Welcome to Week 1 and another season of fantasy football starts and sits from Sporting News. “The Decider” is your one-stop shop for lineup advice — a unique mashup of rankings and matchup breakdowns to help you make those tough decisions on whom to play and not to play.
There are several high-drafted fantasy players who should be in lineups every week when they’re active. Those are the “regular starts.” For those borderline options with favorable matchups, they are “stronger starts,” while the recommended sits are “weaker starts.” We’re also basing our advice on 12-team, half-point PPR to split the difference between shallow and deep leagues and full-PPR and standard formats.
Going beyond the redraft league starts and sits, “The Decider” also includes some DFS picks for different styles of games on DraftKings and FanDuel.
If you still have drafts coming up before the season kicks off, remember to check out all of our Ultimate Cheat Sheet, which includes rankings, positional tiers, sleepers, busts, injury updates, and much more!
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2024 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Football Week 1 Start ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Regular starts
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (vs. ARI)
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. GB in Brazil)
- Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (at BUF)
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. BAL)
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (at KC)
- Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (vs. HOU)
- C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (at IND)
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. NE)
Stronger starts
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (at TB): The Bucs’ pass defense took some hits, and Kliff Kingsbury will unleash Daniels as a hard-to-defend dual threat right away with his big arm and fast legs.
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (vs. PHI in Brazil): Love was feeling it with his receivers in the preseason and will be pumped for a duel with Hurts made for a Friday night points party in Sao Paulo.
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. LAR): Goff will attack his former team in his favorite spot at home in what figures to be a higher-scoring playoff rematch.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (vs. JAX): The Jaguars are reshuffling, looking for pass defense answers, but Tua can rip their D downfield well at home in the early-season Miami heat.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (at DET): Stafford will need to drop back and chuck it with the Lions, and it will be a while before yet another new-look Detroit pass D gels.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (at MIA): The Dolphins have a daunting secondary, but their pass rush has some depth and injury issues which will allow Lawerence to get it done with volume opposite Tua.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at WAS): The Commanders invested plenty in their defensive front seven and will improve under Dan Quinn in time, but for openers, Mayfield can rip their corners, passing often opposite the dynamic Daniels.
2024 PPR FANTASY DRAFT RANKINGS
Top 250 Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
DFS pick
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders ($5,700 on DraftKings, $7,000 on FanDuel): The price is too nice for the rookie, and he shouldn’t be this cheap again.
DOMINATE YOUR NFL PICKS POOL
Sign up for free ATS and straight up picks advice on NFL pick’em with PoolGenius
Fantasy Football Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Weaker starts
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (at CLE): Prescott will need to come out slinging it per usual with questions about the running game, but there are concerns about a new-look offensive line holding up vs. Myles Garrett and Prescott struggling a bit vs. a good combination of pressure and coverage.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (vs. NYJ): Trent Williams’ holdout is making things feel shaky for San Francisco’s pass protection, but he would be a bad play at home regardless on Monday night against Robert Saleh’s nasty D.
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (vs. TEN): The Titans had some sneaky defensive success last season, and their Ravens-like scheme under Dennard Wilson may lead to some ugly combined numbers for the rookie No 1 overall pick’s debut, even with two total TDs.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (vs. CAR): Carr is tempting vs. a now-depleted Panthers defense, but he also can’t get it done with volume, as the Saints’ defense and running game should dictate plenty.
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (vs. PIT): This is a rough first start for his new team as the Steelers remain stingy with their pass rush and deeper secondary.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. LV): He’s rusty coming off a scary preseason foot injury, and the Raiders can also be daunting with Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins leading the pass rush.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (at DAL): The Browns-Cowboys affair feels like a physical, defensive-minded slugfest, and even with some personnel hits including DaRon Bland’s foot injury, it’s still difficult to trust Watson in a minus spot.
2024 FANTASY SLEEPERS
QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST | Deep Sleepers | Sleepers by Team
Fantasy Football Week 1 Start ‘Em: Running backs
Regular starts
- Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (vs. NYJ)
- Bijan Robinson, Falcons (vs. PIT)
- Jonathan Taylor, Colts (vs. HOU)
- Breece Hall, Jets (at SF)
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (vs. LAR)
- Derrick Henry, Ravens (at KC)
- James Cook, Bills (vs. ARI)
- De’Von Achane, Dolphins (vs. JAX)
- Saquon Barkley, Eagles (vs. GB in Brazil)
- Kyren Williams, Rams (at DET)
- Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks (vs. DEN)
- Rachaad White, Buccaneers (vs. WAS)
- Alvin Kamara, Saints (vs. CAR)
- Josh Jacobs, Packers (vs. PHI in Brazil)
- Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars (at MIA)
- Joe Mixon, Texans (at IND)
- Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs (vs. BAL)
- James Conner, Cardinals (at BUF)
- Aaron Jones, Vikings (at NYG)
- Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots (at CIN)
Stronger starts
David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (vs. LAR): This can be a tough run defense, but he had 15 touches for 68 scrimmage yards and a TD in the playoff meeting.
Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (vs. JAX): He’s not going away as the veteran behind Achane and should get his fair share of key rushes in a winnable matchup.
Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders (at LAC): The Chargers should shore up vs. the run in due time, but White can have a nice day off lead-back volume to start.
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (at SEA): They’re giving him another shot to lead the backfield, and he can be busy right away, helping Bo Nix in a tougher passing game matchup.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (at CHI): It’s difficult to throw on the Bears with the combination of Montez Sweat and Jaylen Johnson, so expect the visitors to lean on Pollard more with a little Tyjae Spears in the mix.
Devin Singletary, New York Giants (vs. MIN): The Vikings were a tricky run defense last year, but he should see good work in a grinding, even game script playing off Daniel Jones.
Jerome Ford, Browns (at DAL). The Cowboys are a little leaky up front more so vs. the run, so roll out Ford for some good home volume-based production with no Nick Chubb.
DFS Picks
Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks (vs. DEN, $6,100 on DraftKings, $7,400 on FanDuel): Walker should be busy as Seattle unveils an up-tempo offense with a good chance at multiple TDs.
James Cook, Buffalo Bills (vs. ARI, $6,900 on DraftKings, $7,600 on FanDuel): The Cardinals’ defense stinks up front, and the game script should call for Cook burning them in Buffalo.
Fantasy Football Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Running backs
Weaker starts
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (at ATL): You’ll need him as an RB2 in most leagues, but keep in mind the Falcons were really stingy vs. the power run for much of last season and are better coached defensively now. Jaylen Warren is also sit-able.
D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears (vs. TEN): He will need to get it done with enough touches as a receiver because it’s hard to depend on his rushing work in a tough matchup up front.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders (at TB): The Bucs are stingy in the trenches, and it’s hard to know what the split will look like here.
Zack Moss and Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. NE): The Patriots are middle-of-the-pack vs. the run, so it’s best to avoid this situation if possible until there’s more role clarity.
Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. LV): Let’s see what Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman do first vs. the Raiders before committing here.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers (at NO): He runs into a tough spot trying to fill in for rookie Jonathon Brooks.
Ezkeiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (at CLE): The matchup stinks in his return to Ohio, and who knows what kind of workload he can still handle.
Fantasy Football Week 1 Start ‘Em: Wide receivers
Regular starts
- Tyreek Hill, Dolphins (vs. JAX)
- Justin Jefferson, Vikings (at NYG)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (vs. LAR)
- CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (at CLE)
- Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals (if he plays. vs. NE)
- Cooper Kupp, Rams (at DET)
- Mike Evans, Buccaneers (vs. WAS)
- Davante Adams, Raiders (at LAC)
- Puka Nacua, Rams (at DET)
- D.J. Moore, Bears (vs. TEN)
- A.J. Brown, Eagles (vs. GB in Brazil)
- Garrett Wilson, Jets (at SF)
- Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals (at BUF)
- Malik Nabers, Giants (vs. MIN)
- Terry McLaurin, Commanders (at TB)
- DeVonta Smith, Eagles (vs. GB in Brazil)
- Amari Cooper, Browns (vs. DAL)
- Chris Olave, Saints (vs. cAR)
- Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins (vs. JAX)
- George Pickens, Steelers (at ATL)
- Drake London, Falcons (vs. PIT)
- Michael Pittman Jr., Colts (vs. HOU)
- Nico Collins, Texans (at IND)
- DK Metcalf, Seahawks (vs. DEN)
- Deebo Samuel, 49ers (vs. NYJ)
- Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers (vs. NYJ)
- Zay Flowers, Ravens (at KC)
- Tee Higgins, Bengals (vs. NE)
- Stefon Diggs, Texans (at IND)
Stronger starts
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. WAS): The Washington Commanders are still bad in the secondary, and Michael Davis can get roasted with Godwin back in his favorite slot home.
Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (at MIA): The outside will be tough with Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller but Kader Kohou remains very burnable in the slot.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (at PHI): Watson is trying to stay healthy with his hammy and can get off to a good start against a transitioning perimeter cornerback corps.
Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears (vs. TEN): He’ll be off to a good start playing off Moore inside with Rome Odunze still getting feet wet as a rookie.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. BAL): The matchup isn’t good, but there’s a gut feeling they will try to hook up the rookie with a big scoring play to set the tone with Mahomes.
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (at NYG): There’s no T.J. Hockenson, so he needs to be busy in their pass-happy attack for Sam Darnold in a plus spot.
Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (at LAC): He’ll get some good assignments to exploit away from Davante Adams’ attention.
Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers (at NO): He has the best matchup for Bryce Young on the road in the slot as the Saints are much tougher outside.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (at ARI): They’ll get the rookie going as they put up a lot of points at will passing deep and running on the Cardinals’ defense.
DFS picks
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. WAS, $7,300 on DraftKings, $7,900 on FanDuel): The Commanders have improved their defense but are still leaky in the secondary minus Kendall Fuller and Kamren Curl. Evans should hit a home-run long TD as part of a big opener.
D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears (vs. TEN, $6,500 on DraftKings, $6,900 on FanDuel): Moore just got paid big-time in the offseason and will want to prove his alpha-role right away with Williams against a burnable group.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (vs. MIN, $5,900 on DraftKings, $6,300 on FanDuel): The Vikings have a good pass rush under Brian Flores, but Nabers can exploit their coverage with high volume in his rookie debut.
Fantasy Football Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Wide receivers
Weaker starts
Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans (at CHI): Ridley can have a nice season with Will Levis as a new Titan, but it starts with a tough test against Jaylen Johnson at corner.
Tank Dell, Houston Texans (at IND): He’ll be the odd one out this week, seeing Kenny Moore most of the time.
Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. BAL): His name is Kyle Hamilton, and he’s a nasty big slot matchup.
Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers (at NO): He has a tough debut for his new team with a good combination of Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo.
Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (vs. PHI in Brazil): The Eagles made it a point to tighten up slot coverage again, so say good night in Sao Paulo.
Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks (vs. DEN): His time is coming, just not this week against an underrated group beyond Patrick Surtain.
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (at SEA): He won’t find much separation against this tough group led by Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. LV): He might see too much of Nate Hobbs in his rookie debut replacing Keenan Allen.
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (vs. TEN): He could face a debut doozy vs. Chidobe Awuzie.
Fantasy Football Week 1 Start ‘Em: Tight ends
Must starts
- Sam LaPorta, Lions (vs. LAR)
- Travis Kelce, Chiefs (vs. BAL)
- Kyle Pitts, Falcons (vs. PIT)
- George Kittle, 49ers (vs. NYJ)
- Mark Andrews, Ravens (at KC)
- Evan Engram, Jaguars (at MIA)
- Dalton Kincaid, Bills (vs. ARI)
- Trey McBride, Cardinals (at BUF)
Stronger starts
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys (at CLE): The Cowboys are short on wide receivers and don’t have much reliable rushing pop, so he should be busy for Prescott.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (at ATL): He’ll be on the field regularly for former Falcons coach Arthur Smith and should see favorable coverage here with Pickens going vertical.
Dallas Geodert, Philadelphia Eagles (if he plays, vs. GB in Brazil): Goedert is aging and getting a little off the radar, but Kellen Moore will see the field open up more in this matchup.
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (vs. CAR): Just roll with it for some Big Easy high-leverage usage against a much-weakened defense.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs. CIN): They need to use him plenty with limitations at receiver, and the Bengals can be burned.
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. WAS): He’ll get in on the receiving fun, working on newcomer Jeremy Chinn.
DFS pick
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (vs. PIT $4,600 on DraftKings, $6,300 on FanDuel): You can’t spell Pittsburgh without Pitts, and you can’t trust Cousins throwing downfield well against a tough Steelers pass rush and deeper cornerback group. The Steelers can struggle in tight end coverage, however, leading to a strong start for Pitts in a great rebound season to come.
Fantasy Football Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Tight ends
Weaker starts
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (vs. DAL): Joe Flacco is long gone, and the matchup with Watson stinks.
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (at LAC): He’s a rusty rookie facing a rising front seven defense vs. run and in coverage, so not yet.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (at IND): He’ll get his along with the wideouts in the right spots, but this isn’t one of them.
Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks (vs. DEN): The matchup might say yes, but the usage in the new offense and risk says no.
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (vs. TEN): It’s too crowded with good matchups at wide receiver to think about calling upon him against good tight end coverage.
Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers (vs. PHI): He can use his big-play force, but he is better off being benched to start to see where he fits in their crowd.
Fantasy Football Week 1 Start ‘Em: Defense/special teams
Stronger starts
- Cincinnati Bengals (vs. NE)
- San Francisco 49ers (vs. NYJ)
- New Orleans Saints (vs. CAR)
- Chicago Bears (vs. TEN)
- Seattle Seahawks (vs. DEN)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (at ATL)
- Dallas Cowboys (at CLE)
Minnesota Vikings (at NYG): Yes vs. Daniel Jones.
New York Giants (at MIN): Yes vs. Sam Darnold in the same game.
Los Angeles Chargers (vs. LV): They’ll make something vs. Gardner Minshew for Jim Harbaugh’s debut.
Buffalo Bills (vs. ARI): They can get sacks and a turnover or two in a positive game script.
Kansas City Chiefs (vs. BAL): They are always dangerous despite the opponent and shut this team down in the playoffs.
DFS pick
Houston Texans (at IND, $2,700 on DraftKings, $3,900 on FanDuel): Houston’s defense reloaded for DeMeco Ryans with Danielle Hunter and young playmakers such as Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. and should take advantage with improved sack and takeaway potential vs. a semi-rusty Richardson..
Fantasy Football Week 1 Sit ‘Em: Defenses
Weaker starts
New York Jets (at SF): Not against Robert Saleh’s old team’s explosive offense.
Cleveland Browns (vs. DAL): The Cowboys are a rather clean offense and can ruin playmaking hopes.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. WAS): It’s a trap against Daniels.
Atlanta Falcons (vs. PIT): They’re improved, but sneakily, so is the the Steelers’ offense.
Baltimore Ravens (vs. KC): Keep them perched on the bench for Mahomes in the opener.
Philadelphia Eagles (vs. GB in Brazil): Here’s to not feeling the Love mistakes. Blame it … on Sao Paulo.
