TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 1 NFL Matchups Analysis: Start/Sit for Fantasy Football (Part 2)

Vladimir De Wet breaks down the second half of the Week 1 matchups for the 2015 season. Below, you will find part two of our Week 1 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis, which should help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis, diving into the early slate of games.

It’s essential to analyze the weekly NFL matchups to find lineup sleepers and gems, while also avoiding those players who may turn out to be busts. Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down each of the NFL matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well.

Editor’s Note: Want some more matchups data for your start/sit lineup decisions? RotoBaller's NFL Premium Subscriptions are your secret weapon. Sign up now and get access to our in-house developed tools including the DFS matchups tool, lineup sleepers/streamers tool, DFS lineups picks newsletter, start/sit tool & much more. 

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Lions @ Chargers - Sunday, 9/13 @ 4:05 EST

Matchups We Love

Yes, Ameer Abdullah may be the second coming of Barry Sanders, but until we know that for sure Joique Bell is the starting running back for the Detroit Lions. Bell should be a RB2 until further notice. He finished last season the 14th-overall fantasy back, so don't let all the rookie hype scare you away from him.

Stevie Johnson is a WR3/flex option in San Diego's pass-happy offense. Johnson had three seasons of over 1,000 yards in Buffalo with no one in the same stratosphere as Philip Rivers throwing him the ball. With no Antonio Gates and a really good preseason, Johnson should shine from his first snap in Charger Blue.

Matchups We Hate

Rookie Melvin Gordon was drafted as the 16th-overall running back making him a RB2 in most leagues. Gordon is still a rookie and after a rough preseason where he averaged less than three yards per carry, expect him to be gradually inserted into the offense as the season goes on. Until then the Chargers will likely go with a three-headed running back monster of Gordon, Danny Woodhead, and Branden Oliver.

Additionally, the Lions have a stout front seven that, even with the loss of N'Damukong Suh, should recreate their fourth-overall run defense from last year. Brandon Pettigrew and all the other Detroit TE's are no-go's for fantasy until someone takes the job or injuries occur.

Key Players/Notes

Expect stars Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate to rack up the points against last season's 21st-ranked pass defense.

 

Titans @ Buccaneers - Sunday, 9/13 @ 4:25 EST

Matchups We Love

Last year the Buccaneers' secondary gave up the third-most fantasy points to opposing WRs. Kendall Wright and Marcus Mariota  established a clear connection in the preseason, making Wright a WR3 with high upside.

The Titans defense was pretty pathetic against the run last year, giving up the second-most fantasy points to opposing RBs. Doug Martin showed flashes of his 2012 form in the preseason and should be relied upon heavily with rookie Jameis Winston at the helm. Martin is a high-end RB3/low-end RB2.

Matchups We Hate

Two rookie quarterbacks on two really bad teams should equal a tire fire of a game. Proceed with caution with all players. These two defenses ranked 25th (TB) and 32nd (TEN) in rotoballer's fantasy football defense rankings. Yes, they're both going against rookie quarterbacks, but don't overthink it--just stay away.

Key Players/Notes

Mike Evans has been hurt most of the preseason and his status still isn't clear for Week 1. If he's out, his targets will be split between Vincent Jackson and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Delanie Walker is healthy after hurting his thumb early in the preseason and should be a TE1 moving forward. Walker has put up two 60+ reception seasons despite having a QB carnival throwing him the ball. The simple stability of Mariota should see Walker put up even more consistent numbers.

 

Bengals @ Raiders - Sunday, 9/13 @ 4:25 EST

Matchups We Love

When healthy last year Latavius Murray brought a solid balance to the Raiders offense and has been one of the more trendy options as a RB2, usually coming off the board as the 15th running back selected. Expect him to feature against the Bengals run defense, which came in as the third-worst in the league last year.

Matchups We Hate

Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones, Tyler Eifert, and Giovani Bernard are all healthy. Rex Burkhead, Ryan Hewitt, and Greg Little are also healthy plus they looked good in the preseason. Outside of AJ Green and Jeremy Hill there are just too many options to feel comfortable starting one Cincinnati skill player over another.

Key Players/Notes

Michael Crabtree has an ADP of 141 overall and isn't owned in most fantasy leagues. He emerged as the clear number two target in a pass-happy offense during the preseason and his performance in Week 1 should be an indicator of whether or not he can regain his old form.

 

Ravens @ Broncos - Sunday, 9/13 @ 4:25 EST

Matchups We Love

Kamar Aiken is the starting WR opposite Steve Smith and will be getting his fair share of targets. He is still a flier and only start-worthy if you're desperate (or you just want to be the person who gets to say, "I actually started Aiken"). The Broncos had one of the top defenses last season, especially in the secondary (highest-ranked pass coverage), but Joe Flacco and the Ravens always play them tough and someone has to score. High risk/high reward for the Ravens offense.

Julius Thomas was Virgil Green before Virgil Green was Virgil Green. Basically, Virgil Green can step out of nowhere and become that touchdown machine in the red zone for Peyton Manning. Like Aiken, Green is a flier with high potential and upside. Keep an eye on these guys because they may become waiver wire stars after Week 1.

Matchups We Hate

Justin Forsett is going against last year's third-ranked rush defense at Mile High Stadium where the Broncos held their opponents under 75 yards rushing six times.

Key Players/Notes

Emmanuel Sanders should be healthy and ready to go after missing much of the preseason. Breshad Perriman seems to be the exact opposite, with it highly likely he sits out Week 1.

 

Giants @ Cowboys - Sunday, 9/13 @ 8:30 EST

Matchups We Love

All TEs and WRs are start-worthy in this game with special consideration going towards Reuben Randle and Terrance Williams. Between the two teams it wouldn't be possible to assemble four guys for a decent secondary. Flashy Sunday night lights should lead to big passing plays and lots of points.

Matchups We Hate

Rashad Jennings and Joseph Randle are currently the starters at running back for their teams, but with backups like Shane Vereen and (a healthy) Darren McFadden lurking both starters are boom-or-bust prospects.

Key Players/Notes

Victor Cruz has been in and out of practice and may not play Week 1. Dez Bryant and Jason Witten are healthy and always play well against the Giants.

 

Eagles @ Falcons- Monday, 9/14 @ 7:10 EST

Matchups We Love

Nelson Agholor played well in the preseason and is expected to get a high volume of snaps right from the start. He should be a WR3 with low-end WR2 potential. Devonta Freeman is hurt and is the clear number two behind Tevin Coleman to open the season. Coleman should see his fair amount of snaps and red zone opportunities. In Week 1 he is a touchdown-dependent RB2.

Matchups We Hate

Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews will be splitting back-up duties behind Demarco Murray. This split makes them both risky starts in any format. Sproles may only be a viable option in PPR leagues anyway. All of this being said, every time Sproles gets ignored or pushed to the side he seems to end up scoring lots of points. But with a healthy Murray and Mathews there may not be enough snaps to go around.

Key Players/Notes

Julio Jones and Roddy White are going up against an Eagles team that gave up the most fantasy points to opposing wide outs in 2014. Expect both WRs to get the ball early and often in a potential Monday Night shoot-out. The flip side of the shoot-out sees Zach Ertz return to the field alongside Brent Celek and stud WR Jordan Matthews. All three are good bets to produce up to their expected potential in Week 1 against one of the league's worst defenses from a year ago.

 

Vikings @ 49ers -Monday, 9/14 @ 10:20 EST

Matchups We Love

The Vikings offense is reloaded with Adrian Peterson back and most of its roster healthy and ready to go. This along with a strong rookie campaign has PFF ranking Teddy Bridgewater as the 14th QB in the league. Teddy is due for a big year and there's no better place to start than Monday Night Football.

Matchups We Hate

The 49ers defense lost so much talent over the past year through retirement and cuts it's hard to believe they can be even average in 2015. Adrian Peterson loves the big stage and hasn't played in a year, Bridgewater is solid at not turning the ball over--I don't see many opportunities for the 49ers D to rack up fantasy points.

Vernon Davis was a gigantic disappointment last season and hasn't impressed this offseason. The Vikings defense was one of the better ones last year against opposing TEs and Davis just doesn't seem viable as a fantasy option until he proves otherwise.

Key Players/Notes

Carlos Hyde and Anquan Boldin are solid second options at their positions. Both are healthy and expected to share a heavy work load for the 49ers.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Anthony Edwards

Won't Play on Monday Night
Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkic Not Expected to Play on Tuesday Night
Jalen Green

Questionable to Suit Up on Tuesday
Santi Aldama

Back in Action on Monday
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Not Drawing Interest on Open Market?
Tre Jones

Sidelined Versus Lakers
Jonas Brodin

to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Sam Merrill

Won't Play Monday
Kasperi Kapanen

Returns From Three-Game Absence Monday
Lawson Crouse

Available Against Lightning
Draymond Green

Considered Questionable for Monday
Carson Soucy

Won't Play Monday
Rasmus Ristolainen

Returns to Flyers Lineup
Al Horford

Ruled Out for Monday's Matchup with Minnesota
Ryan Pulock

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Shedeur Sanders

Named as Pro Bowl Replacement
Stephen Curry

Questionable on Monday
Simon Holmstrom

a Game-Time Call Monday
Framber Valdez

Among Many High-End Pitchers on Free-Agent Market
Jose Altuve

Won't Participate in World Baseball Classic
Harrison Bader

Agrees With Giants on Two-Year Deal
Paddy Pimblett

Drops Decision
Justin Gaethje

Becomes the New Interim-Lightweight Champion
Song Yadong

Suffers Unanimous Decision Loss
MMA

Sean O'Malley Gets Back In The Win Column
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Extends His Win Streak
Derrick Lewis

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Officially Hire Mike McDaniel as Offensive Coordinator
Nathan Eovaldi

Doesn't Expect Any Limitations in Spring Training
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Dominates in NFC Championship Game Win
Scott Wedgewood

Activated From Non-Roster List
Nikita Zadorov

Questionable for Monday
Stephen Halliday

Injured Sunday
Jack St. Ivany

Exits With Upper-Body Injury Sunday
Brock Boeser

Takes Hit to the Head
Evgeni Malkin

Suffers Apparent Injury in Sunday's Win
Sam Merrill

Still Uncertain to Play Monday
Deni Avdija

Could Miss Second Straight Game Monday
Zaccharie Risacher

Misses Ninth Straight Game Monday
Kristaps Porzingis

Still Out Monday Against Pacers
Austin Reaves

Not Ready to Return Monday
Kris Dunn

Exits Early Sunday with Ankle Injury
Cason Wallace

Sidelined Midgame by Groin Issue
Paul George

Resting Versus Charlotte
Joel Embiid

Won't Play on Monday Night
Kawhi Leonard

Will Face Brooklyn on Sunday
Norman Powell

is Cleared for Sunday's Contest
Kasparas Jakucionis

Upgraded to Available
Philipp Kurashev

Joins Sharks for Road Trip
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Placed on Injured Reserve
William Nylander

Doesn't Have Timeline for Return
Teuvo Teravainen

Remains Out Sunday
David Kampf

Scratched on Sunday
Kris Letang

Expected to Return Sunday
Linus Ullmark

Dresses as Backup Sunday
Matthew Stafford

Plans to Return in 2026
CFB

Arthur Smith to Become Ohio State's Offensive Coordinator
Bo Nix

Sidelined for 12 Weeks With Broken Ankle
Jose Altuve

to Mainly Play Second Base
Nicolas Hague

Out Week-to-Week
Yu Darvish

Considering Retirement
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Finalizing Deal to Make Mike McCarthy Their Head Coach
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez Signs Seven-Year Extension With Guardians
Gunnar Henderson

is Fully Healthy Heading into Spring Training
Tyreek Hill

Dolphins Expected to Release Tyreek Hill
Paddy Pimblett

Set For Interim Lightweight Title Fight
Justin Gaethje

An Underdog At UFC 324
Song Yadong

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Sean O'Malley Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Derrick Lewis

Returns At UFC 324
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Philip Rivers

Interviewing for Bills Head-Coaching Job
NFL

Fernando Mendoza Officially Declares for NFL Draft
CFB

Arch Manning Undergoes Foot Surgery
Dalton Kincaid

Played Through Torn PCL
CFB

College Football Playoff Expected to Remain a 12-Team Field in 2026
Baltimore Ravens

Ravens Hire Jesse Minter as Their Head Coach
Indianapolis Colts

FBI Investigating the Death of Colts Owner Jim Irsay
MacKenzie Gore

Rangers Acquire MacKenzie Gore From the Nationals
Brandon Sproat

Dealt to Brewers in Four-Player Trade
Jett Williams

Brewers Acquire Jett Williams From Mets
Freddy Peralta

Mets Acquire Freddy Peralta From Brewers
Kyle Tucker

Expected to Bat Second or Third in Dodgers' Lineup
Brandon Aiyuk

has "Played his Last Snap as a Niner"
Cody Bellinger

Signs Five-Year, $162.5 Million Contract With Yankees
Adam Scott

Looks to Overcome Putting Woes at American Express
Billy Horschel

Looking to Rebound at The American Express
Josh Allen

Might Need Foot Surgery
Russell Henley

Looks to Build on Strong Start at The American Express
Jason Day

Looking to Start 2026 Strong at The American Express
Wyndham Clark

Looking to Regain Form at The American Express
Sam Burns

Looks to Continue Success at The American Express
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Flip the Script at The American Express
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looking to Build on Strong Fall in Season Debut
Kurt Kitayama

Hopes To Continue Strong Start to 2026 Season at American Express
CFB

Princewill Umanmielen Expected to Sign with LSU
Scottie Scheffler

Returns To American Express After Missing Last Year's Edition
Robert MacIntyre

Keeps Momentum Rolling Heading Into American Express
Brian Harman

Can Challenge at American Express if His Putter Stays Hot
Ben Griffin

Outstanding Form Continues Heading Into American Express
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Playing Well Following Outstanding Finish to 2025 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Get a Jump Start on His 2026 Season
Blades Brown

Set to Make First PGA Tour Appearance of 2026
Kevin Roy

Has Some Confidence Heading to Southern California
Min Woo Lee

Poised to Make Bigger Impact in 2026
Max Homa

Needs a Better Start for 2026
Tony Finau

Trying to Reverse Disturbing Trend
Cam Davis

Aims for More Accuracy at American Express
Luisangel Acuña

Luisangel Acuna Sent to White Sox in Trade
Luis Robert Jr.

Mets Acquire Luis Robert Jr. from White Sox

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP