The Method to the Matchups Madness - An In-Depth Look

Last year was my first year writing the matchups column for RotoBaller, and let me tell you it was a bear. Covering 12-14 games every week, and having to write about every single relevant player from each team is a time-consuming task no one should have to embark on. So when I signed up to […]

Paxton Lynch Tries Out With Lions

Free-agent quarterback Paxton Lynch had a tryout with the Detroit Lions on Friday, according to a source. Lynch was a failed first-round pick with the Broncos in 2016 and was cut last weekend. The Lions are already set with veteran Matt Cassel backing up Matthew Stafford, so it's unlikely Detroit would add Lynch.

Desmond Harrison Named Left Tackle

Cleveland Browns undrafted rookie offensive tackle Desmond Harrison has been named the team's starting left tackle entering Week 1 against the Steelers. Joel Bitonio will move back to his original position of left guard. Harrison will draw a tough assignment against Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward right off the bat. The rookie had a handful […]

Marlon Mack, Anthony Castonzo Questionable

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (hamstring) and left tackle Anthony Castonzo (hamstring) are both questionable for Week 1 against the Bengals. Mack was limited in practice again on Friday, but he and Castonzo could both be game-time decisions. If Mack winds up playing, rookie Jordan Wilkins probably won't be worth a flier as a […]

Donovan Smith Questionable, Vita Vea Ruled Out

Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith (knee) practiced in full on Friday but is questionable for Week 1 against the Saints. Rookie defensive tackle Vita Vea (calf) didn't practice all week and has been ruled out. Smith is expected to be able to play in the season opener, and he will try to keep […]

Andy Dalton Looks To Pick Apart Indianapolis

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton will lead his team into battle in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts on the road. He faced the Colts last season on Oct. 29, and he completed 17-of-29 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the 24-23 victory at Paul Brown Stadium. It was one of […]

Derek Carr Looking To Start The Season Strong

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has a tough matchup versus the Rams but is looking to put up a strong performance. The Rams finished last season with the 3rd DVOA against the pass and have only added more defensive playmakers in the offseason. Carr is coming off a slow season in terms of production and […]

Blake Bortles (QB, JAC) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 33% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles might be in a spot to stream this week. The Giants allowed the second most passing yards last season and the most passing touchdowns in the NFL. Their secondary was absolutely shredded by opposing quarterbacks, and they allowed […]

Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, TB) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 1% of Leagues ANALYSIS: With Jameis Winston suspended, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has stumbled his way into a starting quarterback gig once again, if only temporarily. No one would ever mistake Fitzpatrick for Aaron Rodgers, but from a fantasy perspective, he is in a good […]

Lamar Jackson (QB, BAL) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 3% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is not to be used this week, as he is not even starting for the Ravens. He is someone that should be stashed in two-quarterback leagues or deeper leagues where most or all starting quarterbacks are rostered. Out […]

Falcons Red-Zone Struggles Continue Into Week 1

The Atlanta Falcons red-zone struggles from 2017 continued in Week 1 on Thursday night in an 18-12 loss to the Eagles. In five red-zone trips, the team had a touchdown, field goal, interception turnover on downs and ran out of time at the end of the game. The Falcons ran 17 plays in the red […]

Week 1 Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds

Welcome back football; it’s been far too long. With one game already in the books, it’s time to look ahead to Sunday’s action at some quarterbacks on the waiver wire that can be used as streamers or long-term plays. Waivers aren’t as crucial in week one compared to other weeks since players are relatively healthy […]

FanPicks Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Picks (Week 1): NFL DFS Advice

RotoBallers, welcome to the show. This year we're partnering with our friends from FanPicks. We'll be running all sorts of promos and fun DFS contests, including weekly freerolls, so stay tuned. In this column, you will find my recommended FanPicks DFS Lineup Picks to target for Week 1 of the NFL season. The goal is to identify […]

Matt Ryan Struggles Thursday

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan struggled tremendously in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday. Ryan completed just 21 of his 43 passes and was picked off deep in the Eagles half. The Falcons QB did manage to throw for 251 yards but failed to get the ball into the end zone despite a […]

Nick Foles Leads His Team to a Win Despite Not Doing Much

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, starting in place of the injured Carson Wentz (knee), led his team to a win on Thursday night despite not putting up impressive numbers at all. Foles completed 19-of-34 passes for just 117 scoreless yards. He also threw an interception, but the Eagles ultimately won 18-12. Foles was very much […]

Marcus Mariota A Risky Week 1 Play

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota described his feelings towards the season opener against the Miami Dolphins in one word: "Excitement." Fantasy owners, however, should approach Mariota with slightly more caution. With the Titans traveling to Miami and having a first-time offensive coordinator calling plays, Mariota's expected production is somewhat of an unknown. Mariota does have […]

Carson Wentz Expected To Miss A Few More Weeks

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (knee) isn't expected to play for a few more weeks. The Eagles are being extra cautious with their franchise QB, and why not, they have a Super Bowl MVP as his backup? Wentz fell in fantasy drafts for obvious reasons, and hopefully you snagged a top backup if you landed […]

Jared Goff Should Be Reliable in Week 1

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff faces off against the Oakland Raiders in Week 1. Goff has new weapon Brandin Cooks along with Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Todd Gurley from last season. The Rams are loaded on offense, so Goff should have no excuse in Week 1. The Raiders defense gave up the seventh […]

Dak Prescott Not Worried About Next Deal

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said he's not worrying about a potential payday if he has a big year in 2018. He's entering his third season and is set to make $630,000, which makes him one of the lowest paid starting quarterbacks in the league. The Cowboys cannot approach Prescott about a contract extension until […]

Tyrod Taylor (QB, CLE) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 12% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor has shown the potential to rush for 500 yards (84 totes for 427 yards and four TDs while being jerked around by BUF in ‘17) while assuming the helm of a toolsy Browns offense. Josh Gordon is ready to go, Jarvis […]

Mitch Trubisky (QB, CHI) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 19% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky is far from a known commodity. However, you are not stashing a backup QB on the end of your bench just for a safe-ish and known commodity, are you? No! That’s nonsense. Okay, so how about Trubisky, who has […]

Andy Dalton (QB, CIN) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 28% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is surrounded by a steady stud in A.J. Green, an upstart RB in Joe Mixon, a buzzy “sleeper” in John Ross and Tyler Eifert is currently healthy, knock on wood. Where does this leave Dalton? Well, in our opinion, pretty darn good shape! However, most […]

Panthers Sign Connor Cook To Practice Squad

The Carolina Panthers signed free-agent quarterback Connor Cook to the practice squad on Thursday and released defensive tackle Kendrick Norton from the practice squad in a corresponding move. The team also reached an injury settlement with defensive tackle Jeremiah Sirles, and he has been released from the Injured Reserve. Taylor Heinicke remains the backup to […]

Sam Bradford Says Knee Feels Good

Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback Sam Bradford said his oft-injured left knee is healthy and feels "as good as it has felt in a long time." "From a physical standpoint, I think he's great," head coach Steve Wilks said. "I think the knee is strong. He's at a good place right now, and he had a […]

Anthony Castonzo Optimistic About Playing In Week 1

Indianapolis Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo (hamstring) is optimistic that he will play in Week 1 against the Bengals. He said his hamstring felt good in practice on Wednesday and that he'll push himself some more on Thursday. Castonzo could still be listed as questionable for this weekend, but he's trending in the right direction. […]

Cordy Glenn Says He'll Play In Week 1

Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Cordy Glenn (shoulder) was limited in practice with a shoulder injury on Wednesday, but he said he's fine and will play in Week 1 against the Colts. Glenn is tasked with keeping quarterback Andy Dalton clean, and he should be able to suit up.

Patrick Mahomes Has Tough Challenge In Week 1

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a tough challenge ahead of him against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. The 2017 first-round pick takes over for Alex Smith as the starting quarterback in KC. He'll face off against the Chargers in L.A. so not exactly an easy task for Mahomes. The Chargers defense […]

Sam Bradford Expects Decent Showing In Week 1

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford should have a decent outing against the Washington Redskins in Week 1. Bradford heads into the season as the confirmed starter, with Josh Rosen and Mike Glennon backing him up. Bradford should be considered a solid QB2 with a high floor given his performances for the Vikings over the last […]

DeShone Kizer Heads Into Week 1 As Clear Backup

Green Bay Packers quarterback Deshone Kizer has a clearly defined role in Green Bay following the departure of quarterback Brett Hundley. Kizer will serve as the clear cut back-up to Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay will be playing the Chicago Bears in Week 1 and Kizer is not expected to see any playing time. Kizer is […]

Aaron Rodgers A Good Option Despite Matchup

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be playing in his first game after a prolonged absence due to a broken collarbone he suffered last year. He will be taking on the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Rodgers threw for four touchdowns when he played Chicago last year but Chicago’s defense looks to be much […]