Start Your Bucs, Sit Mahomes and a Dozen More Week 1 Fantasy Football Decisions

Starting and Sitting: A Week 1 Fantasy Football Primer

As we gear up for another NFL season, fantasy football enthusiasts are diving into their draft boards and preparing for their first week of action. The decision-making process can be overwhelming, especially when you're looking at the lineup options for your fantasy team.

I'm not a big fan of starting Patrick Mahomes in Week 1, despite his return to the field. It's just too early to tell how well he'll adjust after missing most of last season. And let's be honest – there's still that lingering concern about his offensive line.

For those who are playing fantasy football, the first week of the NFL season is crucial. It's not just about picking the right players; it's about understanding their potential matchups and how they fit into your overall strategy. I've compiled a list of my top picks for starting or sitting players based on their recent performances and upcoming games.

Quarterbacks: A Tale of Two Seasons

Baker Mayfield, the new face of the Buccaneers, signed his long-awaited contract extension in the dead of night, which I personally find quite fitting. It was as if he was trying to sneak out of the building with his new deal before anyone else could notice. But now that he's officially locked in, I'm a little sad we don't get the classic 'Baker Mayfield with a chip on his shoulder' narrative.

Still, I'm confident starting him this week because the Bengals have made improvements with the addition of Dexter Lawrence. The Bengals were vulnerable last season, particularly on the road, and they're still struggling to find consistency in their defensive line. So, Mayfield should have a good opportunity to shine.

More Quarterback Thoughts

• Patrick Mahomes: While he's back, I'm not willing to take the plunge just yet. It's a little frustrating that he didn't give Justin Fields one start – but that's beside the point. The Broncos held Mahomes in check last season, with an average of 6.1 yards per attempt and only one touchdown pass. I need to see more from him before I'm ready to trust him again. Plus, Mahomes has been sacked 34 and 36 times over the past two seasons, which is concerning for his health and the effectiveness of his offensive line.

• Jalen Hurts: Many of you might have had second thoughts about taking him in drafts this year. But he's got a great opportunity this week. Sean Mannion has said he wants to reestablish the run, including the Brotherly Shove. Hurts averaged 21.7 fantasy points in the first eight games of 2025 and put up 24 in Week 1. The Commanders are a wild card, but I love starting him this week.

Running Backs: The Power of the Split Backfield

The Buccaneers' running game has been a hot topic this season, and for good reason. With the departure of some key players, there's been uncertainty about who will lead the charge on the ground. In Jacksonville, Bhayshul Tuten was initially expected to be the starter, but it turns out that Liam Cohen's team had a different plan in mind.

They're going to make us pay with a split backfield of Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. This is one of those situations where the surprise factor plays a big role. You might have thought Tuten was the guy, but now you have to consider both options when setting your lineup. Check on Tuten's fitness level heading into the game – he could be key.

Bucs Running Backs

I'd also start both Buccaneers running backs. The Bengals might have improved with Lawrence, but they're not exactly a powerhouse defense anymore. Bucky Irving has always been a favorite of mine, and I'm comfortable with him. However, Kenny Gainwell's recent contract extension suggests he won't be sitting on the bench. So, it's a good idea to start both players.

Other Notable Running Backs

• Javonte Williams: One of the most slept-on backs in fantasy drafts this summer, he's the Cowboys' headliner at running back and has a great matchup against the Giants. They allowed the fourth-most points to running backs last season.

• Omarion Hampton: Don't make me go with Keaton Mitchell as a desperation flex since he returned to practice this week. I've bought into Hampton as the new De'Von Achane with Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. The Birds struggled against the run last season and looked bad in the preseason.

• RJ Harvey: He had a nice game against the Chiefs on Christmas Day, highlighted by five receptions and a receiving touchdown. I like him as a flex start this week.

• David Montgomery: He's the perfect fit for the Texans this season. A team that would love to play great defense and pound the rock. If the offensive line is healthy, Montgomery could be set.

Wide Receivers: Flying Under the Radar

The wide receiver position is always one of the most exciting in fantasy football, especially when you're looking at players who are flying under the radar. In this case, Chris Olave could be the WR1 this week against the Lions. There are injuries and I'm not 100% confident Detroit has solved its defensive issues.

Olave averaged nearly 19 fantasy points per game with Tyler Shough last season, so he's definitely a player to watch. DJ Moore is another name that deserves attention. Despite averaging only 10 PPG last season, he's still the go-to receiver for Josh Allen.

Notable WRs and TE Options

• CeeDee Lamb: I start him because of his role in the Dallas Cowboys' offense. He's got a great matchup against the Giants, who allowed the fourth-most points to running backs last season.

• George Pickens: Another player who's getting more attention from fans than he deserves – he's definitely not a top-tier wide receiver, but he can be valuable in some formats.

• Jordan Addison: The Vikings should treat Jefferson the way Homer Simpson wanted 'The Itchy & Scratchy Show' producers to treat Poochie. Don't sleep on Jordan Addison either – the Packers struggle with outside receivers.

Tight Ends: The Unsung Heroes of Fantasy Football

While tight ends often don't get the attention they deserve, they can be crucial to your fantasy team's success. Kyle Pitts Sr. is one such player. He was the TE4 with 12.4 fantasy PPG last season and had nine top-12 finishes.

Kevin Stefanski loves his tight ends – and that's something we can all take advantage of in our fantasy lineups.

Final Thoughts on Week 1 Fantasy Football Decisions

The first week of fantasy football can be tricky. You need to consider matchups, injuries, and player form when making your decisions. While some players might seem like obvious choices, others could surprise you with their performances.

Ultimately, the key is staying informed and making smart decisions based on what you know about your players. Whether it's starting Bucky Irving or sitting Mahomes, your lineup choices can make or break your season.

This week's decisions aren't just about picking the right players – they're about understanding the nuances of the game and using that knowledge to your advantage.