Fantasy Football: 8 Players With Tough Early-Season Schedules
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
| Week | Opponent | Projected Defensive Pass NEP Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redskins | 26 |
| 2 | Chiefs | 4 |
| 3 | Giants | 5 |
| 4 | Chargers | 10 |
Like his NFC East counterpart Dez Bryant, Alshon Jeffery faces a slew of tough tests in the first quarter of the season. With top-10 projected pass defenses in the Chiefs, Giants and Chargers all on deck in Week 2 through Week 4, Jeffery's chemistry with second-year quarterback Carson Wentz is going to have to be on point to exploit these tough matchups.
While Jeffery gets to face the Redskins' projected 26th-ranked pass defense in Week 1 to open the season, that unit's strongest piece -- Josh Norman -- is set to do more shadowing of number-one receivers in 2017.
Jeffery's already somewhat of a risky proposition as a fantasy asset. He was suspended for four games last season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, and his soft-tissue injury history is extensive (plus he's currently dealing with a shoulder ailment). On top of that, moving onto a new team and a new quarterback isn't always a recipe for success.
With the top-10 projected pass defenses in the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers serving as Jeffery's Week 5 and 6 opponents, and another trip to face Norman and the Redskins in Week 7, things look bleak for Jeffery until late October.
With so many risk factors surrounding him, it's best to avoid Jeffery early and try to capitalize on another owner's frustrations midway through the season as you begin prepping your playoff run.
