The NFL regular season is back, and that means it's time to start making tough decisions about your fantasy football lineup. With training camp and the preseason behind us, we have a better idea of which players are likely to be productive. But there are still some tough calls to make. Do you continue to believe in Saquon Barkley, or do you wait and see if he can stay healthy? Is Tyreek Hill still the same player without Patrick Mahomes? And can anyone predict what will happen with Deshaun Watson?
That's where we can help. Our team of experts has put together a list of Week 1 players who you should start and sit. We'll also provide you with some more specific advice on how to manage your team in Week 1.
With training camp and the preseason behind us, we have a better idea of which players are likely to be productive. But there are still some tough calls to make.
Who to Start Week 1
Tough decisions, expert advice.
- Start studs, even on tough matchups.
- Look for players with high upside.
- Don't overreact to preseason injuries.
- Consider matchups when making decisions.
- Don't be afraid to bench big names.
- Stream defenses and kickers based on matchups.
- Monitor weather conditions.
- Stay updated on injury news.
- Trust your gut.
Making the right lineup decisions in Week 1 can give you a big advantage in your fantasy football league. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of starting the season off on the right foot.
Start studs, even on tough matchups.
Your studs are the players you drafted high, the ones you're counting on to carry your team. They're the players who have the potential to put up big numbers every week, regardless of who they're playing. So even if your stud has a tough matchup in Week 1, you should still start them.
- Trust the talent. Your studs are studs for a reason. They're the best players in the league, and they're capable of producing big numbers even against tough competition.
- Game flow matters. Sometimes, a player's matchup looks tough on paper, but the game flow ends up working in their favor. For example, if a team is trailing late in a game, they're more likely to pass the ball, which could benefit a wide receiver or tight end.
- Injuries happen. Even the best players get injured. If you bench your stud because of a tough matchup, and they end up getting injured in the game, you'll be kicking yourself. It's better to start your stud and hope for the best.
- You drafted them for a reason. You drafted your studs because you believe in their ability. So trust your gut and start them, even if the matchup isn't ideal.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your stud is coming off a major injury, or if they're playing in a game with extreme weather conditions, it might be best to sit them. But in general, you should start your studs, even on tough matchups.
Look for players with high upside.
Upside is the potential for a player to have a big game. It's the ability to score a lot of points, even if they're not a sure thing to get a lot of targets or touches. When you're looking for players to start in Week 1, you should focus on players with high upside.
There are a few different factors that can contribute to a player's upside. One is their talent level. Obviously, the more talented a player is, the more likely they are to have a big game. Another factor is opportunity. Players who are expected to get a lot of targets or touches have more chances to score points. Finally, game flow can also play a role in a player's upside. For example, a wide receiver is more likely to have a big game if their team is trailing and has to pass the ball a lot.
Here are a few examples of players with high upside in Week 1:
- Tyreek Hill, WR Miami Dolphins: Hill is one of the most explosive players in the NFL. He's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. The Dolphins are expected to pass the ball a lot this season, so Hill has a great opportunity to have a big game in Week 1.
- Alvin Kamara, RB New Orleans Saints: Kamara is one of the most versatile players in the NFL. He can run the ball, catch passes out of the backfield, and even line up as a wide receiver. The Saints are likely to use Kamara in a variety of ways this season, so he has a high upside in Week 1.
- Justin Jefferson, WR Minnesota Vikings: Jefferson is one of the rising stars in the NFL. He had a great rookie season in 2020, and he's expected to be even better in 2021. The Vikings have a lot of offensive weapons, but Jefferson is their clear No. 1 receiver. He has a great chance to have a big game in Week 1.
These are just a few examples of players with high upside in Week 1. When you're making your lineup decisions, be sure to look for players who have the potential to put up big numbers.
Don't overreact to preseason injuries.
Preseason injuries can be scary, especially if they happen to one of your star players. But it's important to remember that preseason injuries are often not as serious as they seem. Players are often held out of preseason games as a precaution, even if they're not actually injured. And even if a player does suffer a serious injury in the preseason, there's still a good chance they'll be ready to go for Week 1.
Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't overreact to preseason injuries:
- Preseason games are not real games. Players are often not playing at full speed in preseason games, and they're more likely to get injured because they're not used to the game intensity. As a result, preseason injuries are often not as serious as they seem.
- Players are often held out of preseason games as a precaution. Even if a player is injured, they may be held out of preseason games as a precaution. This is especially true for star players, who teams don't want to risk further injury.
- Even if a player does suffer a serious injury in the preseason, there's still a good chance they'll be ready for Week 1. With modern medicine, players are able to recover from injuries much faster than they used to. Even if a player suffers a serious injury in the preseason, there's a good chance they'll be ready to go for Week 1.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. If a player suffers a major injury, such as a torn ACL, they're likely to miss a significant amount of time. But in most cases, you shouldn't overreact to preseason injuries. If you have a player who is injured in the preseason, wait until more information is available before you make any decisions about your fantasy team.
Consider matchups when making decisions.
When you're making your lineup decisions, it's important to consider matchups. Some players have better matchups than others, and you should try to start players who have favorable matchups.
- Look at the opposing defense. Some defenses are better than others, and you should try to start players who are playing against weaker defenses. You can find information about opposing defenses online or in fantasy football magazines.
- Consider the game script. The game script is how the game is likely to play out. For example, if a team is trailing, they're more likely to pass the ball. This could benefit a wide receiver or tight end.
- Think about the weather. Weather can also play a role in player performance. For example, a running back is more likely to have a good game on a dry field than on a wet field.
- Trust your gut. Sometimes, you just have a feeling about a player. If you think a player is going to have a big game, go with your gut and start them.
By considering matchups when you're making your lineup decisions, you can increase your chances of winning your fantasy football matchup.
Don't be afraid to bench big names.
Just because a player is a big name doesn't mean you have to start them. If a big-name player has a tough matchup or is coming off an injury, it's perfectly acceptable to bench them. In fact, it might be the best thing for your team.
Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't be afraid to bench big names:
- Matchups matter. Even the best players in the world can have bad games if they have a tough matchup. If a big-name player is playing against a tough defense or in a game with bad weather, it's best to bench them.
- Injuries happen. Even the healthiest players can get injured. If a big-name player is coming off an injury, it's best to wait until they're fully healthy before you start them.
- Trust your gut. Sometimes, you just have a feeling about a player. If you think a big-name player is going to have a bad game, go with your gut and bench them.
Benching a big name can be a tough decision, but it's one that you should be willing to make if you think it's the best thing for your team. By benching big names when necessary, you can increase your chances of winning your fantasy football matchup.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you have a big-name player who is a sure thing to get a lot of targets or touches, you should start them, even if they have a tough matchup. But in most cases, you should be willing to bench big names if you think it's the best thing for your team.
Stream defenses and kickers based on matchups.
Streaming defenses and kickers is a great way to improve your fantasy football team. By streaming, you can find players who have good matchups each week, regardless of their overall ranking. This can give you a big advantage over your opponents, who may be starting players with worse matchups.
- Look for defenses that are playing against weak offenses. You can find information about opposing offenses online or in fantasy football magazines.
- Consider the game script. The game script is how the game is likely to play out. For example, if a team is trailing, they're more likely to pass the ball. This could benefit a defense that is good at generating turnovers.
- Think about the weather. Weather can also play a role in player performance. For example, a defense is more likely to have a good game on a dry field than on a wet field.
- Be willing to drop players. The key to streaming defenses and kickers is to be willing to drop players who are not performing well. If you have a defense or kicker who has a bad matchup, don't be afraid to drop them and pick up a player who has a better matchup.
By streaming defenses and kickers, you can increase your chances of winning your fantasy football matchup.
Monitor weather conditions.
Weather conditions can have a big impact on fantasy football games. For example, a running back is more likely to have a good game on a dry field than on a wet field. A quarterback is more likely to throw interceptions in windy conditions. And a kicker is more likely to miss field goals in cold weather.
- Check the weather forecast before you set your lineup. You can find the weather forecast for your game online or on the fantasy football app.
- Be prepared to make changes to your lineup if the weather conditions change. For example, if you have a running back who is playing on a wet field, you may want to bench them and start a running back who is playing on a dry field.
- Consider the weather conditions when you're making other lineup decisions. For example, if you have a quarterback who is playing in windy conditions, you may want to start a running back who is more likely to get carries.
- Be flexible and adaptable. The weather can change quickly, so be prepared to make changes to your lineup if necessary.
By monitoring weather conditions, you can make better lineup decisions and increase your chances of winning your fantasy football matchup.
Stay updated on injury news.
Injuries are a part of football, and they can have a big impact on fantasy football. If a key player on your team gets injured, it can ruin your chances of winning your matchup. That's why it's important to stay updated on injury news.
- Check the injury reports regularly. The injury reports are released by the NFL each day. You can find the injury reports online or on the fantasy football app.
- Follow fantasy football experts on social media. Fantasy football experts often have access to injury information before it's released to the public. By following them on social media, you can stay ahead of the curve and make better lineup decisions.
- Be prepared to make changes to your lineup. If a key player on your team gets injured, you'll need to make changes to your lineup. Be prepared to do this, even if it means benching a player who you were counting on.
- Don't panic. Injuries happen, and they're not always as bad as they seem. If a player is listed as questionable, it doesn't mean that they're definitely going to miss the game. Wait until more information is available before you make any decisions about your lineup.
By staying updated on injury news, you can make better lineup decisions and increase your chances of winning your fantasy football matchup.
Trust your gut.
Sometimes, you just have a feeling about a player. You think they're going to have a big game, even if all the experts are saying otherwise. If you have a gut feeling about a player, go with it. Don't be afraid to start them, even if they're not the most popular pick.
There are a few reasons why you should trust your gut when making fantasy football decisions:
- Your gut is often right. You know your players better than anyone else. You've watched them play, and you have a feel for their strengths and weaknesses. If you think a player is going to have a big game, there's a good chance that they will.
- The experts aren't always right. Fantasy football experts are just people, and they're just as likely to make mistakes as anyone else. Don't be afraid to disagree with the experts if you have a strong feeling about a player.
- It's your team. You're the one who has to live with the consequences of your lineup decisions. If you start a player who has a bad game, it's your fault. But if you start a player who has a big game, you'll be the one who's celebrating.
Of course, you shouldn't always trust your gut. If you have a gut feeling about a player who is injured or has a tough matchup, you should probably listen to your head and bench them. But if you have a gut feeling about a player who is healthy and has a good matchup, don't be afraid to start them. Your gut might just lead you to victory.
So trust your gut when making your Week 1 lineup decisions. Don't be afraid to start players who you think are going to have big games, even if they're not the most popular picks. By trusting your gut, you can increase your chances of winning your fantasy football matchup.
FAQ
Have more questions about who to start in Week 1? Check out these frequently asked questions:
Question 1: Who should I start at quarterback in Week 1?
Answer: There are a lot of great quarterbacks to choose from in Week 1, but some of the best options include Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Aaron Rodgers. These quarterbacks all have great weapons to work with and are capable of putting up big numbers.
Question 2: Who should I start at running back in Week 1?
Answer: Christian McCaffrey is the consensus top running back in Week 1, but there are a few other running backs who could also have big games. Some good options include Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara, and Ezekiel Elliott.
Question 3: Who should I start at wide receiver in Week 1?
Answer: There are a lot of great wide receivers to choose from in Week 1, but some of the best options include Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, and Cooper Kupp. These wide receivers are all elite talents who are capable of putting up big numbers.
Question 4: Who should I start at tight end in Week 1?
Answer: Travis Kelce is the top tight end in the NFL, and he's a great option to start in Week 1. Other good options include Mark Andrews, Darren Waller, and George Kittle.
Question 5: Who should I start at defense/special teams in Week 1?
Answer: The Buffalo Bills are a great defense to start in Week 1. They have a lot of playmakers on defense, and they're facing a weak offense in the New York Jets. Other good options include the Los Angeles Rams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the New England Patriots.
Question 6: Who should I avoid starting in Week 1?
Answer: There are a few players who you should avoid starting in Week 1. Some players to avoid include players who are injured, players who have tough matchups, and players who are coming off a bye week.
Remember, these are just suggestions. The best way to set your lineup is to do your own research and make the decisions that you think are best for your team.
In addition to answering your questions, we've also put together a few tips to help you make the best lineup decisions in Week 1.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the best lineup decisions in Week 1:
Tip 1: Do your research.
The best way to make good lineup decisions is to do your research. This means reading fantasy football articles, watching game film, and following fantasy football experts on social media. The more you know about the players and the matchups, the better equipped you'll be to make good decisions.
Tip 2: Consider the matchups.
When you're making your lineup decisions, it's important to consider the matchups. Some players have better matchups than others, and you should try to start players who have favorable matchups. You can find information about opposing defenses online or in fantasy football magazines.
Tip 3: Don't be afraid to bench big names.
Just because a player is a big name doesn't mean you have to start them. If a big-name player has a tough matchup or is coming off an injury, it's perfectly acceptable to bench them. In fact, it might be the best thing for your team.
Tip 4: Trust your gut.
Sometimes, you just have a feeling about a player. You think they're going to have a big game, even if all the experts are saying otherwise. If you have a gut feeling about a player, go with it. Don't be afraid to start them, even if they're not the most popular pick.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making good lineup decisions and winning your fantasy football matchup.
Remember, fantasy football is a game of chance. There's no guarantee that the players you start will have big games. But by following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.
Conclusion
So, who should you start in Week 1? The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the matchups, the injuries, and your own personal preferences. But by following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of making good lineup decisions and winning your fantasy football matchup.
Here are a few key points to remember:
- Start your studs, even if they have a tough matchup.
- Look for players with high upside.
- Don't overreact to preseason injuries.
- Consider the matchups when making your decisions.
- Don't be afraid to bench big names.
- Stream defenses and kickers based on matchups.
- Monitor weather conditions.
- Stay updated on injury news.
- Trust your gut.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making good lineup decisions and winning your fantasy football matchup. Good luck!