The NFL season is officially here, and with that comes plenty of fantasy football decisions.
For those who don't know, I'm Tom Vecchio, and I'll be here throughout the season with fantasy football content to help you and your teams. You'll get a variety of articles from me throughout the week, all meant to help refine your roster and ultimately, give you a shot at a championship.
To start, I'll touch on weekly busts, or players you don't want to have in your lineups. Who has a low floor of fantasy points that we should shy away from? We're not talking about Josh Allen, Jahmyr Gibbs or Ja'Marr Chase here. Those are your main guys and you're starting them every week. We're talking about those flex options if you need streaming help who take an extra
thought or two if they're truly going to be in your lineup.
Without further ado, let's get to seven fantasy football busts for Week 1:
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders
JCM was the rookie fantasy darling last season, and when it was all said and done, he was just OK. Finishing as RB33 in PPR formats, JCM's upside was limited in most weeks, and it's looking like much of the same this season.
The Commanders signed Rachaad White in the offseason, which should eat into JCM's workload. Combined with the fact that the Commanders are already dealing with injuries on the offensive line and the overall offensive efficiency could be lacking.
Add in a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, who come in with one of the NFL's top-rated defensive lines per PFF, and JCM could be in for a slower start to the season. He's a fringe flex option, and I'll stay away in Week 1.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tyjae Spears and the Titans host the New York Jets in Week 1, and while it seems like a good matchup on paper, I need to see it from the Titans before I buy in. This game has a low 38.5 total, which means the Titans are carrying a meager 20.0 implied team total. Woof.
I'm looking for a bit more meat on the bone if I'm starting a flex option. I want a team that's going to be putting up points so that player can simply fall into some production. We're talking about Spears, who's going to be splitting the backfield with Tony Pollard, who are both behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. With a limited role in the passing game, Spears isn't an option this week, even for deeper leagues.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings
With a clear tertiary role in the Vikings' offense, T.J. Hockenson is a non-factor in fantasy football this week.
There's plenty to talk about when it comes to the Vikings and the offseason they had - including a highly public quarterback battle - but when it's all said and done, it's not a boon for Hockenson. The pecking order for the Vikings offense is pretty darn clear. Justin Jefferson at the top, Jordan Addison second, then the duo in the backfield of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason and THEN we finally get to Hockenson.
A lot would need to go right for the veteran tight end to have a huge impact game, especially against the Green Bay Packers' defense, which allowed the 10th fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season. He's not as explosive as he once was, and a player you can't trust this week.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is back for the Kansas City Chiefs! Everything is great!
Or is it? It's nice to see that Mahomes is ready to start in Week 1 after the knee injuries he suffered last December, but let's pump the brakes on the rest of the team putting up big numbers. We have to remember that we still haven't seen Mahomes play yet. He's listed as the starter, and reports say he's good to go, but will there be any rust?
If there is, the passing game will take the longest to get going, which leaves Xavier Worthy hanging out to dry. With the Chiefs signing Kenneth Walker in the offseason, he is shaping up to be the focal point of the offense. We also have to account for Rashee Rice being back, who is the main aspect of their passing game, along with the sturdy familiarity that Travis Kelce brings for Mahomes.
On top of all this, they are also playing the Denver Broncos. With one of the best secondaries and defenses overall, I'll keep Worthy on the bench until we see something from Mahomes and it's a softer matchup.
Jalen McMillan, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A big 50.5 over/under against the Cincinnati Bengals looks enticing, but I'm still wary about massive fantasy points from everyone.
That starts with Jalen McMillan, who's been a bit banged up throughout training camp with a knee issue. As of Wednesday's injury report, he was still listed as limited.
Considering the Bucs can still roll out Bucky Irving, Kenny Gainwell, Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, they aren't strapped for offensive talent. Yes, McMillan is technically listed as a starter, but not being at full health is always an issue to take note of.
There's also been plenty of positive hype around rookie Ted Hurst, who could step into some action if McMillan isn't 100% ready to go.
Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
With a split role on a lackluster offense, Woody Marks is not the player to trust this week.
The Houston Texans traded for David Montgomery in the offseason, and they have him listed as RB1 on the depth chart. Marks is certainly one of the more intriguing backups across the NFL, but that's really if he can grab hold of the starting role.
The Texans' offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL, so there's a potential low floor of production. The matchup against the Bills' defensive front is average, but Marks isn't that big of a needle mover that you need to have him in your lineup.
Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Wait-and-see is my approach with rookie Makai Lemon.
I have high hopes for Lemon this season, I really do, but a Week 1 breakout is a bit too much to ask. Not only did Lemon deal with some injuries throughout training camp, but he's in the mix of a solid wide receiver room for the Eagles.
We know that DeVonta Smith leads the way for the Eagles, and yes, Lemon is a first-round talent, but the Eagles also went out and got Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown in the offseason.
Sure, the matchup versus the Washington Commanders' secondary is a juicy one, but I need more clarity on whether he's going to be a starter in my lineups.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Week 1 fantasy football busts: 7 players to bench
