START Marvin Harrison Jr.: The highly touted rookie caught one pass in his pro debut at Buffalo. When a quality WR has a quiet game, he will often get frequent and possibly early looks in his next outing. Harrison is considered to be very special in terms of pure talent and techniques, and I would not be reactionary to his first NFL outing. Keep Harrison active for Week 2.
Expect a higher-scoring game between the Cardinals and Rams, and the son of the Hall of Famer will come through with his first impactful fantasy performance.
START Drake London: I use the same sort of fantasy thought process with London as recommended with Harrison. The Atlanta passing game was stifled by the formidable Pittsburgh defense in Week 1. The Eagles allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to WRs last week and considering many fantasy leaguers drafted London in the second round, he should not be benched after one game.
Some may think about reserving the Falcons’ No. 1 WR as a reaction to the Week 1 performance, but I will bank on London providing quality fantasy totals this week. He will be a prime example of how you should exhibit patience where it makes sense early in the season.
START Diontae Johnson: The Panthers got off to a bad start to the season against New Orleans but can bounce back for a respectable showing against the Chargers. Offensive progress will begin by getting the ball to Johnson, a premier offseason acquisition for Carolina. The Panthers will be motivated to put on a better showing in Week 2 and Johnson should post at least adequate fantasy totals.
START Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The second-year man may deliver his first quality fantasy performance of the 2024 season. The New England defense, as all other opponents do, will be heavily focused on containing DK Metcalf. Tyler Lockett reminded the rest of the league that he is still a very important part of the Seahawks passing game in Week 1.
Smith-Njigba can benefit from the defensive attention paid to the veteran WRs and Walker in the backfield. Start “JSN” at a flex spot. As the schedule moves on in the early season, look for improving fantasy-related production from the Seahawks passing game.
