By now you've read my fantasy football team profiles, picked your sleepers, avoided busts and executed a draft (or several). I'm managing five fantasy teams myself — six if you count the Saturday Night Live fantasy league I'm in with my wife and stepdaughter where we draft hosts and musical guests, but that's a story for another time.
No matter how well you drafted, there's always going to be tough calls to make when setting your lineup(s) throughout the season.
Because I'm a compassionate human being, my weekly "start and sit" column is back to help you deal with those difficult decisions.
My companion "add and drop" piece will also return next week (going live every Tuesday morning) to help you with your waiver wire decisions.
If your game is Daily Fantasy, I got you covered on Friday (for Sunday's slate of games).
As per usual, the only thing I don't do is drop kicker knowledge. You're on your own with kickers.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on Twitter with any specific lineup questions I don't cover in my posts.
Good luck this season!
Here are my best bets for Week 1:
NEW ORLEANS AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Saints D/ST, Kyle Pitts (ATL).
Who to start: Both Jarvis Landry (NO) and rookie Chris Olave (NO) possess WR3/flex value (especially if Michael Thomas is out or limited with his hamstring). Cordarrelle Patterson (ATL) maintains his flex value after his breakout season, until we see otherwise.
Who to sit: I’m fading Michael Thomas (NO) until we see him test a hamstring that has bothered him throughout training camp. This is a difficult matchup for Drake London (ATL), the first wide receiver selected in this year’s draft, after he only played in the first preseason game after suffering a knee injury — he should be fine long-term. I like Marcus Mariota (ATL) more than most this season, but not against this potentially dominant defense. Rookie Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is likely touchdown-dependent to begin the season.
Sleeper: A healthy Jameis Winston (NO) begins the season as a streaming option with QB1 upside surrounded by a bunch of weapons in the pass game.
SAN FRANCISCO AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), Elijah Mitchell (SF), 49ers D/ST, David Montgomery (CHI), Darnell Mooney (CHI).
Who to start: This is a solid matchup for Trey Lance (SF) to begin his reign as starting quarterback. Justin Fields (CHI) passed for 175 yards and a touchdown, while running for 103 yards and another score against the Niners in a Week 8 home loss last season — he finished as QB5 for the week.
Who to sit: Cole Kmet (CHI) is facing one of the best linebacker corps in the NFL. Khalil Herbert (CHI) is likely touchdown-dependent until we see if he’s going to be more than Montgomery’s backup.
Sleeper: Brandon Aiyuk (SF) spent most of his offseason with Lance in SoCal, building timing and chemistry — there’s WR2 upside here.
PITTSBURGH AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: Najee Harris (PIT), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT), Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).
Who to start: Mitchell Trubisky (PIT) has sneaky streaming potential in a game where the Steelers will need to score a lot of points to compete. Tyler Boyd (CIN) maintains WR3/flex value in PPR formats. The Bengals D/ST are a solid streaming option at home if you don’t trust my Trubisky assessment.
Who to sit: I’m fading Chase Claypool (PIT) and rookie George Pickens (PIT) until we see what their target share is like. The Steelers D/ST allowed 65 points in two games last season (including 41 in Cincy).
Sleeper: Hayden Hurst (CIN) was drafted as a TE23, but CJ Uzomah produced a TE17 season in the Bengals’ high-powered offense last season — He’ll begin the season as touchdown-dependent, but there’s potential for much more here from the former first-rounder.
PHILADELPHIA AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), D’Andre Swift (DET), TJ Hockenson (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET).
Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) faces a secondary that allowed 31 passing touchdowns in 2021 and will be primarily focused on Brown. There are worse options than the Eagles D/ST this week.
Who to sit: Despite the potentially premium matchup, I’m fading Miles Sanders (PHI) until we see him test his hamstring. DJ Chark (DET) and Jamaal Williams (DET) are touchdown-dependent until further notice. Friends don’t let friends start Jared Goff (DET) in fantasy.
Sleeper: Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) would have flex value with RB2 upside if Sanders is out or limited.
NEW ENGLAND AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA).
Who to start: Damien Harris (NE) had 100 rushing yards in the opener against the Dolphins last season and scored a touchdown in the finale at Miami. Hunter Henry (NE) is a borderline TE1 this week. Jaylen Waddle (MIA) still has WR2 upside despite the addition of Hill. Chase Edmonds (MIA) is a solid flex option with RB2 upside. The Dolphins D/ST is a sneaky streaming option at home against their division rival.
Who to sit: I’m fading Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) until we see what type of role the talented back has carved out for himself. The is a difficult matchup to trust Mac Jones (NE) or Jakobi Meyers (NE). The Patriots D/ST always seem to struggle on the road against the Dolphins. Mike Gesicki (MIA) only received six targets in two games against the Patriots last season. I’m fading Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) until we see how he operates coach Mike McDaniels’ offense. The explosive Raheem Mostert (MIA) is touchdown-dependent until we see how this backfield will divvy up touches.
Sleeper: DeVante Parker (NE) deserves flex consideration in a “revenge” game in his return to South Beach.
BALTIMORE AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: Rashod Bateman (BAL) has WR3/flex potential as this offense’s top wide receiver. Elijah Moore (NYJ) scored five touchdowns in his last five games last season before getting hurt. Rookie Breece Hall (NYJ) deserves flex consideration with RB2 upside to begin the season. Michael Carter (NYJ) maintains flex potential in deeper PPR formats.
Who to sit: Everything is pointing to JK Dobbins (BAL) missing this week while he’s still working his way back from last season’s knee injury. It’s difficult to trust rookie Garrett Wilson (NYJ) this early with Moore and Corey Davis (NYJ) both healthy and Joe Flacco (NYJ) likely under center.
Sleeper(s): Mike Davis (BAL) and Kenyan Drake (BAL) will likely split running back duties with Dobbins sidelined — I’d favor Davis to get the lion’s share of touches with Drake having value in deeper PPR formats.
JACKSONVILLE AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Antonio Gibson (WAS).
Who to start: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) has RB2 upside as the featured running back in this offense, especially in PPR formats. Increased volume makes Christian Kirk (JAC) is a WR3/flex option with WR2 upside. JD McKissic (WAS) maintains his flex value in most PPR formats.
Who to sit: James Robinson (JAC) is likely touchdown-dependent until we see how he will be utilized with Etienne healthy. Marvin Jones Jr. (JAC) is a boom-or-bust option to begin the season. Evan Engram (JAC) is touchdown-dependent to begin his Jaguars career. Carson Wentz (WAS) passed for only 365 yards, with a single touchdown and one interception in two games against the Jags last season. Rookie Jahan Dotson (WAS) is a boom-or-bust option this week. I’m fading the Commanders D/ST until we see if they plugged their holes in the offseason.
Sleeper: Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces the defense that gave up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks last season.
CLEVELAND AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Nick Chubb (CLE), Christian McCaffrey (CAR), DJ Moore (CAR).
Who to start: Consistent volume should help Amari Cooper (CLE) produce as a WR3/flex option. Kareem Hunt (CLE) maintains his flex value with RB2 upside as a compliment to Chubb. Both the Browns D/ST and Panthers D/ST are solid streaming options with the low-key potential of a defensive standoff.
Who to sit: Baker Mayfield (CAR) is set up to have an all-time “revenge” performance after all the drama in Cleveland this offseason, but there are safer options out there. Robbie Anderson (CAR) maintains his boom-or-bust value.
Sleeper: David Njoku (CLE) was a solid choice for those who chose to wait on the tight end position in drafts this summer after the Browns invested heavily in the playmaker and Austin Hooper relocated to Tennessee.
INDIANAPOLIS AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Colts D/ST, Brandin Cooks (HOU).
Who to start: Matt Ryan (IND) begins the season as a solid streaming option, but there’s still QB1 upside with this aging gunslinger. Nyheim Hines (IND) maintains his flex value in PPR formats. Rookie Dameon Pierce (HOU) carries RB2 upside and much hype in his NFL debut.
Who to sit: Rookie Alec Pierce (IND) and Mo-Alie Cox (IND) are both touchdown-dependent to begin the season.
Sleeper: Nico Collins (HOU) could produce flex value as the Texans’ No. 2 wide receiver and a game script that may force them to pass.
N.Y. GIANTS AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), Derrick Henry (TEN).
Who to start: Daniel Jones (NYG) is a sneaky streaming candidate with legit rushing upside and new head coach Brian Daboll’s system will provide heavy-volume passing. A healthy Robert Woods (TEN) deserves flex consideration in PPR formats. The Titans D/ST face an offense who gave up the fifth most fantasy points to Team Defenses last season.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust either Kadarius Toney (NYG) or Kenny Golladay (NYG) to begin the season. Rookie Treylon Burks (TEN) is a boom-or-bust option as he begins his career in a run-oriented offense. Austin Hooper (TEN) is a touchdown-dependent option this week. Ryan Tannehill (TEN) doesn’t provide much upside this week.
Sleeper: If you’re in need of a lottery ticket at tight end — it’s kind of early, but you never know — his name is Daniel Bellinger (NYG).
GREEN BAY AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Aaron Rodgers (GB), Aaron Jones (GB), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), Adam Thielen (MIN).
Who to start: Allen Lazard (GB) had six receptions (six targets) for 72 yards and a touchdown in his only game against the Vikings last season (Note: The Packers on Friday listed Lazard as doubtful to play Sunday). AJ Dillon (GB) produced 180 total yards, eight receptions and two touchdowns in two games against the Vikings in 2021. Kirk Cousins (MIN) had 341 passing yards and three touchdowns against no interceptions in a Week 11 victory at home over the Packers last season.
Who to sit: Sammy Watkins (GB) is a boom-or-bust option against a young secondary. Robert Tonyan (GB) remains touchdown-dependent. I’m fading the Packers D/ST in what could be a high-scoring opener. I’m still in wait-and-see mode with rookie receivers Romeo Doubs (GB) and Christian Watson (GB). Irv Smith Jr. (MIN) is touchdown-dependent until further notice.
Sleeper: A robust seven touchdowns helped KJ Osborn (MIN) finish as fantasy’s WR35 in standard formats last season and the Vikings will utilize three receiver sets more often with coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.
KANSAS CITY AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Marquise Brown (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI).
Who to start: JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) has WR2 upside as the presumed top wide receiver in the Chiefs offense. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) has RB2 upside as Andy Reid’s primary ball carrier, but I’m not as pumped about it as I once was.
Who to sit: I’m staying away from the three-headed receiving monster of Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC), Mecole Hardman (KC) and rookie Skyy Moore (KC) until we have a better sample size. Rondale Moore (ARI) is currently dealing with an unspecified injury.
Sleeper: AJ Green (ARI) could see increased volume with DeAndre Hopkins suspended and faces a potentially suspect secondary.
LAS VEGAS AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Darren Waller (LV), Justin Herbert (LAC), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC).
Who to start: Josh Jacobs (LV) is a solid flex option with upside, despite my inclination to believe the Raiders will utilize some form of backfield committee this season. Hunter Renfrow (LV) maintains WR3 upside, especially in PPR, with Adams likely drawing opposing defenses attention more often than not.
Who to sit: The Chargers defense was the only one in 2021 to hold Derek Carr (LV) below 200 passing yards in a game, something it did in both matchups. I’m fading both the Raiders D/ST and Chargers D/ST in a potentially high-scoring opener between rivals. Joshua Palmer (LAC) is a boom-or-bust flex option to begin his second season in the NFL. Sony Michel (LAC) remains touchdown-dependent as Ekeler’s backup.
Sleeper: Gerald Everett (LAC) replaces Jared Cook, who was a borderline TE1 for the Chargers last season.
TAMPA BAY AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Tom Brady (TB), Leonard Fournette (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Dak Prescott (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Dalton Schultz (DAL).
Who to start: It’s hard to bench Chris Godwin (TB) if he’s active and it looks like he’s expected to play despite suffering a torn ACL late last season. Tony Pollard (DAL) remains a solid flex option with upside in PPR formats.
Who to sit: I’m fading both the Buccaneers D/ST and Cowboys D/ST in a matchup that produced 60 points in last year’s opener. Both Russell Gage (TB) and Julio Jones (TB) become boom-or-bust options if Godwin plays.
Sleeper: Rookie playmaker Jalen Tolbert (DAL) starts the season as No. 2 on the wide receiver depth chart with Michael Gallup still sidelined.
DENVER AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Russell Wilson (DEN), Javonte Williams (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST, DK Metcalf (SEA).
Who to start: Jerry Jeudy (DEN) has WR3/flex value with a significant upgrade at quarterback. Rashaad Penny (SEA) ran for at least 135 yards and a touchdown in four of the Seahawks final five games last season.
Who to sit: Melvin Gordon (DEN) has flex potential in deeper leagues, but is touchdown-dependent otherwise. This is a difficult matchup to trust Tyler Lockett (SEA) and Noah Fant (SEA), not to mention the suspect quarterback situation. I’m fading rookie Kenneth Walker (SEA) until we see he’s healthy following his hernia surgery in August.
Sleeper: Albert Okwuegbunam (DEN) is the No. 1 tight end with Noah Fant in Seattle, and he’ll face a defense that was vulnerable to the position in 2021.
