The Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding RB Travis Etienne Jr..
Is Travis Etienne Jr. Playing in Week 1?
Etienne is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he will play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Jaguars’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Travis Etienne Jr. in Week 1?
The good news is that you were not asked to spend much draft capital to get a piece of a Liam Coen offense that could level up in a major way.
The bad news is that you have a running back who has shown enough to tempt you into rolling the dice in this plus-matchup. The Panthers allowed 6.0 yards per play last season, the worst rate in the league. Even so, you cannot be sure what the touch count is going to look like.
Travis Etienne Jr. was an unmitigated disaster last season; that much is hard to argue. Everything that is tempting you to play him in this spot builds just as strong a case in the other direction. The defense you want to target is the same one that Tank Bigsby and Bhatshul Tuten are running against.
If this is a three-man race to see who can impress the new coaching staff first in live action, there will likely be two losers. If there are two losers in a three-man competition, does that not mean you have greater odds to fail than to succeed as a fantasy manager?
I am holding all members of this backfield and trusting none in Week 1.
Fantasy football is fun, isn’t it?
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em article.
Travis Etienne Jr.’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Etienne is projected to score 10.4 points in PPR formats. This includes 45.2 rushing yards, 0.3 rushing touchdowns, 2.2 receptions for 17.6 receiving yards, and 0 receiving touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Jaguars vs Panthers
Weather conditions should be favorable for this outdoor matchup with temperatures at 88 degrees Fahrenheit and light winds of 6 mph.
