Do you have tough lineup decisions to make Sunday? I’ve got you covered.
Welcome to your one-stop shop for Week 1 fantasy football start/sit advice. In this article, I’ll highlight one pick from each of my positional start ’em, sit ’em articles for this week’s slate. Check out each article for a deeper dive into that position!
Quarterback
Start ‘Em: Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) vs. Panthers
Is this finally the year T-Law lives up to the hype?
I wouldn’t go that far, but there certainly seems to be a higher ceiling to his fantasy outlook than in past seasons. Lawrence now has a truly elite WR1 at his disposal in Brian Thomas, alongside another immensely talented rookie receiver in Travis Hunter. Tight end Brenton Strange is no slouch either, and multiple running backs on the roster can contribute in the passing game.
Along with an improved supporting cast, Lawrence also draws a highly favorable matchup to open the year. The Panthers were abysmal against opposing quarterbacks last year, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to the position and the eighth-most passing yards. Lawrence could make a push for a top-five Week 1 fantasy finish.
Check out all of my Week 1 fantasy start/sit quarterback picks here!
Running Back
Sit ‘Em: D’Andre Swift (Bears) vs. Vikings
While I do like Swift’s full-season fantasy outlook, this isn’t the ideal matchup right off the bat. Brian Flores has made a living by selling out to win the battle at the line of scrimmage, and the Vikings found plenty of success doing so last year. Minnesota allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game at 93.2.
Swift is in a prime position to retain his role as the clear top running back in Chicago, and the Bears appear to have improved on that side of the ball, but this is by no means a finished product. Ben Johnson still has his work cut out for him, and it could take weeks before Caleb Williams and company are fully up to speed against starting-caliber NFL defenses. There are better fantasy options at RB in Week 1.
Check out all of my Week 1 running back start/sit picks here!
Wide Receiver
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.
Check out all of my Week 1 wide receiver start/sit picks here!
Tight End
Sit ‘Em: Jonnu Smith (Steelers) at Jets
Arthur Smith and Jonnu Smith. The inevitable pairing.
Unfortunately for the latter Smith, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Jonnu is fresh off a monstrous career year in which he finished as PPR TE4, finally showcasing the elite playmaking abilities many foresaw in him during his early years with the Titans.
Sadly, following that elite campaign, the Dolphins turned around and traded him to Pittsburgh. The Steelers offense doesn’t project to be terrible, but it’s hard to see anything more than four to six targets coming Smith’s way in this new offense. He’s a sit until proven otherwise.
Check out the rest of my Week 1 start/sit fantasy tight end picks here!
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 1 fantasy football picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice next week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
