With Week 1 of the NFL season starting up on Thursday with the Denver Broncos hosting the Baltimore Ravens, there are a number of interesting games that could determine fantasy matchups and some busts for the first game include players like Aaron Rodgers, Robert Griffin III, Brandon Marshall, Ray Rice and Chris Ivory as well as names like Jay Cutler, EJ Manuel, CJ Spiller and Calvin Johnson.
Saying these players are busts in Week 1 does not mean they are busts for the season and it mainly concerns the team they are playing against rather than their own. Aaron Rodgers is obviously the best quarterback in the NFL and if you have him, start him, but there is a good chance he could be a bust in Week 1, as his two top receivers are coming back off injuries in Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson and on top of that he is facing one of the toughest defenses in the league.
Rodgers and the Pack will be looking for revenge after their playoff loss last season and that isn't always the best way to start things and on top of that, the offensive line is a bit of a mess, so a big game from Rodgers is not expected, although no one would be surprised if he came through. Last season Rodgers lost both games to the team and in Week 1 last year, he threw for some nice yardage, but had two touchdowns and a pick and he did the same against the team in the playoffs and now it appears he is ready for another so-so game. Rodgers could end up torching the Niners, but look for the under on this one. Last season the team was fourth in passing yards allowed per game with 200, should be right around there again this season.
Brandon Marshall was a reception machine last season, making 118 from Jay Cutler mostly, but after dealing with a hip issue and playing a tough Bengals team in Week 1, prepare for a letdown from Marshall in the first game. The Bengals have an underrated secondary and since Marshall is not fully healthy, expect the inner whiner to come out in Week 1 before straightening things out in Week 2. The Giants play the Cowboys in Week 1, so watch out for David Wilson and Hakeem Nicks, as both could be in for letdowns against an improved Dallas defense.
Robert Griffin III is playing the Eagles and while that isn't the reason he is a bust in Week 1, it could factor in. Griffin is coming off of a serious knee injury and chances are he won't be fully back to speed and this year he won't sneak up on anyone. Griffin has not played in a legit game since he was injured and chances are the Redskins take it easy with him rushing the ball.
Ray Rice is facing a defense that was in the top 10 last season in the Broncos and with so many new faces on offense, the team will need some time to catch up. Rice is one of the best backs in the league, but a bad game here and there isn't a big deal and it could happen early. Another back to watch out for is Chris Ivory, as he and the Jets are playing the Bucs, who had the best ranked rushing defense in the league last season and with the bad o-line from NY, a tough game is likely in store.