Fantasy Football Week 1: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome to the first week of the NFL season, and you know what that means – it's time to make those crucial start 'em or sit 'em decisions. We're here to help you navigate through the Week 1 chaos and guide you towards a winning start. Let's dive right in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy week 1 start sit.
QBs: Who's Hot and Who's Not
Start 'Em
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is set to dominate Week 1, and here's why.
The reigning MVP is back and hungrier than ever. Facing a Cleveland Browns defense that ranked 21st against the pass last season, Jackson is primed for a monster game. With a full offseason to refine his passing skills and a revamped receiving corps, expect big things from Lamar in Week 1.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals are ready to take the league by storm.
Murray is coming off a breakout season and has a favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans, who ranked 25th against the pass in 2020. With DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, and Rondale Moore at his disposal, Murray should have no problem putting up big numbers.
Sit 'Em
Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady might be the GOAT, but Week 1 could be a challenge.
The Bucs face a tough Dallas Cowboys defense in the season opener, and with key players like Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown nursing injuries, Brady might struggle to put up gaudy numbers. It's not a must-sit, but consider benching Brady for a safer option like Murray or Jackson.
RBs: Run to the End Zone
Start 'Em
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry is an absolute beast and should feast on the Cardinals' defense.
Henry is coming off consecutive 2,000-yard seasons from scrimmage and shows no signs of slowing down. Facing an Arizona defense that ranked 30th against the run in 2020, Henry is a lock for a huge game.
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler is set to explode in Week 1 against the Washington Football Team.
Ekeler is a PPR machine and should see a heavy workload with Justin Herbert under center. The Football Team's defense ranked 28th against the run last season, making Ekeler an enticing start in Week 1.
Sit 'Em
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Saquon Barkley might be back, but Week 1 could be a challenge.
Barkley is coming off a torn ACL and faces a tough Denver Broncos defense in the season opener. With the Giants' uncertain offensive line and Barkley's lack of preseason action, it's wise to temper expectations and consider benching him for a safer option like Ekeler.
WRs: Catching Fire
Start 'Em
Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
Stefon Diggs is primed for another monster season, starting in Week 1.
Diggs led the league in receptions and receiving yards in 2020 and should pick up where he left off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers' secondary is banged up, and Josh Allen should have no problem finding his favorite target.
DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles
DeVonta Smith is set to make an immediate impact in the NFL, starting in Week 1.
Smith was a dominant force at Alabama and should continue his success with the Eagles. Facing a Atlanta Falcons defense that ranked 27th against the pass in 2020, Smith is a must-start in his NFL debut.
Sit 'Em
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Tee Higgins might have a bright future, but Week 1 could be a struggle.
Higgins had a solid rookie season but faces a tough Minnesota Vikings defense in the season opener. With Ja'Marr Chase stealing targets and the Bengals' offense still gelling, Higgins might not provide the production you need in Week 1.
TEs: Tight End Targets
Start 'Em
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews is set to build on his breakout 2020 season in Week 1.
Andrews finished last season as the TE3 and should continue his success against the Browns. With no true WR1 in Baltimore, Andrews should see plenty of targets and red-zone looks.
Sit 'Em
Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers
Robert Tonyan might have had a great 2020, but Week 1 could be a challenge.
Tonyan had a career year last season but faces a tough New Orleans Saints defense in the season opener. With Davante Adams and the Packers' receiving corps drawing most of the attention, Tonyan might not provide the production you need in Week 1.
Defenses: Stop 'Em
Start 'Em
Los Angeles Rams Defense
The Rams' defense is ready to wreak havoc in Week 1.
The Rams face a Chicago Bears offense that ranked 29th in points per game last season. With Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey leading the way, the Rams' defense should have no problem stuffing the Bears' offense.
Sit 'Em
Indianapolis Colts Defense
The Colts' defense might be solid, but Week 1 could be a struggle.
The Colts face a Seattle Seahawks offense that ranked 10th in points per game last season. With Russell Wilson and DK Metcalf leading the way, the Colts' defense might not provide the production you need in Week 1.
Final Thoughts
Fantasy football is all about making the right decisions, and Week 1 is no different. By starting the hot players and benching the cold ones, you'll give yourself the best chance to win. So, go ahead – start your best lineup and let's make some magic happen! Good luck, and happy fantasy footballing!