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Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: week 1
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Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: week 1

Photo: Patrick Breen, Arizona Republic

Start them

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals bee Buffalo Bills: Many fantasy managers may be concerned about the fact that the Cardinals are the second-biggest underdogs on the Week 1 slate. Some fear that Arizona will get outplayed, especially against a Bills pass defense that has allowed just 3,676 yards and the second-fewest passing touchdowns (18) in the NFL in 2023. However, all indications are that Murray is officially back to his pre-injury speed, making him a legitimate QB1 in all fantasy formats regardless of the matchup.

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams bee Detroit Lions: Despite some personnel changes on both sides since January, Stafford will play his second straight game in Detroit, his old home base. In the NFC Wild Card game, Stafford completed 25 of 36 passes for 367 yards, two TDs and no INTs. He was excited about the return, and he should be excited for the rematch after a narrow 24-23 win in the postseason. He also has all-around RB Kyren Williams in the backfield, with rookie RB Blake Corum as a change-of-pace guy. WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are also at his disposal. The former Lions signal-caller would have to put up screaming numbers in Week 1 to top projections.


Photo: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Sit down

Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets bee San Francisco 49ers: In Week 1 of last season, on a Monday night, Rodgers lasted just four snaps before tearing his Achilles tendon. It was a rocky start, as all of the Jets’ plans for the future Hall of Famer were put on hold. It’s been a tough 12 months, but Gang Green fans and fantasy managers alike are ready to see what the 40-year-old can do. But it’s a tall order to face a tough 49ers defense in a season opener. San Francisco’s pass D tied an NFL high with 22 INTs a season ago.

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears in return for Tennessee Titans: The Bears drafted Williams No. 1 overall and are ready to see what the shiny new toy can do in his first meaningful game. Fantasy managers shouldn’t be so optimistic, as the fringe QB1 has a tough matchup to begin with. The Titans recorded an NFL-low six INTs in 2023, so that’s good news. But they also allowed just 20 passing scores, which was tied for the fourth-fewest in the NFL, and they’ve improved their secondary. Where Williams could shine is in the running game, as Tennessee struggled in that department a season ago.