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Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Top Picks and Players to Avoid

I hope everyone had a great fantasy draft! If you haven’t already drafted, today is your last day to do it. If you’re like me, you probably don’t feel too great about your team, but here’s some knowledge: nobody really likes their team after the draft. If you play in a competitive league, chances are you missed out on that one player you really wanted. Just remember, in-season roster management wins leagues, not the draft (though you can definitely lose at the draft). Week 1 of the NFL season is here, and there are plenty of advantageous matchups to look at, as well as some matchups you should avoid. Let’s take a look at some of the matchups I like and dislike heading into Week 1.


Start ‘Em: Quarterbacks

 

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (@TB): The Bucs’ starting CBs are average, and OC Kliff Kingsbury will be ready to get his new toy up and running. Jayden Daniels offers a big arm and the ability to create outside the pocket. Most people who drafted him are banking on him replicating some of his rushing stats from his days at LSU. I like Daniels here—if you have him, start him.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. LAR): If Jared Goff plays in a dome, he is almost a must-start. Indoors last year, he had a 104 QB rating with 23 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. His outdoor stats? 87 QBR with 7 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. The Rams’ defense also lost All-Pro DT Aaron Donald, so look for Goff to start hot at home against his former team.

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. GB): My homer pick of the week is in. Give me Jalen Hurts in a new offense that will be eager to show the world that last year’s collapse has no lingering effects on this year’s team. Hurts has plenty of new pieces to work with this year in Saquon Barkley and Jahan Dotson. I like the matchup as well.


Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks

 

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (@CLE): Dak Prescott faces one of the best defenses in the league with a new offensive line and fewer weapons. I don’t see how this matchup favors Prescott and the Cowboys at all. Zeke and Dowdle will have to get going for the passing game to open up. Otherwise, I’d avoid this matchup at all costs.

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (vs. NYJ): I get it—all of the key 49ers’ offensive pieces are back and ready to go. However, the Jets have a great defense. Last year, when he faced tough defenses (CLE, BAL), Purdy just wasn’t himself. Against the Ravens, Purdy threw 4 INTs; against the Browns, he had a 44.4% completion percentage and averaged 4.6 yards per completion. I like Purdy normally, but against good defenses, I’ll pass.

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. LV): Justin Herbert is in for a tough year, and the Raiders’ defense is a tough first matchup. The Chargers’ front office did Herbert no favors this offseason. Sure, they added top OL Joe Alt, but other than that? Nothing. I would avoid Justin Herbert for most of the year unless he proves he can work with a bottom-tier skill position unit.


Start ‘Em: Running Backs

 

Devin Singletary, New York Giants (vs. MIN): The Giants are going to have to lean on the run game with QB Daniel Jones starting. Singletary is going to get a ton of volume this season. The only issue that may come up is if the Giants are losing and are forced to pass the ball. Good news, though: the Vikings aren’t very good, so look for Singletary to get a ton of work out of the backfield.

Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (@SEA): If I had to guess, the Broncos and Sean Payton are giving Javonte Williams one last shot to be the guy in Denver. They are going to give Williams all the touches in the world he needs, and if he struggles, hopefully Jaleel McLaughlin is available in your league or you picked him up as a handcuff.

Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (@CHI): Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears should see a good bit of action against this Bears defense, which creates challenges in the passing game.


Sit ‘Em: Running Backs

 

Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (@CLE): As I mentioned before, the Browns’ defense is really good. Zeke is a huge question mark this year as well. Who knows what kind of shape he will be in? If you have Dowdle, hold on to him—I think he will be the feature back before the season ends.

Chargers RBs (Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins) (vs. LV): I just don’t like this Chargers team, but isn’t it cool that they kept Edwards and Dobbins together? This matchup doesn’t favor them too well, in my opinion. The Raiders are stingy, and I’d avoid the Chargers until they figure out some sort of identity.


Start ‘Em: Wide Receivers

 

Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (@LAC): I like Meyers as a WR2. Davante Adams is going to take a lot of the opposing defense’s resources, so Meyers can be a sneaky candidate for sleeper of the year. He averaged 11.4 points per game last year, and I think with better QB play from Minshew, it could improve this year.

Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (@ARZ): The Bills have a receiver identity issue. Diggs and Davis are now gone, so someone has to step up. Coleman looks to get his NFL career started, and he has a QB ready to sling it.

Malik Nabers, New York Giants (vs. MIN): Am I crazy to think that Nabers could end up being a top-10 WR when this season is all said and done? Probably, but he gets a decent matchup against the Vikings. The Giants don’t really have anyone else worthy of targets, so Nabers expects to get plenty of volume.


Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers

Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (@SEA): Sutton has a tough matchup in Week 1 against the Seahawks’ corners. Separation will be hard to come by. Bo Nix will also experience some bumps along the way, so I would avoid Sutton this week.

Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. LV): I’m sure McConkey will be a good WR at some point this season, but against Nate Hobbs and that Raiders defense, I’m not sure this is the week to start him. I would sit McConkey this week.

Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers (@NO): The Saints’ secondary is a solid unit, and Bryce Young has to prove he can be a starting-caliber QB in the NFL before I start anyone from Carolina. Start at your own risk.


Start ‘Em: Tight Ends

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. GB): Goedert has the talent of a top-5 TE in the league; however, injuries have prevented him from really breaking out. Kellen Moore loves TEs, so look for Goedert to get plenty of receptions in the new Eagles offense.

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs. CIN): Jacoby Brissett will be starting the year off as QB, and the Patriots stink across the board. Henry will see plenty of volume as a safety valve.

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (vs. PIT): No analysis here—it’s Kyle Pitts’ year, baby! (Start at your own risk)


Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (vs. TEN): There are a ton of weapons across the offense for the Bears. Unfortunately, that means some players will go without, and Cole Kmet is one of them. I’d avoid Kmet until we see a trend of Caleb Williams passing to Kmet.

Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (@IND): Another victim of too many mouths to feed on offense. He will have games where it looks like he’s the only player running routes, but there’s just not enough volume for Schultz to warrant a start right now.

 

 

 

 

Category: Fantasy Sports

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