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Everyone around the country is setting their final Week 1 fantasy football lineups. They are looking at every last minute injury report and trying to put together the best possible lineup for the opening week of the season. Before hitting submit on your lineup, though, make sure to read my final five bold predictions for Week 1 of the fantasy football season.
1. RB Stevan Ridley Will Have 100 Yards & 1 TD
Matchup: @ Buffalo Bills
With all the discussion about how New England Patriots QB Tom Brady has new receiving options this week, it seems like Ridley has been the forgotten man in FoxBoro. In his two games against Buffalo last season, Ridley racked up a phenomenal 204 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He should get a heavy dose of the rock this Sunday, so anticipate New England’s new franchise back to have another huge game.
2. QB Matt Ryan Will Have 350 Yards & 3 TDs
Matchup: @ New Orleans Saints
If there is one thing that the football world can agree on, it is how poor the Saints defense is. The unit has been getting gashed all preseason, after being abused in the 2012 season, and it will likely be a long day for the defense this Sunday hosting the Atlanta Falcons. When QB Matt Ryan traveled to New Orleans last season, the quarterback threw for 411 yards and 3 touchdowns. Look for him to come close to matching those totals in Week 1.
3. RB Darren McFadden Will Rush For 120 yards
Matchup: @ Indianapolis Colts
One running back that was completely avoided this off-season was Darren McFadden of the Oakland Raiders. RunDMC has never played more than 13 games in a season in his five-year NFL career and fantasy fans know this. However, when McFadden is healthy, he is one of the premier downhill runners in the game. McFadden has looked amazing in camp this year and I fully expect him to run wild on the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium.
4. RB Matt Forte Will Rush For Under 75 Yards
Matchup: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte has been unstoppable this preseason. He is running with authority and even finding the endzone, but I am not a fan of his matchup this Sunday. Cincinnati’s defense has one of the most underrated front-sevens in football and they will no doubt stack the box to try to contain the multi-talented back.
5. WR Dez Bryant Will Have 100 Yards & 2 TDs
Matchup: vs. New York Giants
Bryant finished the year hotter than any other wideout in football. He hauled in 10 touchdowns in his final eight games and earned a role as a WR1 in fantasy. This Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys will get to face off against an injury depleted Giants secondary and it should be easy for Bryant to rack up the receiving yards.
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Rant Sports Week 1 Fantasy Football Predictions
Adam McGill is the Senior Fantasy Sports Writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @adammcgill83, like him on Facebook, or add him to you networks on Google here or here.
