Fantasy Football Week 1 2024: Start ‘em, Sit ‘em
We have finally arrived at week 1 of the new NFL season, so you know what that means: fantasy football start ‘em/sit ‘em is back!!
I’m beyond excited to both have football back as well as have the glorious opportunity to do this series for another year. And what a season of fantasy football we have ahead of us. It seems like so many teams have finally decided to hit the reset button, as well as so many unlikely teams being stocked full of high-caliber fantasy players.
Week 1 of fantasy football is always the most compelling, because you’re never really sure what to expect in terms of play-calling, defensive schemes, and how any new faces will play out to start the year. However, let’s add that to the fun of writing this article together as we look at some definite starts and sits for this first week back.
Ian’s Record: 0-0
Start ’em
Jayden Daniels (QB, Commanders) at Buccaneers
As one of the teams who hit the reset button, the era of Heisman-winning QB Jayden Daniels as a Commander begins this Sunday in Tampa. This also marks the beginning of the Dan Quinn era, who Washington hired as their new head coach back in February. It’s obvious the Commanders are hoping for a revamped offense after finishing bottom 10 in total yards last year, and I think they found it in Daniels’ dual-threat capabilities.
The Bucs’ defense took some pretty heavy hits as well, most notably their number one cornerback Carlton Davis. This leaves room for Daniels to build some chemistry early with stud wideout Terry McLaurin in what could turn out to be a high-scoring bout.
Both defenses gave up bottom 10 fantasy numbers to opposing QBs last season, so against a defense that has arguably gotten worse since then, I’m expecting Daniels to have an impressive debut.
James Cook (RB, Bills) vs. Cardinals
While it’s still expected that the Bills will make a lot of noise in the AFC, this wide receiver room has definitely seen better days. In a not-so-surprising move that saw star wideout Stefon Diggs head to Houston, Buffalo was forced to pick up those pieces by signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Curtis Samuel.
It’s tough to rule Josh Allen out of just about any contest, but the loss of not only Diggs but also Gabe Davis may turn this Bills offense into run-first behind a solid offensive line. Regardless, it’ll be a safe bet to have Cook in your starting lineup for this favorable matchup against a Cardinals line that surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing RBs last year.
D.J. Moore (WR, Bears) vs. Titans
If you ask me, Chicago had one of the strongest off-seasons this year. Not only were they able to get their bona-fide guy in Caleb Williams, but they were also able to snatch him an additional scary weapon in Rome Adunze at the 9th pick in the draft to compliment an already solid receiving corp.
I still like Moore the most out of this group however – he just got a massive payday and will want to maintain the head role as such. And while the Titans made some moves to bulk up their secondary following a good handful of key departures, they remain a vulnerable group with the depth Chicago has through the air. Expect Moore to pick up where he left off following a strong showing last season.
Kyle Pitts (TE, Falcons) vs. Steelers (if he plays)
I understand your hesitation here. You hear Pittsburgh, you think scary defense, I get it! But if there’s any skill player bound for a career-boosting season, it’s Kyle Pitts.
After a few desperation years of trying to find a serviceable QB, Kirk Cousins has landed right in the Falcons’ lap (so has Michael Penix Jr., but that’s a different conversation). Although he’s 36 years old, Cousins is a proven serviceable and consistent field general who should finally be able to unlock Pitts’ abilities after being ignored for far too long.
And while Pittsburgh’s defensive front is stout, they struggled against tight ends more so than one might think. It’ll likely be hard for Cousins to buy time and throw the ball downfield, but Pitts’ size makes him an easy target early off the snap.
Sit ’em
Brock Purdy (QB, 49ers) vs. Jets
Fresh off their second Super Bowl stint in five years, San Francisco will begin their revenge tour by hosting the Jets after finally dishing out necessary extensions that had been haunting them all offseason. The preservation of WR Brandon Aiyuk and OT Trent Williams means another year of powerhouse 49ers-offense, but maybe not this week.
It’s no secret that Robert Saleh has built one of, if not the, strongest defense in the league. The nasty secondary of Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed surrendered the least amount of fantasy points to wide receivers last year, and their nasty defensive front (which now houses Javon Kinlaw) surrendered the second least amount of fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Purdy has the weapons at his disposal to be a quality fantasy option for most weeks, just not this one.
Najee Harris (RB, Steelers) at Falcons
After a season of continued disappointment last year, Harrismanaged to turn it up a notch in the last few weeks (312 yards, 4 TDs in wks. 16-18) to help propel the Steelers into the playoffs (where he did nothing, 37 yards on 12 carries). My point is, it’s possible his career takes a step forward this year under a good offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith. My other point is, that also might not happen.
Not this week at least, as Atlanta remains stingy against power-backs like they were last year. They finished top 5 in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs, and are now arguably better coached with Jimmy Lake taking over as DC. Pass.
Calvin Ridley (WR, Titans) at Bears
Here’s the thing about Calvin Ridley and the Titans – it’s very possible that with a new head coach and no Derrick Henry this offense becomes pass-first. Henry dominated the offensive snaps during his tenure in Tennessee, capitalizing on a weakened WR corps after A.J. Brown’s surprising departure in 2022. Now that he’s gone, QB Will Levis has a great opportunity to make a name for himself as the Titans’ field general with bolstered weapons to throw to.
But that’s where the issue may lie, which is he now has several mouths to feed in Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd. It’s a good problem to have, but it’s tough to tell how things will pan out with a new head coach and a young buck QB still dipping his feet into the league.
Ridley also faces a tough test week 1 across from CB Jaylon Johnson, so let’s give him at least a week to see what his new target share looks like.
Mike Gesicki (TE, Bengals) at Patriots
Not long ago, Gesicki was a flashy TE with high upside – seemingly capable of catching just about anything. A short stint in New England saw his value dip in a transitional situation, and now he’s stuck behind one of the league’s top WR corps against an unfavorable matchup.
Letting go of Matthew Judon gave the Pats’ defense a good gut punch, but even when he wasn’t on the field last year, Jerod Mayo’s defense put up stellar numbers against both the pass and the run. New England has also been top-of-the-charts against tight ends for the past couple years, so the combination of low upside and competing for targets with Ja’Marr Chase doesn’t grant Gesicki starting status, at least until we gain some clarity.
