Quarterbacks
Start
Lamar Jackson vs. Arizona Cardinals
You have to start Lamar Jackson after last week, right? Sure it was the Miami Dolphins, but Jackson put up a career-game and proved he has developed significantly as a passer. If that is the case, his legs paired with his arm could be quite fruitful for fantasy purposes, and his legs already provided him with a solid floor last year. For what it is worth, Matthew Stafford tossed for 385 yards and 3 TDs against this Arizona Cardinals secondary that is missing Patrick Peterson last week.
Sit
Jameis Winston vs. Carolina Panthers
I used to believe in the talent, but I have been burned by Jameis too many times. I get the distinction between the volume and actual ability, but I completely stayed away from a guy I was not sure could even keep a hold on his starting job this year in drafts, regardless of his nice pairing with Bruce Arians. In week 1, Winston looked terrible. It might be one bad game, but I think this ends up being the end of the line for him in Tampa Bay. For any sort of DFS purposes, the standard deviation of his results scares me away. I would rather play it safe at QB than risk having him drop a 7.1 burger like he did last weekend.
Running backs
Start
LeSean McCoy vs. Oakland Raiders
The whole point of this article is to find out who to start. For the most part, you already know which running backs to plug into your lineup unless your team is stacked. However, there is one guy I am upgrading from “wait and see” to start mode, and that is Lesean McCoy. People should not be surprised that the newcomer in Kansas City looked revived from a rough 2018. Andy Reid can turn a grandmother into a 1,000-yard rusher in the NFL, and McCoy is leaving a bad situation. He rushed for 8 YPC on only ten touches, but you should see him start to take way more snaps in the offense going forward. Damien Williams is talented but has never carried a full workload, which bodes well for McCoy’s season value. For now, upgrade the veteran running-back to a flex play or a desperation RB2 for week 2.
Sit
David Montgomery vs. Denver Broncos
Not only does Montgomery have a tough matchup facing the Denver Broncos next week, he still seems distant from a featured role. Mike Davis and Tarik Cohen both outpaced Mongomery in touches against Green Bay, as he finished with just seven. Montgomery belongs on all benches in fantasy until we see a big game from him with volume. The talent is significant, but it may take time, and I am not sure that Mitch Trubisky can carry the Bears offense to the level many were hoping for heading into drafts.
Wide Receivers
Start
Sammy Watkins vs. Oakland Raiders
Watkins has elite WR1 potential as long as Tyreek Hill is sidelined. So if you drafted deep at receiver, make sure you have him plugged into your lineup for the foreseeable future. Watkins is coming off a career game, Hill is out, and he actually looks healthy.
Sit
Antonio Brown vs Miami Dolphins
The fact that it is only a “possibility” that we see Brown against the Dolphins makes me want to avoid putting him in my lineup. Even if he is active, he joined the team just days ago and could play limited snaps. If you have other startable players, bench Brown this week unless you hear about a full workload, but I doubt Bill Belicheck will give you the satisfaction of much notice or clarification here.
Tight Ends
Start
Darren Waller vs. Kansas City Chiefs
There is a chance that Darren Waller is still available in your league. This is his first time being featured in an NFL offense. But he is essentially a big wide receiver and is stepping into a role that was fruitful for Jared Cook last season. With AB now out of town, there is a real chance Waller becomes the teams top target, and he had seven receptions for 70 yards last week. Kansas City has been terrible against tight ends. Start him.
SitÂ
Jason Witten vs. Washington Redskins
It was nice seeing Witten log a touchdown and a few receptions over the weekend. But do not be fooled, even with how shallow tight end is, he is not a viable fantasy option going forward. The Redskins also have a brutal defense. Witten belongs on the waiver wire despite the name recognition. Don’t fall for the trap. He is 37 years old and did not play last season.