We’ll provide a weekly outlook on our Start or Sit of the week to help guide you to a fantasy championship. Please note that all options are suggestions and based off current projections, but always willing to give our thoughts! We won’t indicate the obvious plays, mainly, the most burning questions. Each week, you have the final cut of who will start, we’re just here to provide context!
We’ll incorporate any bye weeks and/or injuries (COVID) issues that arise to help you better stay prepared each week!
Start or Sit – by position
Quarterbacks
1pm EST/12pm CST Games
Start
- Tua Tagovailoa vs Patriots
- Carson Wentz vs Jaguars
- Trey Lance @ Bears
- Matt Ryan @ Texans
- Jameis Winston @ Falcons
Tua definitely needs to be started vs the Patriots. With acquisitions of Tyreek Hill, Cedrick Wilson and Chase Edmonds over the offseason, it’s highly likely this offense will be throwing a lot. The Patriots are starting longtime veteran Jonathan Jones and journeyman Jalen Mills at the cornerback position. They will not fair well against Miami’s speedsters.
Sit
- Baker Mayfield vs Browns
- Mac Jones @ Dolphins
- Jared Goff vs Eagles
- Davis Mills vs Colts
- Trevor Lawrence @ Commanders
- Jacoby Brissett @ Panthers
Baker is set for his revenge matchup with his old team after they chose Deshaun Watson over him. While this makes for a great story, Mayfield will likely fall flat as the Browns defense is a force. They were rated the 5th best defense – allowing 5th least passing yards per game, sacking the QB 43 times and a QBR of 89%. Baker rides pine this week!
Obvious Picks:
Start – Lamar Jackson (@NYJ), Joe Burrow (vs Pitt), Jalen Hurts (@ DET)
Sit – Mitchell Trubisky (@CIN), Joe Flacco (vs BLT), Justin Fields (vs SF), Marcus Mariota (vs NO)
Afternoon and Night Games
Start
- Justin Herbert vs Raiders
- Dak Prescott vs Buccaneers
- Kyler Murray vs Chiefs
The matchup between the Chargers and Raiders will have plenty of star power on offense that makes this a game of the week candidate. Herbert looks to further build his resume with much hype going into the offseason with many blockbuster deals and deep roster, Herbert will start the season off in style.
Sit
- Tom Brady @ Cowboys
- Kirk Cousins vs Packers
- Derek Carr @ Chargers
Brady falls to my sit list due to losing Ryan Jensen (center) and Aaron Stinnie (left guard). My confidence in this new interior is low and a very scrappy pass rushing team, led by All-Pro Micah Parsons, spells trouble for Brady. While Brady could fare well, I’m not placing confidence in that outcome. It’s best to wait for after week 1 to decide.
Obvious Picks:
Start – Aaron Rodgers (@MIN), Patrick Mahomes (@ARI), Russell Wilson (@SEA)
Sit – Daniel Jones (@Tenn), Ryan Tannehill (NYG), Geno Smith (vs DEN)
Running backs
1pm EST/12pm CST Games
Start
- D’Andre Swift vs Eagles
- Dameon Pierce vs Colts
- Antonio Gibson vs Jaguars
- Joe Mixon vs Steelers
- Eli Mitchell @ Bears
Due to recent misfortunes that were dealt to Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson remains the starter. Expected to be supplanted as the starter, Gibson becomes the de-facto starter. Gibson is still great at football and falling into double digit rounds in most drafts is pretty insane given he was going as early as round 2 in 2021. I do expect him to have a bounce back season and that will start with the Jaguars, despite all their recent changes. Fire him up for week 1!
Sit
- Najee Harris @ Bengals
- Breece Hall vs Ravens
- David Montgomery vs 49ers
- Miles Sanders @ Lions
- Damien Harris @ Dolphins
I’m sure those who drafted Harris in the 1st/2nd rounds aren’t happy with Harris landing on my sit list. 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.
Obvious Picks:
Start – Nick Chubb (@ CAR), CMC (vs CLE), Jonathan Taylor (@ HST), Alvin Kamara (@ ATL)
Sit –Ravens RBs (@NYJ), Both Jaguars (@WAS)
Afternoon and Night Games
Start
- James Conner vs Chiefs
- Javonte Williams @ Seahawks
- AJ Dillon @ Vikings
James Conner returns to the Cardinals as their clear cut RB1. He had a career year in rushing TDs: 15; adding 752 yards rushing and starting 6 games. Chase Edmonds has since moved on to the Dolphins, which opens more opportunities for Conner. While I don’t expect to see another 15 TD season, a double digit TD season is still in the cards. He matches up with the Chiefs who allowed 117 yards per game in 2021, I like his chances for a hot start.
Sit
- Aaron Jones @ Vikings
- Saquon Barkley @ Titans
- Ezekiel Elliott vs Buccaneers
- Leonard Fournette @ Cowboys
I’m out on Aaron Jones for the foreseeable future. While still a great back in his own right, he’s simply not been the best back in his backfield. AJ Dillon nearly-matched Jones in rushing & receiving yards with this back in a near even split last year. Jones showed loss of steam last year, it may be only a matter of time before he loses his starting position.
Obvious Picks:
Start – Dalvin Cook (vs GB), Austin Ekeler (vs LAC), Derrick Henry (vs NYG)
Sit – Josh Jacobs (@LAC), Rashad Penny (vs DEN), CEH (@ARI)
Wide Receivers
1pm EST/12pm CST Games
Start
- Tee Higgins vs Steelers
- Devonta Smith @ Lions
- Michael Pittman @ Texans
- Jaylen Waddle vs Patriots
- Elijah Moore. vs Ravens
With eyes on AJ Brown & Jalen Hurts, one name that gets lost in the sauce is Devonta Smith. Smith still put up decent production in his rookie season in a run-heavy offense: 64 catches, 916 yards and 5 touchdowns. At the moment, it seems the Eagles are going to continue their same scheme. If Smith, along with Brown & Goedert, can provide a strong attack in the passing game; we could see a shift in schemes.
Sit
- Amon-Ra St. Brown vs Eagles
- Drake London vs Saints
- Darnell Mooney vs 49ers
- Brandin Cooks vs Colts
- Donovan Peoples-Jones @ Panthers
I’m infatuated with Amon-Ra St. Brown (ARSB) as I’m a big fan of the St. Brown family, his play at USC and his end of season run in 2021. ARSB is a player I look to see take a step forward, however, I’m sitting him this week vs the Eagles. He’s likely to draw Darius Slay, who’s known to shadow team’s best WR, it’ll be interesting to see if ARSB can handle Slay.
Obvious Picks:
Start – Tyreek Hill (vs NE) AJ Brown (@DET) Ja’Marr Chase (vs Pitt) Deebo Samuel (@CHI) DJ Moore (vs CLE)
Sit – Curtis Samuel (vs Jax) Robby Anderson (vs CLE) Any Baltimore WR not Bateman (@NYJ)
Afternoon and Night Games
Start
- Mike Williams vs Raiders
- Mike Evans @ Cowboys
- Courtland Sutton @ Seahawks
We’re expecting Russ to cook his old team as he returns to Seattle. While many believe Jeudy will be the main target, I’m a firm believer in Sutton and his big play ability. Sutton stands to benefit most from the massive upgrade at quarterback. With the Seahawks in full rebuild mode, Sutton is a no-brainer start this week.
Sit
- Marquise Brown vs Chiefs
- Robert Woods vs Giants
- DK Metcalf vs Broncos
I’m not in on the college teammate connection with Kyler/Hollywood (as I am with Burrow/Chase & Carr/Adams). If this were CeeDee Lamb, we may be having a different combination, but we’re talking Hollywood Brown. While Hollywood does have big play potential, I’m not sure he quite fits this offense. Currently, with Rondale Moore ruled out and Nuk Hopkins suspended, the targets will be there, but I expect the main benefactor be another individual. Stay clear of Hollywood, for now.
Obvious Picks:
Start – Justin Jefferson (vs GB) Davante Adams (@LAC) CeeDee Lamb (vs TB)
Sit – Kenny Golladay (@TEN) Mecole Hardman (@ARI) Allen Lazard (@MIN)
Tight Ends
1pm EST/12pm CST Games
Start
- TJ Hockenson vs Eagles
- Cole Kmet vs 49ers
Hock is my pick for this Eagles game to have the most impact. With Darius Slay likely covering ARSB, Hock should garner Goff’s attention the most. Hock is a budding TE in his own right making most expert rankings as TE5. Hock is a great start this week.
Sit
- David Njoku @ Panthers
- Mike Geisicki vs Patriots
I’m very curious on the dirt that Njoku has on the Browns management. Njoku hasn’t panned out to the his pre-draft hype and somehow has a job and recent got a new deal.
https://twitter.com/Brews1591/status/1530377356455645184?s=20&t=mTH-5CCGLzEOSHlIGab37Q
It’s completely baffling. I’m steering clear of Njoku, I understand there’s opportunity with a wide open WR core, but I’m not putting my money on Njoku. I’m not the Browns.
Obvious Picks:
Start – Mark Andrews (@ NYJ), Kyle Pitts (vs NO), Dalls Goedert (@ DET), George Kittle (@ CHI)
Sit – Logan Thomas (vs JAX) Jonnu Smith (@MIA)
Afternoon and Night Games
Start
- Zach Ertz vs Chiefs
- Austin Hooper vs Giants
Ertz is one of my favorite non-obvious picks for TEs. I project he’ll see the majority of the targets from Murray and should have a monster game. He may have to deal with Budda Baker in coverage a bit, but Ertz has always been a solid, reliable option for his quarterbacks. Be sure to add him to your lineups!
Sit
- Gerald Everett vs Raiders
- Albert Okwuegbunam @Seattle
Everett is the only Charger, I’m not starting this week. Herbert doesn’t seem to like TEs for some reason. There’s a chance Everett could be an exception, due to his ability to stretch the field, but for the moment, I’m placing him on my bench.
Obvious Picks:
Start – Travis Kelce (@ARI), Dalton Schultz (vs TB), Darren Waller (@LAC)
Sit – All Giants TEs (@TEN)
I wish everyone the best of luck in your week 1 matchups! Remember this is just one week! Try not to overreact, stay the course and ultimately try to have some fun!
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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