Fantasy football Week 1: Start and sit

Draft grades expire the moment the football is kicked off, and Week 1 is when coaches begin ruining all of our carefully constructed theories.

A supposed bell cow turns into one piece of a committee. A “starting” receiver runs 43% of the routes. All the cards are finally on the table.

That’s where I come in.

My weekly “start and sit” column is back to sort through matchups, projected volume, target shares, high-value touches and all the other information that should matter more than whatever your gut is telling you.

Not that your gut doesn’t matter.

It’s just that not all guts are created equal.

I’m managing five fantasy teams myself — six if you count the Saturday Night Live fantasy league I’m in with my wife, stepdaughter and her best friend, where we draft hosts and musical guests for points and pop culture street cred.

My companion “waiver wire targets” piece also returns next week, hitting every Tuesday to help you react to the injuries, role changes and depth-chart chaos the previous week inevitably creates.

As usual, obvious starters are obvious, so we won’t waste anybody’s time explaining why Jahmyr Gibbs belongs in your lineup.

And I still don’t do kickers.

You’re on your own with those people.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover here.

Good luck this season.

Here are my best bets for Week 1:

NEW ENGLAND AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Drake Maye (NE), A.J. Brown (NE), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Seahawks D/ST.

Who to start: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) moves comfortably into RB2 territory with TreVeyon Henderson ruled out, leaving Stevenson positioned to dominate the Patriots’ high-value backfield touches. Sam Darnold (SEA) is a viable QB1 at home with JSN, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp giving him enough weaponry to attack every level of the field. Jadarian Price (SEA) has immediate RB2 upside with Seahawks prepared to turn their first-round rookie loose while Zach Charbonnet works his way back from a significant knee injury. Rashid Shaheed (SEA) offers WR3/flex appeal because his vertical speed gives Darnold a home-run element against a secondary that should devote significant resources to JSN.

Who to sit: TreVeyon Henderson (NE) has already been ruled out with an ankle injury, so obviously get him out of your lineup. Romeo Doubs (NE) is a boom-or-bust option behind A.J. Brown against the same Seattle defense that suffocated New England in the Super Bowl. Hunter Henry (NE) remains TD-dependent now that Maye has a considerably deeper collection of receiving options. Patriots D/ST draws one of the league’s deepest skill-position groups on the road and doesn’t offer enough turnover upside to justify the risk.

Sleeper(s): AJ Barner (SEA) has enough size and red-zone appeal to turn a handful of targets into a useful fantasy day at fantasy’s thinnest position. Cooper Kupp (SEA) could still manufacture a strong PPR floor underneath if New England prioritizes preventing explosive plays from JSN and Shaheed.

SAN FRANCISCO VS. L.A. RAMS AT MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), Matthew Stafford (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR).

Who to start: Mike Evans (SF) remains a high-end WR2 whenever he’s active because the 49ers didn’t acquire one of the greatest touchdown scorers of his generation to make him a decoy. Rams D/ST face an offense entering Week 1 with important pieces returning from injury and considerable uncertainty surrounding its receiving hierarchy.

Who to sit: Brock Purdy (SF) faces too much uncertainty around his supporting cast to warrant starting him over safer Week 1 quarterback options. George Kittle (SF) is remarkably close to returning from January’s torn Achilles, but an expected snap restriction makes him a boom-or-bust TE1 in Melbourne. Deebo Samuel (SF) is difficult to trust until we see exactly how San Francisco distributes opportunities between him, Evans and its other secondary weapons. De’Zhaun Stribling (SF) remains a stash rather than a starter until his route participation tells us otherwise. 49ers D/ST gets Stafford surrounded by Nacua, Adams and Williams, which is more offensive firepower than I’m willing to stream against. Blake Corum (LAR) remains TD-dependent as long as Williams continues controlling the majority of the Rams’ valuable backfield opportunities.

Sleeper: Terrance Ferguson (LAR) has the athleticism and red-zone profile to become an immediate problem for defenses if Sean McVay gets him involved early.

TAMPA BAY AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Emeka Egbuka (TB), Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN).

Who to start: Baker Mayfield (TB) carries QB1 upside in a matchup with obvious shootout potential and enough receiving talent to keep pace with Burrow. Bucky Irving (TB) should remain the centerpiece of the Buccaneers’ backfield and offers a strong combination of rushing volume and receiving usage. Kenny Gainwell (TB) has flex appeal against a Bengals defense that allowed the most fantasy points and total yards to opposing running backs last season. Chris Godwin Jr. (TB) is healthy, inherits additional opportunity following Mike Evans’ departure and gets a Cincy defense that struggled badly against slot receivers last season.

Who to sit: Jalen McMillan (TB) has to prove he can carve out reliable volume behind Egbuka and Godwin before he belongs in a lineup. Cade Otton (TB) is TD-dependent with Tampa Bay capable of funneling most of Mayfield’s targets through its receivers and running backs. Buccaneers D/ST has the unfortunate assignment of dealing with Burrow, Chase, Higgins and Brown on the road. Samaje Perine (CIN) needs either a touchdown or an unexpected spike in receiving work to matter behind Chase Brown.

Sleeper: Bengals D/ST is a reasonable lottery ticket at home if Cincinnati can force Mayfield into obvious passing situations while playing from ahead.

NEW ORLEANS AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: Chris Olave (NO), Travis Etienne Jr. (NO), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).

Who to start: Juwan Johnson (NO) could become a useful safety valve for Tyler Shough, especially with injuries already removing touches from the Saints offense. Jared Goff (DET) remains one of fantasy’s safest home starts indoors with Gibbs, St. Brown, Jameson Williams and LaPorta surrounding him. Jameson Williams (DET) offers WR2 upside whenever his explosive-play ability is paired with a matchup the Lions should be able to dictate. Lions D/ST draws Shough and a Saints offense entering the opener without Alvin Kamara and first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson.

Who to sit: Alvin Kamara (NO) is expected to miss the opener with an MCL injury, leaving Etienne positioned for the larger workload. Devaughn Vele (NO) doesn’t have enough projected target volume behind Olave and the rest of New Orleans’ passing-game options. Saints D/ST is an easy fade on the road against an offense featuring Gibbs, St. Brown, Williams and LaPorta.

Sleeper: Tyler Shough (NO) has sneaky Superflex appeal because Detroit could force New Orleans into a pass-heavy game script and Shough finished his rookie season playing his best football.

N.Y. JETS AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ).

Who to start: Tony Pollard (TEN) maintains RB2/flex appeal as the veteran most likely to handle early-down volume in Brian Daboll’s rebuilt offense. Tyjae Spears (TEN) offers standalone flex value because his receiving role gives him multiple paths to touches even when Pollard controls more carries. Wan’Dale Robinson (TEN) should quickly become one of Cam Ward’s easiest completions from the slot and has particular appeal in PPR formats. Titans D/ST is a viable streamer at home in a game carrying one of Week 1’s lowest projected scoring environments.

Who to sit: Geno Smith (NYJ) has a modest ceiling in a matchup that projects to favor Hall and the running game more than a high-volume passing attack. Kenyon Sadiq (NYJ) is an exciting long-term piece, but rookie tight ends rarely deserve blind faith before their route participation becomes clear. Adonai Mitchell (NYJ) remains a boom-or-bust option until we know where he sits in the pecking order behind Wilson. Omar Cooper Jr. (NYJ) needs to establish consistent routes and targets before becoming anything more than a bench stash. Braelon Allen (NYJ) remains TD-dependent while Hall is healthy. Jets D/ST has plenty of talent, but I’m taking a wait-and-see approach on the road against Ward and a substantially reworked Titans offense. Cam Ward (TEN) remains more attractive in Superflex than standard formats until Daboll shows us how aggressive the passing game will be. Calvin Ridley (TEN) has week-winning vertical ability, but this isn’t the secondary I want to test with him in Week 1.

Sleeper: Gunnar Helm (TEN) could become Ward’s security blanket underneath and offers enough red-zone size to matter immediately.

BALTIMORE AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND).

Who to start: Mark Andrews (BAL) remains one of Jackson’s most trusted high-leverage targets and carries his usual touchdown upside near the goal line. Ravens D/ST deserves streaming consideration against Daniel Jones because Baltimore should be able to manufacture pressure and turnover opportunities. Josh Downs (IND) remains the Colts receiver I trust most in PPR formats because his short-area role provides the easiest completions for Jones.

Who to sit: Rashod Bateman (BAL) becomes harder to trust with Flowers established atop the hierarchy and Ja’Kobi Lane pushing for immediate opportunities. Justice Hill (BAL) remains a passing-down specialist whose fantasy ceiling disappears whenever Henry monopolizes goal-line work. Daniel Jones (IND) has Superflex utility because of his legs, but Baltimore isn’t the matchup to chase his passing ceiling. Alec Pierce (IND) remains the definition of a boom-or-bust receiver against a secondary designed to limit explosives. Keenan Allen (IND) needs to show he still commands enough targets in a crowded passing attack before earning lineup status. Colts D/ST gets Jackson and Henry, which is enough explanation.

Sleeper: Ja’Kobi Lane (BAL) spent much of the preseason being treated like a legitimate part of Baltimore’s starting offense and has the size to become an immediate red-zone factor.

ATLANTA AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: DK Metcalf (PIT) should command alpha-level targets from Aaron Rodgers and remains one of the league’s premier end-zone weapons. Michael Pittman Jr. (PIT) offers WR3/flex value as the possession complement to Metcalf in an offense that should reward reliable route runners. Jaylen Warren (PIT) has RB2 upside if his receiving role combines with the majority of Pittsburgh’s high-value rushing opportunities.

Who to sit: Tua Tagovailoa (ATL) won the starting job, but his first assignment comes against T.J. Watt and one of fantasy’s safest defenses. Brian Robinson Jr. (ATL) remains TD-dependent as long as Bijan Robinson is healthy and dominating the valuable touches. Zachariah Branch (ATL) has intriguing manufactured-touch potential but needs to establish consistent volume behind London before entering fantasy lineups. Falcons D/ST doesn’t offer enough upside against a veteran quarterback surrounded by Metcalf, Pittman and Warren. Rico Dowdle (PIT) belongs on benches until his share of the backfield behind Warren becomes clearer.

Sleeper(s): Aaron Rodgers (PIT) has streaming appeal at home in Mike McCarthy’s offense with significantly better receiving options than he had at this stage of his career a year ago. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) could benefit immediately from Rodgers’ willingness to attack matchups underneath and in the red zone.

CHICAGO AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Caleb Williams (CHI), D’Andre Swift (CHI), Colston Loveland (CHI), Tetairoa McMillan (CAR).

Who to start: Rome Odunze (CHI) belongs in lineups if active because the Bears have enough vacated receiving volume for him to command a significant target share, although his foot requires monitoring through the weekend. Luther Burden III (CHI) has WR3/flex appeal after the offseason reshuffling of Chicago’s receiver room created a much cleaner path to slot targets. Bears D/ST deserves streaming consideration against Bryce Young and an offense still relying heavily on young skill-position talent. Chuba Hubbard (CAR) remains a volume-driven RB2 as the safest bet to control the Panthers’ early-down and goal-line work. Jalen Coker (CAR) offers sneaky PPR value as the complementary receiver most capable of benefiting when coverage tilts toward McMillan. Darren Waller (CAR) remains a viable TE1 streamer if his role resembles the high-volume receiving work that made him a fantasy difference-maker earlier in his career.

Who to sit: Kyle Monangai (CHI) remains a handcuff while Swift is healthy and is coming off his own knee issue from training camp. Jonathon Brooks (CAR) needs to prove he can command meaningful volume before fantasy managers trust him following his lengthy injury history. Panthers D/ST faces a much deeper Bears offense built around Williams, Swift, Odunze, Burden and Loveland.

Sleeper: Bryce Young (CAR) showed enough progress down the stretch last season to warrant Superflex consideration in a matchup that could force him to throw.

CLEVELAND AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE), Trevor Lawrence (JAC), Jaguars D/ST.

Who to start: Quinshon Judkins (CLE) has RB2 appeal because the Browns should give their most talented runner enough early-down and goal-line work to survive even a difficult matchup. KC Concepcion (CLE) has PPR-friendly upside if Cleveland uses his quickness to manufacture touches and give Deshaun Watson easy throws. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) has flex appeal because his explosiveness gives him a path to fantasy relevance even before the Jaguars’ backfield hierarchy completely settles. Parker Washington (JAC) earned enough work with Jacksonville’s primary personnel during the preseason to give him legitimate WR3/flex appeal. Jakobi Meyers (JAC) remains one of fantasy’s safest boring options because targets tend to follow him wherever he goes.

Who to sit: Deshaun Watson (CLE) hasn’t provided enough consistent passing production to warrant starting outside Superflex formats. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) is coming off a disappointing season and draws a Jacksonville defense that was among the league’s stingiest against perimeter receivers in 2025. Denzel Boston (CLE) is a talented rookie whose target share is too speculative for Week 1. Dylan Sampson (CLE) needs an injury or an unexpectedly large passing-down role to become relevant behind Judkins. Browns D/ST has a difficult assignment against Lawrence in Year 2 of Liam Coen’s offense and a Jacksonville lineup with multiple explosive playmakers. Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) became far more dependent on deep targets once Meyers arrived and now faces a Cleveland secondary that was excellent against perimeter and vertical receivers when healthy last season. Brenton Strange (JAC) is TD-dependent in a passing game with too many receivers capable of commanding targets.

Sleeper: Chris Rodriguez Jr. (JAC) is worth a dart throw because his physical running style could earn him more early-down and short-yardage work than fantasy managers expect.

BUFFALO AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook III (BUF), Nico Collins (HOU), Texans D/ST.

Who to start: DJ Moore (BUF) should immediately command a substantial target share from Allen after the Bills acquired him to give their passing game a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) has a legitimate opportunity to make the leap into the upper tier at tight end if Buffalo increases his high-value targets. David Montgomery (HOU) remains a strong flex with RB2 upside because his physical style makes him the best bet for the Texans’ goal-line work even in a committee. Dalton Schultz (HOU) should benefit from Houston’s willingness to lean into heavier 12- and 13-personnel packages and attack the middle of the field.

Who to sit: Khalil Shakir (BUF) has a less predictable target ceiling now that Moore gives Allen a true alpha receiver. Bills D/ST has enough talent to produce anywhere, but I’m not eager to stream a defense on the road against Collins and an improved Houston supporting cast. CJ Stroud (HOU) remains a better real-life quarterback than Week 1 fantasy option against a Buffalo defense capable of forcing Houston into a controlled, underneath passing game. Woody Marks (HOU) has standalone value, but Montgomery’s presence makes his touch and goal-line shares too uncertain to trust immediately. Jaylin Noel (HOU) may open as a starter, but an unsettled receiver hierarchy behind Collins makes him a wait-and-see fantasy option.

Sleeper: Kayshon Boutte (HOU) has enough vertical talent to eventually emerge as Houston’s No. 2 receiver and only needs one deep connection with Stroud to pay off as a Week 1 lottery ticket.

MIAMI AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Ashton Jeanty (LV).

Who to start: Tre Tucker (LV) enters Week 1 atop the Raiders’ receiver depth chart and has a realistic path to leading the position group in targets. Michael Mayer (LV) is a viable streaming option at fantasy’s thinnest position with Brock Bowers sidelined, creating an immediate opportunity for increased routes and targets in an offense that utilizes its tight ends extensively.

Who to sit: Caleb Douglas (MIA) may technically open as a starter, but asking a rookie receiver in a rebuilt passing game to immediately produce for fantasy is unnecessarily aggressive. Malik Washington (MIA) should see plenty of routes but needs to prove those snaps translate into enough high-value targets to justify starting him. Dolphins D/ST gets Jeanty and an experienced quarterback, which lowers both its floor and turnover ceiling. Kirk Cousins (LV) won the job but provides almost no rushing floor and remains a low-ceiling option until we see how aggressively Las Vegas lets him throw. Mike Washington Jr. (LV) remains one of fantasy’s better handcuffs, but Jeanty’s presence makes him TD-dependent without an injury. Brock Bowers (LV) will miss the opener after undergoing a procedure to repair his injured meniscus and is expected to miss a game or two.

Sleeper(s): Malik Willis (MIA) offers Superflex intrigue because his rushing ability can manufacture fantasy production even if the Dolphins keep the passing game conservative. Greg Dulcich (MIA) could become one of Willis’ easiest targets while Miami breaks in an extremely young receiver room. Jalen Nailor (LV) is listed as a starting receiver and has the vertical speed to turn limited volume into a useful fantasy day.

GREEN BAY AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN).

Who to start: Jordan Love (GB) has QB1 upside in a divisional matchup with enough receiving depth to withstand the Vikings’ pressure packages. Tucker Kraft (GB) remains one of Love’s most dependable middle-of-the-field and red-zone targets. Christian Watson (GB) offers WR2 upside whenever healthy because very few receivers combine his size, speed and downfield opportunity. Matthew Golden (GB) has WR3/flex appeal after another offseason spent strengthening his place in the Packers’ receiving rotation. Jayden Reed (GB) remains the receiver most likely to accumulate easy touches from the slot and on manufactured opportunities. Kyler Murray (MIN) carries a strong fantasy floor because his rushing ability pairs rather nicely with having Jefferson and Jordan Addison available downfield. Jordan Addison (MIN) remains a WR2/3 because defenses simply cannot devote all of their coverage resources to him while Jefferson is on the opposite side. Jordan Mason (MIN) has RB2/flex upside if Minnesota continues giving him the more physical portion of its backfield workload. Vikings D/ST is a defensible start at home because Brian Flores’ pressure packages can create sacks and turnovers even against a talented Packers offense.

Who to sit: MarShawn Lloyd (GB) needs to prove he can finally handle a dependable NFL workload before fantasy managers treat his spot atop the depth chart as gospel. Packers D/ST has the unenviable task of containing Murray without the services of Micah Parsons while simultaneously figuring out how to cover Jefferson. Aaron Jones (MIN) has PPR appeal but becomes difficult to trust if Mason controls more of the early-down and goal-line work. Jauan Jennings (MIN) is a wait-and-see option in a receiver room where Jefferson and Addison already command enormous shares of the passing game.

Sleeper: TJ Hockenson (MIN) has obvious touchdown upside if Green Bay devotes extra coverage to Jefferson and Addison and leaves Murray willing to work the middle of the field.

WASHINGTON AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI).

Who to start: Eagles D/ST remains an elite unit at home and has enough front-seven talent to make Daniels earn every explosive play.

Who to sit: Stefon Diggs (WAS) needs to prove he can command reliable volume alongside McLaurin before returning to automatic-start territory. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) is officially listed atop the Commanders’ depth chart, but the presence of Rachaad White makes his Week 1 snap and receiving shares difficult to project. Rachaad White (WAS) is equally difficult to trust until we know whether he is a true committee partner or primarily a passing-down complement. Commanders D/ST gets Hurts, Barkley, Smith and Goedert on the road, so there are substantially easier streaming targets available. Makai Lemon (PHI) remains buried behind the Eagles’ veteran targets and needs his route participation to increase before he becomes usable. Dontayvion Wicks (PHI) carries big-play ability but enters the season behind Smith and Hollywood Brown on Philadelphia’s depth chart. Tank Bigsby (PHI) is TD-dependent while Barkley is healthy and handling the overwhelming majority of premium backfield touches.

Sleeper: Chig Okonkwo (WAS) opens the season as Washington’s starting tight end and could benefit if Philadelphia’s pass rush forces Daniels toward quick throws underneath.

ARIZONA AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI), Jeremiyah Love (ARI), Justin Herbert (LAC), Omarion Hampton (LAC), Ladd McConkey (LAC).

Who to start: Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) is healthy after an injury-marred 2025 and was commanding a 21.9% target share before last season began unraveling physically. Chargers D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against Jacoby Brissett because Los Angeles should be able to force the Cardinals into obvious passing situations.

Who to sit: Jacoby Brissett (ARI) offers too little rushing upside to justify using him outside Superflex formats against a strong Chargers defense. Michael Wilson (ARI) averaged only an 11.7% target share and 23.4 receiving yards when Harrison was healthy during the relevant portion of last season. Quentin Johnston (LAC) remains boom-or-bust in a passing game where McConkey has established himself as Herbert’s most dependable receiver. Keaton Mitchell (LAC) is unlikely to receive enough touches while Hampton is healthy to matter outside very deep formats. David Njoku (LAC) is difficult to trust until the Chargers show how targets will be divided in their crowded tight end room. Oronde Gadsden (LAC) spent the preseason losing ground in that same tight end competition and belongs on fantasy benches.

Sleeper(s): Tyler Allgeier (ARI) could still steal enough short-yardage and goal-line work from Love to have standalone value in deeper leagues. Charlie Kolar (LAC) emerged from the preseason with the clearest early path to TE1 snaps and could become an inexpensive source of red-zone targets.

DALLAS AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Dak Prescott (DAL), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), George Pickens (DAL), Javonte Williams (DAL), Malik Nabers (NYG).

Who to start: Jake Ferguson (DAL) remains a borderline TE1 because Lamb and Pickens should create plenty of space for him in the middle of the field and near the goal line. Jaxson Dart (NYG) has legitimate QB1 upside in deeper formats because his rushing ability raises his floor whenever the passing game stalls. Cam Skattebo (NYG) has RB2/flex appeal if the Giants continue giving him the physical early-down and high-value work he was drafted to handle. Isaiah Likely (NYG) has enough athleticism to create mismatches from the slot and detached alignments rather than functioning like a traditional low-volume tight end.

Who to sit: Najee Harris (NYG) becomes TD-dependent if Skattebo handles the majority of the Giants’ early-down work. Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) needs to show he still commands consistent routes and targets before nostalgia starts setting fantasy lineups. Giants D/ST gets Prescott throwing to Lamb, Pickens and Ferguson behind an offense with multiple ways to punish aggressive coverage.

Sleeper(s): Cowboys D/ST has streaming appeal against a young quarterback whose aggressiveness and willingness to extend plays can also create sacks and turnovers. Malachi Fields (NYG) has the size to become a useful boundary and red-zone complement if Dallas devotes extra attention to Nabers.

DENVER AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Jaylen Waddle (DEN), Broncos D/ST, Kenneth Walker III (KC), Rashee Rice (KC).

Who to start: Bo Nix (DEN) has developed into a trustworthy fantasy starter because his rushing production provides a floor even when Denver struggles to generate explosive passes. Courtland Sutton (DEN) remains Nix’s most dependable contested-catch and red-zone option and belongs in the WR2/3 conversation. JK Dobbins (DEN) has RB2/flex appeal as the veteran most likely to receive the Broncos’ first opportunity to control early-down and goal-line touches. Patrick Mahomes (KC) is expected to make a remarkable Week 1 return from the ACL and LCL tears he suffered nine months ago, and you aren’t benching him if Andy Reid clears him to start. Travis Kelce (KC) remains a TE1 because Mahomes’ return should immediately restore his opportunities in the middle of the field and near the goal line.

Who to sit: RJ Harvey (DEN) has standalone upside but needs the backfield split with Dobbins to become clearer before he belongs in standard starting lineups. Jonah Coleman (DEN) remains one injury away from becoming interesting but is currently competing for touches behind both Dobbins and Harvey. Xavier Worthy (KC) has week-winning speed, but Rice’s return and Denver’s secondary make this a poor spot to chase a low-volume deep threat.

Sleeper: Emmett Johnson (KC) enters the season as an intriguing complement to Walker and could carve out passing-down work quickly enough to become useful in deeper PPR leagues.