Top Week 1 fantasy football matchups to exploit

The NFL season kicks off this week, which means it's almost time to lock in your first fantasy football lineup for the 2024 season.

Most fantasy managers roll with set lineups and swap players in and out based on injuries, but watching key matchups is also a fruitful way to produce some points.

Every week, Yardbarker will give you some of the top fantasy football matchups to take advantage of. Here are the top matchups to exploit in Week 1:

Packers QB Jordan Love vs. Eagles secondary

The Eagles had the second-worst pass defense in the NFL last season, allowing 252.7 passing yards per game and 35 touchdown passes. They also tied for the fourth-fewest interceptions (nine) and allowed the fourth-highest passer rating (97.6) — all good signs for Green Bay.

Love had the second-most touchdown passes (32) last season and he ranked seventh in passing yards (4,159). His young WR corps is another year experienced, and the Eagles could be relying heavily on two rookie cornerbacks (Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean) to try and stop the likes of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and Luke Musgrave. Love could potentially have a big day against the Eagles' young secondary.

Bills RB James Cook vs. Cardinals front seven

Cook came out of nowhere to surprise everyone in 2023, rushing for 1,122 yards (fourth-most in the league) and ranking 12th in first downs via run (53). Though he only had three 100-yard games a year ago, Cook excels at picking up extra yards and getting the most out of what his offensive line gives him.

Conversely, Arizona had the worst run defense in the league last year, surrendering 143.2 yards per game and allowing the second-most yards per carry (4.7), the fifth-most rushing touchdown (19) and eight 100-yard rushers. 

While Arizona did sign defensive tackle Justin Jones, defensive end Bilal Nichols and linebacker Mack Wilson, it didn’t add a difference-maker anywhere along the front seven, and Cook could begin the year with an easy 100-yard game.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp vs. Lions defensive backs

Kupp missed five games due to injury last year and his production subsequently dropped off because of it (59 receptions, 737 yards, five touchdowns). That said, he should regain his Pro Bowl form if he’s fully healthy. The Rams offense is predicated on Matthew Stafford throwing it 35-40 times per game, and Kupp is — and has been — his favorite target.

The Lions secondary was one of the worst in the NFL last year, giving up 268.4 yards receiving per game and 28 receiving touchdowns, though they patched up the holes they had in the defensive backfield with rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. 

That said, Detroit will be breaking in a new No. 1 CB in Carlton Davis so there could be some growing pains early on, making Week 1 a prime opportunity for a WR like Kupp to have a breakout game.