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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 1 Start/Sit: Monday Night Football Matchup Analysis

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em for MNF - Week 1. Monday Night Football matchups analysis and fantasy start/sit advice for Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders.

Like every season, we have a double-header to start Week 1 of Monday Night Football. And like every season, one of those games involves the Raiders. But we will get to their game second.

The first game of the night will pit a new-look Houston Texans team against the New Orleans Saints. We will have to wait and see what the Texans have after making a litany of moves all offseason up to and including this weekend with some big trades. They must feel like it was worth it but, if they had a general manager, they may not have gotten fleeced as much as they did on both deals. But I digress. The Saints, on the other hand, return a stellar offense as always. They also bring back a good defense which was only bolstered by their acquisition of Kiko Alonso from the Dolphins. It is difficult to decide what to expect from this game but one thing should be certain - there should be plenty of points scored.

In the second game of the night, the Denver Broncos travel to Oakland to fight it out for last place in the AFC West. The Broncos are the better team, at least in terms of defense and coaching. But there is something about Oakland on Monday night. They always seem to pull out a win somehow. So, it will be interesting to see what Derek Carr and company can do against the Denver defense led by Von Miller and Bradley Chubb now that they are without their top wideout who played all of zero games for them.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints

Game Time: Monday, September 9 @ 7:10 pm EST
Game Line: Saints -7
Over/Under: 53.5

 

Must-Starts

Deshaun Watson (QB, HOU)

We know his arm talent. We have seen it throwing to Hopkins as well as Will Fuller. This will be on display again in this one. It should be a high scoring game. If the offensive line can give him even a little bit of time against a good Saints pass rush led by Cam Jordan, he could be solid. Even if the pass game is not stellar this week, Watson will provide some value with his legs. This makes him still a solid start as he may get you 50 yards and a rush touchdown on top of any pass stats.

Drew Brees (QB, NO)

Brees should have a field day in the Super Dome against a defense which got worse with the trade of Jadeveon Clowney to the Seahawks for a bag of balls. The secondary is bad, and this will be exploited by Michael Thomas on the outside as he catches double-digit passes from the future Hall of Famer Brees.

Alvin Kamara (RB, NO)

Kamara will also have an easier time with the departure of Clowney. For all he did not do great, Clowney was a first-class run stopper. This leaves it up to J.J. Watt to stop Kamara going against one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. Not even Watt at his prime could do this by himself. Kamara will slice and dice in the ground game and be deadly through the air as well and should account for 150 total yards and multiple touchdowns in Week 1 as the Saints look to start the season hotter than they were in the locker room after the NFC Championship game.

DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU)

The Texans have some players to start also. Of course, they are the usual suspects in Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins. With the injury to Lamar Miller taking him out for the season, we will want to see what is figured out in the run game for Houston. This means at least for one week; you should sit and wait on the backs here. But start up the pass offense. Watson and Hopkins could light up any defense in the league. This includes a defense with an elite corner back like Marcus Lattimore. There is a chance Lattimore slows him for most of the game, but Hopkins will get his and should still have a score in this one.

 

Sit Them Down

Duke Johnson & Carlos Hyde (RB, HOU)

As stated above, we don’t know yet what to expect in this backfield. Bill O’Brien has a plan for sure. But to paraphrase Bob Uecker from Major League: He must be thinking… I don’t know what the hell he’s thinking. This has gone for the entire team this offseason from the ownership down. Until this mess is settled, it is better to just hold tight and find a better option.

Kenny Stills (WR, HOU)

He arrives from Miami as happy as anyone has ever been to take his talents away from South Beach. He did not like the new coaching staff and the feeling was mutual. He brings a lot of speed to the outside receiver’s group to pair with Will Fuller. If Fuller stays healthy and on the field, they could stretch the field and provide much-needed relief for Hopkins. But he is going to take some time to work into the offense. Until he does Keke Coutee will continue to out snap him in the offense. He will be at best a low-end WR four and if you are waiting until Monday night to start someone, you want it to be a star who can win your week. Not a player who doesn’t have that upside.

 

Potential Sleepers

Latavius Murray (RB, NO)

We have already mentioned the rubbish run defense the Texans will have without Jadeveon Clowney. With Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray pounding the rock, the defense will be worn out by the end of the night. This will lead to a lot of rushes inside the red zone for the Saints and when the team gets down on the goal line there are not many better short yard backs than Murray. He may not get you 100 yards or even 50. But he may just get you a touchdown or two along with a few receptions.

New Orleans Defense (DST)

The Defense may give up some points for sure. But the amount you get penalized should be far outweighed by the pressure they will get on Watson. Behind his line last season, Watson was sacked 65 times. The New Orleans defense could put him well on him way to eclipsing the number this season. The Last time a quarterback was sacked so much was 2005 when David Carr of again, the Texans was sacked 68. It is not a record to be proud of, but he may get to 70 in 2019. At to this the fact he will be having to get rid of the ball in a hurry and there may also be an interception or two in the mix for the defense of the Saints.

 

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders

Game time: Monday September 9 @ 10:20 pm EST
Game line: Pick 'em
Over/Under: 43.5

 

Must-Starts

Phillip Lindsay & Royce Freeman (RB, DEN)

The Broncos should be able to get Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman going in the run game. This team wants to establish a run-first identity, so expect plenty of carries for each RB, who will likely see a near-even split in carries. Oakland's defense should show little resistance, making each player a solid top-25 fantasy RB.

Josh Jacobs (RB, OAK)

Josh Jacobs, on the other hand, had no airtime on HBO. This was his own doing as he wanted to focus on getting ready for the season and asked not to be filmed. We will find out in this game if it worked. One this is for sure though. Jon Gruden wants to run the ball a lot. Jacobs is going to be that runner. He should start the season on Monday by seeing at least 20 touches. This is a volume we want a part of. Especially in a week where we are still waiting to see how other situations play out. Not knowing the split between LeSean McCoy and Damien Williams. Hoping Green Bay finally lets Aaron Jones free. And hoping Pete Carrol finally realized Rashaad Penny was a terrible first-round pick and gives Chris Carson the full-time starter's job. These are all things we will wait to see. But Josh Jacobs? As long as he is healthy, he is going to carry the load. So, it might as well be on your fantasy team.

Emmanuel Sanders (WR, DEN)

After tearing his Achilles in December we did not know if we would ever see Sanders again, let alone this soon. But here we are. It is nine months later, and he is already back on the field and looks to be the number one receiver for the Broncos yet again. Before going out last season he was a top 20 receiver for fantasy. No, Joe Flacco is not great. But he is better than Case Keenum whom Sanders was saddled with in 2018. One thing about Joe Flacco is he has a monster arm. He can find Emmanuel Sanders for one big play and if he does spend some time in the slot, the underneath work will also be there. With the Raiders Defense being as bad as their offense, Sanders could be in line for 100 yards on seven or eight catches in this opener.

 

Sit Them Down

The Rest of the Offenses

This game is going to be an ugly one. One you should not want a big part in at all. Sure Jacobs and Sanders will provide a few bright spots. But the rest of the offenses are a black hole of dismay. These teams always play each other hard. Defenses always play better than they should. And when this happens, it is better to stay away from all but the elite guys.

 

Potential Sleepers

Noah Fant (TE, DEN)

Both of the starting tight ends could be sleeper plays. It is tough to think of taking a rookie like Noah Fant in his first game. Joe Flacco loves the tight end, and this means he could have a solid season. He may not break out this game which is why he isn’t a starter. But make sure to watch his production for future weeks.

Darren Waller (TE, OAK) 

Darren Waller is an athlete. Plain and simple he is the same type of player as Fant. At 6’6 and 238 pounds he ran a 4.4 40-yard dash. He is basically a big receiver in the mold of Fant and Evan Engram.

We saw what Jared Cook did in this offense in 2018 will 800 yards and six touchdowns. Waller could be that guy for the offense this season. As Tyrell Williams and Antonio Brown stretch the field, Derek Carr will look to him on check down passes. He should see seven or eight targets a game. In the Game on Monday night? He could get you double-digit fantasy points out of a crappy position.

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF