NFL Fantasy Week One Sleepers: Geno Smith Jetting Away
By Erik Lambert
Aug 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) scrambles against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
The leagues are coming together as NFL fantasy football is imminent. Who are some potential sleepers for week one?
Geno Smith against Oakland Raiders
This may sound crazy at first though, but it actually is a plausible scenario. The last time Geno Smith saw the Oakland Raiders defense, he had a solid game with 219 yards passing, 50 rushing and two touchdowns. Now he has a more talented group of weapons like Eric Decker and tight end Jace Amaro. The Raiders secondary has not looked good at all in preseason. If the Jets offensive line can give Geno time, he should find openings down the field.
DeMarco Murray against San Francisco 49ers
Historically over the past few years there are few defenses better than the San Francisco 49ers, especially against the run. However, recent events have put that staple very much in jeopardy. They go into week one without NaVarro Bowman, without Aldon Smith and without two key defensive linemen in Glenn Dorsey and Ray McDonald. Those are some big losses up front, literally and figuratively. That could signal a big day for Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray.
Denarius Moore against New York Jets
One of the smartest decisions Denarius Moore probably ever made was developing a connection with rookie quarterback Derek Carr. The two clicked in the preseason and now Carr is starting for the Oakland Raiders. That should earn Moore extra playing time than he may have received otherwise, and he will go against a depleted New York Jets secondary both by free agency and injuries. Never mind they’re also starting a rookie safety. Moore could pop off some big plays.
Martellus Bennett against Buffalo Bills
The Chicago Bears offense is multifaceted and hard to stop. One of their more underrated weapons is Martellus Bennett, and he has a potentially big mismatch with the Buffalo Bills. Not only is their best safety, Jairus Byrd, gone to New Orleans. Their best coverage linebacker Kiko Alonso tore his ACL. That could open a gaping hole down the middle of the field for Bennett to exploit.