In Inglewood, California, the atmosphere was electric as the NFL season kicked off on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Fans flocked to the SoFi Stadium to witness the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders. Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins made a significant impact during the second half, showcasing his speed and agility against the Raiders’ defense.
After a challenging start to the season for some teams and players, fantasy football managers are now shifting their attention towards the upcoming matchups with important decisions ahead. One player to keep an eye on is Brock Purdy, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Although Purdy struggled with only 10.3 fantasy points in Week 1 against the formidable New York Jets, the outlook is promising. He completed 19 of 29 passes for 231 yards, albeit without a touchdown. This performance, although not the best in terms of fantasy points, did not reflect his ability on the field.
Purdy’s next challenge will come against the Minnesota Vikings, a team that presents a different matchup. The Vikings’ defense performed well against the New York Giants and will bring a unique challenge for Purdy, who has historically excelled against zone defenses. With a solid grade of 85.7 against zone coverage, Purdy should find more opportunities to shine moving forward.
On the flip side, a notable sit option is George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Facing a tough cornerback in Pat Surtain II, Pickens might struggle to find space to maneuver while the rest of the Steelers offense tries to exploit the Denver Broncos’ defense.
As fantasy players gear up for the next week, remembering to analyze matchups becomes crucial. With tools available for tracking player performances and rankings, making informed decisions on who to start or sit can make all the difference.
