Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shocker special); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Tank Bigbsy, Jaguars
| Start pct. | 6% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Panthers |
| BetMGM line | Jax -3.5 |
| BetMGM total | 46.5 |
| BetAlytics proj. | 6.8 fpts |
Find the shiniest sledgehammer imaginable, confidently wield it and ride Tank all the way to the damn bank.
Jacksonville's war machine was the subject of recent trade rumors, but entrenched in an unknown RBBC with Travis Etienne and Byashul Tuten, the full expectation is for the veteran to roll on early downs and often in red-zone packages. Really, he should be the Jordan Mason of the AFC, a power back capable of blasting into the end zone 7-9 times this season.
Last fall on only 168 rush attempts, Bigsby was a ballyhooed advanced metrics darling. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished No. 3 in yards after contact per attempt (3.74) and No. 11 in total missed tackles forced (46). Hanging in the middle-round shadows in many 12-team fantasy drafts over the last month, the Jags' battering ram could slam ahead for meaningful numbers in the season opener.
In 2024, Carolina was Eddie Murphy-at-his-comedic-peak funny bad defending the run. It ranked rock bottom in rush EPA D, surrendering a staggering 5.19 yards per carry, 148.2 rush yards per game and 21 total touchdowns to RBs. Jeff Bezos' ex-wife and well-known philanthropist Mackenzie Scott even marveled at their stunning generosity.
The Panthers defensive line only has one direction to go. GM Dan Morgan addressed the glaring organizational weakness this offseason, but even with the upgrades, PFF still ranks the D-line a bottom-five unit.
Bigbsy won't post life-changing production in Week 1. However, achieving Flame status is very much a plausible outcome.
Pop off, Tank.
Fearless Forecast: 13 attempts, 62 rush yards, 1 reception, 6 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.3 fantasy points
Week 1 Bonus Flame
JK Dobbins, Broncos
| Start pct. | 17% |
| Matchup | vs. Titans |
| BetAlytics proj. | 6.8 fpts |
In this instance, J.K. doesn't stand for "Just Kidding." With Denver favored by 8.5, at home and trotting out arguably the most terrifying defense in the game, the former Charger is likely to bolt backers into the Week 1 winner's circle.
Yes, RJ Harvey will be involved and the Titans feature a top-10 interior line -- Pro Football Focus ranks it No. 14 entering the year -- but odds are significant the veteran plowshare earns a goal-line grip or three. Interior lineman Jeffery Simmons is a certifiable hole plunger, however, as a group Tennessee surrendered 22 total TDs to RBs a season ago and finished 2024 No. 24 in rush EPA D. They should be better, but vulnerable on the backend, the trench warriors' endurance is bound to be tested.
Dobbins didn't reset the record books in efficiency with LAC last year. The trustworthy vet, though, wasn't a slouch. He ranked No. 24 in yards after contact per attempt (3.04) and No. 21 in total missed tackles forced (36). And a knee sprain cost him four games.
Harvey will likely siphon roughly 30% of the opportunity share and others will be involved (Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie), however, Broncos insiders have indicated to this gullible opiner Dobbins is likely to be the preferred burrower in goal-line situations.
In a contest Denver should live in the red zone, betting on the former Buckeye to splash six isn't chasing a straight on the river.
No joke.
Fearless Forecast: 14 carries, 59 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 9 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.8 fantasy points
Week 1 Shocker Special (FLEX consideration in deeper formats)
Chris Rodriguez, Commanders
| Start pct. | 1% |
| Matchup | vs. Giants |
| BetAlytics proj. | 5.2 fpts |
Admittedly, this recommendation is as disgusting as the raging waterfall caught gushing from Ryan Day's nipple piercing, but someone in Washington's crowded backfield is due to shine. The luxury of playing alongside one of the game's premier dual threats (Jayden Daniels) are the exploitable holes generated. Someone is bound to benefit.
A trimmed down Rodriguez, who hit 20+ MPH in the open-field Preseason Week 2, is a viable 8-10 touch candidate. Bandwagoners' man-crush Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Austin Ekeler will be involved, but as Dan Quinn directly said a couple weeks ago, the underrated C-Rod will be his primary short-yardage and goal-line back of choice. Last year he did finish No. 5 among RBs with at least 35 rush attempts and forced a missed tackle on 40% of his attempts.
New York's defensive line is s strength -- Pro Football Focus ranks it No. 3 in the league entering the season -- but the unheralded Commanders committee member has considerable odds of scoring double-digit fantasy points. If that happens, 'Bill' overreachers will throw objects in disgust. Be ready to duck.
Fearless Forecast: 8 carries, 37 rushing yards, 1 reception, 6 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 10.8 fantasy points