NFL 2018: Top 3 NFL Matchups for Week 1

#2 Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants

Tom Coughlin returns to the MetLife Stadium, but this time as the executive VP of Football Operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars who almost upset the Patriots in the AFC Championship in 2017, will be eyeing the crown this year.

The Jaguars defense was outstanding last season. They remained healthy and dominated almost every team they faced. They were number 1 in most of the defensive categories. It is tough for any defense to repeat that kind of performance two years in a row but Jaguars' defense does not show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. With their defense being so good, there are plenty of questions in the offensive end of the ball, especially the passing offense.

The Jaguars let go of two of their top 2 Wide Receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns to free agency and did not add any key targets in the offseason. They also lost the starter Marquise Lee to an ACL injury during the training camp. This leaves Keenan Cole and Dede Westbrook as the viable receivers for the Jaguars, which is not a very good prospect. The whole team will depend on the running game and Leonard Fournette.

The Giants, on the other hand, have upgraded in every department. With a new head coach in Pat Shurmur who helped the Vikings reach the NFC Championship in 2017 season and the number 2 overall pick as well as OBJ coming back from the brutal leg injury from the 2017 season, all things are pointing up for the Giants this season.

Fantasy Outlook

Must-Start:

Jaguars Defense: This should be a constant the whole season. The Jaguars defense is a must-start in every game. They have a top-flight defensive line and a dynamic duo of CBs in Ramsey and Bouye. They are also facing a turnover-prone quarterback in Eli Manning. The front seven of the Jaguars could put enough pressure blocking the rookie Running back Barkley, pressurizing Manning more than he is used to.

Leonard Fournette, RB Jaguars: The Jaguars offense go through Fournette. Bortles is still a question mark and hence they need to establish the run game to have a chance to put up some numbers on the scoreboard. Fournette is a workhorse back and has a favorable matchup against the Giants Defense.

Under the Radar Players:

Jaguars Wide Receivers, Keenan Cole and Dede Westbrook could be the best streaming options for this week. One of these two could have a breakout game and could become the favorite option for Bortles.

Giants Defense is another top streaming defense this week. They have a favorable matchup against an interception-prone quarterback in Blake Bortles. Lack of reliable Receivers and Bortles' inconsistencies should be enough reasons to start the Giants defense.

Prediction:

This game could be a toss-up, but a lack of proper passing game and a revamped Giants offense with Pat Shurmur running it should see the Giants spoiling the return of Tom Coughlin to New York.

Score: Giants 21, Jaguars 13