The Fanatics Sit/Start Advice for Week 1
It’s finally here! Week one of the NFL fantasy football season. All your research, mock drafting, and arguing on social media have led us here. Now it is time to see what all that hard work produces. Back again for yet another year of helping you navigate your sit or start dilemmas. Week one is always a difficult week for this article because we do not have much to go on. Last year is last year and the preseason rarely gives a glimpse into how teams are going to use players this year. Usually, my best advice is just to go with the top guys you draft, then after week one, you can adjust accordingly. After all, why would you not start that guy you drafted in the fourth or fifth over the guy from the 12th round. That said I am going to be looking a little deeper this week and find some guys that might be on the cusp of sitting or starting this week.
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Quarterback
The Fanatics Starts of the Week
Eli Manning (NYG) @ DAL
I know Eli right? Well, I am liking Eli this week for a couple of reasons. First, they are playing the Cowboys, where Eli usually does pretty good against them. Last year he completed 67 percent of his passes for 580 yards with three touchdowns and one pick in two games. The second reason I like Eli this week is Daniel Jones. The kid looked good in preseason and Eli has to know his days are numbered. I think that little extra fire might do Eli some good this year. Finally, I think the Cowboys are going to focus on Barkley, rightfully so, and force Eli to be active in the passing, and without Beckham demanding the ball Eli is spread it around and get all sorts of guys involved this week. None might have a great week, but many should contribute.
Other Starts
- Josh Allen (BUF) @ NYJ
- Kirk Cousins (MIN) vs ATL
The Fanatics Sits of the Week
Matthew Stafford (DET) @ ARI
Other Sits
- Tom Brady (NE) vs PIT
- Nick Foles (JAX) vs KC
Running Back
The Fanatics Starts of the Week
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Devonta Freeman (ATL) @ MIN
Other Starts
- Kerryon Johnson (DET) @ ARI
- Tarik Cohen (CHI) vs GB
The Fanatics Sits of the Week
Mark Ingram (BAL) @ MIA
I am hesitant here because while I am not expecting a good year from Ingram they do get to face the Dolphins #FishTank. That said I think Ingram doing poorly this week results from one of two possibilities. First, the Ravens go up big early and rather run their aged running back into the ground in the Miami heat, you let your backups get some time early or even let Lamar Jackson get some practice throwing the ball because lord knows he needs it. The second possibility is the Dophins stack the box and force Jackson to throw early and ofter taking Ingram out of the game. Either way, I am not expecting much from Ingram, even if the Ravens to well as a whole.
Other Sits
- Phillip Lindsay (DEN) @ OAK
- Austin Ekeler (LAC) vs IND
Wide Receiver
The Fanatics Starts of the Week
Adam Humphries (TEN) @ CLE
Did you know Humphries was actually 16th in receptions last year? I know it a new team and all, but he had 76 receptions on only 105 targets. The just catches the ball. I think going to the Titans was perfect for him. Marcus Mariota desperately needed and a guy he can count on in the middle of the field not named Delaine Walker. Humphries might not light it up in yards or touchdowns, but a six receptions day for 50 yards is still 11 points, which is pretty solid for a flex play in some deeper leagues. What if Mariota gets hurt likes he seems to every year? No worries Ryan Tannehill is very comfortable throwing to a slot receiver. He had one of the best ones in the games during his time in Miami.
Other Starts
- Chris Godwin (TB) vs SF
- Jamison Crowder (NJY) vs BUF
The Fanatics Sits of the Week
Alshon Jeffery (PHI) vs WAS
Other Sits
- Josh Gordon (NE) vs PIT
- Jarvis Landry (CLE) vs TEN
Tight End
The Fanatics Starts of the Week
Jason Witten (DAL) vs NYG
Other Starts
- Darren Waller (OAK) vs ATL
The Fanatics Sits of the Week
Eric Ebron (IND) @ LAC
Other Sits
- Delanie Walker (TEN) @ CLE
Defense
The Fanatics Starts of the Week
Kyler Fackrell (GB) @ CHI
Even since Green Bay let Clay Matthews leave I have had my eye on Fackrell. In a parttime role last season he managed to rack up 10.5 sacks. I would have thought he was have taken the starting job, but he has not to date. Regardless I am curious to see how he does this week because I think he should see the field more even if he is not the starter. Which should result in at least more tackles.
Other Starts
- Zach Cunningham (HOU) @ NO
- Todd Davis (DEN) @ OAK
The Fanatics Sits of the Week
Yannick Ngakoue (JAX) vs KC
I would not be surprised if the Chiefs do not run the ball all that often. At least not many traditional run plays. Everything the Chiefs do will be quick negating any type of defensive line pressure. The Chiefs just have too much offense for me to trust and IDP players that are playing them. I would look elsewhere for IDP linemen.
Other Sits
- Dre Kirkpatrick (CIN) @ SEA
- Shaq Thompson (CAR) vs LAR
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