Who to Play Week 1: Your Ultimate Fantasy Football Starter Guide
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to another exciting season. You've spent countless hours drafting, trading, and strategizing. Now, the moment we've all been waiting for - Week 1 is finally here! But who to play? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's dive in and find out who to start, sit, and even who to consider on your bench. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who to play week 1 fantasy football.
Quarterbacks: Who to Play Week 1
Start 'Em
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens - Lamar's back, and he's bringing that dual-threat magic to your fantasy lineup. Facing a Bills defense that struggled against mobile QBs last season, Jackson is a must-start in Week 1.
- Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals - Murray's got a new offensive coordinator and a revamped receiving corps. Expect big things against a Titans defense that ranked 27th against the pass last year.
Sit 'Em
- Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams - Facing a 49ers defense that's always tough on QBs, Goff might struggle in Week 1. Consider sitting him until we see how the Rams' offense gels.
- Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys - Prescott's coming off a serious injury and faces a Buccaneers defense that ranked 4th against the pass in 2020. It might be wise to keep him on your bench until he proves he's back to form.
Running Backs: Who to Play Week 1
Start 'Em
- Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans - Henry faces an Arizona defense that ranked 31st against the run last season. Expect a monster game from the NFL's leading rusher.
- Saquon Barkley, New York Giants - Barkley's back from injury and draws a soft matchup against a Broncos defense that ranked 20th against the run last year. Start him with confidence.
Sit 'Em
- Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers - Facing a Washington defense that ranked 7th against the run last season, Ekeler's production might be limited. Consider sitting him until his role in the offense is clearer.
- Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals - Mixon faces a Minnesota defense that ranked 6th against the run last year. With a new coaching staff and a tough matchup, Mixon might be better off on your bench in Week 1.
Wide Receivers: Who to Play Week 1
Start 'Em
- Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills - Diggs faces his former team, the Vikings, in Week 1. Expect him to have a big game against a secondary that ranked 28th against the pass last season.
- Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers - Samuel's back from injury and draws a favorable matchup against a Rams secondary that ranked 21st against the pass last year. Start him with confidence.
Sit 'Em
- Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Evans faces a Cowboys defense that ranked 4th against the pass last season. With a tough matchup and the possibility of shadow coverage from Trevon Diggs, Evans might be better off on your bench.
- Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks - Lockett faces a Colts defense that ranked 9th against the pass last year. With a tough matchup and the possibility of a run-heavy game plan, Lockett might be better off on your bench in Week 1.
Tight Ends: Who to Play Week 1
Start 'Em
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs - Kelce faces a Browns defense that ranked 22nd against the pass last season. With a favorable matchup and a high-volume role in the Chiefs' offense, Kelce is a must-start.
- Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens - Andrews faces a Bills defense that struggled against tight ends last season. With a favorable matchup and a big role in the Ravens' offense, Andrews is a great start in Week 1.
Sit 'Em
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers - Kittle faces a Rams defense that ranked 10th against the pass last season. With a tough matchup and the possibility of a run-heavy game plan, Kittle might be better off on your bench.
- Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders - Waller faces a Ravens defense that ranked 5th against the pass last season. With a tough matchup and the possibility of a run-heavy game plan, Waller might be better off on your bench in Week 1.
Defenses: Who to Play Week 1
Start 'Em
- Pittsburgh Steelers - Facing a Bills offense that turned the ball over 27 times last season, the Steelers' defense is a great start in Week 1.
- Los Angeles Rams - The Rams face a 49ers offense that's dealing with injuries and uncertainty at the quarterback position. Expect a big game from the Rams' defense.
Sit 'Em
- Chicago Bears - The Bears face a Rams offense that ranked 2nd in points scored last season. With a tough matchup, the Bears' defense might be better off on your bench.
- Cleveland Browns - The Browns face a Chiefs offense that ranked 1st in points scored last season. With a tough matchup, the Browns' defense might be better off on your bench in Week 1.
Kickers: Who to Play Week 1
Start 'Em
- Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons - Koo faces a Eagles defense that ranked 25th in points allowed last season. Expect him to have plenty of opportunities to score.
- Jason Myers, New York Jets - Myers faces a Carolina defense that ranked 29th in points allowed last season. With a favorable matchup and a high-volume kicker, Myers is a great start in Week 1.
Sit 'Em
- Wil Lutz, New Orleans Saints - Lutz faces a Packers defense that ranked 8th in points allowed last season. With a tough matchup and a low-volume kicker, Lutz might be better off on your bench.
- Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs - Butker faces a Browns defense that ranked 15th in points allowed last season. With a tough matchup and a low-volume kicker, Butker might be better off on your bench in Week 1.
And there you have it, folks! Your ultimate guide to who to play, sit, and consider in Week 1. Remember, fantasy football is all about managing risk and making informed decisions. So, stay sharp, stay hungry, and most importantly, have fun!
Happy fantasy footballing, guys!