We made it, we are finally here- entering Week 1 of the 2021 season, and the first in our IDP Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em series. Here we cover details of positions that can be overlooked, as well as IDP positions.
As always, if you are struggling with a decision you can checkout our rankings for each Week. Or, if you want a more personal touch, reach out on social media. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server.
Start 'Em
Denver Broncos @NYG
The Denver Broncos are set to have a huge opening week on the road against the New York Giants. The Broncos had a top ten defense last year, and are entering at full strength against a poor offensive line. Daniel Jones is an inaccurate and often times panicked quarterback that Vic Fangio should exploit. Barkley will likely be held on a snap count and Kenny Golliday is banged up, meaning Jones will be looking at his 3rd, 4th, or 5th best option to generate yards. There should be turnovers and sacks from the Broncos defense as they will likely keep the Giants under 20 points.
Carolina Panthers v NYJ
The Carolina Panthers should give a rude welcome to rookie Head Coach Robert Saleh and his rookie quarterback Zach Wilson. The New York Jets have a suspect offensive line, with a lackluster backfield. Zach Wilson, as impressive as he looked in the preseason, will have his hands full with a defense that can bring pressure from multiple positions. IDPs Burns, Reddick, and Chinn could have good stat lines as the Panthers D/ST should dominate the Jets offense.
Matt Prater @TEN
Arizona Cardinal Matt Prater is on a high-scoring offense and can make a field goal from 50+ yards with ease. This makes him a lethal week 1 candidate as offenses stall out in opposing teams’ territory due to fatigue. The Tennessee Titans do not have the greatest defense but could stop Arizona in the red zone, allowing more scoring opportunities for Prater.
Myles Garrett @KC
Arizona Cardinal Matt Prater is on a high-scoring offense and can make a field goal from 50+ yards with ease. This makes him a lethal week 1 candidate as offenses stall out in opposing teams’ territory due to fatigue. The Tennessee Titans do not have the greatest defense but could stop Arizona in the red zone, allowing more scoring opportunities for Prater.
Von Miller @NYG
Miller should be able to make his comeback against the worst offensive line in the league. After a season off, he will be looking to make a statement.
Budda Baker @TEN
Arizona Cardinal Budda Baker led all defensive backs in points last year. With the sudden retirement of teammate M. Butler, Baker could be asked to take on a larger role in the passing game. Brown, Jones, and Henry present a special set of skills that Budda Baker and only a couple of other safeties possesss. Play him
Sit 'Em
New Orleans Saints v GB
s great as the New Orleans Saints are, they face a tough opponent in the Green Bay Packers. Even without their best offensive lineman the Packers are lethal with one of the best QB/RB/WR combos in the NFL.
Cincinnati Bengals v MIN
The Cincinnati Bengals are a team opening at home, with a lot of hype that is worth staying away from. The Vikings will likely pound with Cook, and take advantage of mismatches with their great WR duo.
Jason Sanders @NE
Miami Dolphin Jason Sanders may have finished as Kicker 1 last year with 184 points, but the Patriots seem to be a team with momentum on their side… as odd as that may seem in week 1. Their defense is back to an elite defense with playmakers on all three levels. The Dolphins will not have many scoring drives in this game, thus limiting Sanders opportunities.
DeForest Buckner v SEA
Indianapolis Colt DeForest Buckner is ranked as a top 5 DL, but he has arguably his toughest match up of the year with Russell Wilson coming to town. Wilson is able to evade sacks when almost all others seem to be grasped or tripped up. On top of that, the Seahawks have a a deep commitment to running the ball under the Pete era. Buckner is an amazing talent, but this week will be difficult, pine him.
Joe Schobert @BUF
Joe Schobert may have landed in a great scenario being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He may in fact be a top 10 LB by the end of the season. He will need a little time to adjust to the rhythm of his teammates, and be a full force of action. Even if he starts every defensive snap of week 1, the Bills will pass often and line up in 3 or 4 wide receiver sets, stretching the playing field. Give him time, but week 1 is not going to be his best week.
Tyrann Mathieu v CLE
Assuming that he does play, Kansas City Chief defensive leader, Tyrann Mathieu is in for long night as Cleveland RBs Chubb and Hunt are set to receive a great deal of the snaps. On passing attempts the ball will go to OBJ and Landry. If Mathieu is lined up on Landry there is potential for tackles, but Mathieu will not be generating much pressure nor will he be coming up to make tackles in the box. His ceiling is low for this week.
Well that’s it for our IDP Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em for Week 1 of the 2021 season. Remember, you can check out rankings for each Week. Reach out on social media, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server.
Image Credit: Bob Donnan – USA TODAY Sports
