Start Em/Sit Em – Week 1

Photo by Jacob Schyvinck – Fansided

Jonathan, Ermando, and Ryan all give their start em/sit em advice to help you with your line up decisions this week.

Jonathan:

Start Em – Isaiah Likely

Mark Andrews (quadricep) is going to be sidelined this Sunday which means Isaiah Likely is going to be in line to start.  In two starts last season without Mark Andrews, Likely posted nine receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown, which averaged 11.6 fantasy points per game (based on 0.5 ppr).  In a plus matchup against Baltimore, I see Lamar Jackson and the Ravens proving they are as committed to the pass as they say they are with new OC Todd Monkin.  Look for Likely to be targeted early and often as Lamar makes an early case for MVP.

Sit Em – AJ Dillon

Jordan Love is the guy in Green Bay after Aaron Rodgers got traded to the Jets, and his Week 1 debut is going to be an ugly one, which will bring down all skill position players around him.  Still 2^nd on the depth chart behind Aaron Jones, and likely facing a stacked box all game, Dillon will not have very many opportunities to run the ball and he is still not a big enough factor in the passing game.  Leave Dillon and all other Green Bay skill position players outside of Aaron Jones on the bench this week.

Ermando:

Start Em – Sam Howell

Howell had a great pre-season as the QB1 in Washington.  He has great pass catchers and running backs supporting him and will look to make an impact early this season showing that Washington really can compete for the NFC East.  Combined with the fact they are playing the Cardinals as a heavy favourite, look for Howell to throw all over this secondary and start him with confidence.

Sit Em – Denver Wide Receivers

Jerry Jeudy is questionable with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play this week.  Courtland Sutton has too many question marks after a relatively unproductive 2022 season.  Marvin Mims is a Day 2 rookie still looking to find his spot in this offense.  Even with Denver playing a beatable Raiders secondary, there are just too many question marks with this group going into Week 1 this season.  Many are hoping Russell Wilson will have a bounce back season with new head coach Sean Payton, but for now, eave this wide receiver group on the bench until we see some real production.

Ryan:

Start Em – Tyler Higbee

Cooper Kupp has landed on the IR, a big blow for the Rams offense.  With all other pass catchers in LA being relatively unproven, look for Mathew Stafford to target his reliable tight end early and often.  The rams are underdogs in this divisional matchup with Seattle, which is also going to lead to more passing attempts and an increased target share for Higbee.