Week 1 Hansen's Hints

Welcome to Hansen’s Hints, a column I’ve been doing for about a decade that offers up a last-minute look at all the upcoming matchups with my thoughts on those matchups.

In the past, I found it hard to say something like “I love this player this week” without explaining why, but since we already have so much content on the site breaking down the matchups and more, I’m going to try my best to just stick to the players I love, like, and dislike to give you the quickest overview

Seattle Seahawks (0-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. Hayden Hurst - Solid spot for him what was a TE-friendly matchup last year
2. Julio Jones - They don’t have great corners
3. DK Metcalf - Very good matchup on paper, and he’s ready to beast
4. Tyler Lockett - Should play the slot and very good matchup there
5. Russell Wilson - Nothing scary at all about the matchup
6. Matt Ryan - High point total expected, in Atl, loaded receiving corps, beatable matchup
7. Calvin Ridley - Solid vibes this summer, for sure

Players I like less than usual:

1. Greg Olsen/Will Dissly - Don’t know how you could use either with any confidence

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Russell Gage - Not that you’d want to dig this deep in Week 1, but you could do worse for a reach.

Other players of note:

• Todd Gurley - He’ll probably have a good game vs. defense he knows, and in GA

• Chris Carson - Carlos Hyde would work in more than expected, but you drafted him to start him

Cleveland Browns (0-0) at Baltimore Ravens (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. Marquise Brown - Browns have solid corners, but they’ll look to unleash him in the opener now that he’s healthy
2. Mark Andrews - Browns were giving to the TE last year and he’s as fresh as he will be all year most likely
3. Lamar Jackson - He’s chomping at the bit to win a game after their playoff lost
4. Odell Beckham - Mainly because Landry’s snaps and targets could be limited

Players I like less than usual:

1. Jarvis Landry - Tough matchup no matter who he’s on, especially Marlon Humphrey, and also snaps could be limited as he’s still not 100%
2. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt - Use if you need, of course, but tough to love either with bad matchups and some questions about usage

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Miles Boykin - Good vibes this summer, they really don’t have much at WR after Brown

Other players of note:

• Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins - I’m using Ingram without much hesitation as at worst a #3, Dobbins a little tricky Week 1, but he did look phenomenal all summer

• Austin Hooper - May be needed more than usual, but didn’t get good reports on his last 2-3 weeks of cam and tough defense to face

NY Jets (0-0) at Buffalo Bills (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. Jamison Crowder - 22 catches against them last year, and I loved him going into Week 1 in 2019 and he had 14 grabs.
2. Chris Herndon - Bills have good safeties, but Perriman could be erased by Tre White and vibes on Herndon very good all summer.

Players I like less than usual:

1. Breshad Perriman - Tre White didn’t always travel last year, but I have to think he will this week, since Chris Hogan, their #2 this week, just signed a month ago.
2. Sam Darnold - Too touch of a matchup and he has too little to work with to expect anything noteworthy.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

None of note.

Other players of note:

• Le’Veon Bell - I really don’t know what to expect, but I’m not expecting much with Frank Gore in the mix. But if you drafted him, you’re probably playing him, as you should.

• Josh Allen - He has only 1 TD pass and 2 INTs total in his last three games in this matchup, so I can’t say I love him, but it’s not like the Jets secondary is particularly good

• Stefon Diggs, John Brown - Similar to Allen, I can’t say I love either, but if you drafted one of them and need them, you’re using them.

• Dawson Knox - Not yet a guy to seriously consider in season long.

• Devin Singletary, Zack Moss - We’ll see how the split goes here, but it’s something that will change from week-to-week, so they’re both use-them-if-you-need-them guys.

Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers

Players I like more than usual:

1. Josh Jacobs - Panthers addressed their leaky run defense last year, but this is still a very good spot for him.
2. Henry Ruggs - The Panthers secondary should be quite bad, so they are both looking good. Ruggs could see a little Donte Jackson, who is very fast, but I like his chances.
3. Derek Carr - The vibes are very good on Carr right now, and he has even skeptics within the organization believing he will have a big year. It should start off well against a very weak secondary on paper.

Players I like less than usual:

1. Ian Thomas - Terrible vibes all summer, so no reason to consider him.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Bryan Edwards - They love this kid and he’s a guy we have been very high on from day one. He may end up often getting the best WR/CB matchup, and he can make big plays, plus his size should be used in the red zone this year. Very good matchup overall.

Other players of note:

• Christian McCaffrey - Start him

• DJ Moore - I didn’t love him this year, but you’re starting him most weeks, and this isn’t a scary matchup at all.

• Darren Waller - Same as Moore, I didn’t love him as a draft pick, but if you took him, you took him to start him, so do that.

Chicago Bears (0-0) at Detroit Lions

Players I like more than usual:

1. Mitchell Trubisky - In his last three games against the Lions, Trubisky is completing 75% of his passes for 9.5 YPA, and 289/3 on average with only 1 INT. Confidence should not be a problem for Trubisky in this one, since the Lions D is still quite suspect. Oh, and #1 pick Jeffrey Okudah is OUT.
2. Allen Robinson - He’s the clear #1, so with the matchup good and Trubisky rolling in this matchup, and Okudah out helps a lot.
3. Anthony Miller - No one talked about him all summer, really, but I liked him as a pick and I like him in this good matchup.
4. Tarik Cohen - Given David Montgomery’s situation, it’s hard to envision their starting RB handling a lot of work, so Cohen may get a few more carries, plus his QB is looking good in this one.
5. Marvin Jones - He will be the #1 WR for sure this week.
6. TJ Hockenson - No Kenny Golladay really helps his chances, especially in the red zone and endzone.

Players I like less than usual:

1. Matthew Stafford - He’s not going to have Kenny Golladay, which is a problem against this solid defense.
2. David Montgomery - He’s more of a use-him-if-you-need him guy for obvious reasons, but we have heard for two weeks that they feel good about where he’s at. That explains them not signing anyone at RB.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Darnell Mooney - The rookie wideout for the Bears really opened eyes in camp, and our guy Adam Caplan has been all over it. Don’t be surprised if he makes a big play today.
2. Quintez Cephus - It’s impressive that he’s likely starting for Gollday, so that speaks to how far he’s come this summer.

Other players of note:

1. D’Andre Swift - Tough call here, since they were loving him before his injury setback. He is good to go, but he’s not really a must-start unless it’s a deeper league. We just don’t know what his role is, but I have no faith in Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson just signed here a week ago.
2. Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson - I don’t see how you can use either unless insanely desperate.

Indianapolis Colts (0-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Players I like more than usual:

1. Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor - Obviously, the game script for this one should be in their favor, so I’m looking at 150+ rushing yards and 2 TDs from this pair. I give the edge this week to Mack.
2. Jack Doyle - This is more of a theory, since he was banged up this summer, but we all know Philip Rivers loves throwing to the TE, and Tre Burton is on IR.
3. DJ Chark - I love Chark this year, and love the volume he will likely get, starting this week.
4. Chris Thompson - He’s her to play on passing downs and to catch the ball, and the Colts gave up the most catches to RBs last year.

Players I like less than usual:

1. Michael Pittman - I love him, but it feels like he’ll need some time before he;’s ready to seriously merit fantasy consideration.
2. Parris Campbell - I also like this guy a lot, but he’s coming off a concussion and impossible to trust.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. James Robinson - He seems risky, but the team does like him a lot and believes he can handle volume, plus he’s not a zero in the passing game.
2. Tyler Eifert - He actually looked good this summer, and he should be quite active.

Other players of note:

• Gardner Minshew - Not against him this week, but his upside will likely be capped as the Colts milk the clock and run the ball.

• TY Hilton - I’m not afraid of the matchup, for one, and the vibes were good late in camp with TY.

• Philip Rivers - He’s not going to have much upside, but he could always toss a couple of TD passes.

• Laviska Shenault - He’ll be involved today, perhaps as a runner, but he’s a major reach.

Green Bay Packers (0-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. Aaron Jones - He crushed them last year, and they are a lot weaker inside this year on the D-line.
2. Davante Adams - He also crushed them last year, and now they are breaking in two new starting CBs.

Players I like less than usual:

None of note.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Allen Lazard - Marquez Valdes-Scantling came on this summer and should be well in the mix, but for now Lazard is the better reach play.

Other players of note:

• Dalvin Cook - He’s obviously someone you’re starting, and the Packers were quite poor against the run last year, and he ran on them well.

• Adam Thielen - His matchup isn’t great, since GB has two good CBs, but he has crushed them in the past and he will be the #1 target.

• Kirk Cousins - He has a somewhat large range of possible outcomes, but I doubt the Vikings will have him throw it only 20-25 times, so he should have some success.

• Aaron Rodgers - He should be fine in this one, but I’m not expecting the world.

Miami Dolphins (0-0) at New England Patriots (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. Julian Edelman - To say I like Edelman more than usual is a bit of a stretch, but I do think he’s the only receiver with a legit chance to come through, at least knowing what we know about their offense, which is very little.
2. James White - I feel similarly about White as I feel about Edelman, but Rex Burkhead could ruin things for White. Still, I feel okay about him coming through with 12 PPR points.

Players I like less than usual:

1. DeVante Parker - I know he got Stephon Gilmore last year, but he’s been banged up and I’m not expecting him to get over on Gilmore again in the opener.
2. Mike Gesicki - He’s certainly viable, but he’s done next to nothing in his career against the Pats, so I’m skeptical.
3. N’Keal Harry - He’s a good bet to be shut down or contained by one of their quality outside corners, so forget it.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Damiere Byrd - He’s been my deep sleeper here all year because he can actually run, and he’s played with Cam before. He could be their shot-play guy.

Other players of note:

1. Cam Newton - I’m cautious on Cam Week 1 with what could be a tougher matchup than expected, so
2. Sony Michel - I see no reason to use him with confidence, but he can be used with Damien Harris out.
3. Jordan Howard - The game may not get away from Miami so perhaps he can stay in the mix.
4. Matt Breida - Ultimately, he might be the better option this week, if they are behind.

Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) at Washington Redskins (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. Boston Scott - Looking at 15 touches with some upside, he’s the clear #1 today behind Corey Clement, who will definitely play.
2. DeSean Jackson - Obviously, it’s a good matchup and he crushed them last year, and he’s looked fantastic in 2020.
3. Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert - They will be on the field plenty, and having burners Jackson and Reagor also on the field should really help open things up for them.
4. Antonio Gibson - He’s going to get every chance to be the guy, and if he performs well he will likely get enough work to go down as a great play. There is some risk, since it’s his first game and they’ve put a lot on his plate, so it’s hard to know how he will respond.

Players I like less than usual:

None of note.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Jalen Reagor - If Jackson doesn't come through, then I’d bet it’ll be because Reagor shocks with a big debut, he’s ready to go.

Other players of note:

• Carson Wentz - Given their OL issues and the tougher front he’s up against, I’m a little concerned, but I do also think they will make some big plays.

• Terry McLaurin - He’ll see a lot of Darius Slay, but they had a nice battle last year and McLaurin did win several times as a rookie.

• Steven Sims - Use him if you need him, but it would be ideal to give him a week to see how he does.

Los Angeles Chargers (0-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. Joe Burrow - It’s a good matchup at home, and he has plenty of weapons, so I think he’ll be solid at worst.
2. Tyler Boyd - He was Burrow’s guy late in camp, and he has a good matchup here in the slot.
3. Austin Ekeler - They are really thin in terms of offensive weapons, so he’s going to get a lot of work.
4. Hunter Henry - They are low on pass targets with Mike Williams out, and when I did his projection, I was surprised by how optimistic his outlook was.

Players I like less than usual:

1. AJ Green - He should see a lot of Casey Hayward, and it’s been so long since we’ve seen him ball out, so it’s hard for me to feel good.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Joshua Kelley - He’s still raw so don’t play him, but I do think he’ll be the RB2 behind Ekeler early this year.

Other players of note:

• Joe Mixon - I’d think he will get 20+ touches, so he’s looking fine.

• Keenan Allen - He’s the only WR they have today who’s ever done anything, so he should be active at least, and a solid matchup.

• Tyrod Taylor - We know he will run and that will help, I just don’t see him clearing 200 yards passing.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) at New Orleans Saints (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. Chris Godwin - He will be the guy, and if he’s in the slot still it could be a high-catch game for Godwin.
2. Drew Brees - Overall, he has too many weapons right now not to come through in a beatable matchup.
3. Michael Thomas - He crushed them last year.

Players I like less than usual:

1. Mike Evans - Use him if desperate, but it’s fair to be skeptical since he got shut out in this matchup in a game last year.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Tre'Quan Smith - The light has seemingly gone on for him, so while you can’t use him, FYI.

Other players of note:

• Tom Brady - The best angle here is how it could be high-scoring, so he’ll likely throw it a lot, but if Evans isn’t himself, that hurts, and the matchup isn’t great.

• Rob Gronkowski - Good reports on how he’s moved this summer, but I find it hard to be terribly optimistic about him.

• Alvin Kamara - Tough matchup, so don’t expect the world, but no contract concerns at least.

• Jared Cook - He’s a middling play to me this week.

• Emmanuel Sanders - Same as Cook.

• Scotty Miller - He should play a little more, but I’d like to give him a week to see how he does.

Arizona Cardinals (0-0) at San Francisco 49ers (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. George Kittle - Good matchup, and he should be busy.
2. Jimmy Garoppolo - Good vibes all summer, and they do have enough at receiver to take advantage of a matchup he crushed last year.
3. Kyler Murray - In year two, he’s ready to take a step forward, and with points expected, he should come through.

Players I like less than usual:

None of note.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

1. Brandon Aiyuk - His matchup isn’t great, but he will be involved with Deebo out.
2. Jerick McKinnon - Not that you can use him, but I can’t wait to see him and what they give him in terms of role.

Other players of note:

• Raheem Mostert - You might as well use him, since you took him in the 5th round.

• Kenyan Drake - Bad matchup, but he can do it against anyone, and he’s involved in the passing game, obviously.

• DeAndre Hopkins - Not expecting the world, but they can move him around to avoid Richard Sherman.

Dallas Cowboys (0-0) at Los Angeles Rams (0-0)

Players I like more than usual:

1. Jared Goff - My favorite matchup play this week.
2. Cooper Kupp - Great matchup in the slot.
3. Tyler Higbee - Great vibes this summer late and he crushed them last year.
4. CeeDee Lamb - He will get the best matchup in the slot.

Players I like less than usual:

1. Amari Cooper - He can be shut down by top corners, and they have Jalen Ramsey.

Deep Sleepers/Reach Plays:

Other players of note:

• Robert Woods - I like Kupp and Higbee’s matchups better, but Woods is obviously a good play.

• Dak Prescott - I feel more than fine with him in what should be a higher scoring affair.

• Ezekiel Elliott - He’s locked into a huge role, including the passing game, obviously.

• Michael Gallup - I like him a lot more than Cooper, I will say that.

• Blake Jarwin - Not someone you’re rolling with Week 1 unless desperate, but he could always score.