Fantasy: Start, Sit, Stash, Quit - Week 1
SSSQ is a weekly look at the under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting, and the potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut. For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our weekly rankings.
Start
Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions
at Colts
The Colts' defense isn't just lacking in talent, it's also banged up. Cornerback Vontae Davis, perhaps the best player in this unit, won't suit up. Look for Stafford, who was excellent in the second half of last season after Jim Bob Cooter took over as offensive coordinator, to hit the ground running with a big performance. Golden Tate and Marvin Jones are excellent starts, too.
Fearless prediction: 356 yards passing, 3 TDs
Spencer Ware, RB, Chiefs
vs. Chargers
It doesn't sound like Jamaal Charles will be ready to play in this one, which means Ware will carry the load for the Chiefs against a very poor Chargers run defense. Ware was highly productive in a limited role last season and showed this preseason that he's ready to contribute not only on the ground but also in the passing game. He's easily a RB1 this week and could continue to be as long as Charles is out or limited.
Fearless prediction: 92 yards rushing, 21 yards receiving, 2 TDs
DeSean Jackson, WR, Chiefs
vs. Steelers
Finally healthy after an injury-plagued 2015 season, look for Jackson to go off in prime time against a weak and inexperienced Steelers secondary that won't be able to keep up with his speed. This game could be a shootout.
Fearless prediction: 106 yards receiving, TD
Coby Fleener, TE, Saints
vs. Raiders
The Saints always seem to produce a big-scoring tight end and they gave Fleener buckets of money to be that guy this season. There won't be many better weeks to deploy him than in this potential shootout with the Raiders, especially with the new personnel in the Raiders' secondary and linebacking corps who are still getting accustomed to the system.
Fearless prediction: 81 yards receiving, TD
Others to start
- Tyrod Taylor, QB, Bills
- Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins
- Ryan Mathews, RB, Eagles
- Duke Johnson, RB, Browns
- Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers
- Corey Coleman, WR, Browns
- Jesse James, TE, Steelers
Sit
Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals
at Jets
The Jets boast a beastly defensive line and a pretty good secondary, too. Dalton enters this contest without red-zone monster Tyler Eifert (who's hurt), and receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu (each of whom left in free agency). Dalton will be a serviceable fantasy starter at some point this season, but try to avoid him in Week 1.
Carlos Hyde, RB, 49ers
vs. Rams
Hyde made a huge splash in Week 1 last season, rushing for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Only once since then has he even approached those numbers. You want no part of Hyde this week. The Rams have one of the NFL's best defensive fronts and will be fired up to start their new era back on the West Coast with a win. Until we see how new 49ers boss Chip Kelly plans to deploy Hyde, leave him firmly stapled to your bench.
Kevin White, WR, Bears
at Texans
The former seventh overall pick will make his long-awaited NFL debut, but don't expect White to make a big splash right out of the gate. White wasn't particularly impressive in the preseason and the Texans' cornerbacks are a tough matchup for him.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Seahawks
vs. Dolphins
Graham is back practicing in full and expected to play in Week 1 despite missing the entire preseason, but you can't risk putting him into your starting lineup even in a matchup as juicy as this one. We need to see how Graham moves - and verify that he won't be on a strict snap count - before he's a viable fantasy starter again.
Others to sit
- Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers
- Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans
- Jeremy Hill, RB, Bengals
- Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers
- Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots
- Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers
- Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
Stash
Michael Thomas, WR, Saints
Owned in roughly 50 percent of fantasy leagues, the rookie Thomas flashed playmaking skills on a daily basis in training camp and the preseason. The Saints typically spread their targets out among several receivers, and Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead remain in the mix, but it's Thomas who has the highest upside. He should be owned in all 10- and 12-team fantasy leagues.
Kenneth Dixon, RB, Ravens
Dixon is recovering from an MCL injury and isn't expected back until October. By then, Justin Forsett may have lost his slippery grip on the Ravens' starting running back job and Terrance West and Javorius Allen may have been exposed as the middling talents they are. Dixon has a three-down skill set and the Ravens used a fourth-round pick on him for a reason - they expect him to become their starter eventually. Dixon has a chance to be this year's David Johnson and should be owned in deeper leagues.
Quit
Dion Lewis, RB, Patriots
Lewis is on the PUP list after experiencing a setback in his recovery from ACL surgery and will be eligible to return in Week 7. That's a best-case scenario, though, and Lewis could easily miss more time. There's no good reason to waste a roster spot on Lewis for more than half the fantasy season.