The Philadelphia Eagles have made themselves into regular contenders over the last couple years. The Atlanta Falcons, meanwhile, have struggled to put it together over the same time, fading to awful records in the NFC. On Monday, the teams start their season, with the Eagles looking to continue their success and the Falcons looking to re-establish themselves.
Fantasy football advice, Week 1: Who to start/sit for Eagles vs. Falcons on Monday night
The first Monday game of the season features some big names on both sides.
The Eagles have tight end Zach Ertz listed on the injury report as he deals with a groin injury. He's expected to be a game-time decision. On the Falcons' side, running back Devonta Freeman and wide receivers Roddy White and Devin Hester all popped up on the injury report. Freeman should be fine for Monday after dealing with a hamstring injury. White should also be a full go after overcoming an elbow injury. On the flip side, Hester has been ruled out with a toe injury.
Monday’s game is scheduled for 6:55 p.m. ET in Atlanta. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
EAGLES
Start 'em: I'm of the opinion that last year's absolute mass of touches will catch up with DeMarco Murray this season, but that might take a while for him to wear down. He's a starter. ... It's easy to love Jordan Matthews as a fantasy option, and I recommend it. It's fun. ... Cody Parkey was a successful fantasy kicker last year, and there's every chance that continues. ... The Eagles' defense should have a field day against most of that Atlanta offense.
Start 'em?: Sure, buy in on Sam Bradford if you want. Everyone else has. Me, I'd like to see it in a regular-season game a time or two first. ... Ryan Mathews will be a change-of-pace guy to rest Murray occasionally. That makes him a low-end flex. ... Nelson Agholor should look good as a rookie, but you might want to let him prove himself before putting him in your lineups.
Sit 'em: With Murray and Mathews in the fold, Darren Sproles is no longer a good fantasy option, even in PPR leagues. ... Brent Celek and Zach Ertz will continue to fill the Eagles' tight end job, but neither warrants fantasy consideration right now.
FALCONS
Start 'em: The way in which Matt Ryan is matchup-proof is interesting; he'll probably never be ranked in the top four or so quarterbacks, but he'll always be among the starters. ... Julio Jones looks like maybe the best receiver option in the game this week. So good. ... Matt Bryant is still a fantasy-useful kicker.
Sit 'em: I don't really trust Tevin Coleman or Devonta Freeman running behind that Atlanta offensive line. I'd look almost anywhere else. ... We've seen Roddy White employed as a decoy when he's banged up in recent years, and that possibility worries me heading into Week 1. ... And the possibility that White isn't used as a decoy makes it hard to have any faith at all in Leonard Hankerson. ... The Falcons added Jacob Tamme in the offseason, and while he's a better fantasy option than Levine Toilolo was, he's not usable on his own. ... The Falcons' defense should be improved this year. Then again, it almost had to be. It still isn't a fantasy play.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: DeMarco Murray, Jordan Matthews, Cody Parkey, Philadelphia defense, Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Matt Bryant
Start if you're desperate: Sam Bradford, Ryan Mathews, Nelson Agholor
Bench: Darren Sproles, Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Tevin Coleman, Devonta Freeman, Roddy White, Leonard Hankerson, Jacob Tamme, Atlanta defense
