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🏈 Starts and Sits for Week 1

🏈 Starts and Sits for Week 1

The right lineup decisions for the week...

Joe Holka
September 05, 2024

Week 1’s Best Starts and Sits

Welcome to the Fantasy Drop Army newsletter!

In this edition, we'll break down the top players to confidently start and those you might want to bench, helping you kick off the season with a win. Let’s dive into the key decisions that could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Today in 5 minutes or less, you’ll learn:

The MUST-START players of Week 1 🔥
Players to consider leaving on your bench 🪑
Last chance for your FREE Fantasy draft guide 🏆
The latest news from around the NFL 🏈

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#5: TE - Evan Engram (JAX)

Engram led all TEs in targets last season (143) while scoring the 4th-most fantasy points per game (13.6). It remains unclear how Christian Kirk will perform after missing the last few games of 2023, and Brian Thomas Jr. remains unproven. Engram seems like the best bet to attract targets from Trevor Lawrence immediately this year. It doesn’t hurt that the Dolphins allowed the 8th-most fantasy points per game to the position last year.

#4: RB - Javonte Williams (DEN)

Javonte hasn’t been terribly effective in the last couple of seasons. But, by all accounts he will be the Broncos’ lead back this year. The draw of Seattle for Week 1 is a lot more favorable than you think, too. Last season, Seattle gave up the 3rd most points per game to the RB position, including an average of 1.1 touchdowns per game. If Javonte ends up with a lot of carries, he should do some damage.

#3: QB - Jordan Love (GB)

The Eagles allowed the 2nd-most fantasy points per game to QBs last year (21), which was one of the reasons for their late-season collapse. On the other hand, Love ended the season on an absolute tear, throwing 18 touchdowns to just 1 interception. With the excitement of an international Friday night game and a full arsenal of healthy weapons at his disposal, Love should start the year strong.

#2: WR - Mike Evans (TB)

The Bucs draw the Commanders in Week 1, which should be a matchup to help get them rolling. Washington’s defensive backfield is an area of weakness, and their linebackers are known more for their run-stopping ability than their coverage skills. Baker Mayfield should also have plenty of time to throw against a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks. Evans should start his 11th season with a bang.

Tap HERE for the #1 Start of Week 1

#5: TE - David Njoku (CLE)

Njoku’s success last year came with Joe Flacco, and not so much with Deshaun Watson. But, his opponent this week doesn’t help matters. The Cowboys allowed the 5th-fewest fantasy points per game and the fewest overall receptions per game to tight ends in 2023. So, Njoku seems touchdown-dependent in this early-season matchup.

#4: QB - Brock Purdy (SF)

The Jets’ defense was more than capable last season, allowing just 13.5 points per game to opposing QBs. Some of that has to do with the fact that they were down a lot and teams didn’t have to throw as much. But, the talent on defense is nothing to sneeze at. They tied for 8th in takeaways last season with 27, and tied for 7th with 48 sacks. Purdy may have a tougher time than people expect, even with Trent Williams back in the fold.

#3: RB - Kyren Williams (LAR)

Williams’s value seemed to nosedive at the end of the summer with his punt return announcement. All of a sudden Blake Corum has been getting some fantasy hype too. The truth is, this is just a tough matchup for RBs, as the Lions allowed the fewest points per game to the position in 2023. With so much uncertainty, try to start backs whose floor you can feel more confident about this week.

#2: WR - Xavier Worthy (KC)

A Thursday night matchup against the Ravens’ defensive backs isn’t how you want to make your NFL debut. Baltimore should be able to keep the Chiefs’ wideouts contained for most of the night. Even though Patrick Mahomes will find a way to make some plays, I think he’ll rely more heavily on his trusted guys like Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce for now.