We made it, we are finally here- entering Week 1 of the 2021 season, and the first in our Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em series. I for one am massively excited for the new season.
It’s the first one with our new-look website, and this season we (look) to have the return of the league to the UK. That, combined with fans in stadiums throughout the league should mean plenty of action on the field.
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
Jalen Hurts @ATL
The Atlanta defense isn’t good. Hurts was able to show his ability towards the end of the season in 2020, and should be able to kick start his season in this season’s opener. The rushing ability of Hurts helps give him a solid floor, and if he manages to connect with their rookie receiver, the team could take a real step forward.
Matt Ryan v PHI
Staying in that game, the Falcons are likely to be forced to pass the ball in the game. Which should lead to plenty of passing volume, making Ryan a decent play for the this week too. Yes, he doesn’t have Julio Jones anymore, but Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts are likely to be peppered with targets.
Trevor Lawrence @HOU
The selection of Lawrence is just as much to do with the potential of the Jaguars offense to be effective as it is the inefficiency of the Texans defense.
Raheem Mostert & Trey Sermon @DET
The 49ers backfield is going to be massively effective this season, and that’s going to start straight out of the gate. Detroit were the worst defense against RBs last season. As a result, both of these RBs are worth starting consideration.
Baltimore RB @LV
I orginally had Gus Edwards written in this spot. That was until yesterday when he suffered an ACL injury. However, despite that, the Ravens are going to be running the ball early and often. I’d roll with however the team announce as the starter here.
James Robinson @HOU
Robinson was a great fantasy play last season, due to the volume he was given. Once the team drafted Travis Etienne, his value dropped, but he we are back with Robinson as the starter for the team. The backfield volume, combined with the Houston defense being weak, makes Robinson a must start.
Damien Harris v MIA
Harris is going to have good value this season, with Cam Newton out of the picture. The red-zone touches are up for grabs currently, and with injury hitting Rhamondre Stevenson, there is a good chance that Harris gets the chance here.
Adam Thielen @CIN
Thielen is a solid start this week, with the Bengals without some of their secondary defense. With the Vikings offense an effective mover of the ball, and having few options, Thielen is inline for a solid week.
Robby Anderson v NYJ
Anderson was one of Sam Darnold’s favorite targets in New York, and that should stay the same in Carolina. The offense should be able to get their way against the Jets. Oh, and it’s a double revenge game.
Laviska Shenault @HOU
Shenault continues the picking a player facing Houston. But, I truly think that Shenault is going to have a great season in this offense. With Travis Etienne out for the season, there is an opportunity for a pass-catching runner.
Michael Pittman v SEA
The Colts don’t have alot of receivers that are fit and available. Pittman however is. That makes him likely to get a number of targets in the offense. That should give enough opportunity for a starting slot in deeper leagues.
Noah Fant @NYG
Fant has a great opportunity to be a leading fantasy TE option this week. Teddy Bridgewater has targeted TEs when on the field, and Fant should be able to get open.
Gerald Everett @IND
Everett was brought in early in the preseason, and has some familiarity with the coaching staff. Given that move, and the attention that Seattle’s receivers will get, there are opportunities for Everett to perform.
Denver Broncos @NYG
The Broncos welcome back some pieces from injury, and made some great additions during the offseason. Against a mistake-prone Daniel Jones, this feels like a no-brainer.
Green Bay Packers @NO
The Packers DST is a solid start this week. The Saints offense is without a number of their key players on offense, and are starting a new QB.
Matt Gay v CHI
The Bears defense might not be a good fantasy option this week, but they are likely to be effective in real life. That could lead to quite a few attempts for Gay to slot.
Tyler Bass v PIT
The Bills offense is solid, but equally the Steelers defense should find a way to limit the opportunities of scoring. That should mean a few attempts for Bass, who was a great kicker last season.
Sit 'Em
Jameis Winston v GB
Winston might be a great fantasy asset this season, but I’m not banking on it for Week 1. The team is effectively on the road, and face a solid defense without some of their most effective receivers, not a good mix.
Tua Tagovailoa @NE
The Dolphins are vying to be the kings of the division, and beat the Patriots last season, albeit in a disappointing fantasy performance for Tagovailoa. The Patriots are likely to try and find a plan to keep him guessing, and on the road, there are better options this week.
D’Andre Swift v SF
Swift, like the rest of the Detroit offense, is going to struggle this week. That 49ers defense is going to be the unit it was two years ago. The volume will there, but there’s not alot of upside here
Zack Moss v PIT
Moss is a relatively easy sit for me, for two reasons. Firstly, the Steelers are a solid defense against the run (they ranked best against it last season). Also, Singletary I think will be given the majority of touches out of the backfield.
Melvin Gordon & Javonte Williams @NYG
The matchup against the Giants isn’t bad. What is bad is that it seems this backfield is unknown at the moment. So, if you can, look for some more certainty for your starting options.
Kenny Golladay v DEN
Golladay was effective in Detroit, but this isn’t Matthew Stafford throwing him the ball. Instead, he has Daniel Jones throwing him the ball behind the worst offensive line in the league. Against the Broncos, there are better options for your lineup this week.
Jerry Jeudy @NYG
Jeudy could be getting the majority of the coverage from James Bradberry. Equally it could be Courtland Sutton. However, with Sutton returning from long-term injury, he might see limited snaps in and opening game the Broncos should win easily. Either way, Jeudy struggled with drops last season and is best avoided.
Marquez Callaway v GB
Callaway was a popular pickup in the offseason, but I think you’ll see him getting dropped in some leagues this week. The Packers have a solid defense, and are likely to opt to deal with the threat of Callaway with Jaire Alexander. If you own him, be patient, it won’t be pretty.
Jonnu Smith v MIA
Smith could really burn me here, but I don’t see him having a big game here. The Patriots are likely to try and spread the ball, as they build their offense around rookie QB Mac Jones. As well as looking to run the ball in the red-zone, further limiting what Smith will do.
Jared Cook @WAS
Cook is going to be a decent TE this season. He just won’t start here. The Washington Football team are a top-tier defense, and the team are likely to force the ball elsewhere.
Cleveland Browns @KC
The Browns have a solid defense, and they are worth picking up for the rest of the season. They just won’t be a reliable option this week against one of the best offenses in the league.
Arizona Cardinals @TEN
The Cardinals were a good unit last season, and added J.J. Watt in the offseason. That is going to make it temtping to start them. However, Tennessee are a strong offense, able to keep the ball and keep their QB vertical. Avoid.
Daniel Carlson v BAL
The Raiders offense found a way to get downfield last season, but they’ve made a lot of changes this offseason. The Ravens are one of the most effective defenses in the league- don’t overthink it.
Josh Lambo @HOU
Lambo is likely to kick everything that he gets the opportunity for. But, unfortunately for fantasy, it’s likely to just be point after attempts.
Well that’s it for our 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: Michael Madrid – USA TODAY Sports
