Week 1 is almost here! It starts on a Wednesday, and the Thursday game is in Australia; otherwise, business as usual. This week’s start/sit selections will be trimmed down to only those first two games, as the remainder will be covered in next week’s article. So bear with me: as I understand it, starting Christian McCaffrey and Puka Nacua isn't bold, but I refuse to make a nonsense claim just for entertainment value.
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MATCHUPS
PATRIOTS v. SEAHAWKS (-3.5) 🏈 44.5 total points
49ERS v. RAMS (-3.5) 🏈 48.5 total points 🦗 [Melbourne, Australia]
QUARTERBACKS
START
Matthew Stafford (LAR) v. SF
Woah, woah, woah! You should start the reigning MVP in a matchup with an implied point total of 26? This is the premium analysis you’re getting. The Rams were the highest-scoring offense last season, and nothing suggests they're any worse off. The familiar faces of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, coupled with a sophomore-season jump of Terrance Ferguson, bode well for Stafford’s fantasy prospects. The 49ers defense was ravaged by injuries throughout last season, so some of those big names are making their return in Week 1. But the Rams’ offense is a well-oiled machine that should propel Stafford to a top-15 finish in Week 1.
FADE
Sam Darnold (SEA) v. NE
The Super Bowl champion quarterback Sam Darnold may not have the booming start that the accolade suggests. This is not anticipated to be a high-scoring affair, and Darnold is slated to start his second season in Seattle with a new play caller and a new-look backfield. Darnold can get Jaxon Smith-Njigba his obligatory 10+ targets but still end up having a mid-late QB-2 kind of week. So I don't think Darnold will be awful, but from a fantasy perspective, the passing volume and implied point total are not in his favor.
RUNNING BACKS
START
Christian McCaffrey (SF) v. LAR
No one was considering sitting/fading Christian McCaffrey. Last year’s fantasy RB-1 totaled over 2,000 total yards and 17 touchdowns on over 400 touches. But how long can the now 30-year-old bell cow back keep it up? I have him as the RB-2 this season, and it starts with a top-12 finish in Week 1 against a bolstered Rams defense. There is a lot of uncertainty amongst the 49ers’ pass-catchers, but when that happened last year, they leaned heavily on their best offensive weapon, CMC.
FADE
TreVeyon Henderson (NE) v. SEA
There is no certainty that TreVeyon Henderson will play in Week 1, but this fade assumes he is. As previously mentioned, this is not expected to be a high-scoring affair, and the Seahawks’ defense is not known to be forgiving to running backs. What’s more, the Patriots made it clear last season that they prefer a thunder and lightning split between Henderson (lightning) and Rhamondre Stevenson (thunder). I expect Stevenson to continue to be a thorn in Henderson’s fantasy side, including valuable red zone touches. So even a healthy Henderson could slide outside the top-24 in Week 1.
SLEEPER
Blake Corum (LAR) v. SF
Make no mistake, the Rams’ backfield still flows through Kyren Williams. But Corum is firmly involved in the rotation on an offense that led the league in scoring in 2025. At a certain point last season, Williams and Corum would rotate drives more than situations. So in what should be a high-scoring game where the Rams are slightly favored, it’s not crazy to think Corum could find the end zone. Unless you are in a deep league, it is unlikely that Corum would slide into your RB-2 slot; however, depending on your matchups, he could slide into your flex spot.
WIDE RECEIVERS
START
Puka Nacua (LAR) v. SF
If I am going to recommend you start last year’s RB-1, I might as well recommend you start last year’s WR-1, Puka Nacua. This is less about considering sitting/fading him and more about his impact in this offense. Nacua finished last year with nearly a 30% target share in the NFL’s highest-scoring offense (sick of me saying it yet?). I have Nacua finishing as the WR-1 once again, with the chance to increase his touchdowns alongside an aging Davante Adams. Also, a quick thank you to Puka because I can confidently spell psoas.
FADE
Romeo Doubs (NE) v. SEA
Romeo Doubs is the less exciting addition to the Patriots’ receiver room this offseason. Big moments as a member of the Packers led to this opportunity in New England, where he should start alongside A.J. Brown. The first matchup, against the unforgiving Seahawks defense, isn't the one where I would start any Patriots receiver outside of Brown. Given how unpredictable the Patriots’ target distribution can be, it will be tricky to find the right weeks to start Doubs unless the first few weeks reveal something different. So keep Doubs out of your starting lineup until proven otherwise.
SLEEPER
Rashid Shaheed (SEA) v. NE
After trading for Rashid Shaheed during the 2025 season, the Seahawks doubled down by giving him a three-year contract in March. Shaheed is firmly behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and battles with Cooper Kupp for targets as well. Where Shaheed differs, however, is his value as a downfield big-play receiver. He put that skill set on display as a member of the Saints. So while I have harped on the low-scoring nature of this game, all it takes for a player like Shaheed is one long touchdown. He is unlikely to crack your normal (redraft/dynasty) lineups, but he is more of a bestball or DFS option.
TIGHT ENDS
START
George Kittle (SF) v. LAR
George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles nearly nine months ago, which used to be a career-ender for a nearly 33-year-old tight end. Instead, Kittle is slated to fly down under to play in Week 1 against the Rams. If he is indeed active, then it’s wheels up for one of the most dynasty tight ends in the NFL. Brock Purdy and company will need to put up points in a hurry to keep up with the Rams, and Kittle should remain on the field as both a blocker and pass-catcher. With uncertainty amongst the 49ers receivers (Evans’ health, Samuel's age, Stribling’s inexperience), it will take big games from Kittle and McCaffrey to put the 49ers’ offense over the top.
FADE
Terrance Ferguson (LAR) v. SF
The fading of Terrance Ferguson in Week 1 is less an indictment of him as a player and more a caution early in the season against a top-tier group of 49ers linebackers. The Rams have historically valued their third receiver downfield, which is why there is optimism that Ferguson will fill that role in 12 and 13 personnel. I expect veterans Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee to remain involved, but Ferguson should lead this trio in targets. So this fade recommendation is exclusive to Week 1, as Ferguson’s role could very well grow throughout this season.
So you made it this far, and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow fantasy football degenerates, I would greatly appreciate it!
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