Overview
- With no byes and single-elimination stakes, outlets urge prioritizing one-week matchups, especially at D/ST and kicker.
- Consensus D/ST starts include the Seahawks vs. Colts, Texans vs. Cardinals, Eagles vs. Raiders, Jaguars vs. Jets, and 49ers vs. Titans, with Chicago cited as a viable streamer.
- Colts quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles and is out for the year, increasing risk for Indianapolis pass catchers and boosting Seattle’s D/ST outlook as rookie Riley Leonard’s status is also uncertain.
- Wide receiver guidance highlights must-starts Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ja’Marr Chase, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, while managers are advised to avoid riskier plays like Alec Pierce and Quentin Johnston.
- Top kicker recommendations feature Brandon Aubrey, Harrison Mevis, Jake Bates, and Ka’imi Fairbairn, with caution on lower-upside options such as Nick Folk, Chad Ryland, and Blake Grupe; betting lines and implied totals further steer managers toward high-scoring games and heavy favorites.