The biggest decision facing any fantasy owner, in any given week, is trying to decide whether or not to start or bench a player based on their respective matchup. In this post, we identify a handful of players that will have their fantasy owners thinking, ‘Start or Bench’.
Bench
Jordan Cronkrite, RB-South Florida vs Wisconsin
Consider: The Bulls offense should be in good hands with new offensive coordinator Kerwin Bell, who led Valdosta State to a Division II national title last year. However, a season opener against the Badgers isn’t an ideal matchup for an offense that probably still needs to iron out a few wrinkles. Expect Wisconsin’s stingy defense to show well, even on a hot and humid late-August day in Florida.
Woody Barrett, QB-Kent State at Arizona State
Consider: Quarterback Woody Barrett and the Kent State offense should be much improved in their second season under head coach Sean Lewis. The junior quarterback should please a lot of his fantasy owners in 2019, particularly when they get into the heart of their conference schedule. However, non-conference road games against Arizona State, Auburn, and Wisconsin will frustrate a lot of impatient owners.
Shamari Brooks & Corey Taylor, RBs-Tulsa at Michigan State
Consider: The Spartans probably didn’t need any extra motivation to open a new season in their home stadium, but Tulsa running back Corey Taylor gave the Spartans defense some bulletin-board material. Taylor said he felt that it was reasonable to think he and Brooks could run for 100 yards apiece and average 5 yards per carry. Last year, the Spartans gave up 77.9 rushing yards per game and allowed only 2.6 yards per carry.
Quentin Harris, QB-Duke vs Alabama
Consider: Sure, Alabama’s defense wasn’t as formidable in 2018 as it had been in previous seasons under Nick Saban, but 90% of the programs in the country would have taken that Tide defense over their own. Besides, how many offenses would look forward to facing a Bama defense that’s had an entire preseason to prepare for them?
Ty Lee, WR-Middle Tennessee at Michigan
Consider: If there is one player we are sure about on the Blue Raiders offense, from a fantasy perspective, it’s receiver Ty Lee. However, the biggest unknown surrounding the Middle Tennessee offense in 2019 is at quarterback. Fantasy owners may want to pass on Lee this week with an unfavorable matchup against the Wolverines in “The Big House” Saturday evening.
Start
Isaiah Bowser, RB-Northwestern at Stanford
Consider: Traveling out to the west coast and playing Stanford isn’t exactly an ideal opener for running back Isaiah Bowser and the Northwestern Wildcats. However, it’s difficult envisioning a scenario where the offense doesn’t rely on Bowser and the running game in this matchup, especially since the quarterback position is in transition.
Logan Bonner, QB-Arkansas State vs SMU
Consider: Bonner was slowly climbing our preseason rankings since the time spring camp started. After it became clear that the starting job was his to lose, the junior quarterback hasn’t fallen off our radar. Playing in memory of their head coach Blake Anderson’s late wife, emotions will be off the charts in the Red Wolves’ home opener, as they welcome SMU into Jonesboro Saturday night. This matchup has potential to be a shootout, and Bonner has quite a few weapons surrounding him in receivers Kirk Merritt, Dahu Green, and Omar Bayless
CJ Verdell, RB-Oregon vs Auburn
Consider: Sometimes it can be a bit worrisome when one of your key fantasy assets is playing in one of the week’s biggest games. Such is the case when CJ Verdell and the Oregon Ducks travel to Arlington, Texas to face Auburn in a big-time Week 1 showdown. Verdell will be running behind one of the best offensive lines in the country directed by one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Unless the other running backs on your roster have matchups that are too good to pass on, you should not have any hesitation getting Verdell into your active roster.
Armani Rogers, QB-UNLV vs Southern Utah
Consider: If you studied the Schedule Analysis section of our Preseason Fantasy Guide, you understand the challenge that awaits UNLV starting in Week 3. So, if you drafted Rogers, you didn’t waste a roster spot to keep him on your bench for most of the season. It’s highly likely that if you drafted him, you’re starting him. We’re just giving you the reassurance you need to get him in an active slot.
Zack Moss, RB-Utah at BYU
Consider: Why is one of our top preseason running backs listed on our Start/Bench? Well, we have received a lot of inquiries about Moss and his health throughout the summer and preseason. When asked earlier this week about Moss being ready to play, head coach Kyle Whittingham said, “Yes, oh, yeah, absolutely …”. Even if Moss isn’t ready to carry the ball 35-plus times in a tough season opener at BYU, if he’s on the field, he’ll get his touches.