Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60% of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds in .5 PPR format are — QB: 18 fantasy points, RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers), WR: 11 fantasy points, TE: 10 fantasy points.

Best Week 1 prop bets | More Flames: Running back | Wide receiver/tight end

To Lance apologists, Jimmy Garoppolo is the annoying older sibling who simply won’t move out. With the veteran unbudging, for the time being, some are unrealistically predicting a hostile takeover, slamming the OVER on self-set odds of 2.5 games started. Recent reports of Lance’s fatigued arm and witnessed inconsistencies in the preseason only stoke speculation. However, it’s clear the younger signal caller’s time under center is now, though the leash may be slightly shorter. Unlike his one-dimensional counterpart, Lance is a dual-threat passer, equipped with versatility only Jimmy G could dream of. Until further notice, this is Lance’s team. Take advantage.

In Chicago, pigskin victories this fall are sure to be rare. Your odds of currently finding a sane and stable White Sox backer are more substantial. The Bears are undoubtedly a team in transition. Head coach Matt Eberflus desires ball control and defense, but personnel limitations squash optimism. The Mice of the Midway did show some monster qualities defending the pass last season, giving up a mere 198.4 passing yards per game. Still, Lance, who posted a 97.3 passer rating and averaged 20.7 fantasy points per contest in three heavy-action games last year, owns the duality to bewilder the Bears.

In a contest featuring a pair of running QBs, sprint with the representative from San Francisco. His rushing stats (prop sits at 38.5 on BetMGM) should propel him to a top-10 effort.

Fearless Forecast: 209 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 INT, 48 rushing yards, 20.2 fantasy points

Week 1 Bonus Flame

The White Claw of quarterbacks may not normally pack the usual buzz, but in a Kevin O’Connell offense predicated on verticality, Cousins should have a banner year. Accurate (WR5 in adjusted completion percentage in 2021) and blessed with one of the elite wideouts in the league in Justin Jefferson, he’s in line to post another 4,000-plus yards and 30-35 TDs. Against a familiar foe, even one with a PFF-projected top-5 secondary, Cousins is in position to crack open a few cans.

Fearless Forecast: 303 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 0 INT, 20.1 fantasy points

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