The start of the NFL season brings with it the excitement of fantasy football. Making the right decisions about which wide receivers to start or sit can be the difference between winning and losing. This article provides expert advice to help you navigate those tough Week 1 lineup choices. We’ll delve into seven key wide receivers, highlighting their potential based on matchups, team dynamics, and recent performance. Get ready to optimize your roster and dominate your fantasy league!
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Week 1 WRs
For fantasy football enthusiasts, Week 1 is a crucial time to set the tone for the rest of the season. Identifying which wide receivers are poised to perform well can give you a significant advantage. In this section, we’ll explore four WRs who are set up for success in their opening matchups.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Xavier Worthy is positioned to be the primary receiver in the Chiefs’ offense for the first six weeks due to Juju Smith-Schuster’s suspension. While this alone isn’t a reason to start him, it’s a significant boost for the second-year player. Worthy’s quarterback will benefit from an improved offensive line, aiming to reduce the sack count from last season. The Chiefs face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, who had a pass-rush win rate of 37% (22nd in the NFL) last year. Additionally, the Chargers have multiple cornerbacks with low coverage grades from 2024, according to Pro Football Focus, making Worthy a strong start ’em candidate.
Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders
While Terry McLaurin is an obvious start, Curtis Samuel presents an intriguing option as the Commanders’ No. 2 receiver. Playing against the New York Giants in Week 1 offers a favorable matchup. The Giants have a definitive lead cornerback in Adoree’ Jackson, but uncertainty behind him. With Giants cornerbacks competing for a starting spot and Jackson grading poorly in coverage last year, Samuel, who excels in run-after-catch situations, could thrive. Furthermore, the Giants’ cornerbacks struggled in run coverage last year, which enhances Samuel’s potential in hybrid roles.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals
Despite a somewhat underwhelming rookie season, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s fantasy outlook for 2025 is bright. Training camp reports indicate Harrison has been outstanding, and he remains the Cardinals’ primary receiver. Harrison faces the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, a team that traded away a starting cornerback last season and let Adebo go to the Giants in free agency. The Saints ranked fourth in fantasy points allowed to receivers in 2024. New Orleans’ starting corners include Paulson Adebo, who was the single worst cover corner by PFF grade in 2024. Harrison is poised for a significant Week 1 performance.
Trevor Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ plans for Trevor Hunter on defense are unclear, but he’s currently listed as a starting wideout. While Christian Kirk is the obvious start for the Jaguars, Hunter is also a viable option given his Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers ranked near the bottom in several defensive categories last year, including eighth-worst in fantasy points allowed to receivers and second-worst in dropback EPA allowed. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has reported good chemistry with Hunter, and coach Liam Coen intends to utilize his skills primarily on offense. Hunter could capitalize on the Panthers’ lackluster passing defense.
Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Week 1 WRs
On the flip side, some wide receivers face challenging matchups or uncertain situations heading into Week 1. Here are three WRs you might want to consider benching for the opening week.
George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys
George Pickens may have a strong year with the Cowboys, but Week 1 presents a tough start against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles were among the best in pass coverage in 2024, allowing the fewest average passing yards per game and ranking third-fewest in EPA allowed on dropbacks. Their cornerbacks were among the best in the league. This makes for a difficult matchup for Pickens, who is the Cowboys’ No. 2 receiver. Adding to the challenge, quarterback Dak Prescott will be making his first start since a hamstring injury and working with a new offensive play-caller.
Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
While Amon-Ra St. Brown is a must-start for the Lions, Jameson Williams is a less appealing option for fantasy teams this week. The Lions face the Green Bay Packers in their first game, a team that ranks highly in passing defense. The Packers allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per week to receivers last year and ranked fourth in dropback EPA allowed. Although Green Bay has new starting cornerbacks, they have a strong safety in Xavier McKinney and added pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney. The Lions also lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, making it hard to have confidence in Williams’ Week 1 performance.
Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams face one of the toughest defenses in the NFL when they host the Houston Texans in Week 1. Houston’s defensive secondary, including starting cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Tavierre Thomas, along with safety Jalen Pitre, is among the league’s best. The pass-rush attack of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter makes the Texans’ defense even more formidable. Adding to Adams’ challenges, he’s playing with a veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford, whose health is uncertain. It’s best to wait and see on Adams, given his age, new system, and the tough Week 1 matchup.
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Ems, Week 1
Making informed decisions about your wide receiver lineup is critical for a successful start to your fantasy football season. By considering matchups, team dynamics, and individual player situations, you can optimize your roster and gain a competitive edge. Remember to stay updated on any last-minute news or injuries that could impact your start/sit decisions. Good luck in Week 1!
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