If Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (thumb) takes the field for Sunday's season opener against the Chiefs, he will be making his 25th career start and second straight start in a season opener. Gabbert hasn't had a ton of success in his first two NFL seasons, but if he is able to repeat the numbers he produced in Week 1 last season, then Gabbert's 2013 season will be off to a nice start.
The third-year quarterback completed 23 of 39 passes for 260 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 26-23 loss to Minnesota in the season opener last year.
Last season, the Chiefs allowed 20.8 Fantasy points per week to quarterbacks, which was tied for the sixth-highest average in the NFL. The Chiefs underwent a coaching overhaul in the offseason, and the results in the preseason were a bit more encouraging. The Chiefs were tied for 14th in pass defense (207 yards per game) and allowed just five passing touchdowns to three interceptions.
Although Gabbert can't damage his thumb any further if he plays Sunday, he still isn't going to be 100 percent if he plays and could be rusty since he's missed so much playing time. Fantasy owners should look to better alternatives Week 1.