RADIO
Week 1 of the NFL season is finally here, which means its time to welcome you back to our Week 1 matchups analysis and Start Em, Sit Em column for fantasy football and the 2024 season! With the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens kicking off the season on Thursday, it's time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 1. While you should always start your studs, especially to begin the season, some players fantasy managers drafted in the later rounds should be starting for your team this week.
Week 1 is a little difficult to determine starts and sits because we don't know how things will play out. We also don't know how defenses will fare, and if they will be better or worse than last year. However, we can take what we learned last season and what we learned during the offseason to analyze the matchups we love and hate in the first week of the season.
So, let's dive into every Week 1 game (Sunday through Monday) and analyze the best starts and sits to open the season. This article will go through every player in every game in Week 1 to determine whether your fantasy player should be started on your roster or not. If you have any additional start and sit questions, reach out to me on X (@joeypollizze).
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 ET Games
Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills
Spread: Bills -5.5
Implied Total: Cardinals (21.25) vs. Bills (26.75)
Matchups We Love:
QB Josh Allen
If you drafted Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, you are starting him as your QB1. In Week 1, though, he'll have an extremely favorable matchup against an Arizona Cardinals defense that struggled to contain the pass last year. They gave up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position in 2023 and allowed five rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks. Allen is my QB1 this week.
RB James Cook
The Cardinals defense has plenty of holes, but stopping the run might be the team's biggest weakness. They allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs last year (26.8 PPR fantasy points) and a league-high 2,027 rush yards. Given not much has changed for the Arizona front seven entering the 2024 season, Bills running back James Cook should feast in Week 1.
WR Greg Dortch
With wide receiver Zay Jones on the suspended list, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch should see plenty of opportunities in the passing game. In the four games that Dortch played at least 70% of the offensive snaps last year, he scored in double figures in all four contests. Now, he goes up against a Bills secondary that allowed the 10th-most PPR fantasy points to the slot last season.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Bills WRs
No one knows which Bills wide receiver will emerge as the top option for Allen this season. Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Curtis Samuel all have the potential to be Buffalo's WR1 in 2024. For Week 1, it's tough to trust any of these wideouts -- even in a plus matchup -- but Coleman is probably my preferred option, especially with Samuel dealing with a toe injury.
Update: Curtis Samuel will play in Week 1
It'll be interesting to see how the Bills use tight end Dalton Kincaid in Year 2. Given the team's lack of weapons in the passing game, Kincaid could see more opportunities in the slot. If that's the case, his fantasy value should skyrocket. In Week 1, he is a must-start TE1 option in a game that Buffalo should score a lot of points.
QB Kyler Murray
The Buffalo Bills were one of the best defenses at limiting big fantasy games from quarterbacks last season. They allowed just 13.88 fantasy points per game to the position in 2023. But the Bills lost a lot of pieces in their secondary, and Kyler Murray's rushing upside gives him a high floor entering Week 1. He should be in your lineup this week.
RB James Conner
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner showed no signs of slowing down last season, and he'll face a Bills defense in Week 1 that allowed 4.7 yards per carry in 2023. Of course, it's a new season, but Buffalo didn't make many changes on the defensive line this offseason. That makes Conner an easy RB2 option to start the season.
The exciting rookie wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr., will make his professional debut against the Bills. Given where you selected in your fantasy draft, he should be in your starting lineup. It will be interesting to see how much Murray targets him in Week 1. If Harrison could see somewhere between eight to 10 targets every week, a WR1 season could be in store.
TE Trey McBride
After breaking out in his second season, Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride will enter 2024 as a strong TE1 option for fantasy managers. He averaged 15 PPR fantasy points from Week 8 onward last year, which helped him finish as the overall TE7. It doesn't matter much who McBride plays against because he is a set-it-and-forget tight end this season. He's a top-five option against the Bills this week.
Injuries:
- Curtis Samuel (toe)
New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals
Spread: Bengals -9.5
Implied Total: Patriots (16) vs. Bengals (25)
Matchups We Love:
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is the team's starter entering the year and should see most of the carries on offense. While the Bengals ranked middle of the pack against fantasy running backs last year, they did allow a whopping 4.7 yards per carry and 12 rushing touchdowns. That makes the Patriots back a solid RB2/flex play in Week 1.
Matchups We Hate:
Bengals RBs
The Patriots struggled in a lot of areas last year; however, they were one of the best teams at stopping the run. They gave up just 3.3 yards per carry and 1,294 rushing yards. With New England's front seven staying relatively the same from the 2023 campaign, both Chase Brown and Zack Moss could have inefficient days.
Fantasy managers also don't know how the Bengals plan to utilize both Moss and Brown out of the backfield. So, it's probably best to just wait and see how this backfield plays out in Week 1.
TE Mike Gesicki
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki will face his former team in Week 1 after spending the 2023 season with the Patriots. However, he could be in for a rough fantasy day, as New England gave up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position last season (8.85 PPR fantasy points).
All Patriots WRs
New England's wide receiver room is another group that fantasy managers should stay away from in Week 1. Ja'Lynn Polk had the highest ADP of any Patriots wideout in drafts this summer, but how involved will he be in the first game of his career? Even with Kendrick Bourne (knee) out, it's tough to trust Polk, Demario Douglas, or K.J. Osborn this week.
Fantasy managers should only consider New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett in Superflex formats. Nonetheless, given the team's lack of weapons and Cincinnati's solid defense, Brissett should not be started in most leagues in Week 1.
Other Matchups:
QB Joe Burrow
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is back following his season-ending wrist injury that cut his 2023 season short. Fantasy managers will now get their first look at Burrow in 2024 against a Patriots defense that is better than people think. Still, you should be starting the Pro Bowl quarterback in every fantasy format in Week 1.
The big question is whether wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will play in Week 1. Chase has sat out most of the offseason amid contract disputes with the team. However, assuming he does suit up against the Patriots to open the season, he is a must-start option in all formats.
Update: Chase is a game-time decision for Week 1
WR Tee Higgins
The biggest beneficiary of Chase potentially sitting out Week 1 is wide receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins would immediately become the team's WR1 and would be a low-end WR1 in fantasy against the Patriots. In four games without Chase during the 2022 season (Week 8 to Week 12), the 25-year-old averaged 18.8 PPR fantasy points per game. If Chase plays, Higgins is still a solid start in all formats.
Update: Higgins injured his hamstring in Thursday's practice, doubtful for Week 1
Injuries:
- Hunter Henry (undisclosed)
- Kendrick Bourne (knee)
Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Spread: Vikings -1
Implied Total: Vikings (21) vs. Giants (20)
Matchups We Love:
RB Aaron Jones
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones will make his team debut in Week 1 in an extremely favorable matchup. The Giants allowed the third-most rush yards to running backs last season (1,856) and the 10th-most fantasy points per game (22.2). The team did add edge-rusher Brian Burns this offseason, but Jones should still have his way against a below-average defense.
There's a big advantage for wide receiver Justin Jefferson in this game against young cornerback Deonte Banks. Banks finished his rookie season with a 51.5 PFF grade and ranked outside the top 35 at the position in catch rate allowed (58.1%), man success rate (67.2%), and catches allowed (54). As a result, Jefferson should be in store for a monster game in Week 1.
WR Malik Nabers
After a full offseason of debating whether rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers will be a fantasy star, we will finally see him in action. Luckily, he has a great matchup in store against a Vikings secondary that features two older corners (Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin). Minnesota added some new pieces on defense, but that won't be enough to stop Nabers. He's a WR2 in Week 1.
Matchups We Hate:
Vikings TEs
With tight end T.J. Hockenson starting the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the Vikings will roll out Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt as their top two tight ends. Neither will have any fantasy value with Hockenson out, and New York gave up the fewest fantasy points to the tight-end position last year. So, they are both must-sits in Week 1.
Running back Devin Singletary will make his team debut with the Giants and should lead the backfield in Week 1. However, he is a player to keep on your bench to start the season. The Vikings allowed just 3.8 yards per carry last season, and New York is already dealing with multiple injuries across its offensive line. It's best to probably sit him to open the season.
Other Matchups:
QB Sam Darnold
Following the departure of Kirk Cousins and the season-ending injury to J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings will start Sam Darnold at quarterback. Darnold has had a rough start to his career, throwing 63 touchdowns to 56 interceptions. But he does have a solid matchup in Week 1 against a Giants secondary that lost both Julian Love and Xavier McKinney. That makes him a low-end QB2 this week.
QB Daniel Jones
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones finally has an elite WR1 to throw to in Nabers. So, the question is how much will the rookie's arrival help Jones in fantasy? Either way, though, he might be tough to trust as your QB2 this week, especially since he is coming off a torn ACL. His rushing will likely be limited, making him a low-end QB2 against the Vikings.
It remains to be seen if wide receiver Jordan Addison will be ready to go in Week 1. He injured his ankle at practice on August 14 and is still without a timetable for a return. If he does play in this game, though, he is a solid WR3/flex play. Addison would likely be matched up against young cornerback Cor'Dale Flott -- who had a 53.4 PFF grade in 2023.
Update: Addison has no injury designation heading into Sunday's game
Injuries:
- Jordan Addison (ankle)
- T.J. Hockenson (knee)
Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears
Spread: Bears -4.5
Implied Total: Titans (20.75) vs. Bears (24.75)
Matchups We Love:
QB Will Levis
Many people expect Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis to break out in 2024, and he has a great chance to start his season off right against the Chicago Bears. Chicago allowed the eighth-most passing yards per game (237.8) to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 while allowing 17.2 fantasy points per game to the position. That makes him a strong QB2 option in Superflex formats.
Titans RBs
The Bears front seven still has plenty of weaknesses entering the season. As a result, both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are solid flex plays to open the season. Pollard and Spears will likely split reps in Week 1, but both backs should be heavily involved in both the running and passing game. The Bears gave up the most receiving yards to running backs last season (1,002 yards).
Matchups We Hate:
The Titans have a better defense than people realize entering the year, and they just traded for linebacker Ernest Jones IV a couple of days ago. Given that Tennessee allowed just 3.8 yards per carries and 26.6 receiving yards to running backs per game in 2023, D'Andre Swift could struggle to produce solid fantasy numbers in Week 1. Swift is a risky RB2 option.
WR DJ Moore
You likely aren't sitting wide receiver DJ Moore in Week 1. But fantasy managers should temper expectations against the Tennessee Titans. Newly acquired cornerback L'Jarius Sneed will likely be shadowing Moore throughout the game. Last season, the Bears wideout was held to just two catches for two yards when Sneed was in coverage. So, he's more of a low-end WR2.
Tennessee Titans wideout Calvin Ridley will make his team debut in Week 1, and it'll be interesting to see if Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson shadows him. If he does, Ridley's fantasy value might take a little hit, as Johnson only allowed 227 receiving yards and 7.6 yards per reception (first among all cornerbacks) last season. That makes Ridley a low-end WR3 this week.
TE Cole Kmet
There are some question marks about how much playing time Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet will play. The team added Gerald Everett this offseason, and the veteran has been seeing some of the first-team reps in practice. As a result, Kmet is better left on your bench in Week 1, especially considering that Tennessee was one of the better teams against tight ends last season.
Other Matchups:
The first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (Caleb Williams) will make his professional debut in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. With any rookie quarterback, there are going to be some struggles. So, it's tough to trust him in fantasy right away. Nonetheless, Williams' weekly upside makes him a low-end QB1 this week against a revamped Titans secondary.
Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins injured his knee in training camp and was given a four-to-six-week timeline. While the Titans remain hopeful that Hopkins will suit up in Week 1, it remains to be seen if the All-Pro wideout will be ready to go. If he does play and Johnson shadows Ridley throughout the contest, the veteran wideout could have flex appeal to open the season.
Update: Recovering MCL tear, questionable for Week 1
WR Keenan Allen
The Bears made a splash this offseason by trading for wide receiver Keenan Allen. Allen should now emerge as a security blanket for Williams in the middle of the field. With Sneed likely shadowing Moore in this contest, the 11-year veteran could see more opportunities in Week 1. As a result, you should lock him in as your flex against the Titans.
WR Rome Odunze
No one knows how much rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze will play in the Bears' season opener. Former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator (Shane Waldron) is now with the Bears, and Waldron limited Jaxon Smith-Njigba's playing time as a rookie last year. That makes Odunze a risky fantasy option to start the season and a flex play at best in Week 1.
Injuries:
- DeAndre Hopkins (knee)
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
Spread: Saints -4
Implied Total: Panthers (18) vs. Saints (22.5)
Matchups We Love:
RB Alvin Kamara
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara will start the season in a favorable matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers allowed 24.9 PPR fantasy points to opposing running backs last season and lost Brian Burns via trade this offseason. With Kamara locked in as the team's RB1, and given his high usage in the passing game, he's a strong RB2 in Week 1.
QB/TE Taysom Hill
Reports all offseason have said that Taysom Hill will be utilized a lot on offense. He has played five different positions in training camp (quarterback, running back, fullback, wide receiver, and tight end), and Carolina was one of the worst teams at stopping the run last year. His potential to play multiple positions on the field makes him a high-end TE2 in Week 1.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Derek Carr
In the two games versus the Panthers last season, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr averaged just 9.7 fantasy points. Carolina's defense will look different from last year, but many of the same pieces in the secondary are still with the team. So, Carr isn't a strong play in Week 1 in most leagues -- even Superflex formats.
QB Bryce Young
Quarterback Bryce Young is trending up entering his second NFL season. The team acquired Diontae Johnson this offseason and hired an offensive-minded head coach in Dave Canales. However, Young is better left on your bench in Supeflex formats in Week 1. New Orleans has a strong secondary and only gave up 14.4 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks last season.
WR Chris Olave
No, you shouldn't be sitting wide receiver Chris Olave in fantasy this week. However, he will go up against a speedy corner in Jaycee Horn. The Panthers cornerback had Olave's number last year, as the Saints wideout was held to just three catches for 14 yards in Week 14 when Horn was in coverage. Fantasy managers should still be starting him, but maybe temper expectations.
WR Diontae Johnson
Johnson is another wideout who has a tough matchup in Week 1, likely being shadowed by Marshon Lattimore. Lattimore ranked second in breakups (19) and fifth in man coverage rate (68) last year while only playing in 10 games. With some quarterback question marks and the Saints cornerback likely following him around, the Panthers wideout is a riskier play in fantasy this week.
Other Matchups:
With rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) starting the season on the PUP list, Chuba Hubbard is in line to be the Panthers RB1 in the first few weeks. Hubbard only scored 11.6 PPR fantasy points in his one start against the Saints last year but saw a whopping 23 carries in that contest. Given that potential volume with Brooks out, he could be a flex option to open the year.
WR Adam Thielen/Xavier Legette
It's going to be hard to trust both Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette in Week 1 against a solid Saints secondary. Thielen should be pushed to the WR2 with Johnson's arrival, and Legette might see limited opportunities on offense as the WR3/WR4. As a result, both players are not strong starts in most formats this week.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is a potential breakout candidate entering the 2024 season. The Saints didn't add any playmakers on offense this offseason, meaning Shaheed will operate as New Orleans' WR2 for the year. Shaheed, though, is a risky option this week in fantasy, given Carr's struggles against the Panthers secondary in 2023.
Injuries:
- Jonathon Brooks (knee)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons
Spread: Falcons -3
Implied Total: Steelers (19) vs. Falcons (22)
Matchups We Love:
The Atlanta Falcons will no doubt find unique ways to get running back Bijan Robinson the ball in 2024. That should come as soon as Week 1 as Robinson has a solid matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fantasy managers were always going to start him this week, but a big day could be in store against a Pittsburgh defense that allowed 118.6 rush yards per game last year.
Matchups We Hate:
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens will be the team's WR1 this season. However, he might struggle in fantasy in Week 1. Atlanta Falcons superstar corner A.J. Terrell will likely shadow Pickens, and Terrell ranked second in man coverage rate (57.7), eighth in target separation (1.2), and fourth in man success rate (79.4%) in 2023. So, Pickens is lower on my list this week.
Quarterback Russell Wilson won the starting job over Justin Fields and will make his team debut against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. But it's not the best matchup for Wilson, as Atlanta's pass defense ranked eighth last season and features players like Terrell, Jessie Bates III, and Justin Simmons in the secondary. So, he's a low-end QB2 this week.
Update: Wilson is dealing with a calf issue. If he's inactive, Justin Fields is a strong QB1 play.
Other Matchups:
QB Kirk Cousins
Fantasy managers will finally get to see Cousins in a Falcons uniform in Week 1 after the veteran signed a four-year deal this offseason. Cousins won't run much but he makes up for it by throwing the ball a lot. Last season, he threw for at least 270 yards in six of eight games. The Steelers defense isn't anything special, so the veteran is a fine QB2 option in Week 1.
Steelers RBs
Both Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris will be weekly RB2/flex plays this season and that should be the case for both of them in Week 1 against the Falcons. Despite Warren dealing with a hamstring injury, the expectation is that he will be good to go in the season opener. If he can't go, though, Harris will move up as a strong RB2 play with an RB1 upside.
Update: Warren should be good to go for Week 1.
WR Drake London
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London will likely see the tough assignment of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in this game. Porter ranked seventh in target separation (1.2) while London ranked 80th among wide receivers in that same category (1.3). So, it could be a tough game for the third-year wideout. Still, with Cousins as his quarterback, he's a strong WR2 option in Week 1.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has the potential to finish top-10 at the position this year due to Arthur Smith's arrival and Pittsburgh's lack of wide receivers. As a result, he is a low-end TE1 in Week 1 against a Falcons defense that allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to the tight-end position (1,029 yards) in 2023.
TE Kyle Pitts
A big season should be in store for Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts. Pitts finally has a solid quarterback under center and that should help him finish as a TE1 for the second time in his career. The Steelers ranked middle of the pack against tight ends last year, so you are starting Pitts with confidence in Week 1.
Injuries:
- Jaylen Warren (hamstring)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins
Spread: Dolphins -3
Implied Total: Jaguars (23) vs. Dolphins (26.5)
Matchups We Love:
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is coming off a subpar 2023 campaign, but he'll have a chance to start the year off right in the second-highest over/under of Week 1 (50.5). The Dolphins allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to the opposing quarterback last year, and this Week 1 game should feature a ton of points. That makes Lawrence a strong QB2 option this week.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will open the season against the Jaguars in a favorable fantasy matchup. Jacksonville gave up the seventh-most passing yards per game (239.8) last season and the eighth-most fantasy points to the quarterback position (18.1). As a result, Tagovailoa is a low-end QB1 in Week 1 in a game that Miami should score 27-plus points.
Dolphins RBs
The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of the better defenses against the run last year, ranking ninth in rush yards allowed per game (103.1). However, they were one of the worst teams at stopping running backs in the passing game, allowing 770 receiving yards and a league-leading 108 catches. That makes both De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert must-start options in Week 1.
TE Evan Engram
The Miami Dolphins defense allowed a lot of big fantasy days to opposing tight ends in 2023, as they gave up the fourth-most PPR fantasy points per game to the position (13.2). That's certainly great news for Jaguars tight end Evan Engram to start the season. Coming off a career year, Engram is a must-start option at tight end in Week 1.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
The Miami Dolphins did a good job of preventing big games from fantasy running backs in 2023. They allowed just 3.8 yards per carry and 99.8 rush yards per game last season. But they lost Christian Wilkins this offseason and Jaelan Phillips is still recovering from a torn Achilles. Given Travis Etienne's versatility in both the running and passing game, he's a strong RB1 option.
Dolphins WRs
Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are must-start options every week in fantasy, and that certainly won't change in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hill will come in as a WR1 while Waddle is more of a WR2 this week. However, the latter does have WR1 upside in this offense versus a Jacksonville secondary that isn't elite by any means.
Jaguars WRs
Fantasy managers don't know what to do with Jacksonville's wide receiver group. Christian Kirk figures to be the team's WR1, but he wasn't treated as such in the preseason. Brian Thomas Jr. is a rookie and could have an up-and-down season while Gabe Davis was a boom-or-bust player with the Buffalo Bills.
Still, assuming Kirk is good to go following his calf injury, he should be started in most 10-plus-team leagues. Thomas is more of a flex play in his first professional game, and Davis comes in as a low-end flex option to start the year.
Update: Kirk is off the injury report and will play in Week 1
Injuries:
- Christian Kirk (calf)
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
Spread: Texans -2.5
Implied Total: Texans (25.75) vs. Colts (23.25)
Matchups We Love:
QB C.J. Stroud
There were a lot of mixed opinions about Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's ADP this year. Either way, though, he should be in store for a great fantasy day in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. In two games against the Colts last year, Stroud threw for 648 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 21 fantasy points. As a result, lock him as your QB1 to start the season.
RB Joe Mixon
The Indianapolis Colts couldn't stop running backs last year, as they ranked ninth in rush yards allowed per game (123.8) and fifth in receiving yards allowed per game (42). That led to the Colts giving up the fifth-most PPR fantasy points (24.5) to the running back position in 2023. With Joe Mixon set to take over the RB1 job in Houston, he's a high-end RB2 option this week.
Matchups We Hate:
WR Stefon Diggs
It remains to be seen where Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs will fit in on offense. With Tank Dell and Nico Collins playing primarily outside last year, Diggs could find himself starting in the slot this season. If that's the case, he could struggle in Week 1, as he'll be shadowed by Kenny Moore II. Slot wideouts also only averaged eight PPR fantasy points per game in 2023.
Other Matchups:
We saw glimpses of Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardon's potential last season before he suffered a season-ending injury. He averaged 23.1 fantasy points in his first three games -- one of which came against the Texans when he scored 17 fantasy points in over just one quarter. As a result, if he's healthy, you are starting him as your QB1 every week moving forward.
It has been a couple of injury-riddled seasons for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. However, when he's been on the field, he has been one of the best fantasy options at the position. Given where you selected him in drafts, he is a set-it-and-forget-it player in fantasy in Week 1 and beyond.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is coming off the best season of his career, catching 109 passes for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns. That helped him finish as the WR13 in PPR formats. Even though he might draw the shadow of Derek Stingley Jr. in this contest -- a corner who gave up the eighth fewest catches (23) and 12th fewest receiving yards (279) last year -- Pittman is a strong WR2 in Week 1.
WR Nico Collins/Tank Dell
Stroud has a great matchup against the Colts secondary this week, which means some of his wide receivers should also be in store for great games. That makes both Collins and Dell great starts in Week 1. Collins torched Indianapolis' defense last year -- totaling 341 yards across two games -- and Dell scored 20.2 PPR fantasy points in Week 2 against them.
With the arrival of Diggs, Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz will likely see fewer opportunities in the passing game. So, he's not necessarily a strong option in Week 1, even with Stroud set to have a good game. Schultz is more of a TE2 to open the season, but Indianapolis did allow the eighth-most receiving yards to the tight-end position in 2023 (914 yards).
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Spread: Chargers -3.5
Implied Total: Raiders (19.5) vs. Chargers (23)
Matchups We Love:
After a poor season of quarterback play for wide receiver Davante Adams, it seems like that will be the case for him again. With Gardner Minshew II under center, Adams no longer has a high ceiling in fantasy. However, he has a great matchup in Week 1 against a Chargers defense that gave up the sixth-most PPR fantasy points (34.9) to opposing wideouts last year.
Matchups We Hate:
Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert's fantasy value is certainly trending down. His new head coach (Jim Harbaugh) and offensive coordinator (Greg Roman) prioritize running the ball. On top of that, Herbert is battling a foot issue that will likely limit his mobility through the first few weeks. So, it's likely best to keep the star quarterback on your bench in Week 1.
Update: Herbert will play but comes in as a QB2 in fantasy this week.
Other Matchups:
QB Gardner Minshew II
Minshew won the starting job out of training camp over Aidan O'Connell. While the matchup is a solid one against the Chargers defense, Derwin James and Asante Samuel Jr. could present Minshew with some troubles in the secondary. That's why he is a low-end QB2 this week and should be left on benches in Superflex formats.
RB Zamir White
The million-dollar question is whether or not running back Zamir White can be a solid fantasy option in 2024. Josh Jacobs left in the offseason, and he draws a favorable matchup in Week 1 against a Chargers defense that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2023. As a result, fantasy managers should consider him as a potential RB2 option.
Chargers RBs
It remains to be seen how the Chargers will utilize J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Kimani Vidal out of the backfield. There's a good chance that each will see plenty of opportunities on offense, especially Dobbins and Edwards -- who are expected to be the team's one-two punch in 2024. However, it's too hard to trust either in fantasy this week, even in a great matchup against Las Vegas.
Chargers WRs
After letting go of both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, the Chargers wide receiver room will look a little different this year. Joshua Palmer should be Los Angeles' WR1 while Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and DJ Chark should see chances in the passing game as well.
Nonetheless, until we see how this wide receiver group unfolds, it's best to just stay away from it this week in fantasy. McConkey likely has the best long-term value but is too hard to trust right away in his first NFL game.
TE Brock Bowers
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has been battling a foot issue for quite some time now, which could jeopardy his status for Week 1. But it sounds like he will be good to go against the Los Angeles Chargers. Still, coming off a foot issue and being a rookie, he could see limited opportunities to start the season. That's why he is more of a low-end TE1/ high-end TE2 this week.
Update: Bowers will play in Week 1.
Injuries:
- Justin Herbert (foot)
- Brock Bowers (foot)
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
Spread: Browns -5.5
Implied Total: Broncos (18.25) vs. Seahawks (23.75)
Matchups We Love:
The Denver Broncos defense ranked in the bottom of the league in most rushing categories last year. With most of that defense returning from last year, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III should be in for a monster Week 1 against the Broncos. Denver allowed 25.3 PPR fantasy points to opposing running backs last year, making Walker a strong RB1 this week.
Broncos RBs
Denver Broncos running backs Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin have a great opportunity to start the season strong against a Seahawks defense that struggled to stop the run a year ago. Seattle allowed the second-most rush yards per game (138.4) and the sixth-most PPR fantasy points. As a result, Williams is a solid flex play in most leagues, while McLaughlin could be a low-end flex play in deeper formats.
TE Greg Dulcich
It will be hard to trust Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich in Week 1 because he has failed to stay healthy in his first two years in the league. But he is the clear TE1 in Denver's offense against a Seahawks defense that gave up 901 receiving yards in 2023. As a result, he should be considered in 18-plus-team leagues in fantasy this week.
Matchups We Hate:
WR DK Metcalf
If you drafted Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf in fantasy, you likely aren't sitting him in Week 1. You definitely shouldn't, either, as the Seahawks wideout has been one of the more consistent fantasy WR2s over the past two years. But Metcalf has a tough matchup this week against Patrick Surtain II. Still, he's a WR2 to open the season.
Other Matchups:
QB Bo Nix
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has impressed all offseason and earned the starting job over Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham because of it. Now, Nix will face a Seahawks defense that allowed the 10th-most passing yards (4,247) in 2023. However, he's a risky fantasy play in his first career start against two solid cornerbacks in Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon in the secondary. The rookie is more of a low-end QB2 in Week 1.
QB Geno Smith
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith didn't have a strong fantasy year in 2023 but will start the season in a favorable matchup. The Broncos secondary has a bunch of holes -- outside of Surtain -- which could lead to a solid fantasy day for Smith. Denver also allowed the fifth-most passing touchdowns to quarterbacks last year, so the veteran signal-caller could be a reliable QB2 option this week.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba/Tyler Lockett
A breakout season could be in store for Smith-Njigba after a quiet rookie campaign. He'll likely avoid Surtain in his first matchup, which is certainly great news for his Week 1 value. However, it might be hard to trust him against the Broncos if Tyler Lockett (leg) plays. If Lockett -- who is dealing with a leg issue -- plays, both players would be potential flex plays in a solid matchup in Week 1.
Update: Lockett is questionable for Week 1.
Having a rookie quarterback throwing passes isn't always the greatest thing for wide receivers in fantasy, but Courtland Sutton should garner most of the WR1 targets in 2024. Jerry Jeudy was traded in the offseason, and Tim Patrick was cut just days ago. But in Week 1 against the Seahawks, he should be left on your bench. Sutton will draw the tough assignment of either Wollen or Witherspoon -- two Pro Bowl cornerbacks.
Injuries:
- Tyler Lockett (leg)
Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns
Spread: Browns -2.5
Implied Total: Cowboys (19.75) vs. Browns (22.25)
Matchups We Love:
RB Jerome Ford
With Nick Chubb beginning the season on the PUP list, Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford should be in line for a bigger role to start the year. In Week 1, he goes up against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has struggled against the run in recent years. Dallas' defense allowed 114.1 rush yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry in 2023. Given Ford's potential to see 15-20 carries this week, he is a low-end RB2.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Dak Prescott
It's hard to sit Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott this week, especially considering you drafted him as your QB1. However, if you drafted an early backup quarterback, it would be best to pivot away from Prescott in Week 1 against the Browns. Cleveland allowed just 171.1 pass yards and 12.3 fantasy points per game last year. That makes the Cowboys quarterback a potential sit candidate in some leagues this week.
On the other side of the ball, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has a tough matchup as well. Watson will go up against a Cowboys defense that allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (14.2) last year. The team did lose Stephon Gilmore this offseason and the 2023 interception leader (DaRon Bland) will be out for this game. Still, given Watson's struggles last season, he's a sit in Week 1.
With Prescott having a tough matchup, it's going to be hard to rely on other pass-catchers in this Cowboys offense. Brandin Cooks had a strong end-of-season finish last year, but he might struggle to top double-digit fantasy points in this contest. The Browns allowed the third-fewest PPR fantasy points to opposing wideouts last season (25.4). So, I'm only starting Cooks if I have to this week.
TE David Njoku
The Cowboys didn't allow many big games to tight ends last year, giving up just 9.3 PPR fantasy points per game. While Browns tight end David Njoku had his fair share of solid fantasy days in 2023, most of those games came without Watson. Njoku only averaged 8.3 PPR fantasy points per game with Watson under center. As a result, in this matchup against a tough Cowboys defense, the Browns playmaker is a low-end TE1 this week.
Other Matchups:
Cowboys RBs
It remains a mystery how Dallas will roll out its running back group this season (Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Dalvin Cook). Elliott will likely have touchdown upside every week while Dowdle could be used more in the receiving game. However, it might be too risky to play any of these running backs in Week 1. There is just too much uncertainty in this backfield, and Cleveland allowed only 103.8 rush yards per game last year.
WR CeeDee Lamb
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will almost certainly be shadowed by Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward in Week 1. Ward was one of the best corners in the league last year, ranking top-10 in catch rate allowed (50%), passer rating allowed (71.2), and coverage rating (+33.7). Despite the tough matchup, though, you are not sitting Lamb this week.
There's no doubt the Browns defense is elite, and they did a great job at limiting fantasy tight ends last year. They gave up just 7.96 PPR fantasy points per game to tight ends and allowed a league-low 565 receiving yards to the position in 2023. However, it is important to note that they did give up seven receiving touchdowns. So, there is some potential for Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson in Week 1 after his 2023 breakout campaign.
WR Amari Cooper
Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper will go up against his former team for the first in his career. So there is extra motivation to play well against the team that traded him away before the 2022 season. Cooper will have Watson back under center, and the veteran averaged 17.6 PPR fantasy points with him as his quarterback in 2023. As a result, he's a solid WR2 option this week in a revenge game.
Injuries:
- Nick Chubb (knee)
Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Spread: Buccaneers -3.5
Implied Total: Commanders (19.75) vs. Buccaneers (22.75)
Matchups We Love:
The Washington Commanders were the worst team against the pass last season, as they allowed a league-leading 4,627 pass yards and 39 pass touchdowns. So, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield should be a strong QB2 option in fantasy in Week 1. Even though Washington added a defensive-minded head coach in Dan Quinn this offseason, Mayfield should have his way against this Commanders secondary this week.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will make his debut in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a great fantasy matchup. The Buccaneers gave up the seventh-most fantasy points (18.2) to quarterbacks last season and also gave up a whopping six rushing touchdowns to the position. As a result, Daniels' legs could be utilized big time at the goal line in this game, making him a sneaky QB1 this week.
The Commanders defense struggled in 2023, and that included stopping opposing running backs in both the running and passing game. While Rachaad White's efficiency wasn't the best last season -- as he averaged 3.6 yards per carry -- there's a good chance he outperforms his projection in Week 1. Washington also gave up the fourth-most receiving yards to opposing running backs last season, making White a must-start option.
WR Mike Evans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has been one of the more consistent wide receivers in fantasy over the past few years. To kick off his 11th year in the league, he'll be rewarded with an extremely favorable Week 1 matchup. Washington didn't add many big pieces to its secondary this offseason and it just allowed 29 receiving touchdowns to wideouts last year. That locks him Evans as an easy WR1 option this week.
Commanders TEs
Zach Ertz figures to see most of the starting reps in Washington's tight-end room to begin the year before rookie Ben Sinnott eventually takes over. If you're looking for a deeper tight-end option in Week 1 because you drafted T.J. Hockenson or waited for a tight end later in drafts, Ertz and Sinnott have some sneaky value in 20-plus-team leagues. The Buccaneers allowed the third-most PPR fantasy points (13.7) to the position last year.
Matchups We Hate:
Commanders RBs
The Buccaneers have had one of the best run defenses in recent years, led by Vita Vea. Despite Shaquil Barrett leaving this offseason, Tampa still has plenty of solid players on the defensive line to help stop the run in 2024. That makes both Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler risky RB2s in Week 1. Tampa only allowed 93.5 rushing yards per game (not good for Robinson) and 435 receiving yards (not good for Ekeler) last year.
Other Matchups:
WR Chris Godwin
Reports have said that Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been working primarily in the slot this offseason. If that's the case, Godwin could see many opportunities in the passing game right away in Week 1 against the Commanders. Washington gave up the eighth-most PPR fantasy points to slot wideouts last season (14.2). In a favorable matchup, the 28-year-old is a respectable WR3 option this week.
After battling for targets last year, wideout Terry McLaurin is the lone wolf in Washington's offense this season. As a result, look for Daniels to lean on his WR1 early and often in Week 1. Fantasy managers who selected McLaurin in drafts shouldn't be sitting him, especially in this matchup against a Buccaneers defense that allowed over 3,000 receiving yards to opposing wideouts last year and lost Carlton Davis III this offseason.
TE Cade Otton
Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton emerged as a reliable target for Mayfield in the middle of the field last year. That led to Otton totaling a career-high 47 catches for 455 yards and four touchdowns. In his third year in the league now, the 25-year-old could be in store for his best season yet. However, he is more of a TE2 option in Week 1 against a Washington defense that was middle of the pack against opposing tight ends in 2023.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
Spread: Lions -3.5
Implied Total: Rams (23.75) vs. Lions (27.25)
Matchups We Love:
For the second time in a row, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will face his former team. In last year's playoff game, Stafford threw for 367 yards and two touchdowns. Given Detroit's weakness in the secondary, expect the veteran signal-caller to put up similar big numbers in Week 1. He is a must-start in Superflex formats this week against the Lions and comes in as a QB2 option in one-quarterback leagues.
QB Jared Goff
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been one of the more underrated fantasy quarterbacks over the past two years, but he deserves more love entering Week 1. He just finished as the QB7 and now faces a Rams secondary that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points (18.9) to opposing quarterbacks in 2023. In a revenge game for Goff, he is a nice QB1 option this week.
With Stafford having a plus matchup in Week 1, both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua could have monster fantasy days. Even though the Lions added Carlton Davis III this offseason, their secondary isn't immediately fixed with his arrival. They allowed 36.9 PPR fantasy points to opposing wideouts last season, meaning Kupp and Nacua should exceed their expectations to open the season.
You aren't sitting wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown by any means this season, but he deserves to be on this list because of his A+ matchup in Week 1. St. Brown totaled seven catches for 110 yards against the Rams in last year's playoffs, and that seems like his fantasy floor this week in what should be a high-scoring game. Lock in the speedy wideout as your WR1.
TE Sam LaPorta
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has been battling a hamstring issue for some time now. However, he is on track to play in Week 1 against the Lions. Given that he is the overall TE1 this season, he should be started in all formats this week. LaPorta also has a great matchup to open the season, facing a Rams defense that allowed almost 13 PPR fantasy points to the position in 2023.
Update: LaPorta will play in Week 1.
Matchups We Hate:
One of the biggest questions heading into the season is how involved Kyren Williams will be on offense this season. He is expected to return punts for the team this year, and the Rams also drafted Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. This matchup is also a tough one for Williams, as the Lions gave up only 91.1 rush yards per game in 2023. Still, you are starting Williams in every format, given where you drafted him.
Other Matchups:
Lions RBs
Both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will see plenty of chances in this Lions offense in 2024, including in Week 1 against the Rams. Los Angeles was a top team against the run last season and only allowed 357 receiving yards to opposing running backs the whole year. However, it lost both Aaron Donald and Ernest Jones IV this offseason, making Gibbs a strong RB1 option and Montgomery a solid RB2 option this week.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has failed to stay on the field in his first two years, resulting in some low fantasy finishes. But serving as the Lions WR2 could serve him well in 2024. He is in an elite offense with a fantastic play-caller in Ben Johnson, which means Williams could be fantasy-relevant this year. Nonetheless, he is too much of a boom-or-bust player to trust in Week 1 against the Rams.
Injuries:
- Sam LaPorta (hamstring)
Matchups Analysis - Monday Night Football
New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers
Spread: 49ers -3.5
Implied Total: Jets (20.25) vs. 49ers (24.25)
Matchups We Love:
UPDATE: Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out for Week 1 and will not play. Jordan Mason is an RB2 and must stash if still available before lineups lock.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been dealing with a calf injury for the past couple of weeks, which has held him out of preseason action. While there is no timetable set for McCaffrey's return, the 49ers remain optimistic that he will be ready to go for Week 1 against the New York Jets. The Jets struggled to contain fantasy running backs in 2023, so the All-Pro back has a favorable matchup to start the season.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Brock Purdy
Fantasy managers drafted 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to be their QB1 in Week 1 and beyond. However, it might be best to look elsewhere for a quarterback to start the season. The Jets gave up a league-low 168.3 pass yards per game last season while holding opposing quarterbacks to 12.1 fantasy points per game. That makes Purdy an extremely risky start in one-quarterback leagues this week.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles after just four snaps last season and now will enter the 2024 season facing a tough 49ers defense. San Francisco allowed just 13.95 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2023, making Rodgers also a risky option at the position in this game. He'll enter the week as a low-end QB2.
RB Breece Hall
You should be starting New York Jets running back Breece Hall every week. But he does have a tough matchup against the 49ers front seven to begin the season. San Francisco allowed just 98.7 rush yards per game in 2023 and ranked second in PPR fantasy points (15.7) allowed to the position. So, it might be a tougher day on the ground for Hall in Week 1.
Brandon Aiyuk recently signed a four-year extension with the 49ers, meaning he'll be ready to suit up in Week 1 against the Jets. However, he could struggle to put up solid fantasy numbers this week. For starters, he hasn't been on the field all offseason, so there could be some timing issues in the first game. On top of that, Sauce Gardner will likely shadow him throughout the contest. So, Aiyuk is more of a low-end WR2 versus New York.
Other Matchups:
Assuming Rodgers can stay healthy this year, Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson will finally have a solid quarterback throwing him passes. No matter Wilson's matchup, fantasy managers should be starting him every week. Luckily for him, he has a solid matchup in the secondary against a 49ers unit that allowed 32.7 PPR fantasy points to opposing wideouts last year.
The fantastic thing about rostering Deebo Samuel in fantasy is that his points don't only come from the receiving game. Samuel totaled 225 rush yards and five touchdowns on the ground last season, and that usage in the running game raised his fantasy ceiling every week. While Aiyuk is being shadowed by Gardner in this game, the 28-year-old playmaker could see better fantasy results in Week 1.
Tight end George Kittle is a player fantasy managers should be starting every single week. Despite the Jets presenting a tough challenge for Aiyuk, Kittle could see more opportunities in the passing game because of it. Overall, New York was solid against fantasy tight ends last season but did allow seven receiving touchdowns to the position. As a result, Kittle is a nice TE1 option in Week 1.
Injuries:
- Christian McCaffrey (calf) - RULED OUT
- Mike Williams (knee)
Matchup Analysis - Thursday Night Football
You can read our Thursday Night Football Start Em, Sit Em and matchups analysis article for the Ravens vs. Chiefs.
Matchup Analysis - Friday Night Football
You can read our Friday Night Football Start Em, Sit Em and matchups analysis article for the Packers vs. Eagles.
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