Daily Fantasy Football News, Notes and Updates for FanDuel and DraftKings – Week 1 9/11/16

In this article, we'll be breaking down the top news around the league and provide you with an analysis of what we expect to happen. We will also provide you with a "sneaky play" section, just like we did for baseball. So let's welcome football back into our lives, and let's get this show on the show on the road!

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A quick heads up - we post an updates article every day in the early afternoon, EST, to catch everyone up on how things are changing as a result of whatever news has come through. We also have great talks in the comments of that article. Hope to see you there!

NFL News, Notes and Updates

Rob Gronkowski(NE)

It's official -- Rob Gronkowski has been ruled out for Week 1. He's been bothered by a hamstring injury, so he didn't travel with the team. So here's what we can expect from the Patriots:

Martellus Bennett will now be TE1 and will get a ton of opportunities. You can also expect Julian Edelman to be even more heavily involved in the offense and we can see a little more of James White as well. Going up against the Cardinals will be no easy task, but these guys are very affordable and will get plenty of opportunities to make something happen.

Chiefs RB Situation(KC)

Jamal Charles has officially been ruled out for Week 1, as he is still recovering from his ACL injury last season. So here's what we can expect from the Kansas City Chiefs:

Spencer Ware will be the starter for Sunday, but all three running backs will play. Coach Reid isn't telling us fantasy players what we want to hear, which is why I consider Ware a tournament play only. He will most likely ride with the hot-hand, so whoever gets hot first will get the majority of the carries. Ware is the starter, so if he gets hot early, you can expect him to get a whole lot of playing time. It's a tricky situation, but out of the three backs, Ware is on the top of my list.

Ravens RB Situation (BAL)

Buck Allen, Justin Forsett and Terrence West will get carries this Sunday. OC Marc Trestman confirmed that the team would use a rotation at running back, so I won't be plugging any of these guys into my lineups. I know they have nice price tags, but there are plenty of other value plays that will get more opportunities, and whoever rises to the top of this situation will likely be a value for week 2.

Seahawks RB Situation (SEA

Thomas Rawls was able to practice on Friday and is expected to play on Sunday, but regardless, Christine Michael will get the nod against the Dolphins. Rawls is expected to get "limited touches," while Michael's is expected to get the bulk of the carries. Michaels has a beautiful price tag and is in play in all formats.

Vikings QB Situation (MIN)

The Vikings acquired Sam Bradford last week, but Shaun Hill will get the start. I know Bradford is a veteran, but let's be honest -- we can't expect him learn a new playbook in one week. So that is why Hill is the starter. He isn't in play for me this weekend.

Golden Tate (DET)

Golden Tate is listed as "questionable" because of the leagues new injury news, but he's ready to go! He draws a beautiful match-up against the Colts, and is in play for me in all formats.

Eric Ebron(DET)

He has practiced fully and week and will play against the Colts. The only problem with Ebron is that we are uncertain of what exactly his role will be. They signed Anquan Boldin this off season, so this could take a hit on his usage. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds, but he's only a tournament play for me.

Markus Wheaton(PIT)

Wheaton is looking doubtful to play Monday Night after not being able to practice this week. If he is unable to give it a go, look for Samie Coates or Darrius Heyward-Bey will get the start.

"Sneaky Plays"

Tyrod Taylor(BUF)

A lot of quarterbacks' names are being thrown around, but I haven't heard anyone talking about Tyrod Taylor. He has Sammy Watkins healthy, LeSean McCoy back (who sets up the play action nicely) and he's got his legs. He has as much upside as any quarterback on this slate and draws a beautiful matchup going up against the Ravens.

Last year, the Ravens were very generous to opposing quarterbacks. They allowed a total of 30 touchdowns on the air (T-5th in NFL) and only intercepted the ball six times (fewest in NFL). They struggled in coverage and stopping the run and they will be without Elvis Dumervil, which is a big blow to this Ravens' defense. I wouldn't be surprised if Taylor ends up being one of the top fantasy quarterbacks this week.

Julian Edelman (NE)

The matchup is tough and the Patriots will be without Brady, but I still think Edelman is a very sneaky play. He averaged 9.9 targets per game in 2015 (9th-most in NFL) and I expect that number to rise with the news of Gronk being out Week 1. Like I said before, facing Patrick Peterson and this Cardinals defense is no easy task, but the Patriots will be looking at his direction [a lot], which is excellent for PPR formats. He's my sneakiest play of the week.

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