It’s finally upon us: the start of the 2013 fantasy football season! In a couple of days you will have to hit the submit button and set your lineup for Week 1. Before you start to get cute and over-think which players you should start this week it should actually the easiest decisions you will make all year regarding your roster. In Week 1 you really don’t have to make any changes barring injuries in the preseason because you drafted your starting quarterback, your two running backs, your two wide receivers, your flex, your tight end, and your kicker. If you were to make any changes in your lineup the one spot that would warrant any change to is your flex position. So far this week I will only focus on players who you might want to consider starting in your flex position.
Who to Start at Flex – Week 1 Fantasy Football
T.Y. Hilton, WR Ind
I believe he will have a breakout year. If you watched him play last year, you knew he had something special. It seemed like every week he was making ridiculous plays and scoring long touchdowns. This year in the preseason I have seen that same spark and truly believe that he will end up in the top 15 at his position. Hilton will go up against the Oakland Raiders, a secondary that did not upgrade during the offseason. Last year this porous secondary gave up 12 plays of 40+ yards or more and I see Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton taking advantage of that in the first week. Put Hilton in your lineup this week and watch him pay dividends.
DeSean Jackson, WR Phi
He had a horrible season last year and burned a lot of fantasy owners, causing you guys to be skeptical about putting him anywhere near your starting lineup. I say don’t be, forgive and forget. It was a terrible year all the way around for any Eagles player. They have a new coach who will be implanting a new offensive scheme, which according to reports, the players love and have gotten the hang of. If there was ever a player fit for this new scheme, it’s Jackson. Since the Eagles lost Jeremy Maclin, I think Jackson will line-up everywhere imaginable. They will have him go deep, short, line-up out the backfield, and in the slot; and all this will translate to fantasy success.
I don’t see any Washington Redskins player who can contain him or keep up with the pure speed he possesses. Week 1 we should see him haul in 6 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Lamar Miller, RB Mia
Is it hype? I don’t think so. This guy has been all over the radio, internet and television; and everyone weighing in on what they think of the kid. What I can tell you is that Miller possess two traits that cannot be taught: speed and elusiveness. He hardly ever gets caught from behind and he makes tacklers miss. In limited game-time last year he averaged nearly 5 yards per carry and was just as effective receiving the ball, averaging 7.5 yards per catch. He has had issues with pass protection but has gotten better and should see the majority of the carries. He has a favorable matchup in Week 1 going against the Cleveland Browns, a rush defense that ranked in the bottom half of all major rushing statistics last year. Miller should start the year off good rushing for over 100 yards, 45 receiving yard, and rush for a touchdown.
Chris Givens, WR StL
Why would you start any Rams wide receiver not named Tavon Austin. Well because this is the one other receiver that should be starting in your fantasy lineup. Last year he had five straight games of a 50+ yard play, so he is liable to take it deep any time he gets his hands on the ball. This preseason I have noticed Sam Bradford targeting him not just deep but also on short routes as well. Coach Jeff Fisher has taken notice to Givens working on his route running and drops during the offseason. I expect him to have 5 catches for 95 yards and a long 35+ touchdown during Week 1 action.
Other players to start in your flex Week 1
- Mike Williams
- Jordy Nelson
- Isaac Redman
- Rashard Mendenhall
- Antonio Brown
- Miles Austin
- Daryl Richardson
- Kenbrell Thompkins
- Eddie Lacy
Have any start ’em sit ’em questions? Hit me up on my Twitter @SidSaysFC or ask The Couch @fantasycouch
