Week 1 Start 'Em Sit 'Em: CBS Fantasy Football Guide

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Hey guys, welcome to the 2024 fantasy football season! It's time to dive headfirst into those tough start 'em sit 'em decisions that can make or break your week. This guide, inspired by CBS Fantasy Football, is here to help you navigate those tricky calls for Week 1. We're focusing on players with significant buzz and those who might be flying under the radar. Let's get into it!

Quarterbacks: Who to Trust in Week 1

Okay, QB decisions in Week 1 can be real nail-biters. You've probably been drafting and tweaking your lineups for weeks, and now it all comes down to this. To help you out, let's look at a couple of guys you should consider starting and a few you might want to keep on the bench this week.

Start 'Em: Quarterbacks

  • Joe Burrow (CIN): Coming off a season that didn't quite live up to the hype, Burrow has a golden opportunity to start strong against a defense that struggled last year. His connection with Ja'Marr Chase is undeniable, and if the Bengals' offensive line can hold up, Burrow could easily put up top-5 QB numbers. Burrow's accuracy and decision-making make him a reliable start, especially in leagues where you get points for passing yardage. Remember, he’s got a chip on his shoulder and is ready to prove the doubters wrong. He is a solid start for Week 1.

  • Trevor Lawrence (JAX): Lawrence is poised for a breakout season, and Week 1 against what might be a vulnerable defense is the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent. The Jaguars have invested heavily in their offense, and Lawrence now has a full complement of weapons at his disposal. Expect him to spread the ball around and rack up both passing yards and touchdowns. Don't hesitate to start Lawrence with confidence. His growth and potential should make him a reliable fantasy asset all season long. Starting him gives you a head start in Week 1.

Sit 'Em: Quarterbacks

  • Russell Wilson (DEN): Despite the change in scenery and the hope for a rejuvenated season, starting Wilson in Week 1 is risky. He faces a tough defense, and it remains to be seen how quickly he'll gel with his new teammates. There are simply too many question marks surrounding Wilson to confidently plug him into your starting lineup. Keep him on the bench and see how he performs before trusting him in your lineup. Better to be safe than sorry with Wilson this week. The potential is there, but the risk is too high.

  • Deshaun Watson (CLE): Watson's return to football last year was underwhelming, and there's no guarantee he'll immediately return to his pre-suspension form. Week 1 is a wait-and-see situation for Watson. There are other, more reliable options available. Until he demonstrates consistency and improved performance, he's best left on your bench. Avoid the temptation to start him based on name recognition alone. Performance must be confirmed prior to starting him, and not the opposite.

Running Backs: Finding the Week 1 Gems

Running back decisions can be even more critical than quarterback choices. A strong RB performance can carry your team to victory, while a dud can sink your chances. Let's pinpoint some running backs who are primed for success and those who might struggle.

Start 'Em: Running Backs

  • Najee Harris (PIT): Harris remains the bell-cow back in Pittsburgh, and despite concerns about his efficiency, he's guaranteed a high volume of touches. Volume is king in fantasy football, and Harris's workload alone makes him a worthwhile start in Week 1. He is a valuable asset, especially in PPR leagues, where his receptions add to his fantasy value. Start him with confidence.

  • James Conner (ARI): Conner is the clear lead back in Arizona, and he should see plenty of action in Week 1. While the Cardinals' offense as a whole may struggle, Conner is likely to be a focal point, especially in the passing game. Look for him to be a reliable source of yards and potentially a touchdown or two. Conner's consistency and high floor make him a safe start, even if the Cardinals' offense is less than stellar.

Sit 'Em: Running Backs

  • AJ Dillon (GB): Dillon is sharing the backfield with another talented player, and his touches could be limited in Week 1. It's unclear how the Packers will divide the workload, making Dillon a risky start. There are better options available. Unless you're in a deep league, keep Dillon on your bench and monitor his usage. The uncertainty surrounding his role makes him a volatile option. — Jeremy Harrison: Your One-Stop Link Resource

  • Damien Harris (BUF): While Harris has the potential to be a valuable contributor, his role in the Bills' offense is still undefined. He's competing for touches, and it's uncertain how much he'll be involved in Week 1. Avoid the risk and look for more established options. Harris is a wait-and-see player. His opportunity may come later, but for Week 1, it's best to play it safe.

Wide Receivers: Spotting the Breakout Stars

Wide receiver is arguably the deepest position in fantasy football, but that doesn't mean start 'em sit 'em decisions are easy. Here are a couple of WRs to consider starting and some to potentially avoid.

Start 'Em: Wide Receivers

  • Chris Olave (NO): Olave is poised for a massive season, and Week 1 is a perfect opportunity to showcase his talent. He's the clear No. 1 receiver in New Orleans, and he should see a high volume of targets. Expect him to make big plays and rack up significant yardage. Olave's speed and route-running ability make him a constant threat. Start him with confidence and watch him excel. He is a solid pick.

  • George Pickens (PIT): Pickens has been generating buzz throughout the offseason, and he could be in line for a breakout performance in Week 1. He's a big-play threat with the potential to score a touchdown. Pickens' athleticism and chemistry with his quarterback make him a dangerous weapon. Consider him a strong contender in Week 1.

Sit 'Em: Wide Receivers

  • Skyy Moore (KC): Moore has the potential to be a valuable contributor, but his role in the Chiefs' offense is still uncertain. He's competing for targets, and it's unclear how much he'll be involved in Week 1. Avoid the risk and look for more established options. Moore's potential is there, but it's too early to trust him in your starting lineup. Consider him a bench player.

  • Elijah Moore (CLE): Moore has struggled to live up to expectations, and his role in the Browns' offense remains undefined. He's competing for targets, and it's uncertain how much he'll be involved in Week 1. Avoid the risk and look for more established options. He may prove himself in later weeks, but Week 1 remains uncertain.

Tight Ends: Navigating the Uncertainty

Tight end is often the most frustrating position in fantasy football due to its inherent volatility. Identifying reliable starters can be a real challenge. Here are a couple of tight ends to consider starting and some to potentially avoid.

Start 'Em: Tight Ends

  • Darren Waller (NYG): Waller, if healthy, is the clear top receiving option for the Giants. His size and athleticism make him a mismatch for most defenders, and he should be heavily involved in the passing game. If he's active, start him. Waller's talent and opportunity make him a must-start when healthy. Take a leap and start him.

  • David Njoku (CLE): Njoku is the undisputed top tight end in Cleveland, and he has the potential to be a valuable fantasy asset. He has great chemistry with his QB and should be in line for a solid workload. Njoku's athleticism and reliable hands make him a safe bet. Njoku is a dependable choice for Week 1. — Atz Lee's Divorce: What You Need To Know

Sit 'Em: Tight Ends

  • Cole Kmet (CHI): Kmet has the potential to be a decent fantasy tight end, but he's playing in an offense with a lot of question marks. It's difficult to predict his weekly production, making him a risky start in Week 1. There are other, more reliable options. Kmet's uncertainty makes him a bench player. Consider other options.

  • Dalton Schultz (HOU): Schultz is playing in a new offense with a rookie quarterback, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding his Week 1 performance. It might take time for him to develop a rapport with his quarterback, making him a risky start. There are better options available. Schultz's situation makes him a risky bet. The situation can improve in the future. — Ravens Vs. Chiefs: An Epic NFL Showdown

Alright, fantasy fanatics, that's your Week 1 start 'em sit 'em guide! Remember to stay informed, adjust your lineups as needed, and trust your gut. Good luck, and may the fantasy gods be ever in your favor!