Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, September 5th, 2024, 8:20 PM ET
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Network: NBC
Baltimore Ravens
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson: Start, QB1
It’s safe to say that Jackson is one of the most exciting players at the position. In Week 1, a fully healthy Jackson should be able to post top 3 numbers at quarterback, even against a stout Chiefs defense. Don’t expect to put Lamar on your bench this season as long as he is fully healthy. His rushing alone provides RB1 production most weeks, and the added benefit this season is that he shares most snaps with Derrick Henry, which should free up room for both players to make the highlight reel every week.
Running Back
Derrick Henry: Start, RB2
There aren’t many options to be concerned with when it comes to the Baltimore backfield. It should be the Jackson and Henry show. The Ravens’ offensive system bodes well for King Henry, and he should have a chance to hit paydirt more than once in Week 1. The one thing to keep an eye on is how well this offensive line holds up and if it can stay healthy all season. Henry has a solid schedule for the early parts of the season, so expect to continue seeing him in the upper echelon of running backs for his age-30 season. He’s my RB13 on the week, which technically puts him in the RB2 tier, but the upside is immense.
Wide Receiver
Zay Flowers: Start, WR3/FLEX
Rashod Bateman: Sit
The wide receiver position has not historically been one that fantasy managers can rely on in Baltimore, but that has changed in the last season. Flowers proved during his rookie campaign that he is going to be a staple of this offense. While Flowers is not going to win your matchups each week, he is an excellent WR3 or FLEX option in 12-person leagues. The Ravens are always going to be a run-first team, but against the Chiefs in week 1, they may need to air it out, which bodes well for Flowers and top target Mark Andrews. When it comes to Bateman, the question remains: can he stay healthy? If he can put together the first healthy campaign of his career, he could be a nice FLEX or bye-week fill-in, but I would not be betting on that in Week 1.
Tight End
Mark Andrews: Start, TE1
Andrews has averaged just over 14 Fantasy Points in Week 1 during his career. He is a locked and loaded TE1. While he is no longer the sexy option at the position, we know his role in the Ravens’ offense. He is the primary red zone threat and the number one target for Jackson. Andrews isn’t always healthy, but week 1 against the Chiefs is a prime-time matchup for a prime-time player. Roll out Andrews with zero hesitations.
Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes: Start, QB1
There’s not too much to say about Mahomes. On pace to be the greatest player to ever play the position, he is an automatic start. He is in my top tier of quarterbacks (QB6) and only falls as far as he does because of how strong the Ravens’ defense is. The good news for Mahomes is that he has an upgraded receiving core and the Travis Kelce safety blanket we all have grown so fond of. In Week 1, there is no need to overthink it.
Running Back
Isiah Pacheco: Start, RB2
With the news that Clyde Edwards-Helaire is going to miss the first month, Pacheco should dominate touches for the Chiefs this season. Sure, Samaje Perine joins the backfield, and pre-season darling Carson Steele may eat into some short area work. Neither should scare you from Pacheco. It could be a physical game for Pacheco in week one against one of the better defenses in the league, but the volume alone in this game should see Pacheco and his violent run style give you a high-floor type of week.
Wide Receiver
Rashee Rice: Start, WR3/FLEX
Xavier Worthy: FLEX Option
At least for now, it looks like Rice will avoid suspension, which means he should provide fantasy managers with a high floor most weeks, even in tough matchups like the Ravens. I would not be surprised to see Rice continue to creep up in weekly rankings, and he should be the number two target earner behind only Travis Kelce as long as he is on the field. Worthy is more of a bench stash for me for the season, but if you need a FLEX option, he has the ceiling that makes him worth a gamble with his ability to take it to the house any time he touches the ball.
Tight End
Travis Kelce: Start, TE1
This offseason was a bit of a rollercoaster for the Chiefs pass catchers. They, of course, are heading toward another strong season from Kelce, who, even after an up-and-down season due to injury, should be primed for elite production. Kelce is one of the few matchup-proof players, so while he may be in for some tough sledding against Roquan Smith and Co., he should give you enough from the tight end spot to help you secure a win.
Will Dustin be back to this column this season? I love his creative ways of insulting poor performances.