Fantasy: Early-season schedules to exploit and avoid
Get ready for your season with theScore's 2016 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
Trying to analyze the entire NFL schedule in hopes of gaining an edge in fantasy before the season can often be a foolish endeavor, as injuries and unexpected performances end up altering the landscape throughout the year.
However, taking a look at the first month of the schedule can often reveal which teams/players are set up to start hot and those that are likely to struggle out of the gate.
Schedules to Exploit
Oakland Raiders
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| @NO | ATL | @TEN | @BAL |
With a talented young core and the improvements made to their offensive line, the Raiders are going to slice through their early-season slate. Oakland opens against the Saints, who had the most generous defense in the league a year ago, while the Falcons, Titans, and Ravens are all bottom-10 units.
San Diego Chargers
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| @KC | JAX | @IND | NO |
Philip Rivers can loosen his bolo tie in the first month, as he gets to go to work against a series of weak pass defenses. The Chiefs won't be nearly as imposing in Week 1, if Justin Houston isn't able to get back on the field in time for the start of the season. The Jaguars will still be searching for chemistry in September, as all their new defenders get used to playing with each other, and matchups with the Colts and Saints should both result in shootouts.
Dallas Cowboys
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYG | @WSH | CHI | SF |
With Tony Romo back under center, the degree of difficulty will be reduced significantly for Dallas in 2016. The Giants', Redskins', and Bears' defenses should take steps forward thanks to their offseason editions, but they won't cause you to second guess playing your Cowboys. The comfortable scheduling isn't limited to the opening quarter of the year either, it continues throughout the regular season for America's team.
Detroit Lions
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| @IND | TEN | @GB | @CHI |
The Lions are without the retired Calvin Johnson, but with Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Anquan Boldin catching passes from Matt Stafford, Detroit has more than enough firepower. The Colts' and Packers' high-powered offenses will force them to take to the air, in what should be a couple of fantasy-friendly affairs.
Schedules to Avoid
Miami Dolphins
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| @SEA | @NE | CLE | @CIN |
The Dolphins are hoping Adam Gase can breathe new life into their offense and help Ryan Tannehill take his game to a new level. That might be difficult to do with road games in Seattle, New England, and Cincinnati in the opening month.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| @ATL | @ARI | LA | DEN |
The Falcons will be a nice matchup to start the year before the Buccaneers enter a vicious four-week gauntlet against the Cardinals, Rams, Broncos, and Panthers. Tampa Bay will desperately need its Week 6 bye to recover from that punishing stretch.
New York Jets
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIN | @BUF | @KC | SEA |
The euphoria over finally re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick might come to an abrupt end once real games begin. The Bengals, Bills, Chiefs, and Seahawks could all arguably be in the league's top-10 defenses this season and will make life miserable for Todd Bowles and company. If Justin Houston is healthy by Week 3, New York won't have time to catch their breath in the first four outings.
San Francisco 49ers
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA | @CAR | @SEA | DAL |
The NFL didn't do Chip Kelly any favors with his new team, scheduling the Rams, Panthers, and Seahawks in September, including two road contests in Carolina and Seattle. Injuries on defenses and uncertainty at quarterback will only compound the early-season problems. The weather might be nicer in San Francisco, but Kelly will have to deal with an immediate storm in his new home.