The NFL is back. Which means that our fantasy football season is about to begin. After drafting a team, you know have the daunting tasks of deciding who to play every week. In this article, there are some studs with tough matchups, some sleepers in bright spots and some players to avoid. Above all, play your studs, but watch out for certain games. Here is Start / Sit Week 1.
Quarterback
Start ’em
Jared Goff – LAR @ CAR
Carson Wentz – PHI vs WAS
Lamar Jackson – BAL @ MIA
Russell Wilson – SEA vs CIN
Dak Prescott – DAL vs NYG
Sleeper – Josh Allen – BUF @ NYJ
Josh Allen has a major boom or bust type of player. While the Jets defense has improved this offseason it harder to judge the secondary core due to injuries to cornerbacks. This allows Allen to be a sleeper this week. He has major upside with his running ability and if he has improved in his accuracy it could dice up a tainted Jets secondary.
Sit ’em
Case Keenum – WAS @ PHI
Nick Foles – JAX vs KC
Jacoby Brissett – IND @ LAC
Derek Carr – OAK vs DEN
Eli Manning – NYG @ DAL
Bust – Ryan Fitzpatrick – MIA vs BAL
The Miami Dolphins have had an interesting offseason from trading for questionable QB talent to trading away their top players. Ryan Fitzpatrick will have to be Fitz Magic due to a lack of talented weapons. Before his presumed top target was traded away, the receiving crops did not look that impressive. This week it will be more likely Fitz Tragic, so I would avoid.
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Running Back
Start ’em
Christian McCaffrey – CAR vs LAR
Le’Veon Bell – NYJ vs BUF
Nick Chubb – CLE vs TEN
Chris Carson – SEA vs CIN
James Conner – PIT @ NE
Sleeper – Damien Williams – KC @ JAX
Damien Williams is a straight boom or bust. This is scary matchup, partially because of the Jaguars defense, and partially because of LeSean McCoy. How much Shady is going to cut into his target share remains to be seen. Considering his age and the length of the season, it makes sense for McCoy to be eased into the lineup early, Assuming that is the case, Williams has the potential to be a massive boom player.
Sit ’em
Duke Johnson – HOU @ NO
Josh Jacobs – OAK vs DEN
Derrick Henry – TEN @ CLE
Devonta Freeman – ATL @ MIN
Derrius Guice – WAS @ PHI
Bust – Marlon Mack / Nyheim Hines – IND
I include both guys because the Colts backfield is a messed up one. Marlon Mack has the touchdown upside, while Nyheim Hines will produce in the passing game. Either way, it is difficult to trust both players in an offense absent Andrew Luck. We need to see how the Colts split the work before we go forward with this.
Wide Receiver
Start ’em
Amari Cooper – DAL vs NYG
Brandin Cooks – LAR @ CAR
Tyler Lockett – SEA vs CIN
Keenan Allen – LAC vs IND
Willie Snead – BAL @ MIA
Sleeper – Marvin Jones – DET @ ARI
Marvin Jones has the potential for a breakout year. He already has chemistry with his quarterback and he is a threat to score on any play. Going against the Cardinals defense that will be without Patrick Peterson, Jones could easily get behind the secondary and get into the end zone. He has the potential to lead the Lions in receptions this week.
Sit ’em
Curtis Samuel – CAR vs LAR
Calvin Ridley – ATL @ MIN
Jamison Crowder – NYJ @ BUF
Dante Pettis – SF @ TB
Josh Gordon – NE vs PIT
Bust – Antonio Brown – OAK vs DEN
There is no denying Antonio Brown has immense talent. However, he is coming to a new system and will be playing with a new quarterback. If Brown was at practice throughout the offseason, there would be less concern. However, if he has not developped proper chemitry with Dereck Carr, there may be some concern as to how well he can produce in week 1.
Thank you for reading Start / Sit Week 1. For more fantasy football content, be sure to check out Full Press Coverage.
– Alessandro Senatore is a writer for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @AMS1928 Follow @FPC_NFL and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for the Full Press Fantasy Sports. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @nyama_ks Follow @FPC_FF and Facebook.
