NFL Fantasy Start Em, Sit Em: 20 Players to Start or Sit in Week 1
The NFL season will begin on Thursday, with the Lions taking on the Chiefs for Thursday Night Football. So, it's time to start thinking about your fantasy team. Jason Radowitz shares his NFL Fantasy start or sit them list for Week 1.
Jason Radowitz - September 5, 2023, 11:11 AM EDT
7 minNFL Fantasy Start Em, Sit Em: 20 Players to Start or Sit in Week 1
Let the games begin!
The NFL season will begin on Thursday, with the Detroit Lions visiting the Kansas City Chiefs for Thursday Night Football.
I know you've been staring at your team for weeks, trying to figure out who to play for Week 1.
Don't worry; I've got you covered.
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Quarterbacks To Play in Week 1
1. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
2. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Let's take advantage of times when Tua Tagovailoa is healthy. He's played in 13 games last year and added 25 passing touchdowns with 3,548 yards. He'll likely complete about 65% of passes this season and threw just eight interceptions last year.
Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins will get the luxury of facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have so many undrafted rookies on the team. Take advantage of Justin Jefferson against Tampa Bay's offense immediately with Kirk Cousins at quarterback.
Tua playing the Chargers? Say less. Make sure you're hammering Tua Tagovalioa prop bets at DraftKings right now
Quarterbacks To Sit in Week 1
3. Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
4. Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants
5. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
If you're considering starting Anthony Richardson in the first week of the season, you must revisit your strategy.
Meanwhile, the Giants have struggled against the Dallas Cowboys since Daniel Jones was the quarterback. Playing Jones would be risky right off the bat.
Finally, some analysts believe Jared Goff and the Lions will participate in a shootout against the Chiefs on Thursday. It's possible. But with the addition of Jahmyr Gibbs and the acquisition of David Montgomery, I'm skeptical about Goff. I have to see the Lions play before I think about playing Goff.
Running Backs To Play in Week 1
6. Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints
7. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders
I don't think Jamaal Williams will ever do what he did last year. That's in the past. But with Alvin Kamara suspended, Williams should pick up more slack while earning those goal-line carries.
On the other hand, Rachaad White is the clear No. 1 running back for the Buccaneers. UDFA Sean Tucker won the backup against two notable runners on the Bucs. It's White's job now.
Lastly, I think Washington will blow out the Cardinals in Week 1. That likely means Brian Robinson will get plenty of carries, including a touchdown or two.
Running Backs To Sit in Week 1
9. Breece Hall RB, New York Jets
10. Dalvin Cook, RB, New York Jets
I have no idea what the Jets will do at running back. Robert Salah already acknowledged that both will play in this game.
For all we know, Dalvin Cook can put up a goose egg. Or he can steal goal-line carries from Breece Hall. There's too much unknown there.
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Wide Receivers To Play in Week 1
11. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos
12. Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders
It's doubtful that Jerry Jeudy or Terry McLaurin will play for their respective teams in Week 1.
Therefore, you can ride out Week 1 with the No. 2 receivers, Courtland Sutton and Jahan Dotson.
Sutton had a disappointing season last year. But with Sean Payton as head coach, things are about to change.
Meanwhile, Dotson looks to have great chemistry with Sam Howell already. After a solid rookie season, a year-two breakout is likely in the cards.
Wide Receivers To Sit in Week 1
13. Kadarious Toney, Kansas City Chiefs
14. JuJu Smith-Schuster, New England Patriots
15. Van Jefferson, Los Angeles Rams
You're looking at three wide receivers that could be listed as No. 1 receivers in Week 1. But any three players could get lost and put up no fantasy points.
These guys are like streaming tight ends. There are more reliable options out there.
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Tight Ends To Play in Week 1
16. Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
17. Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
If Cooper Kupp misses time, I'd rather give Tyler Higbee a spot on my roster than Van Jefferson.
Also, Juwan Johnson has told the media that he thinks he can jump to the next level of tight ends this season. I'll buy it. In a new system with Derek Carr at quarterback, I believe it.
Tight Ends To Sit in Week 1
18. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
19. Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears
20. Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
If you drafted Kyle Pitts, you might be streaming tight ends for the rest of the season. Media members seem to think he'll be the fourth target on the field for the Falcons this season.
Meanwhile, Cole Kmet won't get many chances with Justin Fields under center. The same can be said for Dalton Schultz, now that he's with the Texans and no longer with the Cowboys.
NFL Odds
