Week 1 Fantasy Football MVP Predictions

Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs on to the field prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

• Carolina at Tampa Bay (4:25 p.m.)
Greg Olsen TE CAR: This game has low-scoring defensive battle written all over it. Olsen is Cam Newton’s favorite target, especially in the red zone. Olsen has a high probability of getting a touchdown in this game because of Newton coming back from an ankle injury and the Carolina offense playing it safe with Newton around the goal line. I expect Olsen will have four receptions for 35 yards and a TD, which would be 13 points in a PPR league.

• San Francisco at Dallas (4:25 p.m.)
Frank Gore RB SF: Dallas is going to have one of the worst defenses in the league. The 49ers’ offensive line is going to mug the defensive line of the Cowboys, and this will allow Gore to get a lot of yards on the ground. I have Gore projected to have a great game … 110 yards rushing, one TD, along with three receptions for 15 yards.

August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) receives the hand off from quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

• Indianapolis at Denver (8:30 p.m.)
Emanuel Sanders WR DEN: Wes Welker is suspended (four weeks for PEDs) for this game, and Sanders will benefit from it. This is going to give Sanders more targets for the next four weeks as long as he remains healthy. I have him projected for eight receptions for 88 yards and a TD.

MON, SEPT. 8

• NY Giants at Detroit (7:10 p.m.)
Calvin Johnson WR DET: Johnson is the best wide receiver in the league, and Matt Stafford is going to supply him with a lot of targets. My projection for Megatron in Week 1 is 10 receptions for 130 yards and one TD.

San Diego at Arizona (10:20 p.m.)
• Danny Woodhead RB SD: This is an interesting matchup. Arizona has one of the best defenses in the league, and San Diego’s offense is very unpredictable. I feel Woodhead is a safe play this week in PPR leagues. Phillip Rivers likes to target Woodhead out of the backfield and around the goal line. Last year, Woodhead was a Top 20 PPR back, and his situation should remain the same this year. The projection I have for him is 35 rushing yards, along with five receptions and 40 yards and a TD. That equals 18 fantasy points in PPR leagues.