Well, that’s a rough start for Derick. Name the team Bowers' Kingdom, then get to the opener with Bowers expected to miss it.

Wednesday’s report says Brock Bowers is expected to miss the Raiders’ Sunday game after a knee procedure. Derick has Mark Andrews in the lineup, so at least there’s someone ready to go. Get a decent week from him and this is still very winnable. The rest of the team didn’t get hurt with Bowers.

Matthew gets Surtain Victory into a good matchup at a good time. These were ESPN’s second- and third-ranked drafts before the injury. He doesn’t have to feel bad about catching Derick without one of his best players. He does have to beat the guys who are there.

I lean Surtain Victory to beat Bowers' Kingdom in Week 1. Matthew has Jeremiyah Love marked questionable in Wednesday’s lineup too, so he has his own decision to watch. I just think losing Bowers takes away enough of Derick’s advantage to swing my pick.

Derick, winning this one would be a good reminder that you drafted more than the guy on the sign. Matthew, this would be an annoying one to let get away.

Valexia's Goal Diggers are my pick to beat DEVODAWGS in Week 1. Devin, you now have that in writing.

I like Valexia’s team, but first vs seventh makes this sound easier than it is. Devin has Josh Allen and a good backfield. He doesn’t need everyone to have the game of their lives. He needs a good week, and he has the players to get one.

Valexia has a little more balance across the lineup, which is why I’m leaning that way. The oddsmakers only give them a slight edge. That feels about right. In a ten-team league, even the team you’re supposed to beat has guys you’d happily take.

Wednesday’s lineup has Malik Nabers on Devin’s bench and Jerry Jeudy starting. Valexia has Ashton Jeanty marked questionable. So there are things to sort out on both sides before Sunday. I like Valexia with that uncertainty included, not just the version where everybody is healthy.

Devin gets a pretty good opportunity here: beat the team I put first, then bring this pick straight to Slack. Valexia can save me the explanation by winning.

I don’t think Anthony drafted the worst team in the league. AJ gets the first chance to make that opinion less convincing.

Ctrl Alt Defeat have a good backfield, Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the receivers, and choices behind the starters. There’s a difference between having questions and having the worst team. I’d want to see them play before taking tenth too seriously.

But TheJuiceIsLoose aren’t here to help Anthony make a point. AJ has enough receivers to put Davante Adams in the flex. He can get a big week from that group and leave Anthony with a perfectly decent score that still loses. That’s the part that matters more than whether the draft ranking was fair.

The oddsmakers lean slightly toward AJ. I can see it, but I don’t see a big gap. Both teams have enough to win this without needing the other one to fall apart.

Anthony gets to start answering the ranking on the field. AJ gets to make him wait another week. I’d watch this one before deciding either team belongs in the bottom half.

I pick GP3 to beat The Queen's Kings in Week 1. I like Brenton’s receivers and the team around them, but I’m not a long way from picking Sonny.

The oddsmakers give GP3 a small edge too. Sonny has a starting lineup that can absolutely win this. A good first night would make the rest of the weekend a lot more interesting for both of them.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba and A.J. Brown get their matchup going in the opening NFL game. Sonny has one, Brenton has the other. Same game, different rooting interests. It’s a lot harder to appreciate a good catch when your opponent gets the points.

There’s still a full weekend after that. An early lead is nice, but it can also leave you staring at a score while the other manager keeps pointing out how many players haven’t gone yet. Brenton needs enough from the whole lineup to earn the pick. Sonny has enough to make him work for it.

I’m going GP3. Would I be shocked if Sonny wins? Not remotely.

I don’t see enough between these teams to pick a winner. Daniel's Driven Team and Shannon's Super Team both have a good way to start 1–0.

Daniel has a backfield I like, with Christian McCaffrey at the center of it. Shannon has good backs too, and more receiver choices around them. I can make a case for either one without having to talk myself into much.

Daniel’s using three running backs, while Shannon has a receiver in the flex. If Daniel’s backs get the work and produce, Shannon will need the receivers to keep up. If they don’t, he could be watching her score climb while waiting for somebody to get another carry.

That’s an ordinary fantasy problem, but it’s a lot more interesting when it’s your team. Suddenly you have opinions about how an NFL offense should run, mostly based on which players you happen to own.

No pick here. They can settle this themselves. Whoever wins gets the first bit of bragging room in #ob-elite-fantasy-football, and one win is probably enough to get started.