The NFL season has finally arrived! Fresh off fantasy football drafts, you probably know which receivers are making your lineups. However, we’re all faced with tough calls, so allow me to make them a little easier. Let’s break down my Week 1 start/sit fantasy wide receiver picks.
Check out my full Week 1 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Calvin Ridley (Titans) at Broncos
One of my favorite values in fantasy drafts this year, I’m putting my faith in Ridley even against a stout Broncos secondary. Yes, Patrick Surtain II exists. Yes, they’re on the road in Denver. Yes, Cam Ward is a rookie.
There are definitely some cons to Ridley’s Week 1 fantasy outlook. Allow me to review the pros.
While some view a rookie quarterback as a fantasy deterrent to open the season, I see value in targeting their safety blanket. Throughout preseason, that’s exactly what Ridley has been for Ward. The 30-year-old signed a massive contract last offseason and did his best to back it up while dealing with shaky quarterback play all year long, recording 64 catches for 1,017 yards. There wasn’t a lot to love about the Titans offense, but their top receiver was certainly a bright spot. Even if Denver’s secondary is daunting, Ridley’s target share provides him a safe enough floor. It’s also worth noting that Ward has looked very composed throughout preseason. The No. 1 overall pick is ready for the moment, and his No. 1 target should flourish despite the tricky matchup.
Sit ‘Em: Jameson Williams (Lions) at Packers
Fantasy managers who roster Williams have been put in a tough spot right out of the gates. When utilized correctly, the speedster is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. Few players are truly a threat to score every time they touch the ball, but he qualifies.
Unfortunately, we don’t know exactly how Williams is going to operate under a new offensive coordinator. While it’s easy enough to say Detroit can just run the same system Ben Johnson implemented, the fact is he’s no longer there to call the shots. As a result, I would expect the Lions’ offense to see at least slight regression to start the season.
It also doesn’t help that they’re set to debut against an elite Packers defense. Last year, Green Bay allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wideouts. While Jaire Alexander is gone, their front line has received a monstrous upgrade in Micah Parsons, who should make Jared Goff’s life much more difficult on Sunday.
Williams will have to return to your fantasy lineup sometime soon, but if you have other viable options at receiver, I would pivot this week.
Check out my full Week 1 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Matthew Golden (Packers) vs. Lions
Am I really telling you to sit one of the NFL’s most dangerous deep-ball threats in favor of a rookie if you have both of these guys on your roster?
Yes, yes I am.
Where the Packers suceeded against the pass last season, the Lions consistently floundered. Despite boasting a 15-2 record, Detroit actually allowed the second-most passing yards per contest. They were more than willing to eat yardage on that side of the ball, because their offense was just that good.
The problem? Both DC Aaron Glenn and defensive line coach Terrell Williams are gone. The Lions are starting from scratch with new coordinators on both sides of the field. That likely won’t translate to immediate success, especially against one of the NFL’s better young offensive units. While Golden isn’t the clear No. 1 receiver in Green Bay, many expect him to emerge as such throughout the year. The rookie is extremely dangerous thanks to his speed, and he appears primed to produce at a high clip immediately for Jordan Love.
Sit ‘Em: George Pickens (Cowboys) at Eagles
This “sit” pick isn’t indicative of my season-long fantasy projections for Pickens. In fact, I think signs are pointing towards this potentially being his best NFL season. Dak Prescott is the most talented quarterback he’s caught passes from by a considerable margin, and the Cowboys run a rampant passing attack.
That said, it’s worth noting that Pickens and Prescott haven’t been on the same page for a decent chunk of preseason. The flashes have been present, but the rapport is still in need of fine-tuning. That’s something that will come with time, but you probably have better options at receiver than the 24-year-old, especially considering the matchup. Philly allowed the second-fewest passing yards per contest last year and appear set to dominate opposing wideouts once again.
Start ‘Em: Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers) at Falcons
If you’re looking to jump on the Egbuka hype train, it’s too late. You’ve missed it.
The rookie has quickly ascended from fan favorite in a crowded depth chart to the clear-cut No. 2 receiver with multiple key Buccaneers dealing with injuries. Egbuka’s talent is undeniable, and he’s consistently produced flashes of immense potential throughout training camp.
The rookie should step immediately into a strong target share in a high-octane passing attack conducted by Baker Mayfield, fresh off his best season as a pro. All signs are pointing up for Egbuka’s fantasy prospects.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 1 fantasy football wide receiver picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy football start/sit advice throughout this week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
