Week 1 fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em QB analysis from FlurrySports includes the likes of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
We have enjoyed the fun that comes with fantasy football draft season. However, now the tough decisions begin. Now, you have to decide which players will be in your starting lineup. You may be looking to stream fantasy QBs as long as you possibly can. You like to live life dangerously, and I like it! To help you with the tough decisions at passer in Week 1 of the NFL season, we have our weekly Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em article!
No, you will not be hearing about Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. Yes, start them. Who do they play? Doesn’t matter. Instead, we will be talking about the players who may be on the borderline of that starting lineup threshold. They’re not a no-brainer starter. So, depending on the matchup, they could be a start or a sit. Get the format?
Now, labeling a player as a “sit” does not mean they are a must-sit player. As always, check out my weekly fantasy football rankings here. You can also become a member to join a group chat with me and other members where all fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em questions are welcomed!
Running Backs — Week 1 Fantasy Football Start/Sit
Wide Receivers — Week 1 Fantasy Football Start/Sit
Tight Ends — Week 1 Fantasy Football Start/Sit
Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em: Week 1 QBs
Start: Trevor Lawrence Fantasy Outlook vs Panthers
Zach Brunner’s Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings
While there is nowhere to go but up for this Carolina Panthers defense, they don’t appear to be that much better. Last season, Carolina allowed a league-worst 6.0 yards per play, the fifth-worst sack rate (5.69%) and a 68% completion rate (No. 26). Trevor Lawrence should have plenty of time to find the open man in this game. And now, he has both Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter as receivers who can beat their matchups downfield. We could see some big plays in this one. Also, with Tank Bigsby playing less, the running backs should catch more passes as well.
The fact that Jacksonville’s defense isn’t great also helps, so there is a bit of sneaky shootout potential. Regardless, Lawrence should have plenty of success, so he is our first “start” in our Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em.
Start: Drake Maye Fantasy Outlook vs Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders also made a terrific coaching hire (Pete Carroll), but there’s only so much he can do with the defensive talent he has available to him. Yes, Maxx Crosby is an animal. Now, please name another Raider defensive player off the top of your head. Simply, the Patriots are going to move the ball, and Drake Maye will benefit. He will also have some called runs, and he could call his own number near the goal line as well, raising his upside in Week 1 of the fantasy football season.
Become a Member, Win Your Fantasy League!
Want to win your fantasy league? Of course you do. To give yourself an edge, you should get our fantasy football membership! For just one coffee per month, you can get access to a group chat with one of the industry’s most accurate fantasy football experts, Zach Brunner, along with other members. Ask or answer fantasy questions, or just talk ball!
Additionally, members get access to league-winning stats and data starting in Week 2, updated weekly throughout the season. This includes consistency rankings, strength of schedule breakdown, opportunity index, trade value, and much more! If you suggest something you want to see in the membership, we will try to deliver that to make this the most valuable fantasy football membership out there… and it’s only $5!
Simply, check out Buy Me A Coffee to not only support FlurrySports, but also to help you win!
Sit: Dak Prescott Fantasy Outlook at Eagles
Either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Denver Broncos has the best defensive unit in the NFL, and we are saying not to play against either in the Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em. While I love Dak Prescott overall this season, he belongs on the bench for Thursday Night Football.
Prescott’s last NFL action was on November 3rd, so a bit of rust would be a natural expectation in this spot. However, a little bit of rust will be exposed, especially when he is playing in a brand new offense against the Eagles. Speaking of the Super Bowl champs, they got even better. Their secondary is as good as anyone’s, and their defensive front is strong and fast. Prescott luckily gets left tackle Tyler Guyton back after he missed nearly all of training camp, and his knee will be tested.
The last time Dak Prescott faced a Vic Fangio-led defense was against the Denver Broncos in 2021. In that game, Prescott completed 48% of his passes for 232 yards. With a suspect running game, there are many questions about this Cowboys offense in Week 1. The Eagles, on the other hand, should have plenty of long drives, with Micah Parsons no longer in town. If they chew the clock, then it also means fewer possessions for Prescott to work with.
Sit: Cam Ward Fantasy Outlook at Broncos
I actually believe there will be a stretch this season where rookie Cam Ward could be a worthwhile fantasy quarterback to own. However, that stretch will not begin this week. Yes, everyone knows the Denver Broncos have a good defense. However, I don’t think many understand how great this unit will likely be this season.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain II, has Riley Moss opposite him, but then Denver took arguably the best corner in the draft (Jahdae Barron) to mix in as well. Upfront, Nik Bonitto keeps getting better, while players like Zach Allen are as tough as anyone. They added Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga in free agency, while Alex Singleton is now healthy. Clearly, this can be much better than last season, when they ranked second in yards per play allowed.
Rookie quarterbacks can struggle right out of the gate, while others get exposed against good defenses. Cam Ward has to play his first NFL game against a defense that is top-two, and they may not be two. The game is also in Denver. Aside from the rowdy crowd, that environment can bring its own set of challenges. Simply, don’t overreact about this week’s performance, but definitely sit Ward. Even sit him in 2QB fantasy football leagues.
Follow us on all of our social channels! Check out our Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok for more great FlurrySports content.