Fantasy football experts advise Week 1 start-sit selections for 2026 NFL season
USA TODAY Sports lists eight players to start and eight to sit for fantasy managers in the opening week of the 2026 NFL season, citing match-up considerations and recent performance data.
Fantasy managers preparing for the 2026 NFL season face critical start-sit decisions in Week 1, when limited game data is available. USA TODAY Sports identified eight players it recommends starting and eight to bench based on recent statistics and opponent match-ups.
Quarterbacks suggested to start are Detroit Lions' Jared Goff against the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert versus the Arizona Cardinals. Goff has posted at least 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, while Herbert is expected to benefit from improved offensive line protection.
Running backs highlighted include Green Bay Packers' MarShawn Lloyd, who steps into a larger role after Josh Jacobs' suspension, and New England Patriots' Rhamondre Stevenson, who offers a high reception floor against a Seattle Seahawks defense that allowed many catches to running backs last season.
Wide receivers recommended to start are Indianapolis Colts' Josh Downs against the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Chris Godwin Jr. versus the Cincinnati Bengals, both projected to see increased target volume. Tight end Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints is also listed as a start against the Detroit Lions, which will be without its top two safeties.
On defense, the Jacksonville Jaguars are advised as a streaming option against the Cleveland Browns, whose quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sacked frequently.
Players advised to sit include San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who faces a strengthened Los Angeles Rams defense, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, returning from a knee injury and confronting a Denver Broncos defense that has limited his recent scoring.
Running backs recommended to bench are Seattle Seahawks rookie Jadarian Price and Carolina Panthers' Jonathon Brooks, both expected to see limited early workload. Wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Carnell Tate are also listed as bench options due to low production and uncertain chemistry.
Tight end Travis Kelce is suggested to sit, as the Chiefs may rely more on the running game following Mahomes' injury. Defensively, the Buffalo Bills are advised against streaming in Week 1 against the Houston Texans, given the Bills' poor run defense and the Texans' ground-focused offense.
These recommendations aim to help fantasy owners make informed decisions before the season begins.