Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 1
Thursday September 10, 2015
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots
Opening night is finally here! A certain Randy Marsh meme comes to mind when I think about a new football season. We have Tom Brady versus Ben Roethlisberger on the prime time stage. After all we’ve put up with this offseason, Deflategate turned out to be irrelevant. However, marijuana suspensions in Pittsburgh are not. The Steelers will be missing two of their most important offensive players due to suspension in Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant. Star center Maurkice Pouncey is also expected to miss about 12 weeks with a fractured ankle. Momentum clearly seems to be with the Patriots. Still, an offseason of momentum can completely change on opening kickoff.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Key Players
I had Big Ben ranked as the QB3 this season. However, I do worry about him a bit the first two weeks without Bell and Bryant. Especially in road games. As amazing as Roethlisberger was last year, he was far more dominant in Pittsburgh. At home last season Big Ben threw for an unbelievable 2,778 yards, 23 TDs and just four interceptions. On the road he totaled a much less impressive 2,174 yards, nine TDs and five INTs. Still, this could be a high-scoring shootout, and he’s going to be airing it out often.
Verdict: Start Roethlisberger. In most cases you are going to roll with Big Ben. He’s just too good to bench. However, I actually have benched him in a few leagues in favor of Ryan Tannehill this week, so he’s not a must start in some cases.
There’s not a whole lot to like about Williams at this point. I’m just not so sure he has all that much left in the tank. Williams said he doesn’t expect the Steelers offense to change without Bell. Nonetheless, it is going to change. It won’t be as good. I promise you’ll see a big difference Week 3. I find it hard to believe Williams is going to step in, handle a full workload and be overly effective.
Verdict: Sit Williams. If you have Bell, there are better options for a two-week replacement than Williams. As a matter of fact, there may be a better option in this game **foreshadowing**. Bell is a special talent. Their rushing attack is a product of him, not the other way around. We saw proof of this last season Week 17 and in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
AB is the league’s top fantasy receiver and he’s going to absolutely torch the Patriots. He pretty much lights up everybody. There isn’t really much to say about Brown. He’s great and is going to be great week in and week out.
Verdict: Start Brown. You start AB every single week, no matter who he’s facing. Whether it’s Joe Haden, Richard Sherman or Darrelle Revis, you start Brown.
Wheaton will be filling the WR2 role while Bryant is out. The Steelers swear he’s the WR2 even when Bryant comes back, but we all know that’s not true. Bryant is too talented. Still, with limited options for Roethlisberger the first two weeks especially, Wheaton will see a lot of work.
Verdict: Start Wheaton. You can start Wheaton but only as a flex option. He is talented and has a big opportunity. Still, he’s far from a sure thing.
TE Heath Miller
Miller is a no-frills player that will simply catch passes. He isn’t super productive but can be a solid option. He’s not exciting but can be effective.
Verdict: Sit Miller. If you really need him he’s not a bad start. He’s just not a great start. Odds are you probably have a better TE option Week 1. Miller is more of a bye week fill-in and injury replacement.
New England Patriots: Key Players
QB Tom Brady
Brady is going to come out and light this league on fire. He’s going to have a chip on his shoulder and have a monster season. He historically also annihilates the Steelers defense. Anybody that rolled the dice and drafted Brady when he was suspended got an absolute steal. He could be a top-five fantasy QB this season. Although, his lack of receivers is a bit concerning.
Verdict: Start Brady. Of course you start Brady. He’s fired up, opening up at home on prime time coming off a Super Bowl MVP. The Steelers’ secondary isn’t overly impressive either. Don’t be surprised if Brady leads all QBs in fantasy points this week.
Bolden is the back I’m rolling with in New England. It’s tough to pick one with Belichick at the helm, but I believe Bolden is the best option. He can run between the tackles and catch passes. Not only do I believe he’ll be the best option on the Pats, he’ll be a decent option to start Week 1.
Verdict: Start Bolden. I really like Bolden this week. He’s a solid flex option. He could fall flat on his face. Still, I think he’s worth the risk. This is only a one week thing, though. We will revisit his value on a week-to-week basis.
This is tricky because we really don’t know how healthy Edelman’s ankle is. He’s not guaranteed to play. Nevertheless, if he’s active he’s a great option. He will be by far Brady’s best WR option with Brandon LaFell on the PUP list. Assuming he’s healthy, Edelman could easily catch double-digit passes.
Verdict: Start Edelman. Check the injury report and inactives first. If he’s active, he’s a must start. He’s a candidate to catch triple-digit passes this season. He’s like Wes Welker but more talented.
This doesn’t really need to be said. Gronk is the most dominant player at any single offensive position in the NFL. You probably spent a first-round pick if you own Gronk. He’s a must start every week.
Verdict: Start Gronk. Of course you start Gronk, because he’s Gronk.
Predictions
Final Score
Pittsburgh: 24
New England: 38
Best Play
Steelers: Antonio Brown
Patriots: Gronk
Sleeper
The Author
