Figuring out who to start in Week 1 is supposed to be easy -- just play the guys you drafted first and everything will work out, right? Well, not when key WRs like Chris Godwin, Diontae Johnson, Michael Thomas, Allen Lazard, Drake London, and Jaylen Waddle are dealing with health issues. Unfortunately, scouring for the latest injury updates is already a must as you finalize your Week 1 fantasy rankings and start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these wide receivers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect their fantasy outlooks and the outlooks of their backups in Week 1. For the latest on banged-up RBs JK Dobbins, Chase Edmonds, and more, click here; for updates on injured TEs George Kittle, Zach Ertz, and Logan Thomas, click here.
WEEK 1 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
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Chris Godwin injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Friday that a decision on Godwin will come "right up to game time."
The news on Godwin (knee) has been all over the place this week. First, he was practicing without a leg sleeve (good), then he alluded to the idea he'd be a game-time decision on Sunday night against Dallas (bad). He followed that up by practicing in full on Wednesday (very good) before not being seen at practice on Thursday (possibly bad). Either way, expect him to be a game-time decision on Sunday night.
The last nugget could be nothing more than a veteran's day off and actually be a good thing, as Tampa is just trying to manage Godwin's reps ahead of its opener. If he plays, he'll likely see fewer snaps than usual, but given his talent level and role in Tampa's high-powered offense, he's still a solid WR3. If he's out, Julio Jones and Russell Gage would see more targets, pushing both to WR3/flex territory.
WEEK 1 FANTASY PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Diontae Johnson injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Johnson was limited in practice on Thursday and reportedly looked "good" according to teammates.
UPDATE 2: Johnson said Friday that he will play in Week 1 and that his injury is mainly a "pain tolerance" issue. He's not even listed on Pittsburgh's final injury report.
The Steelers initially downplayed the shoulder injury Johnson suffered in the final preseason game, but on Wednesday, the veteran receiver said he wasn't sure if he would suit up in Week 1 against the Bengals.
If Johnson is active, he's a must-start and borderline WR1 in PPR leagues, but if he's out, it could mean big things for George Pickens and Chase Claypool. Both are merely boom-or-bust flexes this week, but the increase in targets from Johnson's absence would push both closer to WR3s. There are still plenty of questions about Pittsburgh's QB situation, but at least the opportunities will be there.
WEEK 1 STANDARD FANTASY RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Michael Thomas injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Thomas was limited in practice on Thursday, which is a positive sign in his quest to play on Sunday against the Falcons.
UPDATE 2: Thomas got in another limited practice on Friday and is officially "questionable" for Sunday's game against Atlanta.
Earlier in the week, it was reported Thomas (hamstring) was "on track" to play in Week 1 against Atlanta, but Saints' coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday that no decision has been made. At this point, it appears Thomas is truly "questionable."
What else is new, right? Thomas hasn't been healthy in two years (check out Draft Sharks' Injury Predictor tool for a more detailed breakdown of his issues), and with a new QB, new coach, and new cast of WRs around him, it's unclear what to expect from him this year. The upside is there for big things, but obviously he needs to be on the field. If he's active, he's a solid WR2 in what should be a good matchup, and if he's out, look for Chris Olave and maybe Jarvis Landry to sneak into flex territory.
WEEK 1 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel | Yahoo
Allen Lazard injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Lazard missed practice again on Friday and is officially "doubtful" to play against Minnesota in Week 1.
Lazard (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, which obviously raises concern over his availability for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
Lazard figured to be Aaron Rodgers' top target this year, at least early on, making him a WR3 if he played. However, if he's out, targets would be divvied up between Romeo Doubs, Sammy Watkins, and Randall Cobb, among others. It's tough to know which, if any, are worth playing in season-long leagues, but both Doubs and Watkins have some dart-throw flex appeal. Someone will come through and set the waiver wire ablaze next week, but good luck trying to guess which one. Rodgers is still a low-end QB1 even without Lazard.
WEEK 1 DFS: Best values | Best stacks
Jaylen Waddle injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Waddle was removed from the Dolphins final injury report and will play Sunday against New England.
Waddle (quad) returned to practice early this week and was limited on Wednesday and Thursday, putting him on track to play in Week 1 against the Patriots.
It's also worth noting that Waddle practiced without his leg sleeve on Wednesday, which is another positive sign. There are obvious questions about his target share with Tyreek Hill now in town, but as long as Waddle is on the field, he's a worthwhile WR2/3 in fantasy. If he is a surprise scratch, Cedrick Wilson and TE Mike Gesicki would see more targets, slightly raising their ceilings.
MORE: RotoBaller "Who To Start?" tool | Draft Sharks' Week 1 projections
Drake London injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: London is officially "questionable" for Sunday's game against the Saints, but Falcons' coach Arthur Smith said the team will make a decision on his status on Saturday.
London (knee) practiced on a limited basis for the second-straight day on Thursday, putting him in position to play in Week 1 against New Orleans.
London is risky this week for a variety of reasons, starting with simply being a rookie on a mediocre offense. Add in that he missed virtually all of the preseason, and he's no more than a boom-or-bust flex. He should get a good amount of targets from Marcus Mariota, which is why we still rank him No. 47 among WRs in PPR and standard leagues, but London is a major wild card. Almost any outcome, from one catch for 12 yards to eight catches for 100 yards, wouldn't be shocking.
