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The regular season is finally here and the Jaguars open their schedule against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. You've still got two more days to tweak your roster (and maybe make a last-minute trade) before Thursday night's game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks, but here's some ideas on who you should start and who you should sit on Jacksonville's roster in Week 1.
Now, unless you're deluded beyond all measure, you probably don't have very many Jaguars players on your fantasy roster. But there's a few who can exploit the Eagles for points on Sunday. Who are they?
Start 'Em
RB Toby Gerhart: Granted, the biggest reason to include him on your roster are his goal line touches and the Jaguars had the worst red zone efficiency in terms of scoring touchdowns last year. But it's hard to not start a guy who will get the bulk of the carries. And he's only lost six fumbles in more than 350 touches in his four-year career, so whatever points he gains most likely won't be lost.
Predicted stat line: 80 total yards, 1 touchdown
TE Marcedes Lewis: Sure, Chad Henne is the quarterback, but the Jaguars receiving corps still isn't at full health. When Jacksonville is in the red zone, or even goal line situations, Gerhart is probably the best bet to get points. But Henne loves to throw to Lewis in down-and-goal situations, with three of his four touchdowns coming from within the 8-yard line.
Predicted stat line: 4 catches, 40 yards, 1 touchdown
WR Cecil Shorts: Henne loves to key in on receivers and feed them the ball. Case in point: Cecil Shorts III had double-digit targets in nine of his 15 games last year. Yes, some of that had to do with our lackluster receiving corps, but with Lee still learning and Allen Robinson still hampered by a hamstring injury, look for Shorts and rookie Allen Hurns to clean up on Sunday.
Predicted stat line: 8 catches, 95 yards, 0 touchdowns
Uggggghhhhh... and of course Cecil Shorts III was ruled out for the season opener.
Sit 'Em
QB Chad Henne: Just... no. For the love of all things holy and good, please, no.
Predicted stat line: 205 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
WR Marqise Lee: Don't be fooled by the preseason flashes by Lee. He's still on a steep learning curve, and that 57-yard catch-and-run against the Atlanta Falcons won't happen with Henne under center. His best bet for points will be in the red zone, but I think Henne will be looking at his tight ends or a running back out of the flat over Lee.
Predicted stat line: 3 catches, 30 yards, 0 touchdowns
DST Jaguars: The Jaguars defense will be improved from last season and I'll probably start them in a few AFC South games this year. But not against the Eagles. Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy were bad news for fantasy defenses last year, and it only got worse as the season progressed. 2014 will only be a continuation of where they left off.
Predicted stat line: 31 PA, 0 interceptions, 2 sacks, 0 fumble recoveries, 0 touchdowns
Editor's Note: SB Nation's partner FanDuel is hosting a $100,000 Fantasy Football Contest for Week 1's NFL games. It's only $10 to join and first prize is $10,000. Starts Sunday, September 7th at 1pm ET. Here's the FanDuel link.