QBs to start in Week 1
Patriots’ Cam Newton (vs. Dolphins): Following the exodus of Tom Brady this offseason, the New England Patriots were patient in finding his replacement. Instead of staying with the status quo in Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer, the Patriots added Cam Newton via free agency.
It has seemed like forever since Newton was a viable starter in fantasy football. But after being hindered by injuries in recent seasons, Newton will have a perfect chance to begin his revenge tour in Week 1 versus the Miami Dolphins.
Despite adding some notable pieces like Byron Jones and Kyle Van Noy this offseason, the Dolphins were 32nd in defensive DVOA a season ago. While it remains to be seen what Newton looks like in New England, he could thrive against Miami’s new-look defense in Week 1.
Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger (vs. Giants): Another quarterback looking to bounce back in 2020 is Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roethlisberger would suffer a season-ending elbow injury in Week 2, leaving the Steelers without any continuity under center.
Nonetheless, his first game back will come against an inexperienced New York Giants secondary. Even though the Giants signed Logan Ryan and James Bradberry, they are relying on unproven guys like Corey Ballentine and Julian Love in the secondary.
Last season, the Giants struggled against the pass, allowing a 100 QB rating to opposing QBs (fourth-worst in the NFL). The veteran signal-caller for the Steelers should be able to have a fantasy-football relevant performance versus New York to begin the season.
Chargers’ Tyrod Taylor (vs. Bengals): Similar to the Patriots, the Los Angeles Chargers moved on from Philip Rivers this offseason. Even though the Chargers took Justin Herbert in the 2020 NFL Draft, it will be Tyrod Taylor manning the QB spot for Los Angeles to begin the season.
Taylor has proven to be a capable fantasy football quarterback in his career before when he was with the Bills. Of course, that was when Anthony Lynn — the head coach of the Chargers — was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo.
In his first career start with Los Angeles, Taylor will get an opportunity to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. The Bengals were 30th in defensive DVOA in 2019 and will be without newly-signed Trae Waynes to begin the upcoming season.
Other QBs to consider in Week 1: 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo (vs. Cardinals), Colts’ Philip Rivers (vs. Jaguars), Rams’ Jared Goff (vs. Cowboys)
