Buckle up, fantasy football fanatics! The 2024 NFL season is about to kick off, and with it comes the eternal quest for the perfect lineup. This article dives into some surprising Week 1 predictions, highlighting potential sleepers and busts. But remember, fantasy football is a game of unpredictability, so don't be afraid to challenge the assumptions! 

First up, Baker Mayfield. He might not be a household name like Patrick Mahomes, but the Buccaneers QB has a juicy matchup against the Washington Commanders, who seemed to generously gift opposing quarterbacks with fantasy points last year. Could Mayfield be poised for a resurgent season, or is this just a flash in the pan? 

Speaking of rising stars, Titans running back Tyjae Spears looks to capitalize on a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bears, who struggled mightily against pass-catching backs last season. But is this a case of exploiting a weakness, or will Spears' talent truly shine through? 

Adding another layer of intrigue, a powerful computer model, which has consistently outperformed human experts in fantasy football, is making waves with its Week 1 predictions. This model, which simulates thousands of NFL games, has some eyebrow-raising selections. For instance, it's fading Kyler Murray, the talented Arizona Cardinals quarterback, despite his Pro Bowl pedigree. The model cites a tough Week 1 matchup against the formidable Buffalo Bills defense as the reason. Is the model right to be skeptical of Murray, or are they overlooking his potential? 

On the flip side, the model is surprisingly bullish on Geno Smith, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback who had a disappointing 2023 season. Could Smith bounce back with a stellar Week 1 performance against a weakened Denver Broncos secondary? Or is this a case of the model overestimating Smith's potential? 

The model also has a secret weapon: a surprising quarterback pick predicted to finish in the Week 1 top five. This could be the game-changer that separates fantasy football champions from also-rans. But who is this hidden gem, and can you trust the model's prediction? The answers lie within the model's complete Week 1 fantasy football fantasy football rankings.

Fantasy Football Week 1: Sleepers, Streamers, and One Shocking Prediction

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