The Pittsburgh Steelers defense/special teams was great for fantasy purposes last season and will kick off the 2024 campaign in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Steelers allowed the eighth-fewest points in the NFL in 2023, and although the Falcons scored just under 19 points per contest, Atlanta's offense should be much improved this season with Kirk Cousins under center. Nonetheless, Sunday will be Cousins' first game action since tearing his Achilles last October and it may take some time for the new-look Falcons offense to find its rhythm. The Steelers boast the most expensive defense in the league and have the talent to show for it. Fantasy managers should feel confident rolling with the Steelers D/ST in their lineups this week.

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (undisclosed) exited Friday's meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles. The signal-caller played most of the contest. However, he took a hit with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and needed help off the field due to what appeared to be a lower leg injury. Love would finish the night by throwing for 260 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick off 17-for-34 passing before being replaced by Malik Willis, who failed to connect on his only pass attempt. Without question, fantasy managers will anxiously await an update on his condition. Fortunately, the Packers have time before the Week 2 matchup with the Colts. With that in mind, there should be word on Love's injury soon.

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is a solid starting option against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. The Miami defense was below league-average against quarterbacks in fantasy last season and lost some pieces on defense, making for a solid opening matchup for the Jaguars quarterback. Lawrence finished as the QB13 in fantasy points per game last season, and expectations for this season are around the same level. The Clemson product's weaponry includes returning top options and intriguing new faces. Once again, Evan Engram, Christian Kirk, and Travis Etienne Jr. should be reliable options in the short and intermediate passing game. Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr. were brought in to stretch the field more, replacing Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones. The receiving core will look a bit different this season, meaning it may be smartest to wait and see how Lawrence does in Week 1 before trusting him as a fantasy starter. However, fantasy managers can do much worse with their starting QB and should expect a solid floor and solid ceiling out of Lawrence in their Week 1 lineup.

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Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was extremely steady in 2023 and will hope to find success against the Atlanta Falcons in the first contest of his 10th professional season. Atlanta allowed nearly 22 points per game and gave up the third-most fantasy points to opposing kickers last year. Boswell could provide fantasy value in this matchup, but it is difficult to predict how the Steelers will fare in their first game under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and with quarterback Russell Wilson's (calf) status in limbo. Boswell can be considered in a pinch but fantasy managers would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Pittsburgh's offense.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields may see the field sooner than anticipated in a Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Mike Tomlin hinted at a potential package for the 25-year-old last week, but Fields could be in line to draw the start on Sunday with Russell Wilson (calf) limited on Friday and highly questionable to suit up. Even in his first start as a Steeler, Fields should immediately be considered amongst the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks. The Falcons surrendered plenty of production to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 and Fields has averaged nearly 19 fantasy points per game over the past two years. Fantasy managers that opted to pass on the early-round quarterbacks should add Fields and monitor the status of Wilson heading into Sunday. Fields' abilities as a runner give him a safe floor and high ceiling as a starting-caliber fantasy QB1 when under center.

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth just secured a long-term extension and will look to carry positive momentum into a Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. There are many questions surrounding the new-look Steelers offense, including who will start at quarterback on Sunday, but Freiermuth could nonetheless be in line for a productive outing. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been known to heavily feature tight ends and Atlanta surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to the position last season. Freiermuth may not offer the same upside as many of the elite tight ends, but fantasy managers who drafted him shouldn't go searching the waiver wire to replace him in this matchup. He projects as a top-15 option and is especially viable in PPR formats.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas found the end zone four times as a rookie. As a result, many expect him to get more involved in the offense this season, especially with Tyler Boyd no longer on the roster. However, his level of involvement could increase even more in the Week 1 matchup with the New England Patriots. Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) aren't a lock to suit up. If that's the case, Joe Burrow (wrist) could look in Iosivas' direction more than initially anticipated, potentially giving him value as a flex option in deeper fantasy setups. But first, Chase and Higgins will officially need to be ruled out.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (toe) scored twice in the preseason. Yet, it's logical to assume it will still take him at least a year or two before he's consistently relevant for fantasy managers. With that said, Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) may not be available for the Week 1 opener versus the New England Patriots. If that's the case, the rookie could see more snaps than anticipated, assuming he's cleared to suit up. Granted, Burton will need to compete primarily with Trenton Irwin and Andrei Iosivas for the attention of Joe Burrow. Still, fantasy managers in 12-team leagues and up should keep Burton on the back burner in the event Chase and Higgins are both ruled out.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson will face off against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week 1. Jefferson has flashed potential since entering the league in 2020 and begins his fifth professional season with an opportunity to become the WR2 in Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old impressed throughout camp and drew praise from the Steelers' coaching staff all summer. Unfortunately, he'll have his work cut out for him on Sunday against a Falcons defense that limited wideouts to the sixth-fewest fantasy points in the NFL last season. Jefferson's role in new play-caller Arthur Smith's offense is worth monitoring but he is best left on fantasy waiver wires for now.

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quad) has been officially ruled out for the team's home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Washington was able to practice Wednesday and Thursday in a limited fashion, but a downgrade for Friday's practice will sideline him for Week 1. Unfortunately, the explosive rookie's debut will be delayed -- and, as of now, the timetable for his return is unclear. It's ill-fated news for the sixth-round pick as there is a window for him to make his case as the Dolphins' WR3 with Odell Beckham Jr. and River Cracraft to miss the season's first four games while on the PUP. Braxton Berrios will work as Miami's third wideout for the majority of the matchup, with Grant DuBose mixing in to give him a break. Receivers Anthony Schwartz and Tahj Washington are also on IR, leaving the Fins with just four healthy wide receivers.

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown ran for 179 yards off 44 carries in his rookie season, adding 14 grabs for 156 yards and a touchdown. With Joe Mixon now in Houston, many anticipate the 24-year-old will be more involved than ever. Granted, Cincinnati signed Zack Moss to a two-year deal this offseason, so he'll also be on the field. However, there's a good chance both players will split carries equally out of the backfield throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With that in mind, the Bengals will begin the year with a Week 1 matchup versus the New England Patriots. But Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) may not suit up. If that's the case, Brown deserves flex consideration in every fantasy format, considering he may see more carries and targets from Joe Burrow.

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Dallas Cowboys tight end John Stephens Jr. (hamstring) has been officially ruled out of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Stephens Jr. picked up the injury this week at practice, appearing on the Cowboys' first injury report of the season. It's a tough development for the second-year TE, as he missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL. However, this should not affect Dallas' game plan as he is the fourth of four tight ends held by Dallas. The 24-year-old is the only player on the Cowboys' active roster not available for the team's road opener this Sunday. The former Horned Frog was also the only player not participating in Wednesday's practice. A week of rest should do the young tight end some good as he'll look to return to health in anticipation of Dallas' home opener against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

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Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins will kick off his 2024 season with a home matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. The Cowboys were tough on fantasy kickers last year, allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Hopkins was a reliable kicker for the Browns in 2023, hitting 33 of his 36 field-goal tries, including all eight of his tries from 50+ yards. It remains to be seen how efficient the Cleveland offense will be this season, which coupled with the tough matchup, leaves Hopkins outside of the top-12 fantasy kicker options this weekend.

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy will take on the Dallas Cowboys at home in Week 1. Jeudy, who is making his Cleveland debut, dealt with a knee injury during training camp but he appears to be fully healthy heading into the season opener. Jeudy reportedly showed nice chemistry with Deshaun Watson during the preseason, although it remains to be seen whether that transfers over to the regular season. For now, Jeudy appears to be the team's No. 2 or No. 3 option in the passing game behind Amari Cooper and possibly David Njoku. For now, he sets up as a low-end flex, and fantasy managers should be in wait-and-see mode until it is more clear how Jeudy fits into the Cleveland offense.

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss signed a two-year deal with the team this offseason. He's coming off the best year of his career, running for 794 yards and five touchdowns off 183 attempts, adding 27 catches for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns in 14 games with the Colts. With Joe Mixon now in Houston, the door is open for someone to take over the No. 1 spot in the backfield. Although some predict Moss will see the majority of the touches over Chase Brown, at least early in the year, his fantasy outlook isn't as clear while the likelihood of a timeshare exists. But Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) aren't a lock to suit up in Week 1. As a result, Moss could see more touches than usual. He may also see more attention on the receiving end from Joe Burrow (wrist), who could start the 2024-25 campaign without his two primary receiving options. With that said, Moss should be a starting fantasy option in nearly all formats on Sunday, especially if Higgins or Chase are out. The same would be true for Brown, who would be in line for more snaps against the Patriots.

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Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku will look to build upon a breakout season last year when he takes on the Dallas Cowboys at home in Week 1. The Cowboys represent a tough matchup for tight ends as they allowed just the 25th-most fantasy points per game to the position in 2023. That being said, Njoku emerged as a top option in the passing attack last year and should continue to be one of the top targets for Deshaun Watson this season. Fantasy managers can comfortably fire Njoku up as a top-10 tight end for the season opener this weekend.

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Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Reiman practiced all week in a limited fashion, but it appears his ankle hasn't progressed enough for him to be cleared for the Cardinals' opening road tilt. With the third-string tight end sidelined, it's fair to expect Elijah Higgins to garner some more snaps, with fourth-string option Travis Vokolek to mix in for some as well, possibly. The rookie third-round pick doesn't project to have a significant role in Arizona's offense right out of the gate. Even if the Illinois product is healthy, Trey McBride is the clear leader of this unit. Fantasy managers can avoid Reiman in the early season, and he's nothing more than a deep dynasty league stash for the time being.

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Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will open the season as the team's starter after Nick Chubb (knee) was placed on the PUP list. Ford draws a tough Week 1 matchup as he will take on the Dallas Cowboys on the road to kick off the 2024 season. The Cowboys were stout against the run in 2023, allowing just the 22nd-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Ford was very average as a rusher last season but he did show skill in the passing attack, hauling in five touchdown grabs on 44 catches. He should be busy in the passing game against an explosive Dallas offense this week, making him a solid flex option for fantasy gamers.

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper will head on the road to take on his old team in a Week 1 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas represents a tough matchup for Cooper as they allowed just the 28th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers in 2023. The Cowboys' secondary should be just as formidable in 2024 as they will get Trevon Diggs back after losing him to a season-ending injury early last season. Cooper has shown the ability to post week-winning performances during his career but the matchup leaves him as more of a low-end WR2 in fantasy for the season opener on Sunday.

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) logged another full practice on Friday, meaning he should be good to go in Week 1 versus the Patriots. Unfortunately, the signal-caller could be without his top weapons, with Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) potentially not suiting up for the opener. Without question, Burrow is a capable fantasy quarterback. However, his outlook isn't as promising if Chase and Higgins aren't on the field. But it's a new era in New England, with Bill Belichick no longer at the helm in favor of Jerod Mayo. With the coaching change, there could be bumps in the road for the Patriots defense. Regardless, Burrow is too talented to keep on the bench on Sunday. Fantasy managers should consider him a viable starting option in all formats imaginable.

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