Read it and weep, people, I finished 10th in this thing last week. It's ironic, since I had about my worst-ever actual fantasy week, a tragicomedy of facing Sammy Watkins, Marquise Brown and the Titans Defense, or benching Carson Wentz last minute in my various leagues. I know, no one cares.
Anyhoo, I did really well with my Blackout entry, a reminder that anyone can win this thing -- anyone. Fantasy experience, wisdom and dumb luck all factor in. On to Week 2.
Quarterbacks: Matt Ryan and Jared Goff. Last week I benched Ryan, the Falcons got clobbered in Minnesota as anticipated, yet Ryan still finished with strong numbers. This week he's home against the Eagles in primetime. Giddy up. I considered using Wentz, too, but am going with Goff at home in a likely shootout with the Saints.
Running backs: Alvin Kamara and Dalvin Cook. Kamara, Saints-Rams, shootout. Cook, I imagine I'll use him almost every week he's not blacked out. Talented guy.
Wide receivers: Julio Jones, Odell Beckham, Sammy Watkins. Jones gives me that Ryan-Jones tandem in a high-scoring affair. Beckham is playing on Monday night football in his old home stadium. Watkins is Patrick Mahomes' new No. 1 wideout.
Tight ends: Evan Engram and George Kittle. Considered Ertz over Kittle, but like Kittle too much these days. But Engram looks like the best tight end of the week with the Giants absurdly thin at wide receiver -- as in, Tate suspended, Shepard concussed, Cody Latimer apparently dealing with an injury. New York's starting wideouts might be Bennie Fowler and Darius Slayton. Engram is going to see a lot of targets.
Kickers: Matt Bryant and Greg Zuerlein. Bryant owes me for his goose egg last week. Granted, I should have known better, I just got lazy. Zuerlein, same deal. Home shootout, just hope there are some field goals rather than all extra points.
Defenses: Chicago and New England. I'm taking a chance with the Bears. I considered using Carolina (I streamed them everywhere in actual leagues) but decided to avoid the Thursday game, with this not running until Friday morning. Bears get Joe Flacco, plus they're the Bears and should be in a nasty mood. Plus they're facing their old coach, that should put an extra snarl in their tooth. New England is at Miami. Questions?
Good luck to the rest of you.