Which moves should you make to maximize your points? Use this weekly post as your guide, as I offer one start and one sit suggestion at QB, RB, WR, and TE. These suggestions are based on my rankings compared to the consensus each week. To measure our success, check back each week for a recap of how I did.
For this project, a start is a player I think will finish in the Top 12 at QB or TE and the Top 24 at RB or WR. A sit is a player I think will finish outside those metrics. In the coming weeks, I’ll start with a recap of how I finished the prior week. All scoring will be courtesy of Fantasy Pros.
Let’s dive into the recommendations for Week 1.
Quarterbacks
Start: Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
About: I don’t know who the big pass catchers will be for the Chargers, or what to make of the potential backfield rotation. But I do like that Mike McDaniel is calling the plays. And regardless of how his receivers and offensive line fare, Herbert has been solid. Last season, despite losing tackles and not having a receiver in the Top 24, Herbert finished as QB10. This week he gets a Cardinals team that is re-building and he’s at home. The only threat is that the Chargers build too big a lead too early.
Sit: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
About: It’s impressive that Mahomes, who tore his ACL December 14, is ready to go for Week 1. But it’s not an easy game. He’s got a new Offensive Coordinator, a new set of offensive weapons and lineman, and he’s facing the ferocious pass rush of the Denver Broncos. Will Mahomes be good in 2026? I think so. Will he be a Top 12 option in Week 1. I don’t believe it.
Running Backs
Start: De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
About: The Dolphins’ passing game is a mess. But that’s OK, because Achane was one of the team’s top receivers in 2025 anyway. This week the Dolphins are on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders. While the Raiders worked to improve the defense, it’s still a work-in-progress. I think the Dolphins are going to ride Achane in the run game and in the passing game. I like him to have a big week.
Sit: Carolina Panthers’ running backs
About: Jonathan Brooks will play this season, at least in theory. But he’s a little banged up, listed on the injury report with general soreness. So, too, is Chuba Hubbard, who has been dealing with a hamstring issue. Either way, I’m not bullish that either will get enough work and produce enough to be Top 24 against the Bears in Week 1. I’m staying away.
Wide Receivers
Start: Jaylen Waddle, Denver Broncos
About: The big swing for the Broncos this off-season was acquiring Waddle from the Dolphins. In Week 1, against the Chiefs, with a new Offensive Coordinator and playcaller, the Broncos will look to get Waddle going. He’s facing a rebuilt secondary led by an aging veteran and a rookie. I think Waddle will have a good day, so I’m starting him with confidence.
Sit: Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
About: This isn’t about London and his talent. It’s about the Falcons and the dreadful situation they have going at quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa isn’t inspiring confidence. On the road, against the Steelers, I’m even less confident. London is the team’s best receiver, and likely to draw tight coverage. With that combined with the matchup and the situation, I think he’ll finish outside the Top 24 for Week 1.
Tight Ends
Start: Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
About: The Bears have an issue at receiver. Rome Odunze is “day to day” with his knee injury. Luther Burden hurt his groin in the pre-season and has been slowly working back. Even running backs Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift are banged up. But that opens the door wide for Loveland, who isn’t on the injury report and figures to be a big driver of the offense for Caleb Williams in Week 1. I think he could finish as the TE1 this week. I’m all in.
Sit: Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
About: Once upon a time, LaPorta came out of the gate hot. He was TE1 his rookie year. Since then, he’s struggled with injuries. He was injured and sat out the entire pre-season. That’s not a promising start. While he might play in Week 1, I’m not ready to roll him out and trust we’re getting a great performance. That’s especially true of a team with Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams already ready to go. I like LaPorta’s talent, I don’t trust him as a starter in Week 1.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
