The Pewter Plank
FanSided

2017 Fantasy Football: Sit, Start, and Sleepers from each NFL division

By David Harrison

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Sefo Liufau #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers controls the offense during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Sefo Liufau #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers controls the offense during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans looks on before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans looks on before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

AFC SOUTH

The Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts all play at home, while the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the road.

One divisional match-up between the J.J. Watt and Blake Bortles’ squads will get us started in the AFC South.

SIT: Indianapolis Colts Defense

If you look back to 2016, this match-up against the Los Angeles Rams might look like a tempting spot to start the Colts Defense.

Not so fast my friend. (I made that up.)

The Rams may not have been an offensive powerhouse last year, but this defense was even worse. With Andrew Luck missing Week 1, the Colts defense is going to fall victim from spending way too much time on the field.

It may start ugly, but in the end, Los Angeles will win the war of attrition.

START: Houston Texans Defense

The only reason the Texans even compete in this division is their defense.

Against the Jaguars this unit should do pretty well.

Blake Bortles hasn’t looked good in a while now, and the addition of Leonard Fournette isn’t going to help all that much.

This defense should get three turnovers in this one, and possibly a score.

SLEEPER: RB, Derrick Henry – Tennessee Titans

The Raiders defense isn’t the best in the league, but they’re pretty darn good when they’re firing on all cylinders.

Henry is extremely touchdown dependent right now, and his touches are going to come mostly in short-yardage and goaline situations.

He could be getting plenty of these this week as the Oakland defense looks to bend, not break against the Titans’ offensive attack.

If Oakland can prevent big-play scores, then Henry will get some short-yard opportunities.

NFC SOUTH

The entire NFC South is on the road with Carolina in San Francisco, Atlanta in Chicago, New Orleans in Minnesota, and the Buccaneers are on a hurricane induced bye week.

SIT: RB, Adrian Peterson

There’s a version of the Saints story which is an uplifting one. One of the return of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and a blocked punt every football fan just had to feel good about.

Then there’s Adrian Peterson, and it just doesn’t have the same feel to it.

When this former Vikings running back goes back to his NFL home, he’s probably not getting a warm welcome by the fans or his former teammates.

My gut says his old team will beat his new team, and his fantasy football status will suffer with them.

START: Atlanta Falcons Defense

The Bears didn’t look good all preseason, and there’s a very good chance this trend won’t stop in Week 1.

Mike Glennon just isn’t connecting consistently with his receivers, the Chicago offensive line is ineffective, and the running game can’t hold the ship afloat alone.

This means the young and athletic Falcons defense will be flying around making plays.

SLEEPER: RB, Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers

I don’t know if it’s fair to call Christian McCaffrey a sleeper right now. He was drafted fairly high in most drafts I was part of.

Going against the San Francisco defense, I think we’re going to see a good amount of gimmick plays, screens and other things which have CMC written all over it.

McCaffrey is a lock to be the starting running back in Carolina at some point. Why not show he’s ready in Week 1?

Next: Predicting The First Quarter Of The Season

Here’s my fantasy football look around the league this week. It’s all for real now, so good luck.

Again, let me know your thoughts on this or anything fantasy related in the comments, on Twitter, on Facebook, or in email.

Home/Bucs Fantasy Football