Week 1 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Advice on Top Fantasy Football Stars in Opening Games

Week 1 of the NFL season ends the excruciating wait for fantasy football owners who are excited to roll out top stars in contests after plenty of prep that went into drafts.

In a funny sort of way, it’s the same story for NFL teams. It’s part of what makes the league so appealing—every team has newfound hope after an offseason of moves.

For owners, it’s important not to end up like a dud. Think of the Dallas Cowboys last year, a team with high hopes that wound up winning four games.

Knowing when to start and sit star players is a key component of avoiding dud status. Below, let’s compare some notable players at each position, identify the better matchup and break down some stars.

     

QB

Star to Know: Matthew Stafford, DET (at IND)

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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford playing without Calvin Johnson seems like a scary situation.

It’s not. In fact, it’s quite the opposite in large part because the Lions get to play the Colts. Indianapolis is without the injured Vontae Davis and has to rely on Antonio Cromartie as its top corner, a guy who couldn’t get a job for most of the summer.

Stafford finished last season on a tear while hitting double-digit production in eight consecutive games. Going against an iffy pass defense that is missing its top corner, he’s facing the perfect situation to break in his new Golden Tate-Marvin Jones tandem.

     

Star to Sit: Andy Dalton, CIN (at NYJ)

Andy Dalton has been a serviceable fantasy option for years thanks to how the Cincinnati Bengals have built the roster around him.

The ride ends this year, especially in Week 1 when the Bengals encounter the New York Jets. Remember, Dalton suffered a thumb injury in Week 14 last year and hasn’t played since.

Not only will Dalton show some rust, but the Bengals lost Mohamed Sanu and the aforementioned Jones over the offseason. Plus, star tight end Tyler Eifert is hurt. A.J. Green is still around, but he’ll step onto the field with Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis this weekend.

Dalton isn’t dead in the water by any means, but it’s time to take a wait-and-see approach.

    

RB

Star to Know: DeAngelo Williams, PIT (at WAS)

What, DeAngelo Williams isn’t a top star?

Try telling that to the guy who finished fourth in scoring at his position last year while posting nine double-digit outings. He had four games of 20 or more fantasy points while taking the load for the missing Le’Veon Bell.

Bell is out once again on a three-game suspension, this time …

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