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Fantasy lineups hinge on tough decisions in Week 1, especially around fringe players. This guide is built to highlight key starts and sits based on advanced analysis, matchups, and expected usage, helping you maximize your lineup for the 2024 NFL season opener.
Quarterbacks:
Start:
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) vs. Los Angeles Rams
Goff excels at home, averaging over 20 fantasy points per game in Detroit. The Rams' defense allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to QBs in 2023. With Detroit’s offense intact and the Rams' weakened secondary, Goff is a top-12 QB this week.
Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Daniels’ dual-threat ability is key, as he faces a Tampa defense that allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to QBs last year. His rushing upside makes him a top-10 option in a high-volume game with plenty of fantasy points on the line.
Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears) vs. Tennessee Titans
Williams is set for a big debut against a Titans defense that struggled with QB pressures. His mobility and ability to extend plays make him dangerous. Tennessee allowed a league-high seven rushing TDs to QBs in 2023, making Williams a must-start.
Sit:
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Cleveland Browns
Prescott consistently struggled against top-10 defenses in 2023, and Cleveland ranked third in limiting QB fantasy points. With heavy pressure expected from the Browns’ front, Prescott’s ceiling is too limited for Week 1.
Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) vs. New York Jets
Purdy faces one of the league’s best defenses in the Jets, who allowed the fewest passing yards per game in 2023. Coming off injury, Purdy is a risky option against this elite secondary and pass rush.
Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets) vs. San Francisco 49ers
Rodgers will be playing his first game back from injury against a 49ers defense that allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to QBs last year. With questions surrounding his post-injury performance, Rodgers is best left on the bench for Week 1.
Running Backs:
Start:
Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mostert enters Week 1 as Miami’s lead back and gets a great matchup against a Jaguars defense that ranked in the bottom half against the run last season. Mostert’s explosiveness and red-zone role give him RB1 upside in this high-scoring game.
Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos) vs. Seattle Seahawks
Williams is the clear lead back for Denver and faces a Seahawks defense that allowed the second-most rushing yards to RBs last year. With a strong volume of touches expected, Williams is a solid RB2 with upside in this favorable matchup.
Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers) vs. New Orleans Saints
Hubbard will handle the bulk of the carries with Jonathon Brooks out. The Saints’ run defense was middle-of-the-pack in 2023, and Hubbard’s expected volume makes him a strong flex option in PPR formats for Week 1.
Sit:
D’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears) vs. Tennessee Titans
Swift’s role in Chicago’s committee backfield is uncertain, and the Titans allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to RBs in 2023. The uncertainty around his usage makes him too risky to start in Week 1.
Zamir White (Las Vegas Raiders) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
White will likely be part of a committee, limiting his value. Despite the Chargers' struggles against RBs last year, White’s minimal role in the passing game caps his upside. Best to wait and see how he's used before starting him.
Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Atlanta Falcons
Warren is coming off a hamstring injury and hasn’t practiced much. Atlanta’s defense has improved, and Warren’s unclear workload makes him a risky Week 1 start. Monitor his health before considering him as a flex option.
Wide Receivers:
Start:
Malik Nabers (New York Giants) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Nabers faces a Vikings defense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to WRs in 2023. As Daniel Jones’ top target, he’ll see significant volume. Nabers has WR2 upside in a high-scoring game, making him a must-start in all formats.
Stefon Diggs (Houston Texans) vs. Indianapolis Colts
Diggs should dominate in his Texans debut against a Colts defense that gave up the 24th-most points to WRs last year. With C.J. Stroud at QB, Diggs will be heavily targeted, making him a WR1 with big-play potential in Week 1.
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Washington Commanders
Godwin lines up in the slot against a Washington defense that allowed 29 touchdowns to WRs last season. His high target volume in a pass-heavy offense gives him WR2 upside. Expect Godwin to start the season strong in this matchup.
Sit:
Calvin Ridley (Tennessee Titans) vs. Chicago Bears
Ridley’s role is still evolving in Tennessee, and he faces a tough Chicago secondary led by Jaylon Johnson. Until Ridley’s role is clearer, he’s too risky to trust in Week 1, especially with this challenging matchup.
Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco 49ers) vs. New York Jets
Aiyuk is set to face Sauce Gardner, and the Jets’ defense ranked among the best against WRs in 2023. Aiyuk’s ceiling is limited, and he may struggle to find space against this elite secondary. He’s better suited for deeper leagues this week.
Tank Dell (Houston Texans) vs. Indianapolis Colts
With Stefon Diggs now in Houston, Dell’s target share is likely to decrease. The Colts allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to WRs last year, and Dell’s role in the Texans’ offense is unclear. Best to avoid him in Week 1.
Tight Ends:
Start:
Taysom Hill (New Orleans Saints) vs. Carolina Panthers
Hill’s versatility as a passer, rusher, and receiver makes him a unique fantasy asset. The Panthers struggled against dynamic playmakers last year, giving Hill top-five TE upside. He’ll be heavily involved in various roles this week.
Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Cleveland Browns
Ferguson’s strong efficiency against man coverage makes him a sneaky Week 1 play, especially with Cleveland’s defense playing one of the highest rates of man coverage. Ferguson will be a key target for Prescott, making him a solid TE1 option.
Evan Engram (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Miami Dolphins
Engram faces a Dolphins defense that allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to TEs in 2023. Jacksonville’s high-volume passing attack ensures plenty of targets for Engram, making him a strong TE1 in this favorable matchup.
Sit:
Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Bowers’ foot injury and limited preseason action make him a risky Week 1 play. The Raiders will likely ease him into the offense, and the Chargers’ defense was solid against TEs last season. Wait until Bowers is fully healthy and has a more defined role.
Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans) vs. Indianapolis Colts
Schultz will compete for targets with Stefon Diggs and others, making his role unclear. The Colts allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to TEs in 2023, further limiting Schultz’s upside. He’s a risky option for Week 1, best left on the bench.
David Njoku (Cleveland Browns) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Njoku struggled with Deshaun Watson, averaging fewer fantasy points than with other QBs. Dallas’ defense allowed the fifth-fewest points to TEs last season, making Njoku a risky play this week in a tough matchup.
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