Fantasy Football Sleepers, Avoids: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 1 - RotoBaller Staff Roundtable

RotoBaller staff's fantasy football sleepers, avoids, and start 'em sit 'em picks for Week 1 of 2025. Expert lineup advice from Adam Koffler, Scott Engel, Frank Ammirante.

Week 1 of the fantasy football season has finally arrived, and it's time to set those opening-slate lineups! This is the first edition of our RotoBaller Staff sleepers, avoids and start 'em, sit 'em picks column, where three of the industry's sharpest fantasy football analysts will present their case for or against players on the start-sit bubble in Week 1.

Some of these start/sit selections are for traditional leagues, while others will cater to deeper setups. As you will see, we even have a case of one analyst labeling a player a sleeper, while the other believes they are a potential bust.

These fantasy football sleepers, avoids and busts are from top RotoBaller contributors Adam Koffler, Frank Ammirante, and Scott Engel. Good luck in Week 1!

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
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• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
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• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Week 1 Fantasy Football Sleepers - Start 'Em Picks

RJ Harvey, Broncos vs. Titans (Adam Koffler)

Denver’s second-round rookie running back gets a juicy matchup in Week 1 vs. a Titans team that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs last season. It’s unknown who gets most of the work in the Broncos’ backfield between RJ Harvey and veteran J.K. Dobbins right out of the gates, but it was clear from the preseason that the rookie offers a unique combination of speed and agility that the vet might not. Where Dobbins bests Harvey is in pass protection, but with Denver being 8-point favorites with an implied point total of 25, this might just be the perfect opportunity for Sean Payton to showcase his second-round draft pick.

Chris Rodriguez Jr., Commanders vs. Giants (Frank Ammirante)

Rodriguez is slotting into the Brian Robinson role as the interior runner who gets red-zone carries. While Austin Ekeler may get more work in Week 1, Rodriguez is the better bet to score a touchdown. It's a projected positive game script with the Commanders as seven-point home favorites, which means they're likely to play with a lead and establish the run. While Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the best long-term bet in this backfield, Rodriguez is the better start and a viable sleeper in Week 1.

Dylan Sampson, Browns vs. Bengals (Scott Engel)

Those who have started Jerome Ford in the past were disappointed by his overall mediocre production. With Quinshon Judkins out of the mix for now, Sampson has an opportunity to produce above expectations. The Browns need to run the ball effectively to control the clock against Cincinnati as much as possible, while easing pressure on Joe Flacco.

Ricky Pearsall, 49ers at Seahawks (Adam Koffler)

If you drafted Ricky Pearsall this season, there’s no better time to start him than in Week 1. Jauan Jennings is back in the mix, but he missed over a month of training camp with a calf injury and a contract dispute. Pearsall, meanwhile, has spent the last month developing chemistry and building rapport with Brock Purdy. Purdy admitted it was tough trying to get the timing down with Pearsall in his rookie season, but the 2025 preseason showed the two in lockstep. That matters. Don’t let the divisional matchup vs. Seattle scare you; the 49ers are road favorites with an implied total of 23 points. Start Slick Rick.

What ridiculous reporting here considering Ricky Pearsall had a “rock-solid” 69.7% success rate vs man coverage last season and an “excellent” 75% success rate vs press coverage (via @RecepPerception)

That comes after a camp and preseason filled with turmoil for the rookie

BUY! https://t.co/jkutecM0Or pic.twitter.com/W2KYZhB0iF

— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) September 3, 2025

Elic Ayomanor, Titans at Broncos (Frank Ammirante)

Ayomanor is a fourth-round rookie who has made major waves in training camp, ascending the Titans' depth chart in short order. Despite being a first-year wideout, Ayomanor is already listed as No. 2 on the depth chart, ahead of veterans like Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson. With the Broncos clamping down on Calvin Ridley, we could see Ayomanor be their best path to sustained offensive drives in this tough spot vs a stout defense.

Keon Coleman, Bills vs. Ravens (Scott Engel)

Here is the man who will quickly emerge as Buffalo’s new No. 1 wide receiver. Coleman reportedly had a strong preseason, and the Bills have left a depth chart spot open for him to claim. The second-year WR will become a consistent source of TDs, starting this week against the Ravens.

Travis Hunter, Jaguars vs. Panthers (Adam Koffler)

Liam Coen and company have done a good job hiding exactly how they intend to utilize Travis Hunter this season. However, he’s listed as a starter on offense and as a second-stringer on defense. It’s clear Coen lights up anytime he’s asked about Hunter’s ability on the offensive side of the ball. Remember what Coen’s Bucs did in Week 1 last season against a poor Washington defense (Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns)? With an implied point total of 25 against a Panthers defense that allowed the eighth-most passing yards to opponents in 2024, don’t be surprised if we see early fireworks again. Betting against Coen’s second overall pick in an elite Week 1 environment wouldn’t be wise.

Olamide Zaccheaus, Bears vs. Vikings (Frank Ammirante)

Zaccheaus is a journeyman veteran, but we saw him have some spike weeks for the Commanders last season, including two games with 70+ yards and one with two touchdowns. While it's a crowded WR room in Chicago, Zaccheaus is currently ahead of rookie Luther Burden and expected to be the primary slot receiver. That could be a lucrative role, especially against Brian Flores' blitz-happy defense, which may force Caleb Williams to get rid of the ball quickly to his safety valve in Zaccheaus.

DeMario Douglas, Patriots vs. Raiders (Scott Engel)

In my preseason Bold Predictions on RotoBaller, I forecasted that Douglas would lead the Patriots in receptions this season. I expect Drake Maye to perform well against the Raiders in his season debut, and Douglas will be his most busy target. The Patriots' WRs will finally be fantasy relevant this year, and Douglas is the guy you want.

Drake Maye remembers throwing to DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte with the second-team offense last summer.

Said they've all grown together.

"I think it's going to show and it's shown out on practice."

— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) September 3, 2025

Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos vs. Chiefs (Engel)

The thigh injury appears to be past him as Denver’s season opener approaches. Mims is on the verge of a breakout campaign as the No. 2 WR for the Broncos. You will see his route tree begin to expand this season, starting in the season opener.

Week 1 Fantasy Football Avoids - Sit 'Em Picks

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders vs. Giants (Adam Koffler)

“Bill” Croskey-Merritt was one of the biggest risers this offseason after the Commanders traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the 49ers. However, he’s still a 24-year-old, seventh-round rookie who averaged just 3.9 yards per carry on 18 preseason rush attempts. He’ll also have to contend with Chris Rodriguez, who ranked fifth in yards after contact per attempt and second in PFF elusive rating in 2024, trusted veteran Austin Ekeler, newcomer Deebo Samuel, and quarterback Jayden Daniels for touches in Week 1. It’s best to keep him on your bench until we see how this Washington backfield shakes out.

Austin Ekeler Continues to See Time as Lead Running Back https://t.co/ok7Rm6133l

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 3, 2025

Calvin Ridley, Titans at Broncos (Frank Ammirante)

Ridley is in line for a strong year with a massive upgrade under center in Cam Ward, but this is a tough matchup for him. The veteran wideout will have to go up against one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, Patrick Surtain II. While I'm still starting Ridley where I have him because he can get loose downfield in any matchup, there's a reasonable chance that this will be a floor week for the former Jaguar.

Ricky Pearsall, 49ers at Seahawks (Scott Engel)

We already saw the RotoBaller Player News update indicating that Pearsall won’t play as large a role as initially projected. The Seattle secondary is also one of the best in the league, and Pearsall may see a lot of Devon Witherspoon in coverage. He is one of the most underrated top defensive backs in the NFL.

Nick Chubb, Texans at Rams (Adam Koffler)

Chubb returned in 2024 after suffering a brutal knee injury that required two surgeries in 2023. The comeback was courageous, but the results left a lot to be desired. He averaged just 3.25 yards per carry, and he graded 45th of 47 qualifying running backs. Chubb is technically the Texans’ “starter” in Week 1, but some reports out of camp mentioned his lack of burst being evident. With run-stopping DT Poona Ford brought in to sure up the Rams’ line, Chubb could struggle in this one. If the Texans fall behind, we could see more Dameon Pierce or Woody Marks given the veteran’s lack of involvement in the passing game. This is a situation to avoid in Week 1.

Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs. Giants (Frank Ammirante)

McLaurin missed much of camp with a holdout, which could cause him to get off to a slow start to the season. We've seen that happen to previous holdouts -- just look at Brandon Aiyuk last year, before he suffered a season-ending injury. I'm expecting the Commanders to establish the run against the Giants in a low-scoring game, which means less passing volume for McLaurin to make splash plays downfield.

Joshua Palmer, Bills vs. Ravens (Scott Engel)

I’m not going to go down the same road with this guy, as we already didn’t do when he was with the Chargers. If you play in a deeper league and are considering starting Palmer, don’t. He is going to be a waste of a roster spot. He didn’t take advantage of most of his expanded opportunities in Los Angeles and won’t do it enough in Buffalo. Sorry, Stevie Johnson and Michael F. Florio, I am not buying into your tout on him.

DK Metcalf, Steelers at Jets (Adam Koffler)

DK Metcalf gets a fresh start in Pittsburgh as the team’s clear WR1. However, he enters one of the more unfriendly environments for wide receiver production. With Arthur Smith running the offense, no team threw to its wide receivers less than the Steelers last season (just 229 targets). In 2023, an Arthur Smith-led Falcons offense ranked dead last in wide receiver targets (209). Add to the mix working with a new quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and a matchup against one of the league’s premier cornerbacks in Sauce Gardner, and you have a recipe for disaster. It could be tough sledding for Metcalf in Week 1.

Kaleb Johnson, Steelers at Jets (Frank Ammirante)

Johnson is firmly behind Jaylen Warren on the Steelers' RB depth chart and may also lose snaps to Kenneth Gainwell. This is a long-term play that you need to be patient with, as there's a good chance that it will take time for him to become fantasy-relevant. Even though you invested a mid-round pick to take Johnson, don't be tempted to start him until his role is more defined.

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