18-142-1 -- that’s the line Njoku tallied in two games
against a Bengals defense that ended up giving up the most receptions
to the TE position, and the 3rd most yards last season. In a game
that should force the Browns to play catch-up, Njoku should benefit
from Joe Flacco behind center. Flacco averaged over 35 attempts
per game in his seven appearances for the Colts last season and
over 40 a game when with the Browns in 2023, so while he might
be a grizzled old man, he can still sling it if called on, and
Njoku should benefit as a top-10 option at the position in Week
1.
With Jalen Nailor and Adam Thielen only getting in limited work
with McCarthy in the preseason, Hockenson should be the biggest
beneficiary of Jordan Addison’s early season suspension. Now over
18 months removed from his ACL surgery, Hockenson is back to full
health, and offers versatility as a receiver all over the formation.
He’s a big-bodied target for a young quarterback who is used to
throwing to tight ends during his collegiate career.
Opportunity, talent, and draft pedigree have all combined to
shoot rookie Matthew Golden to the top of the pecking order in
the Packer passing game. It remains to be seen if Detroit can
recapture the defensive momentum it had before suffering a rash
of devastating injuries last season, but a shaky group of young
corners and limited pass rush should allow Golden the chance to
make some splash plays in his NFL debut.
This will truly be a baptism by fire for rookie QB Cam Ward as
he hits the altitude of Denver to take on what should be the league’s
best defense. Ridley should see a ton of reigning DPOY Patrick
Surtain who is as lockdown as they come. Although Ward is a tremendous
upgrade in QB talent from a year ago, Ward will have to find his
footing before Ridley can be trusted as anything more than a WR3.
I have a tough time seeing that happen in Week 1.
Kupp looked washed at the end of his tenure with the Rams, and it
remains to be seen how much of his success had to do with both the
scheme of Sean McVay and the arm of Stafford. The Seahawks want
to be run-heavy, and Kupp is playing second fiddle to rising star
Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I’m skeptical there is enough volume or QB talent
in this pass offense for Kupp to find fantasy relevancy.
Patriots WRs vs LV
I’m sure there will be some value to be had in the receivers
on this team simply because of the talent of Drake Maye and the
coaching staff, but it’s anyone’s guess who that’s going to be.
After a weird boat trip and some pink powder, Stefon
Diggs seemed to be the darling of camp, but he would be bucking
years of trends by being a 30+ year old receiver fresh off an
ACL tear. Kyle
Williams, and Demario
Douglas have apparently flashed in the preseason, but are
unproven young guys. Take a wait and see approach this week, and
evaluate this position group going forward.
