Fantasy football Week 1: Start, sit and sleepers

All the drafts are officially in the rearview. It’s time to see what all that studying (or lack thereof) got you.

I’m managing five fantasy teams myself — six if you count the Saturday Night Live fantasy league I’m in with my wife, stepdaughter and her best friend, in which we draft hosts and musical guests for points and pop culture street cred.

No matter how well you drafted, there’s always going to be tough calls to make when setting your lineup(s) throughout the season.

Because I’m a compassionate human being, my weekly “start and sit” column (normally posted online every Wednesday, no later than Thursday, before the first game of the week) is back to help you deal with those difficult decisions.

My companion “waiver wire targets” piece will also return next week (going live every Tuesday) to help you optimize your roster.

If your game is Daily Fantasy, I got you covered on Fridays (for Sunday’s slate of games).

As per usual, the only thing I don’t do is drop kicker knowledge. You’re on your own with kickers.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Good luck this season!

Here are best bets for Week 1:

DALLAS AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Saquon Barkley (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI).

Who to start: George Pickens (DAL) maintains WR3/flex value in his first game with the Cowboys (there should be enough volume in this pass offense to support multiple wide receivers). In 13 career games against the Eagles, Dak Prescott (DAL) has completed 67% of his passes for 3,402 yards and 24 touchdowns against only eight interceptions with a 100.6 QB rating. Jake Ferguson (DAL) and Dallas Goedert (PHI) remain borderline TE1 options. DeVonta Smith (PHI) could have a big day against a team that just traded its pass rush to Green Bay. The Eagles D/ST remain a solid option at home, despite the possibility for fireworks.

Who to sit: I’m fading Javonte Williams (DAL) and Miles Sanders (DAL) in a tough matchup on the road.

Sleeper: Talented rookie running back Jaydon Blue (DAL) is a burner, and capable of taking it the distance from anywhere on the field, so he doesn’t need a lot of volume to have an impact if you need a lottery ticket to begin the year.

KANSAS CITY VS. L.A. CHARGERS AT SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Ladd McConkey (LAC).

Who to start: The Chiefs figured out how to utilize Xavier Worthy (KC) down the stretch last season — there’s WR1 upside here, especially while Rashee Rice is suspended. Isiah Pacheco (KC) is a premium flex option with RB2 upside considering his high-leverage touches in Andy Reid’s offense. Both Omarion Hampton (LAC) and Najee Harris (LAC) are premium flex options with RB2 upside until we see how the timeshare will sort itself out — Hampton is an obvious start if Harris is out or limited. Keenan Allen (LAC) maintains WR3/flex upside, especially in PPR formats. You probably shouldn’t be streaming the QB position this early in the season, but Justin Herbert (LAC) deserves consideration if you are because he maintains upside and a solid floor.

Who to sit: Hollywood Brown (KC) is a boom-or-bust candidate. Kareem Hunt (KC) remains TD-dependent until further notice. I’m fading the Chiefs D/ST and the Chargers D/ST in another country against efficient offenses. Quentin Johnston (LAC) remains a boom-or-bust option.

Sleeper: Tre’ Harris (LAC) offers similar size and downfield ability to Johnston with more reliable hands.

TAMPA BAY AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: Bucky Irving (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Baker Mayfield (TB), Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL).

Who to start: Emeka Egbuka (TB) has WR3/flex upside with Chris Godwin likely out until October and Jalen McMillan on injured reserve.

Who to sit: Rachaad White (TB) is TD-dependent until we see how he’s utilized behind Irving. I’m fading Cade Otton (TB) until we see how healthy his leg/hamstring is. I consider Darnell Mooney (ATL) a boom-or-bust candidate until we see how healthy the shoulder is. Kyle Pitts (ATL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate until further notice. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains TD-dependent until further notice. I have high hopes for Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) this season, but I’m not starting him this week outside of Superflex formats.

Sleeper: Injuries to Godwin and McMillan could propel Tez Johnson (TB) into a meaningful role to begin his NFL career.

CINCINNATI AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), David Njoku (CLE).

Who to start: A potential high-volume role for Week 1 means Jerome Ford (CLE) deserves flex consideration.

Who to sit: Mike Gesicki (CIN) is a TD-dependent option to begin the season. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) maintains WR3/flex upside, but he only produced 38 yards on three receptions in two games against the Bengals last season. Cedric Tillman (CLE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate until further notice. Even if Quinshon Judkins (CLE) signs, keep him on your bench this week.

Sleeper: Dylan Sampson (CLE) will handle a change-of-pace role, but the volume could increase if Ford is ineffective.

MIAMI AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND).

Who to start: Jaylen Waddle (MIA) maintains WR3/flex upside in PPR formats. Darren Waller (MIA) faces a defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends last season.

Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) until we see him take some hits. I’m fading Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) and Josh Downs (IND) until we see what type of volume they’ll be working with this season. Daniel Jones (IND) only has value in Superflex formats until further notice.

Sleeper: It wouldn’t shock me if Ollie Gordon (MIA) received double-digit touches, especially if the Dolphins grab an early lead.

LAS VEGAS AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Ashton Jeanty (LV).

Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) has WR3/flex upside, primarily in PPR formats. Both TreyVeyon Henderson (NE) and Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) are flex options with RB2 upside until we see how the timeshare will sort itself out. The Patriots D/ST should be much improved after an overhaul in the offseason. An improved O-line and more weapons should move Drake Maye (NE) into borderline QB1 territory.

Who to sit: Amari Cooper (LV) is a boom-or-bust candidate until further notice. Geno Smith (LV) only has value in Superflex formats until we see just how run-heavy the Raiders offense will be. I’m fading Stefon Diggs (NE) until we see how healthy his knee is. Hunter Henry (NE) remains TD-dependent until further notice. DeMario Douglas (NE) only has flex value in the deepest PPR formats.

Sleeper: At 6-foot-5, 205 pounds with 4.30 40-yard dash speed, Dont’e Thornton Jr. (LV) will likely be used to stretch the field — Thornton averaged an SEC-best 25.4 yards per catch in his only season with Tennessee last year.

ARIZONA AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Kyler Murray (ARI), Alvin Kamara (NO).

Who to start: I’m anticipating Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) entering the upper echelon of receivers this season.

Who to sit: Trey Benson (ARI) remains TD-dependent until further notice. High volume could keep Chris Olave (NO) and Rashid Shaheed (NO) relevant in fantasy this season, but I’m taking a wait-and-see approach.

Sleeper: The Saints offense could potentially be the worst in the NFL this season, so the Cardinals D/ST deserves streaming consideration.

PITTSBURGH AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (PIT), Steelers D/ST, Garrett Wilson (NYJ).

Who to start: Both Jaylen Warren (PIT) and Kaleb Johnson (PIT) are flex options with RB2 upside until we see how the timeshare will sort itself out, but I’m most excited about Johnson. Breece Hall (NYJ) maintains RB1 upside despite the difficult matchup. Rushing upside makes it hard to bench Justin Fields (NYJ), even against the Steelers. The Jets D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against a work-in-progress offense.

Who to sit: Pat Freiermuth (PIT) and Jonnu Smith (PIT) are both TD-dependent since they could end up canceling each other out. There are more enticing options at QB this week than Aaron Rodgers (PIT). Calvin Austin (PIT) remains a boom-or-bust candidate. Braelon Allen (NYJ) is TD-dependent to begin the season.

Sleeper: Rookie tight end Mason Taylor (NYJ) could be peppered with targets in his pro debut.

N.Y. GIANTS AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Malik Nabers (NYG), Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS).

Who to start: Tyrone Tracy (NYG) maintains RB2/flex upside with a high-volume role. Both Deebo Samuel (WAS) and Austin Ekeler (WAS) are premium flex options in what could be a dynamic offense in Daniels’ sophomore season.

Who to sit: Cam Skattebo (NYG) is likely TD-dependent to begin his NFL career. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains flex appeal in deeper PPR formats. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains the poster child of a boom-or-bust candidate. Russell Wilson (NYG) only has value in Superflex formats until further notice. Zach Ertz (WAS) is TD-dependent with potentially diminished volume thanks to the addition of Samuel. They hype is real surrounding Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS), but there’s a lot of mouths to feed in the Commanders’ offense, so I’m holding off a week to see what his workload is like.

Sleeper: The Commanders D/ST should be able to take advantage of a suspect Giants’ O-line at home.

CAROLINA AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Chuba Hubbard (CAR), Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC).

Who to start: Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) could be a target monster in his NFL debut. The range of outcomes is vast for Travis Hunter (JAC), meaning he’s a viable flex option with WR1 upside to begin his NFL career. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is a viable starter at home in his first game with new head coach Liam Coen calling the plays.

Who to sit: Xavier Legette (CAR) is a boom-or-bust candidate until further notice. Bryce Young (CAR) is only viable in Superflex formats until we see if last season’s improvement sticks. Rico Dowdle (CAR) is TD-dependent as Hubbard’s backup. I’m fading Travis Etienne (JAC), Tank Bigsby (JAC) and Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) until we see how the timeshare will sort itself out.

Sleeper: Brenton Strange (JAC) faces a defense that allowed the most touchdowns to tight ends last season (11).

TENNESSEE AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Bo Nix (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Evan Engram (DEN), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: Chig Okonkwo (TEN) could see a boost in volume with a rookie under center. Both R.J. Harvey (DEN) and J.K. Dobbins (DEN) are flex options with RB2 upside until we see how the timeshare will sort itself out.

Who to sit: I expect Calvin Ridley (TEN) to have a big year with improved quarterback play, but this is a difficult place to start. I’m also fading Tony Pollard (TEN) here despite his high-volume role. Tyler Lockett (TEN) is TD-dependent until further notice.

Sleeper: Marvin Mims (DEN) was WR17 in standard formats (WR26 in PPR) the last two months of last season.

SAN FRANCISCO AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA).

Who to start: In five career games against the Seahawks, Brock Purdy (SF) has completed 69% of his passes for 1,208 yards and nine TDs against only three interceptions with a 108.4 QB rating. Ricky Pearsall (SF) maintains WR3/flex upside while the Niners’ receiver room is so depleted. Cooper Kupp (SEA) maintains flex appeal in most PPR formats in his Seahawks debut.

Who to sit: I’m fading Jauan Jennings (SF) until we see how healthy his calf is. Brian Robinson (SF) is TD-dependent as long as CMC is healthy. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) remains TD-dependent until further notice. Sam Darnold (SEA) is only viable in Superflex formats this week.

Sleeper: The 49ers D/ST deserves streaming consideration with Robert Saleh back running things, despite the road matchup.

DETROIT AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB).

Who to start: David Montgomery (DET) remains a viable flex option with RB2 upside despite Gibbs’ continuing ascension to superstardom. Big-play ability by Jameson Williams (DET) could be an even bigger part of the Lions’ offense this season. It appears talented rookie Matthew Golden (GB) will begin his NFL career as the Packers’ WR1.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Lions D/ST and Jared Goff (DET) at Lambeau — Goff still has value in Superflex formats. Jayden Reed (GB) didn’t practice on Wednesday and has been dealing with a Jones fracture in his left foot. A potential heavy dose of Jacobs tempers my expectations for Jordan Love (GB) this week. Romeo Doubs (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate.

Sleeper: Not sure if you’ve heard, but the Packers D/ST now includes Micah Parsons.

HOUSTON AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Puka Nacua (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR).

Who to start: I’m expecting a bounce-back season for CJ Stroud (HOU), assuming they can protect him. Nick Chubb (HOU) has RB2/flex upside since he’ll get first crack at replacing Joe Mixon. Both the Texans D/ST and Rams D/ST deserve streaming consideration this week.

Who to sit: I’m tempering my expectations for talented rookies (and college teammates) Jayden Higgins (HOU) and Jaylin Noel (HOU) until we see how they fit into the Texans’ offense. Dalton Schultz (HOU), Dameon Pierce (HOU) and Woody Marks (HOU) are all TD-dependent until further notice. I’m fading Matthew Stafford (LAR) until we see how healthy his back is. Blake Corum (LAR) and Tyler Higbee (LAR) remain TD-dependent.

Sleeper: If the O-line struggles, Christian Kirk (HOU) could see double-digit targets out of the slot.

BALTIMORE AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).

Who to start: Rashod Bateman (BAL) has earned Jackson’s trust and maintains flex appeal as last year’s WR30 in standard formats (WR40 in PPR). I’m anticipating Keon Coleman (BUF) and Dalton Kincaid (BUF) both taking significant steps forward this season.

Who to sit: DeAndre Hopkins (BAL) is TD-dependent until further notice. I’m fading the Ravens D/ST on the road against Allen, and it’s hard to trust the Bills D/ST against Jackson. I’m fading Khalil Shakir (BUF) until we see him test his high ankle sprain in game action. Ray Davis (BUF) remains TD-dependent.

Sleeper: It wouldn’t surprise me to see Joshua Palmer (BUF) find the end zone in his debut for the Bills.

MINNESOTA AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), T.J. Hockenson (MIN), Vikings D/ST.

Who to start: Both Aaron Jones (MIN) and Jordan Mason (MIN) are flex options with RB2 upside until we see how the timeshare will sort itself out. DJ Moore (CHI) maintains WR1 upside as last year’s WR22 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR). D’Andre Swift (CHI) maintains RB2/flex appeal as last year’s RB19 in both standard and PPR formats.

Who to sit: Adam Thielen (MIN) is TD-dependent in his return to the Vikings. J.J. McCarthy (MIN) and Caleb Williams (CHI) only have value in Superflex formats until further notice. Rome Odunze (CHI), Colston Loveland (CHI) and Cole Kmet (CHI) are all TD-dependent to begin the season. Talented rookie Luther Burden (CHI) is a boom-or-bust candidate until further notice.

Sleeper: The Bears D/ST are at home and face McCarthy in his first professional start.