Despite the wild emotions and electric atmosphere of last season’s
Wild Card game in Detroit, Stafford carved up the Lions for 367
yards and two touchdowns in a narrow 24-23 loss. The Rams return
to the place their season ended to enact a measure of revenge, and
Stafford should be up to the task. The Lions loaded their secondary
in the offseason, but their two highly drafted rookies missed a
majority of camp, and they haven’t bolstered the pass rush in any
meaningful way. With Nacua and Kupp healthy, and a trio of dangerous
receivers behind them, Stafford could approach the numbers he put
up last time and crack the top-12.
While an exciting new location for the NFL, logistically this
game is proving to be a nightmare for the teams. In Brazil, or
on Mars, Love comes into this game fresh off an MVP-like season,
and flush with cash after his contract extension. The Eagle defense
was a shell of its former self for much of the 2023 season, and
like Detroit, are hoping an infusion of young talent can turn
around a leaky secondary. The loss of veteran James Bradberry
won’t help as this fledgling defense will be tested early
and often by Love and his army of receivers.
A slimmed down Tua looks primed for a big game against a Jacksonville
defense that was a bottom-10 unit against the pass a year ago,
including yielding the 7th most passing touchdowns. Miami’s
defense could struggle early as it adjusts to a new scheme, and
set of players. Vegas seems to agree, as this contest has the
highest over/under of Week 1. Lock and load all your fantasy starters,
as this game has major shoot-out potential.
The signing of Brandon Aiyuk was certainly a big deal for Purdy’s
fantasy impact, but the fact starting all-world tackle Trent Williams
missed the entire offseason isn’t ideal. New York may be allergic
to offense, but Robert Salah will be able to come up with a scheme
to get to Purdy. In the three games Trent Williams missed last season,
the team went 0-3, Purdy had a 3-5 touchdown to interception ratio,
and the offense could only muster 17 points-per-game. I know Williams
is a vet, and true professional, but missing all but the final game
week install still leads me to downgrade Purdy against this defense.
An up and down seven-game stretch to end the season took most
of the luster off his 4-touchdown debut, but Levis looks primed
for a year-two breakout. With investments in the offense (Ridley,
Pollard), and a clear dedication to their 2nd year signal caller,
Levis should surprise some people throughout the season, but he’s
up against it on the road against the Bears. Chicago has a lockdown
corner in Jaylon Johnson, and a mix of veteran and upside defenders.
The atmosphere should be electric in Chicago, and it will be tough
to trust Levis in a spot like this.
A player with Murray’s skillset is almost always impossible
to sit, but I’m not loving him as a top end option this
week. Traveling across the country to play in Orchard Park, NY
(Highmark Stadium just doesn’t have the same ring) is tough
any time of year, but that place will be insane for opening weekend.
The Cardinal passing weapons are explosive, but largely untested,
and I actually think Arizona tries to go run heavy to protect
a defense that might be one of the worst in the NFL.
