raheem-mostert-2-1400-us.jpg
USATSI

Here we are again. Another season. Another year of optimism as the NFL is set to start. NFL teams all have Super Bowl aspirations. And Fantasy managers all expect to win a championship.

That's the way it should be, right? You want to feel positive about the roster you built. You want to expect the best and hope no one gets injured, everyone reaches their ceiling and all of those sleepers you drafted in the late rounds become stars.

Now, we know that's not realistic. It's how you manage your team during the season that will determine your fate. As much as the draft sets the table for the start of the year, the waiver wire is the most important part of the process. You need to be prepared.

You also need to make the right start and sit decisions, and that's why you're here. Our job is to make it easy for you. We've done the research and allowed the matchups, mostly, to determine if a player should have a positive or negative outcome each week.

We're not always going to be right. Far from it. But if you keep coming back here all season, your Fantasy team will benefit. You'll give yourself the best chance to win -- and hold that trophy at the end of the season.

So let's begin. Welcome to Week 1. The first step on your Fantasy journey starts now. Let's have some fun.

Start of the Week
Projections powered by Sportsline
DET Detroit • #16
Age: 30 • Experience: 9 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs LAR DET -3.5 O/U 51
OPP VS QB
5th
PROJ PTS
22.9
QB RNK
8th
2023 Stats
PAYDS
4575
RUYDS
21
TD
32
INT
12
FPTS/G
20.5

There are two strong narratives at play here for Goff in Week 1. For starters, he's playing at home, and he's awesome in Detroit. In his past 21 games at home, Goff has scored at least 20 Fantasy points 16 times, including 10 outings with at least 25 points. He also gets a revenge game against the Rams, who traded him for Matthew Stafford in 2021. Goff played the Rams that season and scored only 13.0 Fantasy points at Los Angeles, and he had 277 passing yards and one touchdown in a wild-card victory last year against the Rams. But I expect Goff to be better against his former team this time around. The Rams have three huge losses to replace on defense with coordinator Raheem Morris, defensive tackle Aaron Donald and linebacker Ernest Jones all gone. The projected total for this game is 51 points, which is the highest of the week in Las Vegas. I'm expecting Goff to light up the Rams on Sunday night, and he's a top-five quarterback in Week 1.

START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Quarterbacks
QBs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
ARI Arizona • #1
Age: 27 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ BUF BUF -6.5 O/U 48
OPP VS QB
17th
PROJ PTS
17.8
QB RNK
6th
2023 Stats
PAYDS
1799
RUYDS
244
TD
13
INT
5
FPTS/G
20.8
Murray has the chance for a big season, and it starts this week at Buffalo. I'm excited to see how he performs with Marvin Harrison Jr., and Murray should take advantage of the Bills being without safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, as well as linebacker Matt Milano (biceps) injured. Last year, Buffalo was No. 10 in most rushing yards allowed to quarterbacks, and Murray could be playing from behind in this matchup. I like Murray as a borderline top-five quarterback this week.
MIA Miami • #1
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs JAC MIA -3.5 O/U 49
OPP VS QB
7th
PROJ PTS
20.8
QB RNK
11th
2023 Stats
PAYDS
4624
RUYDS
74
TD
29
INT
14
FPTS/G
19.3
The Dolphins and Jaguars are projected for 49 points this week in Miami, according to Las Vegas, and we should see a shootout between Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence. Last year, Tagovailoa got off to a great start with at least 20.9 Fantasy points in four of his first six outings, including three games with at least 28.5 points, and Jacksonville was No. 6 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. I like Tagovailoa as a top-10 quarterback in Week 1.
JAC Jacksonville • #16
Age: 25 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ MIA MIA -3.5 O/U 49
OPP VS QB
28th
PROJ PTS
20.8
QB RNK
12th
2023 Stats
PAYDS
4016
RUYDS
339
TD
25
INT
14
FPTS/G
19
Lawrence struggled last season when he averaged 19.0 Fantasy points per game, but he should improve this year, starting in Week 1 against the Dolphins. This game is projected to be a high-scoring affair at 49 total points, and Miami is banged up defensively with Bradley Chubb (ACL) on the PUP list and Jaelen Phillips (Achilles) questionable. Lawrence looked good in the preseason with two touchdown passes in two drives against the Falcons, and hopefully that carries over to Week 1. I like Lawrence as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in this matchup.
WAS Washington • #5
Age: 23 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ TB TB -3.5 O/U 43.5
OPP VS QB
19th
PROJ PTS
19
QB RNK
15th
2023 Stats
PAYDS
0
RUYDS
0
TD
0
INT
0
FPTS/G
0
Daniels' first game on the road at Tampa Bay isn't ideal, but I expect him to perform at a high level often in his rookie campaign, including this week. The Buccaneers were No. 11 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks last season, and they tied for second in most rushing touchdowns allowed to quarterbacks with six. We know Daniels will make plenty of plays with his legs, and he should be considered a low-end starter in all leagues.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
LAR L.A. Rams • #9
Age: 36 • Experience: 16 yrs.
I don't love that Stafford could be without his starting tackles in Alaric Jackson (suspended) and Rob Havenstein (ankle), but I still plan to use Stafford as a low-end starter in this revenge game against the Lions. Detroit knocked Stafford and the Rams out of the playoffs last year in the wild-card round, but Stafford still had 367 passing yards and two touchdowns. And he played the Lions in Los Angeles in 2021 and scored 33.2 Fantasy points, so clearly he likes facing his former team. Stafford scored at least 22.5 Fantasy points in five of his final six games in the regular season last year.
TB Tampa Bay • #6
Age: 29 • Experience: 7 yrs.
We'll see how quickly Dan Quinn can fix the Commanders defense, but last year Washington was No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Mayfield was also great to close 2023 with at least 20.3 Fantasy points in four of his final five outings, and Mayfield is a great starter in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues for Week 1 given the matchup.
SEA Seattle • #7
Age: 34 • Experience: 12 yrs.
I'm excited to see Smith in Ryan Grubb's offense, and Smith should do well in Week 1 against the Broncos. Last year, Denver was No. 8 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and Smith ended 2023 with at least 21.3 Fantasy points in three of his final four games. The Seahawks are expected to run more plays under Grubb and open up the passing game, and Smith should benefit, starting this week at home.
QBs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
SF San Francisco • #13
Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs NYJ SF -4.5 O/U 43.5
OPP VS QB
30th
PROJ PTS
17.6
QB RNK
18th
2023 Stats
PAYDS
4280
RUYDS
144
TD
33
INT
11
FPTS/G
22.3
Purdy got his guys back when Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams signed contract extensions just prior to Week 1, but how much both will play against the Jets remains in question. It's also a brutal matchup against the Jets and former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh since the Jets were No. 2 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks last year. I would only start Purdy in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues this week.
NYJ N.Y. Jets • #8
Age: 40 • Experience: 20 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ SF SF -4.5 O/U 43.5
OPP VS QB
1st
PROJ PTS
13.9
QB RNK
20th
2023 Stats
PAYDS
0
RUYDS
0
TD
0
INT
0
FPTS/G
0
Rodgers doesn't have an easy landing spot in his first game back from last year's Achilles injury at San Francisco. The 49ers were No. 8 last season in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and Rodgers might have to ease back into action in this matchup on the road. We'll also have to see how much Mike Williams (ACL) plays in his first game back, and the Jets offense might not be at full strength in Week 1.
LAC L.A. Chargers • #10
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs LV LAC -3 O/U 40
OPP VS QB
13th
PROJ PTS
21.2
QB RNK
23rd
2023 Stats
PAYDS
3134
RUYDS
228
TD
23
INT
7
FPTS/G
21.1
Herbert is expected to play through the foot injury that limited him in training camp, but he might not be 100 percent in Week 1. And he's facing a tough test against the Raiders, who were No. 7 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks last year. We also know the new Chargers coaching staff under Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman wants to be run heavy, so Herbert doesn't seem to have a high ceiling and should be limited to Superflex and two-quarterback leagues in Week 1.
ATL Atlanta • #18
Age: 36 • Experience: 13 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs PIT ATL -3.5 O/U 42
OPP VS QB
25th
PROJ PTS
19.5
QB RNK
NR
2023 Stats
PAYDS
2331
RUYDS
25
TD
18
INT
5
FPTS/G
23.2
It's good to have Cousins back at 100 percent following last year's Achilles injury, but I would only start him in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues. Pittsburgh's defense will test Cousins, and he might be down Kyle Pitts (hamstring) for this matchup at home. Last year, only three quarterbacks scored multiple touchdowns against the Steelers in their final 13 games, and Cousins' upside should be limited in this matchup at home.
CLE Cleveland • #4
Age: 29 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DAL CLE -2.5 O/U 41
OPP VS QB
12th
PROJ PTS
18.7
QB RNK
22nd
2023 Stats
PAYDS
1115
RUYDS
142
TD
8
INT
4
FPTS/G
16.8
Trevon Diggs (knee) is back for the Cowboys defense, but DaRon Bland (foot) is out. We'll see how the Dallas defense also looks without coordinator Dan Quinn, but I'm still not ready to trust Watson this week. He missed time in training camp with shoulder soreness, and that's not encouraging coming off the shoulder injury that ended his season in 2023. The Cowboys were No. 10 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks last year, and I would only start Watson in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues this week.
Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
DAL Dallas • #4
Age: 31 • Experience: 9 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ CLE CLE -2.5 O/U 41
OPP VS QB
29th
PROJ PTS
17.8
QB RNK
13th
2023 Stats
PAYDS
4516
RUYDS
242
TD
38
INT
9
FPTS/G
24.4
It's difficult to sit Prescott in one-quarterback leagues, but I wouldn't expect a big game in this matchup at Cleveland. The Browns were No. 6 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks last season, and Myles Garrett and the Cleveland pass rush will test the Cowboys' revamped offensive line with a new starter at left tackle and center. Hopefully, CeeDee Lamb will be his usual dominant self after holding out, but Prescott could get off to a slow start in this tough road matchup with the Browns.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Running Backs
RBs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
MIA Miami • #31
Age: 32 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs JAC MIA -3.5 O/U 49
OPP VS RB
21st
PROJ PTS
11.4
RB RNK
18th
2023 Stats
RUYDS
1012
REC
25
REYDS
175
TD
21
FPTS/G
17.8
You're starting De'Von Achane and Mostert this week in a game where the expected total score is 49 points. Mostert was likely drafted as a reserve running back in most leagues, but this week he could be a top-20 Fantasy option since he should lead the Dolphins in touches, even ahead of Achane. Last season, the Jaguars were No. 12 in most Fantasy points allowed to running backs and No. 1 in most receptions allowed to the position, so hopefully Mostert and Achane get work in the passing game this week.
DET Detroit • #5
Age: 27 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs LAR DET -3.5 O/U 51
OPP VS RB
3rd
PROJ PTS
12.1
RB RNK
22nd
2023 Stats
RUYDS
1015
REC
16
REYDS
117
TD
13
FPTS/G
14.8
Jahmyr Gibbs is fine despite missing time in training camp with a hamstring injury, but Montgomery should still be considered a quality No. 2 running back in all leagues. Last season, Montgomery scored a touchdown in all but two healthy games, and this Rams defense is depleted compared to last year with Aaron Donald and Ernest Jones gone, along with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Gibbs and Montgomery should have the chance for a big game at home.
MIN Minnesota • #33
Age: 29 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ NYG MIN -1.5 O/U 41
OPP VS RB
12th
PROJ PTS
11.7
RB RNK
20th
2023 Stats
RUYDS
656
REC
30
REYDS
233
TD
3
FPTS/G
12.3
I was concerned about drafting Jones as a top-20 running back this season, but I'm fine starting him this week against the Giants. When Jones is healthy, he'll be a borderline starter in all leagues, and this should be a positive game script against the Giants no matter what. If the Vikings are playing with a lead then Jones should get plenty of carries. And if Minnesota is trailing then Jones should work in the passing game. Ty Chandler will also be a factor, but Jones should take advantage of this Giants defense, which last season allowed 14 running backs to score at least 13.9 PPR points.
DEN Denver • #33
Age: 24 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ SEA SEA -6 O/U 42
OPP VS RB
27th
PROJ PTS
11.2
RB RNK
21st
2023 Stats
RUYDS
774
REC
47
REYDS
228
TD
5
FPTS/G
11.3
Williams has excelled in training camp and the preseason, and he should do well in this matchup with the Seahawks to be at least a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues. He'll lead Denver in carries and potentially catches, and last year Seattle was No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. I like Jaleel McLaughlin as a sleeper this week also, but Sean Payton will likely lean on Williams to take pressure off rookie starter Bo Nix in his first NFL start.
LV Las Vegas • #3
Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ LAC LAC -3 O/U 40
OPP VS RB
32nd
PROJ PTS
11.4
RB RNK
23rd
2023 Stats
RUYDS
451
REC
15
REYDS
98
TD
1
FPTS/G
4.4
This should be an improved Chargers defense this season, but White played Los Angeles last year in Week 15 and scored a season-high 17.5 PPR points. He had 17 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 16 yards. I'm hopeful White gets 20 total touches again, and he should be the lead running back for the Raiders in Week 1 and all year. I expect White to finish as a top-20 running back in all leagues in this matchup.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
CLE Cleveland • #34
Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Ford will be the lead running back for the Browns with Nick Chubb (knee) out, and he performed at a high level in this role in 2023. From Week 2 when Chubb got hurt, Ford scored at least 11.1 PPR points in 11 of his next 15 games, including five outings with at least 14.2 PPR points. Dallas has a tough run defense, but four running backs in a row scored at least 12.0 PPR points against the Cowboys to end the regular season. Ford is worth using as a flex in all leagues in Week 1.
CIN Cincinnati • #31
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
I like Moss and Chase Brown as flex options this week against the Patriots. Both running backs should get plenty of opportunities to touch the ball in a game the Bengals are favored to win by eight points. I would give a slight lean toward Moss over Brown this week since the veteran will probably get more touches, but both could perform well against a New England defense missing Christian Barmore (illness) and Matthew Judon from last year.
TEN Tennessee • #2
Age: 23 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Tony Pollard is worth using as a No. 2 running back this week, but Spears can also be a flex. We don't know exactly how the Titans plan to split touches for Pollard and Spears, but it could be an even split. And I wouldn't be surprised if Spears gets more work in the passing game. Last year, the Bears were No. 8 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs and No. 2 in most receptions allowed to the position, which could help Spears as a receiver out of the backfield.
BUF Buffalo • #22
Age: 24 • Experience: Rookie
You don't need anyone to tell you to start James Cook this week as he's taking on a Cardinals defense that allowed the most Fantasy points to opposing running backs last year and should struggle again in 2024. But there's a chance Davis could be used at the goal line, which makes him a sleeper in deeper leagues. He'll likely need a touchdown to help Fantasy managers, but I'd gamble on him if you need a flier. Last season, the combination of Latavius Murray and Damien Harris scored five rushing touchdowns while Cook only had two.
RBs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
CHI Chicago • #4
Age: 25 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs TEN CHI -3.5 O/U 45
OPP VS RB
19th
PROJ PTS
10.4
RB RNK
24th
2023 Stats
RUYDS
1049
REC
39
REYDS
214
TD
6
FPTS/G
12.5
I'm curious to see how the Bears use Swift in tandem with Khalil Herbert and potentially Roschon Johnson, but I would only consider Swift a flex at best in this matchup. The Titans finished last season No. 5 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Tennessee should be tough up front against the run again. I'm hopeful Swift will be involved in the passing game, but Caleb Williams will also take some rushing opportunities to potentially limit Swift's upside.
WAS Washington • #8
Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ TB TB -3.5 O/U 43.5
OPP VS RB
3rd
PROJ PTS
9.8
RB RNK
30th
2023 Stats
RUYDS
733
REC
36
REYDS
368
TD
9
FPTS/G
13.2
We have to see how the Commanders use Robinson and Austin Ekeler in tandem, and I'm hopeful Robinson gets the majority of touches. But Robinson's production could be limited if the Commanders are trailing since Ekeler should get more work in the passing game. And this isn't an easy matchup since Tampa Bay was No. 3 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and moving Vita Vea in the middle of the Buccaneers defense won't be easy for Washington's offensive line. Jayden Daniels will also take rushing production away from Robinson, so consider him a flex at best in this Week 1 matchup.
DAL Dallas • #23
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ CLE CLE -2.5 O/U 40.5
OPP VS RB
3rd
PROJ PTS
7.8
RB RNK
37th
2023 Stats
RUYDS
361
REC
17
REYDS
144
TD
4
FPTS/G
5.7
We don't know how the Cowboys plan to use Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott in Week 1, so you're better off keeping Dowdle reserved in the majority of leagues. While the reviews for Dowdle have been positive during training camp, he's not guaranteed to get the majority of touches in this tough matchup on the road. And Dallas still needs to prove its revamped offensive line can continue to be dominant, as well as what Dowdle will do in the passing game. I'm excited for him this season, but I don't want to start him in most leagues for Week 1.
LAC L.A. Chargers • #4
Age: 29 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs LV LAC -3 O/U 40
OPP VS RB
17th
PROJ PTS
9.5
RB RNK
38th
2023 Stats
RUYDS
810
REC
12
REYDS
180
TD
13
FPTS/G
11
I'm curious to see how the Chargers use Edwards and J.K. Dobbins this week, and this could be a tough matchup for this backfield, even at home. The Raiders' addition of Christian Wilkins should dramatically improve their run defense, which was No. 9 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs last season. We know Edwards will likely need a touchdown to be a viable Fantasy option in most leagues, so if he doesn't score then you'll likely be disappointed if you consider him even a flex in Week 1.
Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
PIT Pittsburgh • #22
Age: 26 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ ATL ATL -3.5 O/U 42
OPP VS RB
24th
PROJ PTS
11.5
RB RNK
27th
2023 Stats
RUYDS
1035
REC
29
REYDS
170
TD
8
FPTS/G
11.5
It appears like Jaylen Warren (hamstring) will play this week, which lowers the upside for Harris, and this is a tough matchup against the Falcons. I'd only use Harris as a flex in the majority of leagues, even in a revenge game for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Last year, Atlanta was No. 5 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs and tied for first in fewest rushing touchdowns allowed to the position with five. The Falcons defense should be tough again in stopping the run under new coach Raheem Morris, and Harris' Fantasy production will likely be limited if he doesn't score a touchdown.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Wide Receivers
WRs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
NYG N.Y. Giants • #1
Age: 21 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs MIN MIN -1.5 O/U 41
OPP VS WR
27th
PROJ PTS
12.3
WR RNK
22nd
2023 Stats
REC
0
TAR
0
REYDS
0
TD
0
FPTS/G
0
Nabers has the chance to make a splash in his NFL debut at home against the Vikings. While Stefon Gilmore was brought in to help Minnesota's secondary, the Vikings still allowed the fifth-most Fantasy points to opposing receivers last year. We should get a glimpse in Week 1 of what we'll see all season, which is Daniel Jones targeting Nabers a lot. And that volume should help Nabers perform like a top-20 Fantasy option in Week 1.
HOU Houston • #1
Age: 30 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ IND HOU -3 O/U 48.5
OPP VS WR
24th
PROJ PTS
13.8
WR RNK
29th
2023 Stats
REC
107
TAR
160
REYDS
1183
TD
8
FPTS/G
16.1
Nico Collins is an obvious start this week, and he destroyed the Colts in 2023 with 16 catches, 341 yards and two touchdowns in two games. Tank Dell also beat up the Colts in his lone appearance against them with seven catches for 72 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. You can start all three Houston receivers in this matchup, and Diggs should have a solid debut in this AFC South rivalry. I expect the Texans to show off their new toy, and Diggs should be able to exploit the Indianapolis secondary on the perimeter.
TB Tampa Bay • #14
Age: 28 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs WAS TB -3.5 O/U 43.5
OPP VS WR
14th
PROJ PTS
13.1
WR RNK
31st
2023 Stats
REC
83
TAR
130
REYDS
1024
TD
3
FPTS/G
12.3
We get to see Godwin back in the slot, and hopefully he can challenge Mike Evans to lead Tampa Bay in targets this year. Both receivers should go off in this matchup with the Commanders at home, and last year Washington was No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. No team allowed more touchdowns to opposing receivers than the Commanders with 29, so hopefully Godwin and Evans can both find the end zone in Week 1.
JAC Jacksonville • #13
Age: 27 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ MIA MIA -3.5 O/U 49
OPP VS WR
29th
PROJ PTS
12.7
WR RNK
27th
2023 Stats
REC
57
TAR
85
REYDS
787
TD
3
FPTS/G
12.5
I'm glad Kirk is no longer dealing with a calf injury, and hopefully he's 100 percent ready for Week 1. I like Brian Thomas Jr. as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver against the Dolphins, but Kirk is a borderline starter in all leagues. When healthy, he should be the go-to option for Trevor Lawrence, and this should be a good week for the Jaguars passing game since Miami's pass rush could be sluggish without Bradley Chubb (ACL) and potentially Jaelen Phillips (Achilles). Kirk has top-20 upside in PPR given this matchup.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
JAC Jacksonville • #13
Age: 27 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Let's hope Watson stays healthy all season because he could be a standout Fantasy receiver in all leagues. In his last two healthy games with Jordan Love in the regular season in 2023, Watson combined for 12 catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns on 16 targets against the Lions and Chiefs. This week, I'd start Watson in all three-receiver leagues against the Eagles in Brazil, and Philadelphia was No. 1 last year in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. Jayden Reed is also worth starting in three-receiver leagues, while Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks should be stashed on your bench.
DET Detroit • #9
Age: 23 • Experience: 3 yrs.
I'm hopeful that all of the buzz about Williams stepping up this season pays off because it could be a big third year given his expanded role in the offense. He's locked in as a starter opposite Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Williams could develop into a quality Fantasy option, starting this week. The Rams defense is going through a major transition with Raheem Morris, Aaron Donald and Ernest Jones all gone, and the Lions should take advantage of the changes in this matchup at home. Williams is worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues.
BUF Buffalo • #10
Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
We'll finally get to see what Buffalo does with its revamped receiving corps for a full game since Curtis Samuel (toe) will be active, and this will be rookie Keon Coleman's NFL debut. I expect Shakir to have a prominent role, and he's worth starting as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in this matchup with the Cardinals. I would also use Coleman as a No. 3 receiver also, and Samuel is a solid reserve to stash on your bench for now.
SEA Seattle • #11
Age: 22 • Experience: 2 yrs.
We'll see if Tyler Lockett (thigh) will play in Week 1 against Denver, but even if he's active, I still like Smith-Njigba as a potential No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. Smith-Njigba will likely avoid facing top cornerback Patrick Surtain II for most of the game -- be a little wary of DK Metcalf this week -- so Smith-Njigba should be a go-to option for Geno Smith in Ryan Grubb's new offense. Coach Mike Macdonald said this offseason that Smith-Njigba will be "a massive piece" of the offense, and hopefully that starts in Week 1.
LAC L.A. Chargers • #5
Age: 25 • Experience: 4 yrs.
There's a lot of hype around Palmer this season, and he's become a popular sleeper given his expected role in the Chargers' offense with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams gone. For Week 1, Palmer is worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in deeper leagues, and hopefully he can have success against the Raiders like he has the past three times he's faced them. Over that span, Palmer has 14 catches for 250 yards and a touchdown on 27 targets, and he scored at least 13 PPR points in two of those outings. In Week 15 last year, Palmer had 21.3 PPR points without Allen and Williams on the field, which is a good sign for this week.
WRs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
SF San Francisco • #11
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs NYJ SF -4.5 O/U 44
OPP VS WR
7th
PROJ PTS
11.6
WR RNK
23rd
2023 Stats
REC
75
TAR
105
REYDS
1342
TD
7
FPTS/G
15.6
Aiyuk is more of a bust alert than a must-sit Fantasy option, but two things are working against him this week. We'll see if there's any rust from his contract situation, which kept him out of practice in training camp, and his snaps could be limited in Week 1. And then he has to face a tough matchup against the Jets, which could mean lining up against Sauce Gardner. I would only start Aiyuk in three-receiver leagues in Week 1.
IND Indianapolis • #11
Age: 27 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs HOU HOU -3 O/U 48.5
OPP VS WR
29th
PROJ PTS
14
WR RNK
24th
2023 Stats
REC
109
TAR
156
REYDS
1152
TD
4
FPTS/G
15.6
In two games against the Texans last year, Pittman got a lot of volume, with not much to show for it. He had 18 targets in two games against Houston and 13 catches, but he combined for just 100 yards and no touchdowns. In PPR, the 13.6 points that he scored in Week 2 isn't horrible, but I would still only start Pittman in three-receiver leagues in this matchup. This secondary, which is led by talented cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., allowed the second-fewest touchdowns to receivers in 2023 with 10, and the pass rush improved with the addition of Danielle Hunter. Pittman could again struggle against the Texans this week.
TEN Tennessee
Age: 29 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ CHI CHI -3.5 O/U 45
OPP VS WR
12th
PROJ PTS
10.4
WR RNK
33rd
2023 Stats
REC
76
TAR
136
REYDS
1016
TD
8
FPTS/G
13.6
DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is hopeful of playing in Week 1 at the Bears, but no matter what happens with him, I'd still only start Ridley in three-receiver leagues this week. The matchup against Chicago's secondary, which is led by standout cornerback Jaylon Johnson, will be tough, and the Bears pass rush should be improved now that Montez Sweat had a full offseason with the team. There's a lot to like about Ridley's outlook for the season, but he shouldn't be considered a must-start Fantasy receiver in Week 1.