To say that former 2015 top overall pick in the NFL Draft in second-year Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston opened the 2016-17 season with a bang in a 31-24 road win over the Atlanta Falcons is an understatement, because of this year, Winston looks like a whole new man. As many people try to decide if week 1 was a fluke or not, find out whether you should start him or not on your fantasy football team.
Winston, who went thru a vigorous off-season in slimming down and refining his technique under center, torched the Falcons to the tune of 281 yards passing and four touchdowns in Week 1.
One year after getting outplayed by fellow rookie—and nemesis in Marcus Mariota of the Tennessee Titans—it appears that Winston is beginning to create some early separation between him and his former college rival.
In his first year under new head coach—and former offensive coordinator—in Dirk Koetter, Winston is showing off the arm strength and touch that helped make him a 2013 Heisman Trophy winner and BCS national champion at Florida State.
While it was an impressive road win against the Falcons, Winston may be in line for a reality check over a stewing—and pissed off—Arizona Cardinals defense that got carved up by another young quarterback in New England’s Jimmy Garrapolo.
With the game on the road, I would suggest caution in starting Winston due to Arizona likely to come hard after him early and often. If Winston gets enough time, he will likely find his usual targets of Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans down the field.
This is not a slam dunk start for Week 2, and facing an angry team in their house coming off of a stinging loss is not a good recipe for fantasy success for Winston owners.
FF stat line projection: 267 yards passing, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and two sacks.