By Matt Papiernik, @Matt_Papiernik on Twitter
SteelerNation.com
Each week, I will be going through all the matchups and making a Fantasy Football "Love/Hate" list. Below are the players I really like, or dislike, based on their matchup this week. Feel free to shoot me or the Steeler Nation staff any Fantasy Football questions on Twitter or in the comment section below leading up to kick-off each week!
Quarterback
Love
Jameis Winston - Winston is coming off two great weeks, and in a matchup vs. the New Orleans Saints that is bound to be a high scoring affair, Winston is a strong play.
Carson Wentz - This could become a double love if Sam Darnold plays. The New York Jets are one of the worst teams against the pass, and if Darnold is able to play, then Wentz is going to have to put up more points in order to win the game.
Hate
Phillip Rivers - While Rivers is going against a defense that hasn't been the best, the Denver Broncos defense can still get after the QB. Also, with both Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler at his disposal, game script will likely lead to a low pass attempt total.
Dak Prescott - Dak has been a fantasy win for many people this year, but he is going against a very good Green Bay Packers secondary, and they are a team that struggles against the run. I think the Dallas Cowboys lean on their running game in this one.
Running Backs
Love
Joe Mixon - Mixon is finally going to have a chance to get going in this one. He is going against an Arizona Cardinals defense that is one of the worst against the run.
Sony Michel - Game script will help Michel in this one, as well as Rex Burkhead being out.
Duke Johnson - The Atlanta Falcons are notorious for struggling against pass catching backs, and Duke is definitely in that mold. He might not be a high RB2 play, but he is a solid flex play this week.
Hate
Josh Jacobs - Chicago Bears defense, 'nuff said.
Wayne Gallman - Gallman wasn't particularly great last week, but he did find the end zone twice. I think he will have a much tougher time this week as the Minnesota Vikings are one of the best against the run.
Wide Receivers
Love
Marquez Valdes-Scantling - Davante Adams is out this week, and Scantling was already a possible flex play, so now he is in the WR2 territory.
TY Hilton - The Kansas City Chiefs are going to put up a lot of points, and don't necessarily have the best secondary. This lines up nicely for Hilton.
Alshon Jeffrey - Along with the Carson Wentz pick, I am expecting Jeffrey to have a big day as well. Wentz clearly has a favorite target that he trusts, and with Desean Jackson still out, Jeffrey is going to be getting peppered with targets.
Hate
DJ Moore - Even if Jalen Ramsey doesn't suit up, the Jacksonville Jaguars still have AJ Bouye. The Jaguars do a great job of taking away perimeter pass catchers, and Moore is unlikely to break that trend.
Terry McLaurin - The Washington Redskins will likely be passing a lot as they will be down most of the game. However, Colt McCoy has been named the starter, and he likely won't be good enough to get McLaurin the productivity he needs to be worth starting against an elite defense.
Tight Ends
Love
Greg Kittle - Kittle is in line for a lot of work this week, and the Cleveland Browns have some injuries in the middle of their defense and will be going against rookie Mack Wilson. I expect Wilson to be put to the test frequently.
Nick Vannett - Vannett seems to have already earned the trust of QB Mason Rudolph, as he was targeted twice when Rudolph was on the run and under pressure. The Baltimore Ravens have a suspect linebacking core, so Vannett should be featured in the passing game this week.
Hate
Delanie Walker - The Buffalo Bills have a great defense, and they are particularly great against tight ends. I wouldn't expect Walker to be the one to change that.
Evan Engram - Normally, I would like Engram, but he has two things going against him this week. First, he is going against a very good Vikings defense. Second, the New York Giants get Golden Tate back this week, who will likely steal some of Engram's work over the middle.
Comment below and let me know what you think about the Love/Hate list, or if you have any fantasy football questions for Week 1!
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