It is time! After 207 days of bleak football-less-ness, the Week 1 Thursday Night game will officially “kick-off” the 2022 season. And boy, did the NFL scheduling mages gift us with a doozy. The Buffalo Bills travel to Tinseltown to take on the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. We get two of last season’s top-eight scoring offenses. We get two of last season’s top-12 fantasy DSTs. Last season’s top fantasy quarterback on one side, the top fantasy wide receiver on the other. Stars abound in this heavy-weight bout that many consider the first bookend to the season, with a rematch in Super Bowl LVII a distinct possibility. While we wait impatiently for game time, let’s take a look at some of the fantasy storylines from tonight’s contest.

Week 1 Thursday Night Preview: Rams’ Offense

For an offense that finished tied for seventh in points scored and ninth in total yardage, there are still a couple of questions about the Rams this season, fantasy-wise. Not the least important of those is the status of quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s elbow. A bout of what was labeled “bad tendinitis” (as opposed to “good tendinitis,” apparently?) caused Stafford to undergo off-season surgery. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tells us not to worry, however.

There is a reason why Matthew Stafford described himself as 100% heading into tonight. Following a PRP injection and a non-surgical procedure aimed at healing the elbow, Stafford has completed his 6-month rehab. He's ready. https://t.co/5zGTXEmGoW

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2022

If Stafford is truly good-to-go, it bodes well for the Rams’ chances in the game and fantasy tonight. Even against the Bills’ vaunted defense, Stafford should be able to put up at least low-end fantasy starter numbers. If you drafted him as your starter, don’t overthink it.

As for the rest of the offense, Cooper Kupp is poised once again to be a dominant force at wideout. Kupp had more games with multiple touchdowns last season (five) than games with single-digit targets (three). And in those three games with single-digit targets, his lowest fantasy score was 21.5 points. Let’s go! Across from him, popular bounce-back candidate Allen Robinson should thrive in the Robert Woods/Odell Beckham sidekick role. He makes a good WR2/FLEX play against what should be favorable coverage. Tight end Tyler Higbee is a good football player but not such a great fantasy force. Stream him if you must, but temper expectations. He’s a higher-end TE2.

Rams’ Offense Big Question

Perhaps the biggest unknown on the team is the backfield. Is Cam Akers ready for primetime as a feature back, or will this be an RBBC with Darrell Henderson still carrying standalone value? I’m higher on Henderson’s value for the season. Managers with Akers rostered probably drafted him as an RB2 or as part of a Zero-RB strategy, but I’ve cautioned all off-season against drafting him too high. I’m just not convinced he’ll be a work-horse in this offense after what we saw from him in limited action late last year. Neither back may find much running room in a potential shoot-out against a top defense. It will be interesting to see who takes the pass targets and RedZone touches. I’d shy away from either tonight if you can help it. Better matchups (and more clarity) are ahead.

Week 1 Thursday Night Preview: Bills’ Offense

A popular Super Bowl pick, the Bills seem to have everything going for them right now. The same is true for the Bills’ fantasy prospects as well. While a Week 1 Thursday night showdown looms against Aaron Donald, Josh Allen should still be able to find plenty of opportunities for his wealth of weapons. Again, the top overall quarterback taken should be in your lineup if you have him. We don’t draft players of his caliber to bench them in Week 1. He’ll get his through the air one way or another and as always, stands a good chance to find himself in the endzone via the run.

Stefon Diggs is a WR1 both on the year and for tonight. Again, you didn’t draft him to sit behind Terry McLaurin based on match-ups. Even if he sees a healthy dose of Jalen Ramsey, expect him to put up starting stats. I’ve been high on Gabriel Davis and remain so, but he may have tougher sledding tonight if the Rams decide to take their chances with Ramsey on Diggs one-on-one. Freeing up bracket coverage over the top could take away a valuable part of Davis’s game. I’m starting him in several leagues but be prepared for a pedestrian night against a good Rams’ D. Dawson Knox appears to have a stranglehold on the starting tight end spot but was awfully touchdown-dependent for my tastes last season. He’s playable this week mostly by default among tight ends not named Kelce, Andrews, or Pitts.

Bills’ Offense Big Question

As with the Rams, the most interesting (and potentially frustrating) situation is at running back. Devin Singletary went on a Single-tear-y late last season with five touchdowns in his last four games. He paced the rushing attack with 76 attempts in those games to 21 for backup Zack Moss. Managers rejoiced as it looked like we’d finally have a main back on a dangerous offense. Then the Bills drafted James Cook, Zack Moss looked useable in camp and limited preseason action, and suddenly we’re right back where we started with Buffalo’s backfield. Again, I like Singletary to take command of the position this season. But it will be important to watch who comes away with pass targets (does Cook emerge as a PPR threat?) and RedZone work. Does Allen negate everyone’s goal-line value?

Challenge Chase!

Ever wonder how you stack up against the experts? Now’s your chance to find out! You can use teams you’ve already drafted to take me on for weekly bragging rights with Flex Fantasy. Visit https://www.flex.fan/bellyup to sign up and challenge me, as I’ll be using lineups from my own home leagues. You can play for fun, play for money, or play for both! Look for SttChaseFFB’s teams in the Flex Fantasy Arena and sign up today. I promise I won’t rub it in (much) when I win. Got something to say? Leave a comment below, follow me on Twitter @SttChaseFFB, and catch me on the Belly Up Fantasy Live podcast Sundays and Wednesdays all season long. Slàinte!