Will Tyreek Hill & Ja'Marr Chase Play In Week 1? Fantasy Football Impact
Ted takes a look at whether two superstar WRs will suit up in Week 1.
Will Tyreek Hill Play Today?
It's not an NFL Sunday without some shocking last-minute news, and Week 1 is starting the season off strong. With just over two hours to go until kickoff, a video of Tyreek Hill being arrested on his way to the stadium emerged.
However, it has since been reported that Hill will play, as the detainment was only related to a traffic violation. Hill is the top receiver in our Week 1 fantasy projections and should still be started with confidence. Still, just in case, let's take a look at the fantasy football implications if Hill were to miss today's season opener:
Jaylen Waddle
Waddle would be the big winner if Hill were to miss today's game. The Dolphins already have a concentrated target tree with their top two receivers; if Hill is out, Waddle could easily push for a 30%+ target share. He's already a must-start in Seasonal leagues, but that would make him a must-roster in DFS as well.
Tua Tagovailoa
On the other hand, Tua would need to be downgraded without his favorite weapon. He's currently the QB6 in our Week 1 projections, but Tyreek is so important to his production that Tua would fall out of my top 12 quarterbacks entirely if Hill was sidelined.
Other Miami Receivers
Unfortunately, both of Miami's most exciting WR3s, veteran Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Malik Washington, are already out for this week's matchup with injuries. If Hill joins them on the sidelines, it's unclear who will be asked to step up as the Dolphins' WR2. Veteran slot receiver Braxton Berrios is listed as a starter on the team's depth chart, but he may not be suited to a full-time outside role.
Robbie Chosen was also called up to the active roster for this matchup — he was added to the team's practice squad very recently but should have familiarity with the system as he was on the team last year.
However, unless you're truly desperate, it's not worth considering any Miami receivers outside of Waddle (and Hill, assuming he plays) for this week.
Jonnu Smith
Given that Miami doesn't have any wide receivers who look ready to step up and command a huge target share, tight end Jonnu Smith could be a beneficiary if Hill misses time. Smith played just a part-time role in the preseason, but he would likely see the field more if the Dolphins' are looking for playmakers. An impressive athlete for his size, Smith has always been more of a receiving threat than a true two-way tight end. He could be worth a dart throw in leagues that prioritize tight ends if Hill is out.
De'Von Achane & Raheem Mostert
It's tough to say how a potential absence from Hill would impact Miami's duo of speedy backs. On the one hand, Hill out would probably mean more touches for both members of this electric committee. On the other hand, this Dolphins offense runs through Tyreek. His absence might allow the Jaguars to key in on the run and/or reduce the number of red zone looks to go around. Overall, I'd call Hill missing this game a relatively neutral outcome for Achane and Mostert.
Will Ja'Marr Chase Play Today?
Breaking News: Chase will be ACTIVE for today's game.
While Hill's potential absence is the result of breaking news, Ja'Marr Chase's status has hung in the balance for weeks. He kept himself out for the vast majority of the Bengals' training camp while negotiating a potential new contract, which still has yet to materialize. Then, even as Chase returned to practice ahead of Week 1, he popped up on the injury report with an illness, further throwing his status into doubt. However, Chase has taken the field for warmups, so it looks likely that he will play.
Just in case, let's break down the fantasy implications either way:
Joe Burrow
Just like Tagavailoa with Hill, Burrow's fantasy value relies heavily on Chase. If Chase does play, Burrow is a top-12 QB. If he doesn't, Burrow should be avoided, especially with Tee Higgins also out.
Andrei Iosivas
Iosivas, who was projected to be the Bengals' starting slot receiver even if everyone was healthy, is in line for an increased role with Higgins out. If Chase were to miss this week as well, he would become a borderline must-start option.
Jermaine Burton
With Higgins out, and especially if Chase is out as well, many fantasy managers will be tempted by Burton, whom the Bengals drafted in the third round of this year's draft. However, there are plenty of red flags with the rookie. He reportedly fell on Draft Night due to character concerns that have not gone away since his arrival in Cincinnati. Some reports are that he will even receive a pseudo-redshirt season for his rookie year. Even if both Chase and Higgins are ruled out, I would stay away from Burton unless you're desperate.
