Fantasy Forum: Ask Brad
Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Drake Maye, Patriots
| Start pct. | 23% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Raiders |
| BetMGM line | NE -2.5 |
| BetMGM total | 42.5 |
| BetAlytics proj. | 17.6 fpts |
For risk-taking managers in single-QB leagues who waited on selecting a signal caller, the Patriots sophomore is likely to tally a sensational start. And, no, a large serving of radioactive shrimp didn't play a factor in this decision.
Drowning this take in cocktail sauce, Maye has sizable odds of tongue-jolting results.
Many moons ago, the Raiders finished the 2024 season a quite respectable No. 12 in pass EPA defense. However, with the departure of key bodies and given the coaching overhaul, new faces now adorn billboards along The Strip. As a result, according to Pro Football Focus the chips are stacked against them. The Raiders are projected to trot out the most accommodating secondary in the league. Overall, it's a young and unproven unit. Safety Chris Harris is the only starter who posted a 65+ covrerage grade last fall.
Dios mio.
Maye flashed at times in his inaugural campaign, but, for the most part, he was the definition of "work in progress." The former Tar Heel's sticky production in several categories -- he ranked outside the top-25 in adjusted completion percentage, total air yards and deep-ball completion rate -- suggests smooth performances could be rare. However, with bottle rocket TreVeyon Henderson now on roster and Stefon Diggs looking healthy and spry, the passer should take a noticeable step forward.
Throw in his propensity to run -- Maye averaged 32.4 rush yards per game in '24 -- and the floor raises.
Announcing his 2025 fantasy presence with authority, the Patriots passer has solid odds of churning out a QB1 line -- even in 10-team leagues.
Fearless Forecast: 232 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 38 rushing yards, 22.4 fantasy points
Week 1 Bonus Flame
Bryce Young, Panthers
| Start pct. | 3% |
| Matchup | at Jaguars |
| BetAlytics proj. | 17.1 fpts |
He may require a step stool to reach that desired top-shelf item, but those who slept hard on the diminutive passer late in August drafts will soon second guess.
Young should advance prodigiously in his third season. Over the 2024 homestretch, he exhibited better pocket awareness, decision making and accuracy. Most impressively, he bombarded defenses with several deep-ball connections. His 22 big-time throws logged from Week 12 on ranked No. 1 among all NFL passers. Once thought to be on a ruinous path joining the likes of Draft busts like Johnny Manziel, JaMarcus Russell and Paxton Lynch, he silenced doubters and simply delivered.
A member of this scribe's preseason All-Undervalued Team, the discounted Young starts the season with a BANG!
Defense will be optional in Duvall this season. The addition of DBs Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray upgrades a secondary that ranked dead last in dropback EPA D last season, but the unit has miles to travel to regain respectability.
When also weighing Carolina's expected doughy D along with Liam Coen's high-flying offense and shootout thoughts begin to take shape. Jalen Coker's absence (quad) stings, but rookie Tetairoa McMillan and buzzy TE Ja'Tavion Sanders are set to shine. The 46.5 total at BetMGM seems suspiciously low.
In the opener, Young stands tall in the box score.
Fearless Forecast: 255 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 22 rush yards, 21.9 fantasy points
Season Record: 0-0