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
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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.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Quarterbacks
QBs to Start
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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QBs to Sit
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
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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.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Running Backs
RBs to Start
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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RBs to Sit
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
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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.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Wide Receivers
WRs to Start
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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WRs to Sit
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Saints secondary, which is led by cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo, is tough, and Johnson could struggle in this matchup on the road. New Orleans was No. 8 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers in 2023, and Johnson is only worth starting in three receiver leagues in Week 1, with his value higher in PPR. We'll see how quickly he established a rapport with Bryce Young, and I'm excited about Johnson's outlook for the season. But hopefully you don't need to start him against New Orleans this week.
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Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
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Moore is still worth starting in three-receiver leagues in Week 1, but this Titans defense, especially in the secondary, will look dramatically different compared to last year when Tennessee was No. 6 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. The Titans got two new starting cornerbacks in L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie and a new starting safety in Quandre Diggs. And new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson should help as well. Moore should be the top target for Caleb Williams, but it's a crowded receiving corps with the additions of Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, who will take away targets from Moore. He's not a must-sit Fantasy receiver by any means, but he could struggle given the changes to the Tennessee secondary this season.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Tight End
TEs to Start
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The matchup is tough since Cleveland was No. 7 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends last year, but Dak Prescott will still lean on Ferguson in this matchup. The last time we saw Ferguson he posted a huge stat line in the playoff loss against Green Bay with 10 catches for 93 yards and three touchdowns on 12 targets, so hopefully he stays hot this week. And last year, the Browns faced seven tight ends who had at least five targets, and four of them scored at least 13.3 PPR points.
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I'm excited to see how Goedert does in Kellen Moore's offense, and this should be a good matchup for him against Green Bay in Brazil. The Packers were No. 7 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends last year, and Green Bay was abused in the playoffs by Jake Ferguson (10 catches for 93 yards and three touchdowns on 12 targets) and George Kittle (four catches for 81 yards and a touchdown on seven targets). Goedert should be considered a low-end starter in all leagues.
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Please make sure and check your leagues because Hill is now tight end eligible for CBS Sports after the Saints changed his position designation just prior to Week 1. He's obviously a wild-card based on how New Orleans will use him in a variety of ways, but there's always the threat of him rushing for a touchdown. He's not going to help you as a traditional tight end, but Hill's weekly upside keeps him in play as a low-end starter against the Panthers this week.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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Johnson will be the traditional tight end for the Saints, and I'm excited to see what he can do in Klint Kubiak's offense. He missed most of training camp with a foot injury, but Johnson has the chance to be No. 2 in targets for New Orleans behind Chris Olave. Last season, Johnson closed the season on a high note with at least 11.8 PPR points in three of his final four games. Hopefully, that carries over to Week 1 against Carolina.
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We haven't seen much from Freiermuth in the preseason, but I'm hopeful that all of the offseason buzz we got about Freiermuth and Russell Wilson starts to show this week now that Wilson is healthy from the calf injury that sidelined him in training camp. Arthur Smith loves using his tight ends, and Freiermuth should be the primary receiving threat at the position for the Steelers. He's worth using as a streamer against the Falcons, who last year allowed the sixth-most Fantasy points to opposing tight ends.
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Eventually, we should see Ben Sinnott become the primary tight end for the Commanders, but that won't happen early in the year. For this week, Ertz has the chance to be a go-to target for Jayden Daniels, and this is a great matchup to use Ertz as a streamer at Tampa Bay. Last year, the Buccaneers were No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends and one of five teams to allow at least 100 receptions to the position. Hopefully, Daniels and Ertz can connect several times in their first real game together.
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TEs to Sit
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I'd prefer to keep Bowers reserved if possible in his first NFL game since he's been dealing with a foot injury coming into Week 1. He missed several practices in training camp, and he might not be 100 percent for this matchup against the Chargers. Eventually, you should expect Bowers to become a weekly starter in all leagues given his potential, but he's not a must-start Fantasy tight end in this game against the Chargers on the road.
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We'll see how many targets Schultz will get now that the Texans' receiving corps is stocked with Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Last year, Schultz didn't post outstanding stats against the Colts in two games with a combined nine catches for 76 yards on 14 targets, and it's hard to expect better production given all the options for C.J. Stroud. Schultz is only worth using in deeper leagues in Week 1.
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If the preseason was any indication then Kmet's Fantasy value this season could be in trouble. He was sharing playing time with new addition Gerald Everett, which could continue all season in Shane Waldron's offense, and the Bears loaded up their receiving corps with Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze coming to Chicago. The Titans also upgraded their secondary this offseason, and Kmet isn't worth starting in most leagues in Week 1.
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Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
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Njoku is still worth using as a low-end starter in most leagues, but he didn't play well with Deshaun Watson last year, which is something to monitor. Njoku scored 6.8 PPR points or less in three of five games with Watson, who is still dealing with shoulder concerns heading into Week 1 against Dallas. The Cowboys also were No. 5 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends, so this could be a tough game for Njoku if Watson is limited in any way.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
DST
DST to Start
Bengals (vs. NE)
If you like streaming DSTs for Week 1 then the Bengals DST is for you. Facing the Patriots should be the matchup to target early in the season -- and potentially all year. New England's offense is limited with a suspect offensive line, young receivers and Jacoby Brissett under center for now. Aside from Rhamondre Stevenson, there's little firepower for the Patriots, and the Bengals DST is ranked No. 1 for me in Week 1 given the matchup.
Sleepers
- Seahawks (vs. DEN)
- Chargers (vs. LV)
- Vikings (at NYG)
DST to Sit
Dolphins (vs. JAC)
The Dolphins defense won't have Bradley Chubb (ACL) this week, and Jaelen Phillips (Achilles) will be limited if he plays. Vic Fangio is gone as the defensive coordinator, and Miami also let standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins leave in free agency. This game has an expected total of 49 points, and the Jaguars offense should have success moving the ball against the Dolphins. I would avoid the Dolphins DST in most leagues this week if you can.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
KICKERS
Kicker to Start
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Dicker closed last season on a tear, and hopefully that carries over to Week 1 against the Raiders. He scored at least 13 Fantasy points in each of his final three games, with 49 total points over that span, and he made 12-of-13 field goals. He did all of that with just four PATs, and the Chargers offense should give him more scoring chances this week with Justin Herbert back under center. Dicker is worth starting in all leagues for Week 1.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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Kicker to Sit
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Prater will matter for Fantasy managers this season since the Cardinals offense is explosive, but I don't like him this week at Buffalo. The Bills were No. 5 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing kickers last year, and Buffalo allowed just 11 field goals at home in 2023, including three games where the opposing kicker (Jason Sanders in Week 4, Greg Zuerlein in Week 11 and Chad Ryland in Week 17) failed to make a field goal.
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