Fantasy Football Week 1 Start ’Em Sit ’Em Guide
Week 1 of the NFL season is here, and with it comes the return of lineup decisions that can make or break a fantasy matchup. Justin Boone has once again put together his list of players who deserve a starting spot and those who are better left on the bench. His analysis leans on recent performances, matchups, and overall outlooks, making it a useful resource for anyone trying to gain an edge early in the season.
Let’s start with quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield finds himself in a favorable spot against the Falcons. Last season, he tossed three touchdowns in both of his games against Atlanta, including a 330-yard outing. The Falcons’ defense gave up the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2024, and little improvement has been seen. With a projected high-scoring game and new weapons around him, Mayfield is positioned as a strong QB1 play. On the flip side, Jared Goff is best avoided. He has struggled on the road in Green Bay the past two years and now faces an improved Packers defense featuring Micah Parsons. Without his former offensive coordinator and behind a weakened line, Goff looks like a risky start.
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Running backs are always tricky, but James Conner remains reliable. Since arriving in Arizona, he has consistently been a top-15 fantasy back on a per-game basis. Facing a Saints defense that was one of the most forgiving against running backs last year, and with the Cardinals favored, Conner should see plenty of work. In contrast, D’Andre Swift could stumble in his matchup with Minnesota. Chicago’s backfield remains unsettled, and the Vikings’ defense is no easy test. Swift profiles more as a flex or RB3 option until his role becomes clearer.
For wide receivers, rookie Tetairoa McMillan could shine right out of the gate. With Adam Thielen gone and injuries thinning the Panthers’ depth, McMillan is set up for volume against a Jaguars secondary that allowed plenty of fantasy points to receivers last year. He has the size and skill set to produce right away. However, Calvin Ridley faces a difficult assignment against Pat Surtain II and the Broncos’ elite secondary. While Ridley should be a fantasy starter most weeks, this isn’t the matchup to trust him fully.
Tight ends also get attention. T.J. Hockenson is healthy again and set to be heavily involved in Minnesota’s offense while Jordan Addison serves a suspension. He has already proven he can succeed against Chicago, making him a top play this week. Meanwhile, Evan Engram should be approached with caution. Denver used him sparingly in the preseason, and Tennessee’s defense is one of the toughest against tight ends.
In short, Week 1 already presents the highs and lows that fantasy football brings every year. Some veterans are primed to deliver, a few rookies could break out, and even reliable stars may face tough matchups. The key is to balance risk and reward — and remember, the season is just beginning.
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