Football is finally back, and I’m borderline crying from excitement, so I decided to start the season on a positive note. Instead of ragging on Sammy Watkins or Alfred Morris and why you shouldn’t start them, I’m going to hit on a few guys you need out on that fantasy field come Sunday.
Start—Chris Ivory, New York Jets: Okay, sure, drafting anyone on the Jets probably wasn’t your smartest move, but things can’t be terrible forever! Ivory led the Jets last season with 821 yards and six touchdowns. On top of that, Chris Johnson is gone, leaving Ivory as the go-to guy in the Jets’ offense (or lack thereof).
With Ryan Fitzpatrick starting for the broken-jawed Geno Smith, there should be a good amount of rushing early in the season. Oh, and they play the Cleveland Browns this week, who finished dead last in rushing yards allowed in 2014.
Ivory is a solid start, especially over someone like Alfred Morris who will be trying to break through the new-and-improved Miami Dolphins defense.
Start—Steve Smith Sr., Baltimore Ravens: Smith may be getting older, but he’s not letting it slow him down. I was a big proponent of Smith last year (especially in his matchup with the Carolina Panthers), and he finished out the season with over 1,000 yards and 79 catches to lead the time. That’s right, he beat out Torrey Smith. With the younger Smith out of town, Smith Sr. is once again Joe Flacco’s top option.
The Denver Broncos defense is supposed to be better this season, but with T.J. Ward suspended for the first game, they’ll have a hard time trying to stop Smith down the stretch. Who’s going to guard him? Aqib Talib? He doesn’t really guard anyone anyways.
For Smith, 36 is the new 24.