Week 1 is here, and that means it’s time for the annual tradition of second-guessing your lineup decisions before kickoff. Should you trust that shiny sleeper you drafted in the 12th round, or stick with the “safe” option who could quietly torpedo your week? To help separate sneaky starts from sneaky duds, our Featured Pros have weighed in with their picks. Think of it as your fantasy football GPS: They’ll point out the shortcuts, warn you about the potholes and maybe even save you from driving your roster straight off a cliff.
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Fantasy Football Week 1 Start/Sit Advice
Week 1 Fantasy Football Sleepers
Which player outside of the top 100 in the FantasyPros Flex rankings is a good sleeper start and why do you think he has upside this week?
Adam Thielen (WR – MIN)
“Adam Thielen could have a top-24 finish in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears with Jordan Addison missing the game because of a suspension. Last year, Justin Jefferson struggled in the two matchups against the NFC North rivals, totaling nine receptions on 19 targets for 100 receiving yards, a touchdown and 25 PPR fantasy points. However, Addison was outstanding, totaling 15 receptions on 18 targets for 225 receiving yards, a touchdown and 43.5 fantasy points in the two matchups against the Bears, scoring 13.3+ points in both outings. Thielen isn’t a star anymore, but still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Don’t be surprised if J.J. McCarthy leans on the veteran wide receiver with Jefferson shadowed by Jaylon Johnson, resulting in eight or more targets for Thielen.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Week 1 Fantasy Football Duds
Which player inside the top 40 in the FantasyPros Flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?
Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA)
“I have called Tyreek Hill a bust candidate all offseason. Therefore, it’s no surprise I would be nervous starting him in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. Last year, the veteran severely struggled against the Colts, scoring 2.3 PPR fantasy points. While Tua Tagovailoa missed the game with a concussion, Hill wasn’t a superstar last season with the franchise quarterback under center. More importantly, Indianapolis improved its defense this offseason, especially in the secondary, adding Charvarius Ward, Cam Bynum and Xavien Howard. The Week 1 rankings have Marvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Worthy and Tetairoa McMillan lower than Hill. I would start all three over the veteran wide receiver.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)
“It’s going to be tough sledding for Omarion Hampton in his first professional start. I’m not going as far as to bench him, but against the vaunted Kansas City front in Brazil and with Najee Harris set to play, his upside is capped in this one. While I expect he’ll see plenty of volume, his odds of scoring a touchdown are lessened with Harris now cleared for contact and in the fold. Plus, we’ve yet to see how clear receiving snaps will be distributed between the two since Harris hasn’t practiced all summer. I’m bullish on Hampton this season, but against a defense that is likely to sell out to stop the run, Hampton should struggle to find a ton of space as he adjusts to the speed of the pro game. I’m tempering expectations this week.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
“While I love Omarion Hampton for the season, I do not like him for week 1. While the Bucs are bad against tight ends, they are stout against running backs. They have been a top-five defense versus running backs the last two seasons. Plus, Najee Harris has returned to practice, and I expect them to split duties at least to start the year.”
– Brandon ‘B_Don’ Myers (Razzball)
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