Best Packers, Bears to start in Week 1 fantasy football

We’re all thankful that football is back. And what better way to start the season than with a potential defensive battle? Sarcasm aside, this game is actually pretty intriguing. The over/under is set at 46.5 total points (eighth-highest in Week 1) even though the Bears defense is expected to be one of the best in the league again and the Packers pass defense seemingly improved from last season. There are a few players in this game that you may be on the fence about starting in your season-long lineup. Aside from Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, it seems like everyone else is a toss-up, depending on the size of your league. Let’s take a look at some of the options to consider if you’re in an 8, 10, or 12-team standard league:

David Montgomery (RB, Bears) - START

The Bears have spoken highly of their third-round draft pick this preseason, with head coach Matt Nagy even saying that they are “pinching” themselves over their new running back. Montgomery is a definite RB2, and is expected to be a bigger threat in the backfield than Jordan Howard was last season. In a matchup at home as 3.5-point favorites, you should have him in your starting lineup.

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Tarik Cohen (RB, Bears) - SIT

Cohen ranked 11th in PPR scoring formats among all running backs last season. While he’s still expected to to be heavily involved in the Bears offense, I don’t think he’ll be as impressive this season with Montgomery in the backfield and Trubisky getting more comfortable with other receivers. With the backfield usage being so unclear to start the season, it’s a bit too risky to start Cohen. Unless you’re strapped for a FLEX guy in a 12-team league, I’d sit him.

Aaron Jones (RB, Packers) - SIT

Sticking with the running back theme, let’s look at Aaron Jones. I actually think he’ll be a great fantasy player this season, as he’s expected to be more involved in the passing game. Unfortunately for Jones, he’ll be up against the Bears defense, who ranked 1st in rushing yards allowed last season. It’s an incredibly tough spot to be in, so for Week 1, you should sit Aaron Jones if you have the luxury to do so. But, of course, if you didn’t draft enough viable RBs, then Jones should be a starter.

Allen Robinson II (WR, Bears) - SIT

On a similar tone as Jones, I do like Allen Robinson II as a player. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, he has the athleticism and talent to be one of the top receivers in the league. Unfortunately, the Bears offense hasn’t shown us enough consistency in his direction. That will hopefully change this time around, with Trubisky gaining more experience. But for Week 1, I don’t have much faith in A-Rob. Similar to Cohen, if you’re thin at FLEX or in a three-wide receiver league, those are the only times I could see starting him.

14-Team (or Higher) League Considerations:

• Anthony Miller (WR, Bears) - START
• Marquez Valdez-Scantling (WR, Packers) - START
• Geronimo Allison (WR, Packers) - SIT
• Jimmy Graham (TE, Packers) - SIT