Fantasy football is back, and week 1 is always the most exciting and nerve-wracking time of the year. The first week sets the tone for your season, and choosing the right players to start—or sit—can make a huge difference. In this guide, we will break down some of the best advice for start em sit em week 1, helping you make smart decisions for your fantasy football team.
Quarterbacks: Who to Start and Who to Sit
Quarterbacks are often the cornerstone of your fantasy team. Starting the right QB in week 1 can give you a solid foundation.
Start:
- Patrick Mahomes (KC): Mahomes is always a reliable start, and week 1 against a weak defense makes him an even better option. Expect big yardage and multiple touchdowns.
- Jalen Hurts (PHI): Hurts is a dual-threat QB who can rack up points with both passing and rushing. Week 1 is a great opportunity to capitalize on his rushing ability.
Sit:
- Deshaun Watson (CLE): While talented, Watson faces a tough defense in week 1, which could limit his fantasy output.
- Jimmy Garoppolo (LV): Garoppolo is inconsistent and playing against a strong pass defense. Consider benching him until later in the season.
Running Backs: Start Em Smart
Running backs often have the highest week-to-week variance, so knowing who to start or sit is critical.
Start:
- Christian McCaffrey (SF): McCaffrey is always a top pick, and his receiving ability adds extra value in PPR leagues.
- Saquon Barkley (NYG): Barkley has a favorable matchup and is expected to get plenty of touches early in the season.
Sit:
- Rhamondre Stevenson (NE): New England often uses a committee approach, making Stevenson a risky start in week 1.
- Damien Harris (BUF): Harris may get limited snaps behind the lead back, making him less valuable this week.
Wide Receivers: Play the Matchups
Week 1 is the perfect time to exploit weak secondaries and favorable matchups.
Start:
- Justin Jefferson (MIN): Jefferson is a WR1, and his quarterback looks sharp entering the season. High-volume targets make him an easy start.
- CeeDee Lamb (DAL): Lamb remains the focal point of Dallas’ passing game, and he has a favorable matchup in week 1.
Sit:
- Brandon Aiyuk (SF): Aiyuk could see limited targets depending on game script and matchups.
- Michael Pittman Jr. (IND): Pittman faces a tough cornerback in week 1, making him a risky fantasy start.
Tight Ends: Finding the Edge
Tight ends can be tricky, especially in week 1. Some are consistent, while others rely heavily on touchdown opportunities.
Start:
- Travis Kelce (KC): Kelce is nearly automatic. Even if Mahomes doesn’t have a big passing day, Kelce will still get red-zone opportunities.
- Mark Andrews (BAL): Andrews is the clear number one target in Baltimore and has a favorable week 1 matchup.
Sit:
- Evan Engram (JAX): Engram’s volume is unpredictable in a crowded passing attack.
- Dallas Goedert (PHI): Goedert may be limited depending on offensive game flow, making him a sit for week 1.
Kickers and Defense: Don’t Overthink It
While not glamorous, kickers and defenses can make or break week 1.
Start:
- Justin Tucker (BAL): Tucker is reliable in any matchup and can deliver steady points.
- San Francisco 49ers Defense: A strong defensive unit with an easy opening matchup is a great choice.
Sit:
- Raiders Defense: Weak matchup and inconsistent performance make them a risky week 1 start.
- Young Kickers: Avoid kickers on teams with uncertain offenses or low scoring potential.
Sleepers: Week 1 Gems
Sometimes the difference between winning and losing comes down to sleepers—players under the radar with high upside.
- Jahan Dotson (WR, WAS): Could see an increased target share and provide value early in the season.
- David Montgomery (RB, DET): May get more touches than expected, especially in PPR leagues.
- Dalton Schultz (TE, HOU): In a pass-heavy offense, Schultz could rack up points in week 1.
Busts: Avoid These Risky Picks
Week 1 is full of uncertainty, and some players are best left on the bench.
- Kyler Murray (ARI, QB): Injury history and tough matchup make him a risky start.
- Ezekiel Elliott (DAL, RB): Touch limit and sharing workload can reduce his fantasy value early in the season.
- Terry McLaurin (WR, WAS): Could face a tough defense that limits his scoring chances.
Tips for Week 1 Fantasy Success
- Check Injuries and Practice Reports: Always monitor players’ health leading up to game day.
- Use Matchup Data: Favor players facing weaker defenses or secondaries.
- Consider PPR vs. Standard Scoring: Pass-catching running backs and tight ends gain extra value in PPR leagues.
- Avoid Overreacting: One bad week doesn’t define the season. Be patient with your stars.
Conclusion
Week 1 of fantasy football can make or break your season, but careful planning and smart matchups will give you an edge. By using this start em sit em week 1 guide, you can make informed decisions that maximize your points. Focus on proven performers, exploit weak matchups, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks on sleepers. Remember, the first week is just the beginning, and strong decisions now set the foundation for fantasy football success.
FAQs
Q1: How important is week 1 for fantasy football?
Week 1 is crucial because it sets the tone and gives an early indicator of player performance, but don’t overreact to one bad or good week.
Q2: Should I start rookies in week 1?
Rookies can be risky starters due to inexperience and uncertain roles. Only start them if they have clear opportunity and favorable matchups.
Q3: How do PPR leagues affect week 1 decisions?
In PPR leagues, players who catch a lot of passes, like McCaffrey or Kelce, gain extra value. Always consider reception volume when starting or sitting players.
