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 Week 1 rankings.
StartAndy Dalton, QB, Bengalsat Colts
It's hard to get excited about starting Dalton as your fantasy quarterback, but with an upgraded offensive line and one of the best collections of skill-position talent in the league, he's a top-12 option this week. The Colts' defense will be a unit to target all season long. Dalton threw for two scores and was the QB3 during his Week 8 matchup with Indy in 2017.
Boone's projection: 273 passing yards, 2 TDs
Other QBs to start
- Jared Goff at Raiders
- Tyrod Taylor vs. Steelers
at Browns
Even if Le'Veon Bell decides to report before Sunday's game, James Conner will be the Steelers' lead back as favorites on the road in Cleveland. Based on his preseason performance, Conner appears to have made a leap entering his sophomore campaign. He's capable of giving Pittsburgh 70 to 80 percent of Bell's production, making Conner a low-end RB1.
Boone's projection: 89 rushing yards, 16 receiving yards, TD
Other RBs to start
- Alex Collins vs. Bills
- Derrick Henry at Dolphins
- James White vs. Texans
vs. Texans
This will be the final time I remind fantasy owners that Hogan was a top-10 fantasy wideout in the first half of 2017 before an injury derailed his season. That included a four-catch, 68-yard, two-touchdown outing against the Texans. With Julian Edelman suspended, Hogan belongs in the WR1 conversation once again. He should be started with confidence everywhere you have him.
Boone's projection: 81 receiving yards, TD
Other WRs to start
- Kenny Stills vs. Titans
- Keelan Cole at Giants
- Chris Godwin at Saints
at Colts
A slew of injuries removed Eifert from the fantasy landscape for the bulk of last year's campaign. Prior to that, he averaged a touchdown per game during the 2015 season and wasn't far off that pace over his eight 2016 appearances. For the moment, Eifert is in the lineup and healthy on a Bengals team that will move the ball well in Indianapolis - take advantage.
Boone's projection: 58 yards receiving, TD
Other TEs to start
- Austin Seferian-Jenkins at Giants
- Ricky Seals-Jones vs. Redskins
at Vikings
Garoppolo starts his first full season with the 49ers in one of the worst matchups of the week, on the road in Minnesota. The Vikings had the second-best defense in football last year and could be even more stout on that side of the ball with the additions of veterans Sheldon Richardson and George Iloka. At fantasy's deepest position, there's no need to start Jimmy G in Week 1.
Boone's projection: 181 passing yards, TD, INT
Other QBs to sit
- Andrew Luck vs. Bengals
- Dak Prescott at Panthers
vs. Rams
Lynch is a fan favorite and it's often difficult to dissociate that from your fantasy lineup decisions. On paper, he gets a Rams defense that struggled against the run last season, which will entice many owners to start him, but game script could be his downfall Monday night. The Rams' loaded roster will be too much for a Raiders team that just traded away their best player. If Oakland falls behind, Lynch's fantasy outlook takes a significant hit.
Boone's projection: 64 rushing yards, 9 receiving yards
Other RBs to sit
- Peyton Barber at Saints
- Alfred Morris at Vikings
- Chris Carson at Broncos
at Saints
Saints cornerback Marcus Lattimore is a name to remember when setting your starting fantasy receivers. In two games against Lattimore last season, Evans caught just six of the 19 targets thrown his way, finishing with 68 yards total. With more pass-catching talent emerging in Tampa Bay, Evans' target share isn't as secure as it was in the past. I still have him ranked as a low-end WR2, but expectations need to be adjusted.
Boone's projection: 61 receiving yards
Other WRs to sit
- Amari Cooper vs. Rams
- Marquise Goodwin at Vikings
- Sammy Watkins at Chargers
vs. Jaguars
Engram cleared concussion protocol, which will allow him to suit up in Week 1. Unfortunately, concerns about his volume and matchup have moved him outside the top-10 tight ends in my rankings. The Jaguars allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to the position last year, and with Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Saquon Barkley all healthy, Engram is unlikely to replicate his starring role in 2017.
Boone's projection: 44 receiving yards
Other TEs to sit
- Mike Gesicki vs. Titans
- Cameron Brate at Saints
Kelly was listed as the fourth running back on the Rams' unofficial depth chart for Week 1. Don't let that scare you away. When you're considering stashes, you always want to bet on talent, especially at running back. The rookie was a beast in the preseason and if Todd Gurley were to go down, Kelly would emerge as the Rams' leading rusher and a borderline RB1 in fantasy.
Tre'Quan Smith, WR, Saints
Outside of Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara, the Saints' pass-catching hierarchy has yet to be determined. Ted Ginn performed well in 2017 but is a 33-year-old speed receiver, and offseason addition Cameron Meredith underachieved in August as he continued to work his way back from injury. Meanwhile, Smith stood out on every occasion and is poised to take on a role in one of the NFL's premiere offenses. Stash him soon, before it's too late.
QuitCarson Wentz, QB, Eagles
With the news he'll be out for several more weeks, potentially into October, Wentz becomes difficult to roster. With so many options at quarterback in single-QB leagues, including week-to-week streamers, you're better off dropping Wentz and using the extra roster spot on an upside waiver wire add at RB or WR, instead of carrying two quarterbacks.
Ronald Jones II, RB, Buccaneers
For anyone who took Jones with a mid-to-late-round fantasy pick and is now wondering why his Week 1 projections are so low, it's because he's not only running behind Peyton Barber, but also Jacquizz Rodgers. Jones fell flat on his face during the preseason and appears to be headed toward bust territory in real life and fantasy. Cut him now and save yourself the torment of waiting for a breakout that's never going to come.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
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