Many times we will see Fantasy Experts and Gurus offer their assistance with “start or sit” questions. While some may offer apologize for the unfavorable result, others will double down on their choices. I’m here to take responsibility for bad picks, but offer my reasoning behind it! Let’s dive right into the best and worst of this week!
Best and Worst by position
Quarterbacks
Start
- Best: Jalen Hurts (QB #4)
Hurts has always had potential to be a top-5 fantasy quarterback. The acquisition of AJ Brown has helped tremendously and will help develop this team’s run attack led-by Hurts. His matchup with a rather young Lions team was too juicy to ignore.
- Worst: Aaron Rodgers (QB #32)
Rodgers mustered up a performance as bad as Dak’s but, unlike Dak, Rodgers does have options to target. You’d understand, reasonably, that missing two starting linemen could attribute to a terrible performance with the opposing defense constantly in the backfield. We shall see if Rodgers can make a bounce-back in week 2.
Sit
- Best: Tom Brady (QB #27)
Sitting Brady was a decision I was confident in, due to the questions that surrounded his receiving core. Brady no longer has Gronk to target and Godwin’s recovering from last year’s knee injury, still. He does have Evans, but with questions on Julio and Gage’s involvement I had zero confidence in a fantasy relevant performance. This coupled with all-pro defensive players: Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons this was a situation I was happy avoiding.
- Worst: Kirk Cousins (QB #11)
This went against my better judgement with my high remarks for Justin Jefferson. My thought was JJ would be producing despite Cousins’ play. However, Cousins’ performed well and against a talented division rival Green Bay defense.
Running backs
Start
- Best: D’Andre Swift (RB #3)
I like Swift’s situation similar to Javonte’s in Denver. Both are the superior backs in their RB cores, but both have serviceable back-ups. Similar to Javonte, I project Swift to begin to see the bulk of the looks in this Detroit offense slowly becoming an every-down back. He had an incredible start to his season racking up 144 yards rushing with 1 touchdown.
- Worst: Alvin Kamara (RB #44)
This stat line was a head-scratcher. This team, seemingly, runs through Kamara and with Winston back under center my thoughts pointed to a big day for Kamara on the ground and in receiving with the WRs getting no love. It was the opposite in this game, largely due to the Saints trailing. Moving forward, I wouldn’t expect to see a line this putrid, but if the Saints continue to play from behind, this may become a recurring situation.
Sit
- Best: Najee Harris (RB #29)
From a RB, 10 points in fantasy isn’t bad. However, this production coming from your RB1 – first/second pick – won’t be something you’re hoping from someone as talented as Harris. As I noted in the start/sit article:
“In 2021, Cincinnati’s defense rated 5th in rush defense. Cincy had 10 of 11 starters return from 2021, I’d expect them to pick up where they left off. With the Steelers offensive line having their line remodeled, to go along with a new quarterback, a rough outing for Harris is ahead.”
- Worst: Saquon Barkley (RB #1)
I rode my gut feeling for this pick on sitting Barkley. Personally, I have him rostered in 1 or 2 leagues, but I wasn’t confident in production to follow. Fantasy Twitter’s hype around him to return to form made me want to stick to my gut feelings. Last year I ended up succumbing to my initial thoughts last and regretting them. This was definitely a huge miss for me, hopefully I won’t miss hard like this moving forward.
Wide Receivers
Start
- Best: Mike Evans (WR #16)
This choice, for me, should have been an obvious choice. That said, with Tom Brady landing on my sit list, Evans would be a bit harder to justify playing. My reasoning was the long-standing chemistry Brady has with Evans and with Gronk retiring this would open up more redzone opportunities for Evans.
- Worst: Devonta Smith (WR #120)
Smith’s goose egg was disappointing, especially considering the monster game Hurts and AJ Brown had. Smith saw 4 targets but wasn’t able to secure any targets. I was very excited to see what he’d do in this offense, perhaps we’ll need to wait a few more weeks before this comes to fruition.
Sit
- Best: Darnell Mooney (WR #111)
My decision to bench Mooney was based on clear path to workload, rather than the inclement weather. The Bears added a plethora of WRs over the offseason and saw changes in HC and OC, I believed early this would effect Mooney’s immediate impact while they worked through the kinks of this new regime.
- Worst: Devin Duvernay (WR #9)
While I didn’t specify Duvernay, in particular, I did note “all Ravens WR not Bateman”. This lands Duvernay on the Worst Start list. Duvernay had 4 receptions but converted this into 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns. That was definitely out of left-field, I’m not confident he’ll continue this output, but he’s definitely earning some FLEX-consideration.
Tight Ends
Start
- Best: Dalton Schultz (TE #6)
Schultz was certainly a great start for most people. He looked solid in the first week and operated as a safety valve. I’m not sure how he’ll fare with Dak missing 6-8 weeks, but his role could see an uptick if Rush uses him similarly.
- Worst: Cole Kmet (TE T-#56)
Another player I’m disappointed in due to laying a goose egg and only seeing 1 target. We can blame this performance on the inclement weather and look forward for next week. This is one player that I’m still remaining hopeful for the time being.
Sit
- Best: David Njoku (TE: #43)
If you read my previous article, I’m all the way out on Njoku. I’m in awe that he has a job, but recently signed an extension for below average pay. You can continue to sit Njoku for the foreseeable future.
- Worst: Gerald Everett (TE: #14)
It appears Herbert understands now that he can throw to tight ends. While I love Everett as a tight end, due to his athleticism, it did surprise me for him to see targets. He even scored a touchdown! That said, with Mike Williams nowhere to be found, it opened up these opportunities for Everett to shine. I missed on this one, but I’m happy to for Everett!
Overall Percentage
As you can see, I’m not afraid to make the bold choices and stand behind them. I’ll continue providing my best and worst analysis for the remainder of the season. Additionally, I’ll be looking the total correct percentage for start or sit. This provides additional analysis to you, the players, while keep me honest and accountable!
For other related articles from our writers!
- Gridiron Heroics Fantasy Football Draft by Stephen Menti
- Post-Draft Fantasy Football Sleepers by KP
- 2022 WR Fantasy Football Draft Steals PPR by Michael DiBernardo
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