Guest of the League
The Wild Ones Est. 2019
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

MNF Week 1: Jets-49ers Preview, Props, Prediction

Mon Sep 9 12:20pm ET
Field Level Media

Aaron Rodgers sustained a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon on the fourth snap of his New York Jets' debut last season.

In recent days, the veteran quarterback has been thinking about how to react to snap No. 5 in Monday night's season-opening game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif.

"There might be a little smirk after the fourth," Rodgers said on Thursday. "I'm sure they'll catch it (on camera)."

The 40-year-old Rodgers returns for his 20th season just two days shy of the one-year anniversary of his injury. His arrival before last season pumped life into the Jets, but it quickly evaporated due to his injury.

THE ODDS

The 49ers are consensus 4.0-point favorites, which has largely split the public when it comes to the spread line. San Francisco has been backed by 53 percent of the money and 52 percent of the total bets at BetRivers. The line opened at 5.0 at DraftKings, but shifted a full point with the 49ers backed by 52 percent of the action in both markets.

Meanwhile, the 49ers' moneyline has been far more popular as they have drawn 61 percent of the money and 78 percent of the total bets at -205 to win the game outright.

The point total on Monday morning was 43 points at BetRivers, with the Over supported by 56 and 61 percent of the action, respectively. At DraftKings, the line had also moved at 43 points after opening at 46.5, with the Over backed by 57 percent of the bets and 61 percent of the money.

PROP PICKS

--Christian McCaffrey Anytime TD Scorer (-170 at DraftKings): Despite some injury concern that bears watching closely leading up to game time, the 49ers' star running back has been the most popular wager in this prop along with First TD Scorer (+360) and 2+ TD Scorer (+340) at the book. He has drawn 41 percent of all money wagered on the First TD Scorer prop.

--Breece Hall Anytime TD (-125 at BetRivers): Just behind McCaffrey, who has also been the most popular play at BetRivers, is the Jets' third-year back. Hall reaching the end zone Monday night has drawn 2.3 percent of all money wagered on player props for this game at the book.

THE NEWS

New York is hoping for a Rodgers revival, and the quarterback is looking forward to playing football instead of simply watching it.

And while the four-time NFL MVP says he has something to prove, there is only one person Rodgers is interested in impressing.

"Just myself at this point," Rogers said. "I have a lot of pride in my performance. So, when I take the field, I expect greatness. And because I've done it before. So, that's the kind of standard I hold myself to."

The Jets went 7-10 in 2023 -- their eighth straight losing season -- and missed the playoffs for the 13th consecutive time.

Rodgers is hoping to silence the "Same Old Jets" refrain, and coach Robert Saleh sees a player ready to carry the team to greater heights.

"I think he's in a great place," Saleh said. "Not just mentally, but physically he looks awesome. ... He's a professional. He's done it a long time."

San Francisco (12-5 in 2023) has excelled in recent years, making four of the last five NFC Championship Games. The 49ers have won two of them but subsequently lost the Super Bowl both times, including last year's 25-22 overtime defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs.

THEY SAID IT

San Francisco has dealt with plenty of news off the field leading up to the season, with the holdouts of receiver Brandon Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams and the shooting of rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall.

Aiyuk agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension last week and Williams landed a restructured three-year, $82.66 million deal earlier this week. Both players will see action on Monday night.

"I want guys here. I want to prepare the guys for the season," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday. "And you only can do so much on your own. But the bottom line is they're here, and we got a long season ahead of us, and I'm pumped to have them for Week 1."

INJURY REPORT

Pearsall was shot in the chest on Saturday during an attempted robbery in the Union Square district of San Francisco. He was placed on the non-football injury list earlier this week and will miss at least four games.

"He's as tough a person I know, just going through a situation like that," Shanahan said of Pearsall. "We always felt this way watching him on the football field and things like that, but kind of to watch how he handled that situation, and watch how he's been every day since, it shows how special of a guy he is."

McCaffrey is listed as questionable with a leg injury that limited him in practice all week. The team had previously listed him with a calf injury but Shanahan revealed Thursday that the injury includes the Achilles. McCaffrey insisted Friday that he will play.

San Francisco defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) and linebacker Dee Winters (ankle) were ruled out on Saturday. Safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) is doubtful and guard Aaron Banks (finger) is questionable.

New York is at a contract impasse with Pro Bowl pass rusher Haason Reddick, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason.

Jets guard Wes Schweitzer (hand) and linebacker Zaire Barnes (ankle) will sit out the contest.

SERIES HISTORY

The 49ers have won 11 of the 14 all-time meetings, including a 31-13 road win in 2020.

PREDICTION

There are a lot of variables to sift through to close out Week 1. The Jets are traveling across the country to display their improved offensive line in front of the 40-year-old Rodgers, who will take a snap in a meaningful game for the first time in a year. Meanwhile, the 49ers have question marks with McCaffrey's health along with the stamina of Aiyuk and Williams after returning from holdouts.

Ultimately, San Francisco's front seven remains one of the league's elite units and should have the 49ers control field position. --49ers 26, Jets 20

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
Daniel Jones Sep 9 12:10pm CT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that quarterback Daniel Jones will remain the team's starting QB heading into a Week 2 matchup on the road against the division-rival Washington Commanders. It's usually never a good sign when the head coach has to confirm the team's starting QB in just Week 2 of the season, but that's where we are with the G-Men after an embarrassing 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener on Sunday. Jones went 22-for-42 for 186 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions while adding six carries for 15 yards. One of the 27-year-old's interceptions was a pick-six, and the Giants offense didn't enter the red zone all day. Jones looked terrible last year, too, before suffering a season-ending torn ACL, and if things don't get better in a hurry, New York may be forced to go to backup Drew Lock. At best, Jones is a low-end QB2 for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 9 12:00pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated that tight end David Njoku is week-to-week with an ankle injury. Njoku sustained the injury at the end of a 29-yard catch-and-run during the Browns' second drive of the third quarter. He briefly visited the medical tent before heading to the locker room, and although he was initially listed as questionable to return, he did not re-enter the game. Njoku finished with four catches for 44 yards. He was named to his first Pro Bowl last season after a standout year in which he set career highs with 81 receptions, 882 yards, and 6 touchdowns. With Njoku and Jordan Akins as the only tight ends on the roster, it appears Akins will take over starting duties until Njoku is back. Akins is currently not a recommended fantasy option and is likely to be a touchdown-or-bust candidate.

From RotoBaller

Shy Tuttle Sep 9 11:40am CT
Shy Tuttle

Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown (knee) suffered a potentially season-ending meniscus injury during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The injury will require surgery to determine the full extent of his recovery timeline. Brown, who just signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension with the Panthers this spring, earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023, posting career-highs with 103 tackles and 15 tackles for loss. At 26 years old, he was a cornerstone of Carolina's defensive line, playing 89.1% of the team's defensive snaps last season -- a remarkable feat given his size (6-foot-5, 320 pounds) and the demands of the 3-4 defensive scheme. Brown's absence would leave A'Shawn Robinson and Shy Tuttle as the top interior defenders for the Panthers, who also parted ways with their top pass-rusher, Brian Burns, via trade this offseason.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Sep 9 11:10am CT
Jakobi Meyers

Despite fewer opportunities, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers made the most of them in Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Meyers caught all three of his targets for 61 yards to lead the Raiders in receiving, averaging a whopping 20.3 yards per target. His efficiency was notable, but the volume was not. Meyers' fantasy value is in limbo; he's capable of big plays but needs more targets. He's a speculative add or a bench stash, potentially useful if injuries hit or his target share increases in upcoming games. Meyers will be tough to trust and is flex play at best in deep-league formats in a tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 9 11:10am CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo caught both his targets for 15 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Chicago. Quarterback Will Levis could not get the passing game going most of the game, which led to down weeks for all Titans' pass catchers. Okonkwo was able to bail out fantasy managers with his touchdown grab, an incredibly impressive catch in the back right corner of the end zone over a defender. It was a tough day for the position overall, as Oknkwo finished as TE6 on the week heading into the Monday night game with only 9.5 PPR points. While he had a fine fantasy day because of the score, playing Okonkwo on a weekly basis is still not recommended if this passing attack can't improve considerably from Week 1. Okonkwo and the Titans offense will have their work cut out for them when the Jets travel to Nashville next week.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 9 11:10am CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams caught five of six passes for 59 yards in Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He had a quieter game than usual. The 31-year-old tied running back Alexander Mattison for second on the team with six targets, but the deep ball was absent, limiting his usual explosive plays. Adams remains a high-floor WR2 with WR1 potential, but his output might fluctuate with quarterback Gardner Minshew II at the helm. He's still a must-start on the road in Baltimore next week, though expectations should be slightly tempered for big games.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 9 11:10am CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams didn't quite meet expectations in his debut despite earning a win on Sunday. Williams completed 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, failed to throw a touchdown, was sacked twice, but did not record any interceptions. He fumbled once, though the Bears recovered it. His accuracy was lacking, with 31% of his passes off-target and an average of just 3.2 yards per attempt. His deep throws were particularly problematic, missing several open opportunities downfield. While Williams made a notable throw to Keenan Allen that should have resulted in a touchdown, the veteran wide receiver dropped the pass. The Bears' offense only managed nine points, relying on defensive and special teams touchdowns for most of their scoring. Williams delivered a well-executed 2-point conversion pass to D'Andre Swift, his standout moment in what otherwise seemed like a promising matchup. He will need to perform better in next week's Sunday Night Football game against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans to showcase the potential that made him the number 1 pick.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 9 11:10am CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught his lone target for eight yards in the 24-17 loss to the Bears on Sunday. The veteran receiver was questionable leading up to the game with an MCL injury but suited up anyway. However, Hopkins seemed to play more of a decoy role, logging only 27% of the snaps and drawing one target in the loss. The entire Titans passing offense captained by quarterback Will Levis was shut down by Chicago for the almost the entire game. As Levis gets more comfortable and Hopkins get healthier, the latter should be a fairly viable fantasy play, but nothing we saw on Sunday inspires any sort of confidence. Next week is another stiff test with the New York Jets and their lockdown corners coming to town.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Sep 9 11:00am CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders first-round rookie tight end Brock Bowers was a highlight, snagging six balls for 58 yards and showcasing his immediate impact with a team-high eight targets in Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Bowers' biggest play of the game on Sunday was a 26-yard reception off a play-action pass. His integration into the offense looks promising, especially with his ability to find space in the middle. Bowers is shaping up to be a valuable TE option, particularly in PPR leagues. Bowers will look to build on Sunday's performance in a tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Sep 9 10:50am CT
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison turned his limited touches into gold with a 31-yard touchdown reception, totaling 62 yards from scrimmage. The former Minnesota Viking rushed for 19 yards on five carries and caught four of six targets for 43 yards and a score in Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. His involvement in the passing game was a silver lining in an otherwise gloomy rushing day for the Raiders. The 26-year-old out-snapped teammate Zamir White 36 to 23 in Sunday's loss. Mattison's versatility keeps him relevant in fantasy. He's a flex play with upside in PPR formats, especially if he continues to see targets. His role could expand after Sunday's performance, but he is off the fantasy radar in a tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Sep 9 10:40am CT
Alexander Mattison

As expected, Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White spearheaded the Raiders' ground game with 13 carries for 44 yards while catching both of his targets for two yards in Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. His performance was lackluster, with minimal gains and a fumble that didn't help his case. Alexander Mattison out-snapped White 36 to 23 in Week 1. Despite leading in carries, his efficiency was poor, and the fumble could affect his future touches. It doesn't help fantasy managers that Mattison caught a 31-year touchdown from Gardner Minshew II. White's role might not shrink immediately, but his fantasy stock is shaky. Facing a tough Ravens defense in week two, White is considered a flex option with caution; his value could dip if he doesn't secure the ball better.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 9 10:40am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson left Sunday's 33-17 Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns with a knee injury. Many feared the talented tight end suffered a season-ending injury. Thankfully, tests revealed that Ferguson only suffered a bone bruise and an MCL sprain. The team is listing him as week-to-week, meaning he could return sooner than later. Yet, Ferguson could get placed on injured reserve later in the week, knocking him out for at least four games. 2023 second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker is the most likely candidate to replace Ferguson as Dallas' starting tight end. He is worth a speculative add off the waiver wire. However, Schoonmaker is not someone fantasy players should start in Week 2 unless they are extremely desperate.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Sep 9 10:30am CT
Gardner Minshew II

In a game where every play counted, Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew II managed 257 passing yards with a 31-yard touchdown to Alexander Mattison. However, his Raiders debut was marred by an interception and a critical fumble in the Raiders' 22-10 defeat to the Chargers. His stats were solid, distributing the ball well among his receivers, yet the fumble was a turning point, gifting the Chargers points. Next week, with the stingy Baltimore Ravens defense on tap, Minshew's role as a facilitator might benefit his receivers more than himself. He's a risky start in fantasy, suitable for deeper or superflex, with his ceiling limited by turnovers.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Sep 9 9:33am CT
Haason Reddick

New York Jets EDGE Haason Reddick will forfeit $800,000 for missing Week 1 and will forfeit $800,000 more for every other game he misses. This is on top of $5 million of NFL-mandated fines.

From TheHuddle

Puka Nacua Sep 9 9:30am CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will undergo testing on his knee Monday afternoon after leaving Sunday night's game against the Detroit Lions. According to Ian Rapoport, the star receiver is scheduled to get some testing done after injuring the same knee that he tweaked during the preseason. Nacua was able to come back for one play in Sunday night's game, but ultimately left again and did not return. There still hasn't been any word or speculation on what's wrong with his knee, so these tests should provide a clear picture of the extent of the injury. If he'll need to miss some time, Tyler Johnson did a good job filling in against the Lions, while Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington may also see some more snaps.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 9 9:30am CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed 16 times for 82 yards and a score, adding three receptions for 12 yards in the loss to Chicago. Pollard started the game as the Titans top back and out-carried Tyjae Spears by a surprisingly large margin, 16-4, right after the Titans coaching staff made a point that the backfield would be split evenly. The actual snap counts were a bit closer with Pollard taking 65% and Spears with 45%, but Pollard getting twice as many touches as Spears was definitely unexpected. Game script could have been part of the story here, with Tennessee attempting to grind the clock with a 17-0 lead going into the second half and utilizing the more punishing runner in Pollard to do so. The former Cowboy looked every bit of the dynamic player he was in Dallas a couple of years ago, highlighted by his 26-yard TD scamper where outraced the second level of the defense and cruised into the end zone untouched. Up next is a tough matchup with the New York Jets coming to town. .

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 9 9:20am CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis went 19/32 for 127 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a 24-17 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Levis also rushed nine times for 36 yards and lost a fumble. It was a forgettable start to Year 2 for the quarterback, who was constantly under pressure and indecisive with the football, which led to mostly stalled drives and turnovers on the afternoon. Levis also had one of the worst interceptions in recent memory, tossing the ball sideways while getting hit, which led to the game clinching pick-six in the fourth quarter. While Chicago has a great defense, it was an all-around poor performance from the sophomore quarterback who had all three of his turnovers in the last period, essentially giving the game away to the Bears who were held to zero offensive touchdowns in the game. Levis will really need to turn things around in Week 2, though the NFL's best pass defense is up next in the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 9 9:20am CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught three of seven targets for 50 yards in a 24-17 loss at Chicago. On a day where the Titans struggled to move the ball through the air, Ridley was still able to have a decent afternoon with a 22% target share and over 50% of the Titans passing yards. It's promising for Ridley managers that he was the clear #1 target for this offense, but if quarterback Will Levis struggles to move the ball downfield like he did on Sunday, it will be hard to trust the former Jaguar. Ridley will look to build on this effort in Week 2 against a very stingy New York Jets secondary.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Sep 9 9:20am CT
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell didn't find much success in his first NFL regular season game but the potential remains high after seeing the second-most targets in their 29-27 loss to the Houston Texans. The rookie wideout received five targets but only caught one of them for two yards. The silver lining is that Anthony Richardson was looking for him at various depths down the field, and the accuracy of the throws was more to blame. Mitchell was able to get some separation from his defender and he'll likely grow into a bigger part of the offense as Richardson grows as well. He's a risky fantasy start at the moment but will look to get on the board in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 9 9:00am CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston didn't put together a standout performance in the opening win against the Las Vegas Raiders but established himself in the receiving order. The second-year wideout finished with three receptions for 38 yards on five targets. He had the second-most targets on the team, right after Ladd McConkey who received seven. The Chargers were in the lead for most of the second half while J.K. Dobbins had a huge day on the ground, so the passing game did take a backseat as seen by Justin Herbert's 26 attempts compared to 27 total carries. Johnston seems to be in line for more targets this year as the offense grows under the new coaching regime, but he would be more viable in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller