You have lineup questions, we have lineup answers -- at least we hope so. Start 'Em, Sit 'Em is here to help fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. And you know what is a good move? Starting Ja'Marr Chase. But that's too obvious, so you won't see such simple analysis here. Instead, we're exploring more debatable situations. And if you can't find a player you are looking for, please check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings.
NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
In Week 1, the two-way star primarily played receiver, logging just six snaps at defensive back. Meanwhile, he was in the game for 62 percent of the offensive snaps, recording team highs in targets (8) and receptions (6). He was the first read on 28 percent of passes -- the same amount as Brian Thomas Jr., per Fantasy Points. There was production left on the field, but that was more on Hunter's quarterback than him. I also believe that opening effort ultimately will prove to be more of a floor game for the explosive Heisman Trophy winner. The Bengals not only give up a lot of production, but they score a bunch when their offense is right. The Jags could be in pure catch-up mode. I am still trusting Hunter where I have him.
Both George Kittle (now on injured reserve with a hamstring issue) and Jauan Jennings (whose shoulder injury doesn't appear to be serious) were banged up in Week 1. That left Pearsall and Christian McCaffrey as San Francisco's passing attack. Pearsall turned seven targets into 108 yards. He was one of three receivers with multiple end zone targets and 100-plus air yards in Week 1. He could be the 49ers' top receiver again this week in a fantastic matchup against New Orleans. The Saints gave up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to WRs last season and just allowed Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. to carve them up in one of the most efficient games the duo has ever enjoyed. I obviously like Pearsall more with Brock Purdy under center, but even if Mac Jones has to fill in as an injury replacement, volume and the matchup keep Ricky in play.
I had high hopes for Coleman entering the season. I did not think he would click as quickly as he did. Against a tough Ravens secondary, he led the Bills in routes (44), targets (11), catches (9) and receiving yards (112) while also notching one of Buffalo's two receiving touchdowns. He was one of three receivers with multiple end zone targets and 100-plus air yards in Week 1 -- and was the first read on 35 percent of passes, per Fantasy Points. Coleman received rave reviews all summer and looked like a completely different player in Week 1 than we saw in 2024. It is clear that he has earned Josh Allen's trust in Year 2. Plus, he bounced from side to side last week, so he won't see Sauce Gardner every snap against the Jets. I am willing to trust the No. 1 passing option in one of the best offenses in football.
Hope you trusted the rookie in Week 1, as he scored two touchdowns and finished with 23.6 fantasy points. Egbuka led Bucs receivers with 93 percent of the snaps and was their No. 2 target behind Mike Evans. He saw the most snaps out of the slot for Tampa Bay, which is a role that has generated a lot of fantasy value in recent years. The Texans allowed the third-most yards to receivers -- and the most yards to slot receivers -- in Week 1. Egbuka may be a rookie, but he is performing such a valuable job in an offense that has been very fantasy friendly in recent years. Due to that, I would keep starting him.
OPTIONS FOR 12-TEAM LEAGUES
Week 1 was rough for Ridley, as he saw a team-high eight targets ... but finished with just four catches for 27 yards. We can give him a pass, as he faced the Broncos and had Pat Surtain II lined up opposite of him on 82 percent of his snaps, per Next Gen Stats. Despite that, Ridley created the most separation of Titans receivers. The target volume is what I care about.
With Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy hurt early in Week 1, "Hollywood" saw a league-high 16 targets, finishing with 19.9 fantasy points. The Chiefs are going to have to put up points this week, and the Eagles are extremely tough against the run and tight ends. Brown should once again see a lot of volume go his way. That has him in play.
Allen saw a team-high 10 targets, turning them into nearly 20 fantasy points. Do not forget that the veteran racked up 150 targets and 1,243 yards with Justin Herbert throwing him the ball in 2023. Allen was the WR3 in fantasy PPG that season. There is clear trust there, which keeps the 33-year-old in play.
Sit 'Em
It is getting late early in Miami. Tua Tagovailoa threw for just 114 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against the Colts in Week 1. That led to Waddle seeing just five targets, finishing with four catches for 30 yards. It was his 11th time having fewer than 50 receiving yards in his last 15 games. He's topped 60 yards just twice in that span. Oh, and he has just six touchdowns in his last 30 regular season games. Waddle is a very talented wide receiver, but we cannot allow ourselves to be fooled by this again. He had mixed results against the Patriots last year, but the big games have been too few and far between.
The Browns spread the ball around in Week 1, with four different players seeing at least eight targets. Jeudy was one of them, but this shows he may have more target competition than previously anticipated. Baltimore's defense struggled last week, but reigning MVP Josh Allen had a lot to do with that. The Ravens' secondary was vastly improved down the stretch last year, and CB Nate Wiggins looks ready to take another step forward in Year 2. The Browns will face an angry Ravens team on the road, and as we saw last week, these AFC North matchups can be ugly and low scoring. Coming off the first Pro Bowl campaign of his career, Jeudy is not a must-sit in Week 2, but if you have another option you like, I would take it.
I had Pittman as a sit last week and he went for 20 fantasy points against Miami. My bad. But that won't stop me from doubling down on the doubt! The Colts go from one of the most favorable secondaries for receivers to match up against to one of the toughest. No Titan reached 30 receiving yards last week against the Broncos. Even more scary for Pittman? Pat Surtain II shadowed Calvin Ridley, playing 82 percent of the snaps on him. I would expect we will see a similar approach with Pittman. Week 1 was fun, but it often proves to be a liar. I am not trusting Daniel Jones against this secondary. That means I am not trusting Pittman.
In Week 1, Kupp saw just three targets, as Seattle's passing attack ran through Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Perhaps that was just a one-week thing, but until we see otherwise, it is too difficult to trust the 32-year-old. Additionally, Sam Darnold had a lower passer rating in Week 1 than in all but four regular-season games with the Vikings last season. It's early, but I am very worried about this Seahawks offense. I would start JSN and avoid the rest of the passing attack.
Reed caught a touchdown in Week 1 to salvage his day. The usage, though, is concerning. He ran just 12 routes and saw five targets. Reed was fourth in snaps among receivers on his own team, playing just 38 percent. Golden played more snaps (47 percent), but he saw just two targets. With Romeo Doubs leading the way in snaps and Dontayvion Wicks still having a role, it is too difficult to trust any of Green Bay's receivers.
