Now that New England Patriots QB Tom Brady has been vindicated and will start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL season opener next Thursday, oddsmakers believe he will be among the fantasy football leaders in Week 1.
Brady’s four-game suspension was overturned this past Thursday after he was originally punished by the league for his role in the Deflategate scandal. The three-time Super Bowl MVP’s motivation should now be at an all-time high, which should lead to a lot of fantasy points against Pittsburgh’s porous pass defense.
Brady is a +150 favorite to have more fantasy points than Tony Romo (+175) of the Dallas Cowboys and Peyton Manning (+200) of the Denver Broncos, who both have tougher matchups defensively against the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens, respectively.
In another fantasy football quarterback matchup, Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers is tied as a +140 favorite with Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts, ahead of Russell Wilson (+250) of the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers has owned his Week 1 opponent, winning nine of the past 10 meetings with the Chicago Bears.
The reigning NFL MVP torched the Bears for six touchdown passes in the first half of a 55-14 rout in the last meeting at Lambeau Field and should have a big advantage over Luck and Wilson, who each also have to face good defenses on the road.
- Tom Brady +150
- Tony Romo +175
- Peyton Manning +200
- Aaron Rodgers +140
- Andrew Luck +140
- Russell Wilson +250
