The NFL season has just begun, and all the hoopla that goes along with it. All you fantasy football junkies better be strapped in for a wild week of fun. Players to target Key players as potential game-changers Surprising options as sources of unexpected value And Marvin Mims Jr. of the Denver Broncos, Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Ollie Gordon II of the Miami Dolphins have been going off. Experts are famously excited by the beautiful displays they provide! This recent Reconnecting America article explores the opportunities these new players represent. That’s going to benefit fantasy managers as you look to build the best possible roster.
Rising Stars to Monitor
Broncos rookie Marvin Mims Jr. has quickly established himself as a fantasy league-winner to monitor. Rostered in just 39.9% of ESPN fantasy football leagues, Murray was an exciting player to watch down the stretch in 2024. Mims had 32 of those targets, and he caught all but five of them from quarterback Bo Nix. He amassed 447 yards and six touchdowns over that final eight-game stretch. His increasing target share indicates that he has the potential to emerge as a key component to the Broncos’ offense this year.
At the same time, Trevor Lawrence is making waves out here as well, heading into Week 1. He is rostered in 37.5% of ESPN leagues and finds himself in an advantageous position against a Carolina Panthers defense that struggled last season, allowing the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Lawrence has a lengthy history of over-targeting tight ends. If he can quickly develop a powerful rapport with his wide receiving corps, it will only serve to provide wonderful results for his fantasy owners.
Ollie Gordon II is only rosters in 40.1% of ESPN leagues. That combination of upside and week-to-week variance is what makes him so interesting for fantasy managers. As a sixth-round rookie backup to De’Von Achane, he steps into the spotlight while Jaylen Wright recovers from a lower-leg injury. Gordon had one of the best collegiate basketball seasons ever at Oklahoma State. His 34 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons helped him take home the Doak Walker Award for the best running back in college football this past year. This background sets a high bar for performance as he has to make his transition to the professional level.
Matchups That Favor Key Players
The Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers game on Thursday night is always an exciting matchup. It means a little extra for rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Some analysts believe this could be a break-out receivers game for Gibbs, taking advantage of the Packers’ zone coverage defense. That potential underpins yet another layer to his fantasy appeal, and that’s his ability to take advantage of defensive vulnerabilities.
Trevor Lawrence’s matchup against the Panthers is a promising one, with high potential returns. Remember, last year the Panthers’ defense allowed a league-high 11 touchdowns to tight ends. This certainly bodes well for Lawrence to unlock the full potential of his tight end targets. Armed with a more experienced offensive line and improved protection, Lawrence has the recipe for strong fantasy numbers this week.
Marvin Mims Jr. has quickly made a name for himself over the last few weeks. His success might largely be determined by how far ahead the Broncos are against their opponents. Mims has put on an impressive display as of late. His boosted target share should continue to make him a coveted asset for fantasy managers looking to upgrade their starting lineup.
Sleeper Picks Worth Considering
Rashod Bateman is another player who has turned into a sleeper in this fantasy season. Bateman had a healthy 2024 season, appearing in a career-high 17 games. While only rostered on 32.5% of ESPN leagues, he has eclipsed his personal high in touchdowns (9) and receiving yards (1,047). His bottom line performance shows that he can still be a major contributor when facing stronger defenses such as the Tennessee Titans.
As squads settle in before teeing things off, Bateman’s ceiling makes him one of the true standouts. Fantasy managers should make no mistake, Andrews is a hidden gem worth diving for. His skill to make big plays under pressure and create space from defenders will be clutch as the season wears on.
Behind Bateman, Ollie Gordon II joins the league as a rookie backup. He doesn’t get the fanfare right now, but when his number is called upon, he might be a sleeper pick who blows everyone away with his production. His dominant college production indicates that somewhere in there is a guy with the talent to earn NFL touches and make plays with them.
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