A Swifty Summer
Taylor Swift ruled the Summer scene in 2023 with sizzling success that set the stage on fire. She not only packed stadiums across the U.S., but also orchestrated a blockbuster ticket pre-sale bonanza for the movie adaptation of her legendary concerts. And let’s not forget the epic release of her re-records. In a seismic twist, her Eras Tour concert made such a sonic impact that it shook Lumen Field to its core. It was reminiscent of the “Beast Quake” moment from Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch‘s iconic run.
Just like Taylor Swift, you too can claim victory – not on the stage but in your fantasy football league. Harness the power of these week winning stats this season to conquer your matchups, master the art of start-sit decisions, and leave your leaguemates in awe of your strategic prowess. You will be the true Mastermind of your league.
Week 1 Stats
#1 – Ahkello Witherspoon allowed a staggering 18 fantasy points per game in 2022
Ahkello Witherspoon now faces off with DK Metcalf in Week 1 as the Seahawks take on the Rams. With a forgettable stint in Pittsburgh where opposing receivers lit him up in coverage, Witherspoon allowed four TDs and 22 receptions in just four games last year. Metcalf has history with Witherspoon, finishing with a 6-81-1 line (20.1 fantasy points) in Week 17 of 2019. Recent and distant history suggest a significant matchup advantage for Metcalf in Week 1.
#2 – Christian Watson averaged a whopping 20.7 fantasy points per game when playing 70-percent or more snaps in 2022
Christian Watson is poised for a showdown with the Chicago Bears’ Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson, a matchup that clearly favors Watson. Johnson ranked a dismal No. 61 in PFF coverage grade, while Kyler Gordon ranked No. 128 out of 135 qualified defensive backs in 2022. In his most recent contest against Chicago, Watson chalked up 131 air yards and an impressive 24.4 fantasy points against the Bears’ secondary. With Green Bay’s solid offensive line providing protection for Jordan Love, he will unleash one of the NFL’s deadliest weapons. Watson will explode in Week 1 against the Bears.
#3 – The Detroit Lions racked up an impressive 23 rushing touchdowns in 2022
They will have room for more in Week 1. Without the formidable Chris Jones – the No. 1 PFF graded interior defensive lineman– the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to start Tershawn Wharton (No. 99) and Derrick Nnadi (No. 143 out of 157) at defensive tackle. This is fantastic news for both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. They should have plenty of room to make their mark up the middle. Start both Montgomery and Gibbs in what promises to be an exhilarating kickoff to the 2023 season.
#4 – Ezekiel Elliott touched the ball 36 times in the two games where Tony Pollard had weekly finishes as the RB1 and RB2 overall
With Ezekiel Elliott now donning a New England uniform and no significant free-agent signings this offseason by the Cowboys, Tony Pollard is poised for a colossal workload on the ground while also being involved in the passing game. Don’t forget, Pollard saw three or more targets in nine of his 16 games while sharing duties with Elliott. The Tony Pollard-RB1 express is departing in Week 1.
#5 – Gabriel Davis’ average weekly finish was WR54 against the New York Jets’ secondary in 2022
Gabriel Davis managed just five receptions and 64 yards on nine targets in the two matchups. He’s likely to line up against Sauce Gardner – PFF’s top-rated coverage CB – and DJ Reed (No. 16 out of 135 qualified DBs), two of the league’s finest. In a game where Aaron Rodgers is looking to control the tempo and a defensive battle is in the cards, temper your Week 1 expectations for Davis.
#6 – Calvin Ridley has notched a 15.4-percent rate of Top-5 Weeks over his last 17 games
Compared to 2022 wide receivers, Calvin Ridley would have been No. 7 behind the likes of Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Ridley is poised to be the alpha WR on a surging Jaguars offense led by Trevor Lawrence. According to Dwain McFarland’s preseason utilization report spanning five preseason games, Ridley ran 100-percent of routes, commanded a 31-percent Target Share, and owned a 39-percent Air Yards Share. Expect Ridley to deliver WR1-worthy numbers right from the get-go.
