TEs who will outperform their ESPN Fantasy Rankings Week 1.

Richard Rodgers vs. Chi (ranked 21) - The Bears are soft in the secondary, and will have a long day vs. Aaron Rodgers and Co. A primary beneficiary of Jordy Nelson’s injury could be more looks to Rodgers.

Kyle Rudolph vs. SF (ranked 14) – Last year’s fantasy darling never panned out. But this is a good play here. The 49ers struggled vs opposing TEs.

Tyler Eifert vs. Oak (ranked 13) - The job is his after Jermaine Gresham’s departure. The Raiders have a number of holes in the secondary and will have matchup issues all day vs. this talented offense.

Zack Ertz vs Atl (ranked 20) - A major disappointment a year ago. Hopes are high now. He is healthy and you can expect him get into the action from the get go on Monday night.

Ladarius Green vs. Det  (ranked 16) – Green benefits from Gates suspension. Look for the lanky but quick TE to catch 4 balls for over 70 yards.

TEs who will underperform in Week 1

Jimmy Graham vs. Stl (ranked 2) – Graham is ESPN’s #2 rated TE. He’s in a new offense and facing a very aggressive and physical defense. Look for a slow start out of the gate.

Delanie Walker vs. TB (ranked 7)- Walker’s rated 8th. TB covers TEs well and the Titans are breaking in a new QB in Marcus Mariota. He may look Walker’s way more frequently but we expect him to struggle.

Must Start

Calvin Johnson, Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas

Tier 1

Jordy Nelson vs. Buf – The Bills cover than people think.

Odell Beckham vs. Was – The superstar rookie will abuse the Skins secondary.

Alshon Jeffery vs. NO – He instantly becomes a top tier No. 1 with Brandon Marshall out.

TY Hilton vs. Hou – Hilton went over 200 yards in their last game. Look for another solid effort.

AJ Green vs. Cle – Joe Haden usually plays Green tough.

Roddy White vs. Pit – Expect the Falcons to have success in the air.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. SD – The Chargers feature a top 10 pass D but Sanders put up 3 TDs and 100 yards in their 1st outing.

Mike Evans vs. Car – The rookie is still on a tear. That will continue against the Panthers.

Jeremy Maclin vs. Dal – Maclin should own the Cowboys D.

Tier 2

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Ind – Hopkins has a decided advantage when CB Vontae Davis isn’t covering him.

Sammy Watkins vs. GB – The previously stingy Packers pass D looked atrocious Monday Night.

Randall Cobb vs. Buf – He might have more success than Nelson.

Keenan Allen vs. Den – Allen plays well against the Broncos.

Julian Edleman vs. Mia – Solid play in PPR leagues.

Kenny Stills vs. Chi – Stills threw in a stinker in Week 14. Chicago is a much more favorable matchup.

Josh Gordon vs. Cin – Going with Johnny Manziel will impact Gordon’s standing.

Steve Smith vs. Jax – Smith will have a field day against the lowly Jags.

Pierre Garcon vs. NYG – Jackson’s injury improves Garcon’s value.

Bust

Michael Crabtree vs. Sea – Kaepernick is struggling mightily and this is not the defense to get back on track.

Fantasy Sleeper

Martavis Bryant vs. Atl – His deep speed is deadly and the Falcons don’t cover well.

1. Green Bay Packers (-13) vs. Atl – Until the Patriots, the Packers were putting up an insane amount of points at home and blowing teams out. That will happen on Monday Night. Look for Green Bay to put up 40+.

Next

2. New England Patriots (-3.5) vs. SD – The Pats have been on fire before meeting Aaron Rodgers and Co. a week ago. They still had a chance to pull that out in the end too. Look for New England to head into San Diego and win by a TD. Their D is playing very well and offensively, Brady and Co. will prove too much for the Chargers.

3. Denver Broncos (-10) vs. Buf – Mile High is a very difficult place to play and it won’t be any easier for a Kyle Orton led team.

4. Baltimore Ravens (+2.5) vs. Mia – See money line bet.

Rounding Things Out

Cincinnati Bengals (-3) vs. Pit – The Steelers struggle on the road and are catching Cincinnati as they get healthy on D.

New Orleans Saints (-10) vs. Car – Brees and Co. will run it up on their division foe.

Detroit Lions (-10) vs. TB – The Lions have been very tough at home.

Money Line Bet

Baltimore Ravens (+125) vs. Mia – The Fins come off a short week in which they pulled out an underwhelming win over the Jets. They catch a break with DT Haloti Ngata out but the Ravens match up well against Miami and will eek out the close win.

Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant, Julio Jones, Jordy Nelson, Antonio Brown and Brandon Marshall

Tier 1

Alshon Jeffery vs. GB – He’s closer to full strength.

Victor Cruz vs. Was – The Skins secondary is dangerously thin.

Pierre Garcon vs. NYG – The Giants sometimes let receivers run free down the seam.

Michael Crabtree vs. Phi – Crabtree will top 8 catches for 100 yards in this one.

Jeremy Maclin vs. SF – Expect Maclin to break some big plays against this set of DBs.

Vincent Jackson vs. Pit – He’s Mike Glennon’s go to guy.

Randall Cobb vs. Chi – Rodgers will target him over the middle and in the mid range passing game.

Julian Edelmen vs. KC – Dynamite in PPR leagues.

Steve Smith vs. Car – Expect Smith to had added emotion facing his former team.

TY Hilton vs. Ten – Look for Hilton to reach the end zone.

DeSean Jackson vs. NYG – Historically, he has had success against the Giants.

Anquan Boldin vs. Phi – This could end up being a shootout. His value is more in PPR leagues.

Keenan Allen vs. Jax – Allen will have his first breakout game of the year.

Tier 2

Andre Johnson vs. Buf – Fitzpatrick makes him a No. 2 at best.

Mike Evans vs. Pit – The rookie is improving each week. There will be plays to be had against this depleted unit.

Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Atl – The loss of Adrian Peterson has hurt his productivity, but the Falcons don’t pose much threat.

Roddy White vs. Min – Check the injury report.

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Buf – He’s a solid No. 2 and is really emerging in year 2.

Sammy Watkins vs. Hou – Watkins is a bounce back threat after a poor game against the Chargers.

Brandin Cooks vs. Dal – Look for Brees to attack the Cowboys down the field.

Bust

Reggie Wayne vs. Ten – Wayne’s rounding his way back into form and faces a tough test here.
Fantasy Sleeper

Terrance Williams vs. NO – Something is not right in the Saints D and this game could be a shootout.

Calvin Johnson, AJ Green, Julio Jones, Demaryius Thomas, Jordy Nelson, Brandon Marshall and Dez Bryant

Tier 1

Randall Cobb vs. NYJ – The Jets are severely limited in the secondary.

Alshon Jeffery vs. SF – Another secondary that is beaten up.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. KC – Peyton will light up the Chiefs in Week 2.

Cordarrelle Patterson vs. NE – He’s more of a threat running the ball.

Anquan Boldin vs. Chi – He is Kaepernick’s go-to guy on 3rd down and great in PPR.

TY Hilton vs. Phi – Luck will put up 400 yards and Hilton will haul in a good amount of those balls.

Julian Edleman vs. Min – Brady’s top receiver will continue to receive most looks until another emerges.

Mike Wallace vs. Buf – The new offense is already paying dividends.

Antonio Bryant vs. Bal – Carried over a big 2013 in week 1 vs. the Browns.

Pierre Garcon vs. Jax – Garcon will top 90 yards and find the end zone this week.

DeSean Jackson vs. Jax – He is another who will get untracked in the home opener.

Vincent Jackson vs. Stl. – Jackson is still developing rapport with Josh McCown.

Reggie Wayne vs. Phi – The Eagles secondary is really bad.

Torrey Smith vs. Pit – He always seems to have big games vs. the Steelers in primetime.

Steve Smith vs. Pit – Smith made his presence immediately felt with an 80 yard TD.

Victor Cruz vs. Arz – The Giants will move him to the slot to keep him away from CB Patrick Peterson.

Michael Crabtree vs. Chi – Look for Kaepernick to get his #1 involved more often this week.

Tier 2

Jeremy Maclin vs. Ind – Maclin is a solid No. 2 vs. the Colts.

Percy Harvin vs. SD – Expect him to be the focus point again in the passing game.

Keenan Allen vs. Sea – It’s tough to start many with confidence in this match-up. Allen is a low No. 2 / flex.

Brandin Cooks vs. Cle – The Browns were a lot more vulnerable in the passing game than was expected.

Marques Colston vs. Cle – Better suited in PPR leagues.

Roddy White vs. Cin – There are a lot of balls to go around in this offense.

Golden Tate vs. Car – It won’t come easy but the Lions will have more success in the pass game.

Justin Hunter vs. Dal – The Titans deep threat has a chance for a big game here.

Kendall Wright vs. Dal – He’s another solid flex play against a porous pass D.

Robert Woods vs. Mia – He’s Emmanuel’s favorite target early on.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Den – The Chiefs O showed how much he was missed in Week 1.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. NYG – The Giants DBs had many communication issues.

Bust

Victor Cruz vs. Arz – The Giants offense is a mess and Peterson is one of the best in the business.

Fantasy Sleeper

Allen Hurns vs. Was – Expect another solid output for the Jags receiver against a suspect Skins D.

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.

1. Dez Bryant vs. Min – The Vikings are decimated in the secondary which is not good news when facing Bryant.

2. AJ Green vs. Mia – Dalton’s getting better at the deep ball and Green’s topped 100 yards multiple weeks.  He’ll return to the end zone Thursday.

3. Jordy Nelson vs. Chi – Rodgers and Nelson are in synch now.

4. DeSean Jackson vs. Oak – The return of Nick Foles will put Jackson over 100 yards.

Not far behind

Brandon Marshall vs. GB – The loss of Cutler hurts, but Marshall will get his.

Antonio Brown vs. NE – He’s a very strong play in PPR leagues. CB Talib may be back but not at 100%.

Andre Johnson vs. Ind – The switch from Schaub has infused life into this passing offense.

Rounding things out

Keenan Allen vs. Was – The Skins have one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

Mike Wallace vs. Cin – Wallace is familiar with the Bengals D from his years in Pit.

Denarius Moore vs. Phi – Look for Moore and Pryor to connect on a long TD.

Danny Amendola vs. Pit – He and Brady will fare better in his 2^nd game back.

Steve Smith vs. Atl – Smith will top 100 yards with a long TD against the Falcons.

Kenny Stills vs. NYJ – The Jets pass D has issues coming off the shellacking in Cincy.

TY Hilton vs. Hou – Look for Luck to make Hilton his No. 1 pass catcher with Wayne done for the year.

Golden Tate vs. TB – He’s the default No. 1 until Harvin returns.

Torrey Smith vs. Cle – Temper expectations a bit due to CB Joe Hayden, but Smith will hit 12 fantasy points.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Buf – Bowe should produce 10-15 fantasy points against a Bills secondary giving up a lot of points in the passing game.

Harry Douglas vs. Car – He’s more valuable in PPR leagues this week.

Pierre Garcon vs. SD – He’s a low No.2 / flex play against the Chargers.

Alshon Jeffery vs. GB – He’s also a low No. 2 with a back-up QB in there.

Potential Bust – Beware

Vincent Jackson vs. Sea – Jackson’s going to find the going tough vs. the Seahawks secondary.

1. Calvin Johnson vs. Hou – He and Stafford just missed on multiple long TDs in Week 11. Look for those to connect against the Texans suspect D.

2. AJ Green vs. Oak – Have you seen the Raiders D lately? Green could hit 150 yards with multiple TDs this week.

3. Roddy White vs. White will top 100 yards with a TD this week. Look for 20-25 fantasy points vs. the Bucs.

4. Andre Johnson vs. Det – After his game vs. the Jags, Johnson is back at the top this week. Look for 100 yards with a TD.

Next

Wes Welker vs. NYJ – With Gronkowski out, Welker’s importance increases this week.  He’ll top the 100 yards mark with a score.

Demaryius Thomas vs. KC – With McGahee down, look for Manning to throw even more.

Vincent Jackson vs. ATL – The Bucs top FA acquisition has come up big this year.

The Rest

Julio Jones vs. TB –  Ditto for Jones. He’ll also torch the depleted Bucs secondary.

Dez Bryant vs. Was – Bryant would rate very high on the list if not for the state of the  Cowboys offensive line.  The Skins secondary has holes in it.

Brandon Marshall vs. Min – If Cutler is back, Marshall will top 100 yards with a TD.

Reggie Wayne vs. Buf – Wayne will top 100 yards with a score vs. the Bills.

Randall Cobb vs. NYG – He’ll give the Giants Nickel problems ALL evening.

Jordy Nelson vs. NYG – The Packers will be airing it out on Sunday Night.

Hakeem Nicks vs. GB – Nicks is fully healthy and will bounce back with a big night.

Victor Cruz vs. GB – Look for the Giants to move him around and he’ll top 100 yards with a TD.

Lance Moore vs. SF – The 49ers lone weakness on defense is their secondary.

Marques Colston vs. SF – He’ll be targeted heavily in the short to medium passing game.

Denarius Moore vs. Cin – Moore will top 100 yards with a TD in a game that Carson Palmer wants real bad.

Steve Smith vs. Phi – The Eagles secondary has been beaten all year.

Desean Jackson vs. Car – His value increases greatly if Vick’s back under center.

Cecil Short vs. Ten – Chad Henne’s a question mark, but Short stepped up big time of late.

Miles Austin vs. Was – He’s a strong play in PPR leagues and will also find the end zone on Thursday.

Stevie Johnson vs. Ind – Johnson’s speed will be too much for the Colts secondary. Look for 80+ yards with a TD.

Michael Crabtree vs. NO – Kaepernick’s emergence could prove a boon to Crabtree. Regardless, this is the league’s worst defense.

Percy Havin vs. Chi – Check to make sure he’s playing, but he’s a No. 2 / flex play vs. a stingy D.

Sidney Rice vs. Mia – The Dolphins run D is good, the pass D not so much.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Stl – Look for Fitzgerald to rebound from his worst game as a professional a week ago.

Brandon Lloyd vs. NYJ  - With Gronkowski out, Lloyd’s role will increase on Thursday Night.

Mike Williams vs. Atl – This could be a high scoring affair making Williams a decent flex play.

Danny Amendola vs. Arz – The Cards pass D has trouble with smallish receivers that cut quickly.

1. Calvin Johnson vs. GB – Megatron is the clear No. 1 choice vs. this Packers secondary.

2. AJ Green vs. KC – His TD streak will continue in Week 11 AND he’ll top 100 yards.

3. Roddy White vs. Arz – Patrick Peterson has been getting exposed in recent week and the Cardinals have no one who can stay with White. Expect 100 yards with a TD.

4. Demaryius Thomas vs. SD – Manning and Thomas will hook up for a big afternoon on Sunday. Look for 100 yards with a long TD.

Next

Wes Welker vs. Ind – Look for Welker to be a beast across the middle and top 100 yards with a TD.

Jordy Nelson vs. Det – His injured ankle is likely healed and he will terrorize the Lions DBs on Sunday.

Julio Jones vs. Arz – Jones is another 100 yard candidate this week and his ankle should be fine.

The Rest

Vincent Jackson vs. Car – Freeman and his favorite new target will hook up for a big afternoon.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Atl- The Cards should be playing from behind and thus passing a lot.

Eric Decker vs. SD – He’ll notch one, maybe two TD passes this week.

Randall Cobb vs. Det – Rodgers new favorite weapon will top 70 yards with a TD in this one.

Jeremy Maclin vs. Was – The Skins pass D is atrocious and Foles had good rapport with Maclin once he came in.

Dez Bryant vs. Cle – He finally got un-tracked vs. Philly and will star again this week.

Steve Smith vs. TB – Did you see the Bucs pass D in Week 10? They were toasted all afternoon.

Stevie Johnson vs. Mia – The Dolphins pass D is a weakness.

Brandon Lloyd vs. Ind – The Colts DBs will give up a deep ball to Lloyd at least once in this shootout.

Andre Johnson vs. Jax – He’s a low No. 2 receiver this week as the Texans will likely run ALL over Jacksonville.

Andre Roberts vs. Atl – The other Cardinals receiver has became a threat especially in PPR leagues.

Malcolm Floyd vs. Den – Expect this to be a passing affair and for Floyd to hit 70 yards with a TD.

Desean Jackson vs. Was – Again, the Skins have one of the WORST pass defenses in football. The bye week didn’t clean that up.

Darius Heyward Bay vs. NO – Carson Palmer is throwing TDs and Heyward Bay will be on the receiving end of a long one.

Denarius Moore vs. NO – The Saints D is horrendous.

Marques Colston vs. Oak  - The Raiders pass D is abominable too. Colston will find the end zone while picking up 90-100 yards.

Lance Moore vs. Oak – Moore is an excellent play in PPR leagues.

Torrey Smith vs. Pit – Smith usually shines in prime time and will use his speed to get behind the Steelers D.

Mike Wallace vs. Bal – With Roethlisberger out, Wallace comes way back to the pack, but will still hit double digit fantasy football points.

Reggie Wayne vs. NE – This is not indicative of where he ranks on the list… look for Wayne to torch the suspect Pats D for a big game on Sunday.

Brian Hartline vs. Buf – The Bills haven’t covered much in 2012.

1. AJ Green vs. Pit – Green will torch the Steelers secondary for over 100 yards and 2 TDs.

2. Mike Wallace vs. Cin – The Bengals don’t cover well, either. Especially on the deep ball.

3. Calvin Johnson vs. Chi – Not the easiest game but Megatron will top 100 yards and find the end zone.

4. Victor Cruz vs. Was – Cruz presents mismatches all over the field.

Next

Wes Welker vs. NYJ – Welker will catch the ball 10 times for over 100 yards and a TD.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Was  - His knee will be closer to full health and Nicks will torch this secondary.

Brandon Marshall vs. Det  - Look for Marshall to easily go over 100 yards with a TD against the Lions secondary.

The Rest

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Min – He’ll torch the Vikings in his homecoming.

Percy Harvin vs. Arz – His strong ’12 campaign will continue this week as he gets deep at least once on Sunday.

Stevie Johnson vs. Ten – The Titans desperately lack CBs.

Jordy Nelson vs. Stl. – Nelson broke out with 3 TDs in Week 6 and will shine again in St. Louis.

Vincent Jackson vs. NO – The Saints have  no pass D and Jackson is a mismatch in the Bucs’ favor.

Marques Colston vs. TB – Colston will top 100 yards and a TD in Tampa.

Antonio Brown vs. Cin – The Steelers other target will find the end zone this week.

Reggie Wayne vs. Cle – Wayne will bounce back after a rough Sunday with a solid game vs. Cleveland.

Torrey Smith vs. Hou – The Texans had numerous coverage issues a week ago.

Kenny Britt vs Buf – Look for Britt to top 90 yards and find the end zone in Buffalo.

Michael Crabtree vs. Sea – Don’t look for a ton of yardage but 70 yards and a TD is doable.

Stephen Hill vs. NE – The Patriots aren’t covering well at all. This is more of a fantasy sleeper play, but a good flex if you have one out.

Sidney Rice vs. SF – The way to move the ball vs. the 49ers is through the air. Expect 70 yards and a TD.

Dez Bryant vs. Car – The Panthers DBs will be overmatched vs. Bryant.

Miles Austin vs. Car – Ditto for Austin.

Steve Smith vs. Dal -This is a tougher match-up but Smith will find a way to reach the end zone and top 90 yards.

Mike Williams vs. NO – This could be a shootout which makes Williams a good fantasy football start and flex play.

James Jones vs. Stl. – Jones has been a TD machine recently.

Denarius Moore vs. Jax –  The Raiders deep threat has a good matchup here.