Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em advice for Week 1
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season presents challenging fantasy football start-sit decisions due to limited performance data, requiring managers to rely on projections.
- Recommended Week 1 fantasy starters include quarterbacks Jared Goff and Justin Herbert, running backs MarShawn Lloyd and Rhamondre Stevenson, wide receivers Josh Downs and Chris Godwin Jr., tight end Juwan Johnson, and the Jacksonville Jaguars defense.
- Notable players advised to sit in Week 1 include quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Patrick Mahomes, running backs Jadarian Price and Jonathon Brooks, wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Carnell Tate, tight end Travis Kelce, and the Buffalo Bills defense.
- Key factors influencing these recommendations include injury recoveries, opponent defensive strengths, changes in team rosters, and recent player performance trends.
- Fantasy managers are encouraged to weigh these insights carefully to optimize their Week 1 lineups and gain an early advantage in the 2026 fantasy football season.
