Start 'EM Sit 'EM Week 1
A brand new fantasy football season brings another opportunity to put your best fantasy foot forward and get some "get back" on your fellow league-mates. If you're heading into the 2024 fantasy football season as your league's champion, you've earned the right to strut. But don't get complacent. "Heavy is the head that wears the crown" and you better believe that your league will be coming for your head this season. If you finished last in your league, it's time to dust yourself off, put down that toilet bowl trophy in the corner, and get to work.
Hopefully, you've done your homework and armed yourself as best you can heading into your fantasy drafts. You drafted your teams and now it's time to set your lineups! I'm back to help you accomplish your goal of fantasy league dominance so be sure to come by each week for the "Start'em, Sit'em" articles on Fantasy Football Calculator. I won't bore you with fluff picks like starting players like Josh Allen or Ceedee Lamb, as those players should rarely leave your lineups. But I'll be helping you find options each week you should consider starting to get you over the top each week. So let's get started.
*Start/Sit Data via ESPN Fantasy
Starts
Trevor Lawrence vs. MIA (6.6% Start)
I'm not sure why Trevor Lawerence's start percentage is so low for week 1 but this could be a great opportunity to get ahead at the quarterback position. Lawrence faces off against a defense that allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 and allowed 1.59 touchdowns per game, eighth-most among NFL defenses. Now armed with bigger targets in Gabriel Davis, Brian Thomas Jr, and tight end Evan Engram, Lawerence has enough to put up points against the Dolphins secondary. The Jaguars love passing the ball so you can expect their newly minted quarterback to go out there and sling it to kick the season off.
Matthew Stafford vs. DET (4.8% Start)
The Rams and Matthew Stafford kick off the season against the Detroit Lions, one of the worst secondary units in the league. Last season, the Lions allowed 247.4 yards per game through the air, sixth most among NFL defenses. The Lions also gave up the second-most yards in DaDOT (Defensive Average Depth Of Target) at 9.2. The Lions also gave up nearly 22 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks last season. A plus for Matthew Stafford: Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are healthy heading into week 1 and Stafford loves throwing the ball as he averaged nearly 35 pass attempts per game in 2023.
Tony Pollard vs. CHI (17.2% Start)
Pollard is now with the Tennessee Titans for the 2024 season. Facing off against the Chicago Bears in week 1 and a defense that found difficulty stopping the run last season, Pollard could be set up for a nice game against a Bears defense that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing running back at 24 FPPG. The Bears also gave up nearly 60 receiving yards per game to running backs, allowing another avenue for Pollard to get busy this week. While there is some concern that Tyjae Spears will creep into Tony Pollard's workload, the Titans did sign the former Cowboys running back to a two-year deal. Follow the money folks.
Terry McLaurin vs. TB (27% Start)
Volume should be all about Terry McLaurin this season. The Commanders sent Jahan Dotson to Philadelphia and the front office and coaching staff believe that a number two receiver has yet to emerge on the roster. That means more targets for "Scary Terry". The Buccaneers had issues dealing with wide receivers last season as they allowed the fifth-most completions through the air in 2023. The Bucs also gave up a whopping 37.7 FPPG to receivers too. With reports of McLaurin being utilized all over the field, the Commanders will make sure the top pass catcher sees a ton of work coming his way.
Christian Watson vs. PHI (14.4% Start)
Yes, I know that. Christian Watson has an extensive injury history despite his short stint in the NFL. But his talent when healthy is unquestionable. Watson gets an Eagles defense that finished the 2023 season second in touchdowns allowed with 35. Watson has the big-play ability to score from deep when given the opportunity. Despite only playing nine games last season, Watson saw 11 targets in the red zone. This points to the fact that the Packers are intent on getting Watson in scoring positions when he's on the field. Watson still finished third among the Packers wide receivers in red zone receptions. Watson is a gamble but up against an unproven secondary that allowed the second-most passing yards in 2023, Watson may be worth the risk.
Pat Frieremuth vs. ATL (15.7% Start)
Frieremuth has a real opportunity to solidify himself as the Steelers' number two option in the passing game behind Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. Big Muth should see added targets this season and has a chance to produce right away against a Falcons defense that allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to the tight end position last season, there's certainly an opening for Frieremuth to succeed. The Falcons also allowed the fourth-most receptions to opposing tight ends at 100 on the season in 2023. Russell Wilson is going to need to find someone other than Pickens to attack secondaries and Muth just might fit the bill.
Sits
Deshaun Watson vs. DAL (4.7% Start)
Deshaun Watson has been either shaky or injured since leaving the Houston Texans and his first opponent in his "redemption tour" after not living up to that massive contract he signed just a few seasons ago may be off to a rocky start. The Dallas Cowboys had 187 passing yards per game allowed in 2023, the fifth-fewest among NFL defenses. While Daron Bland is out due to injury, the Cowboys have expressed confidence in rookie corner Caelen Carson to hold down the fort. Stefon Diggs is returning to the Cowboys after going down last season before the Arizona Cardinals game. Before going down last season, Watson completed just 61% of his passes and finished with a 7:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Austin Ekeler vs. TB (17.4% Start)
While there have been more positive narratives coming out of Commanders camp of the usage of both Brian Johnson Jr and Austin Ekeler, Ekeler faces a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs managed to hold receiving backs to just under 5 receptions a game for the 2023 season. The Bucs also allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs at 13.3. With Ekeler likely splitting time with Brian Johnson Jr. from rushing attempts and passing work (because BJjr can catch out of the backfield too), Ekeler might not be worth the play in week 1.
Diontae Johnson vs. NO (20% Start)
If there's one thing the New Orleans Saints can do, it's slow down wide receivers. The New Orleans Saints finished eighth in fewest passing yards allowed in 2023 and averaged 207 passing yards allowed per game. The Saints also allowed the seventh-fewest receptions to opposing wide receivers. The Panthers are still rebuilding their team and facing off against a divisional opponent familiar with their game. The Saints defense also allowed the seventh-fewest yards after catch at 107.5 per game. Diontae Johnson might see enough volume to help get him through the game but I don't like this particular matchup this week.
Cole Kmet vs. TEN (6.7% Start)
The Titans' defense has been one of the better units defending the tight-end position. In 2023, the Titans allowed the 9.6 FPPG to the position. Not only that, but the Titans allowed just three touchdowns to opposing tight ends last year. Coupled with learning to work with a new quarterback in rookie Caleb Williams while contending with new rookie Rome Odunze and free agent signee Keenan Allen could also present obstacles for Kmet to have solid and consistent fantasy value throughout the season.
This is going to be another great season! Follow me on Twitter @hype_phinest to talk more fantasy football this season. I'm looking forward to helping you guys win your league championships! Let's put the work in and have fun this season.
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