together, there’s still opportunities against this pass D.

James Jones vs. Bal – With so much attention placed on the other receivers, Jones may thrive again.

Justin Blackmon vs. Den – The 2^nd year receiver busted out after the suspension. Look for another 100 yard game with a TD this week.

Cecil Shorts vs. Den  – There will be a lot of yards to go around in garbage time.

Terrance Williams vs. Was – The Skins pass D has been shoddy throughout.

Eric Decker vs. Jax – Look for 75 yards and a score.

Steve Smith vs. Min – Smith won’t find the Vikings CBs near as tough as Patrick Peterson.

TY Hilton vs. SD – He is coming off a tremendous game and will continue that trend vs. the Chargers.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Oak – Bowe is a flex play at this point. He could have a bigger impact in PPR leagues.

Potential Bust – Beware

DeSean Jackson vs. TB – CB Darrelle Revis will handle him.

1. Calvin Johnson vs. GB – Megatron is usually good for 150 yards and 2 TDs against the Packers.

2. Julio Jones vs. NYJ – His deep speed will prove too much for the Jets.

3. Demaryius Thomas vs. Dal – Thomas will top 125 yards with 1-2 TDs.

4. Dez Bryant vs. Den – This should be a high scoring game. Expect Bryant to find the end zone twice.

Not far behind

Randall Cobb vs. Det – Cobb will be targeted 8-10 times for 100 yards and a TD.

Victor Cruz vs. Phi – Salsa is the only thing currently working in the Giants offense.

Brandon Marshall vs. NO – Marshall will beat the Saints DBs all afternoon for 100+ yards and a TD.

Rounding things out

AJ Green vs. NE – Look for Green to get behind the Patriots D at least once.

Andre Johnson vs. SF – The Texans will likely be throwing the ball plenty.

Wes Welker vs. Dal – He’ll be a beast in the short passing game at Dallas.

Jordy Nelson vs. Det – Expect Rodgers to spread the ball around and Nelson to be heavily targeted.

Mike Wallace vs. Bal – He had plenty of good games against the Ravens while in Pittsburgh.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Car – Fitzgerald matches up well against the Panthers DBs.

Anquan Boldin vs. Hou – The 49ers will continue moving him around and going his way.

Desean Jackson vs. NYG – Jackson usually shows up against the Giants.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Phi – Nicks has fallen to a No. 2 / flex play but could regain his old form here.

Torrey Smith vs. Mia – He is the only thing working in the Ravens offense.

Marques Colston vs. Chi – The Bears pass D is highly suspect.

Nate Washington vs. KC – With Jake Locker out, Washington benefits most from switch to Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Josh Gordon vs. Buf – Installing Hoyer as the QB hasn’t hurt him.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Ten – Bowe is a flex play until he and Smith get on the same page.

Kendrell Thompkins vs. Cin – Brady and his rookie are growing together. The Bengals have trouble covering speed receivers.

Cecil Shorts vs. Stl – Finally a good matchup for Shorts . He has a chance to hit 100 yards vs. a depleted Rams secondary on Sunday.

Eddie Royal vs. Oak – He’s been silent since the 1^st two weeks of the season. The Raiders D offers a chance to get back in the groove.

Eric Decker vs. Dal – He’s no worse than a fantasy No. 2 as everyone is going crazy in this offense.

Robert Woods vs. Cle – Woods is a deep sleeper, but with Joe Haden locking down Stevie Johnson, he may be in line for 75 yards and a TD.

Potential Bust – Beware

Reggie Wayne – The Seahawks typically make opposing WRs look foolish.