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.
StartSam Bradford, QB, Vikingsvs. Saints
The Saints should again be a consistent target of fantasy managers, as they largely failed to address a porous defense in the offseason. Bradford completed 71.6 percent of his passes last season, and he should be further helped out by rookie running back Dalvin Cook.
Fearless prediction: 285 yards passing, 2 TDs
Other QBs to start
- DeShone Kizer, Browns
- Tyrod Taylor, Bills
at Rams
While the Rams' defense will be fully aware of the Colts' game plan with quarterback Scott Tolzien starting, Gore will be used heavily regardless of efficiency. Wide receivers T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief can get the ball to the red zone in a hurry, where Gore is the much safer choice than having Tolzien throw one up.
Fearless predictions: 119 yards rushing, 16 yards receiving, 2 TDs
Other RBs to start
- Alvin Kamara, Saints
- Rob Kelley, Redskins
- Theo Riddick, Lions
at Packers
Wide receiver Jermaine Kearse was sent packing to clear room for Lockett to step up as the No. 2 receiver. He'll likely receive fewer targets than both Doug Baldwin and tight end Jimmy Graham, but the Seahawks will need to pass often to keep pace with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Fearless prediction: 123 yards receiving, TD
Other WRs to start
- Pierre Garcon, 49ers
- Kenny Britt, Browns
vs. Jaguars
Receivers Will Fuller V and Jaelen Strong are both suspended to start the season, leaving Fiedorowicz as the second passing option to DeAndre Hopkins. Fiedorowicz received at least seven targets in nine games last season, providing a very high floor.
Fearless prediction: 92 yards receiving, 2 TDs
Other TEs to start
- Evan Engram, Giants
- Antonio Gates, Chargers
at Broncos
Rivers is being rightfully discussed as a longshot MVP candidate as the leader of a formidable Chargers offense, but they're being dealt their toughest task in the first game of the season. Rivers was picked off three times in his trip to Denver last year.
Other QBs to sit
- Blake Bortles, Jaguars
- Matthew Stafford, Lions
at 49ers
The Panthers insist Stewart will have a role behind rookie Christian McCaffrey, at least to start the season, but the veteran was held below 4 yards per carry last season and had little involvement in the passing game. The Panthers should showcase their new young toy in what many expect to be one of the league's easier matchups all season.
Other RBs to sit
- Eddie Lacy, Seahawks
- Terrance West, Ravens
vs. Seahawks
Cobb is coming off the worst season of his career. Fantasy managers were right to buy into a bounceback season at a mid-round ADP, but the return to form won't be starting against one of the league's top pass defenses.
Other WRs to sit
- Tyrell Williams, Chargers
- Allen Robinson, Jaguars
vs. Cardinals
Managers should be viewing Ebron as the Lions' No. 3 option until the Lions prove otherwise, despite repeated talk of last year's expected breakout. The matchup doesn't help his case, even while at home.
Other TEs to sit
- Delanie Walker, Titans
- Jack Doyle, Colts
Bernard's career average of 8.9 yards per reception keeps him in a steady role within the Bengals' offense while Joe Mixon and Jeremy Hill compete for carries.
Kendall Wright, WR, Bears
Unproven Kevin White is the No. 1 receiver on the Bears' depth chart, but Wright has a far superior resume already built up. Should White struggle or succumb to yet another injury, Wright could become the target leader in a needed pass-heavy Chicago offense.
QuitJeremy Hill, RB, Bengals
Hill has been held below 4 yards per carry in each of his last two seasons after averaging 5.1 yards per attempt as a rookie. He has never scored fewer than nine touchdowns in a single campaign, but rookie Joe Mixon won't take long to show the Bengals coaching staff he's easily their best option.
Robby Anderson, WR, Jets
Targeting Anderson because he's the No. 1 receiver in the Jets' offense is like grabbing the discount produce at the grocery store. It's going to look bad come Sunday.
(Photos courtesy Action Images)
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