Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 1: Opening Fantasy Football Lineup Decisions to Consider

There’s only one day left before the NFL’s first Sunday of the season, which means fantasy owners have a lot of tough decisions to make before kickoff.

Playing fantasy football takes some of the joy away from watching football because it’s not just for fun anymore; you’re personally invested into the players on your team. Only in fantasy football would a Chicago Bears fan root for Aaron Rodgers to score a touchdown. 

Injuries are a key factor in making decisions. What does being “questionable” really mean? With Rob Gronkowski out with a hamstring injury, as reported by the Providence Journal (via Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole), setting your lineup for Week 1 may be even more difficult than you thought:

Providence Journal reports Patriots TE @RobGronkowski doesn’t make trip to Arizona. No Brady, no Gronk, no Ninkovich … no bueno.

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) September 9, 2016

While Gronkowski is an obvious choice for a spot on the bench, other decisions aren’t as easy. So for the fantasy owners out there, let’s discuss some players who should start this week and others who should be left out of all the fun.

Start ’em: Martellus Bennett, TE, New England Patriots 

This selection speaks for itself.

Bennett was already destined to see some targets come his way against the Arizona Cardinals and is a massive upgrade in the No. 2 tight end department from Scott Chandler from last season. Throw in an injured Gronkowsi, and Bennett screams No. 1 tight end upside. 

There is no replacing Gronkowski, but the Patriots have a solid backup who can do a lot of the same things Gronkowski can do in the open field.

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Sit ’em: Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears

There is no reason to play Cutler this weekend.

The last time the Texans played the Bears, they knocked out Jay Cutler in prime time. Do it again and they’ll be going against Brian …

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