Week 1: Player Upgrades

WR Robert Meachem, SD

After toiling deep within the New Orleans Saints wide receiver depth chart, Meachem finally has an opportunity to shine. The Chargers travel to Oakland in Week 1 and the Raiders allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers last year in standard scoring leagues. With Ryan Mathews out, the team should lean on their passing attack (which means Meachem, San Diego's No. 1 WR, should see lots of targets). The former Tennessee standout is a legit deep-threat. The Raiders allowed 58 pass plays of 20-plus yards last season, tied for fifth-most in the NFL. Plug Meachem into your flex spot because even if he only has a few receptions, there's a strong likelihood at least one of them will be a huge touchdown grab.

TE Kyle Rudolph, MIN

Fantasy gurus from sea to shining sea are in love with Rudolph now that he's the featured tight end in Minnesota. Another reason to like him, at least in Week 1, is because he's going up against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends last year and allowed a league-worst 91 receptions to tight ends. Rudolph is widely-considered "the next big thing" at his position and he probably deserves such a distinction. He's a big target (6-6, 259 pounds) and has a great opportunity to be the team's second-best receiving option behind Percy Harvin since Jerome Simpson is serving a three-game suspension. If Adrian Peterson isn't himself, this too could shift the offense in his favor. Rather than let Peterson take constant poundings in the red zone, Rudolph could be the go-to guy around the goal line.

Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings