Who to Start in Week 1: Expert Picks and Analysis

2021-05-20

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Who to Start in Week 1: Expert Picks and Analysis

The 2023 NFL season is finally here, and fantasy football enthusiasts are eagerly preparing their lineups for Week 1. With so many talented players to choose from, making the right lineup decisions can be a daunting task. To help you out, our experts have compiled a list of players who they believe are must-starts for Week 1.

These players have a combination of talent, opportunity, and matchup that make them great options for your starting lineup. We'll also provide some analysis and insights to help you understand why these players are worth starting.

Before we get into the specific player recommendations, let's take a quick look at some general tips for setting your Week 1 lineup:

Who to Start Week 1

Choosing the right players for your lineup is crucial for a successful start to your fantasy football season.

Target high-upside players.
Prioritize players with favorable matchups.
Consider players in high-scoring offenses.
Don't overthink it; trust your gut.
Monitor injury reports and late-breaking news.
Stay flexible and be ready to make changes.
Don't be afraid to take risks.

Remember, fantasy football is a game of skill and luck. Even the best experts can't predict every player's performance. The key is to make informed decisions based on the available information and hope for the best.

Target high-upside players.

When setting your Week 1 lineup, it's important to target players who have the potential for a big game. These are players who are capable of putting up big numbers in a variety of ways. They may be explosive playmakers, consistent producers, or players who are in line for a big workload.

Elite talent: Look for players who are considered to be among the best at their position. These players have the skills and talent to dominate their opponents and put up big numbers on a consistent basis.
Favorable matchup: Even elite players can struggle against tough matchups. When targeting high-upside players, try to find players who have favorable matchups in Week 1. This could mean playing against a weak defense or a team that is likely to give up a lot of points.
High-scoring offense: Players who are part of high-scoring offenses are more likely to put up big numbers. Look for players who are on teams that are expected to score a lot of points in Week 1.
Injury replacements: If a team is missing a key player due to injury, the player who replaces them could be in line for a big game. These players may not be as talented as the players they are replacing, but they could have a chance to produce if they are given the opportunity.

Targeting high-upside players can be a risky strategy, but it can also be very rewarding. If you can identify the right players, you could have a huge advantage over your opponents in Week 1.

Prioritize players with favorable matchups.

One of the most important factors to consider when setting your Week 1 lineup is the matchup. Some players have much better matchups than others, and these players are more likely to put up big numbers. Here are a few things to look for when evaluating matchups:

Weak opposing defense: Look for players who are playing against a weak opposing defense. This could be a defense that is ranked low in terms of fantasy points allowed, or a defense that is missing key players due to injury.
Favorable game script: Some games are more likely to be high-scoring than others. For example, a game between two high-powered offenses is more likely to be high-scoring than a game between two run-heavy teams. Try to target players who are in games that are expected to be high-scoring.
Home field advantage: Players who are playing at home tend to perform better than players who are playing on the road. This is because they are more comfortable in their own stadium and they have the support of their home crowd.
Recent performance: When evaluating matchups, it's also important to consider a player's recent performance. If a player has been playing well in recent weeks, they are more likely to continue playing well in Week 1.

By prioritizing players with favorable matchups, you can increase your chances of starting players who will put up big numbers in Week 1.

Consider players in high-scoring offenses.

Another important factor to consider when setting your Week 1 lineup is the player's offensive firepower. Players who are on high-scoring offenses are more likely to put up big numbers, simply because they have more opportunities to score points. Here are a few things to look for when evaluating a team's offense:

Pass-happy offense: Pass-happy offenses tend to produce more fantasy points than run-heavy offenses. This is because quarterbacks and receivers have more opportunities to put up big numbers in passing offenses.
Offensive line: A strong offensive line is essential for any high-scoring offense. A good offensive line will give the quarterback time to pass and will open up running lanes for the running backs.
Weapons: The more weapons an offense has, the better. This means having a variety of talented receivers, running backs, and tight ends. The more weapons an offense has, the more difficult it is for defenses to stop them.
Coaching: A good coaching staff can make a big difference in an offense's production. Look for teams with offensive-minded head coaches and coordinators who know how to scheme their players open and put them in position to succeed.

By considering players in high-scoring offenses, you can increase your chances of starting players who will put up big numbers in Week 1.

Don't overthink it; trust your gut.

At the end of the day, fantasy football is a game of instinct. You can spend hours poring over stats and matchups, but sometimes the best decision is to simply trust your gut. If you have a player that you really believe in, don't be afraid to start them, even if they don't have the most favorable matchup on paper.

Go with your gut: Sometimes, the best decision is to simply go with your gut feeling. If you have a player that you really believe in, don't be afraid to start them, even if they don't have the most favorable matchup on paper.
Don't overcomplicate things: Fantasy football is a complex game, but it's important to not overcomplicate things. Sometimes, the simplest decision is the best decision. If you're not sure who to start, just go with the player who has the best matchup.
Trust your research: If you've done your research and you're confident in your player picks, then trust your gut and start them. Don't let second-guessing yourself cost you a win.
Be decisive: Don't wait until the last minute to make your lineup decisions. The sooner you set your lineup, the less time you'll have to second-guess yourself.

Remember, fantasy football is a game of luck as well as skill. Sometimes, the best players don't perform up to expectations. Don't be afraid to make bold decisions and trust your gut. You might just be surprised at the results.

Monitor injury reports and late-breaking news.

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for Week 1 is to monitor injury reports and late-breaking news. Injuries can happen at any time, and they can have a big impact on your fantasy lineup. For example, if a starting running back gets injured, his backup could become a valuable fantasy asset overnight.

There are a few different ways to stay up-to-date on injury news. You can check the official websites of your fantasy football league and your favorite fantasy football news outlets. You can also follow fantasy football experts on social media. By staying informed, you can make sure that you're not caught off guard by any late-breaking injuries.

In addition to injury reports, you should also keep an eye on late-breaking news. This could include things like weather reports, lineup changes, and coaching decisions. For example, if a game is expected to be played in bad weather, the running backs could be in line for a big day. Or, if a team decides to start a rookie quarterback, the wide receivers could be in line for more targets.

By monitoring injury reports and late-breaking news, you can make sure that you're making the best possible lineup decisions for Week 1.

Here are some tips for monitoring injury reports and late-breaking news:

Check the official websites of your fantasy football league and your favorite fantasy football news outlets regularly.
Follow fantasy football experts on social media.
Set up alerts for your favorite players so that you're notified if they are injured or if there is any other news about them.
Be prepared to make changes to your lineup at the last minute if necessary.

Stay flexible and be ready to make changes.

Things don't always go according to plan in fantasy football. Players get injured, games get postponed, and unexpected things happen. That's why it's important to stay flexible and be ready to make changes to your lineup throughout the season. Here are a few tips for staying flexible:

Monitor the waiver wire: The waiver wire is a great place to find players who are suddenly available due to injury or other circumstances. Be prepared to drop a player from your team if you see a better option on the waiver wire.
Be willing to make trades: Trading is another great way to improve your team. If you have a player who is underperforming, you can try to trade them for a player who is performing better. You can also trade players to fill holes in your lineup.
Don't be afraid to bench players: Sometimes, you have to make the tough decision to bench a player who is not performing up to expectations. This can be a difficult decision, but it's important to remember that you're only hurting yourself if you keep starting a player who is not producing.
Be prepared to make lineup changes at the last minute: Things can change quickly in fantasy football. If a player is injured or if there is a late-breaking news story, you may need to make changes to your lineup at the last minute. Be prepared to do this if necessary.

By staying flexible and being ready to make changes, you can give yourself the best chance of winning your fantasy football league.

Don't be afraid to take risks.

Fantasy football is a game of risk and reward. If you want to win your league, you have to be willing to take some risks. This means starting players who have a high upside, even if they also have a high risk of busting. Here are a few tips for taking risks in fantasy football:

Target players with high upside: When you're setting your lineup, don't just focus on the safe picks. Be willing to take a chance on players who have the potential to put up big numbers. These players may be unproven rookies or players who are coming off of an injury. But if you're right about their potential, you could be rewarded with a huge performance.
Don't be afraid to start players against tough matchups: Sometimes, the best way to win is to start players who have tough matchups. This is because these players are often overlooked by other fantasy owners. If you're confident that a player can overcome their tough matchup, you could have a big advantage over your opponents.
Be willing to make bold lineup changes: If you're not happy with your team's performance, don't be afraid to make some bold lineup changes. This could mean benching a star player who is not producing or starting a player who is a long shot to have a big game. If you're right about your changes, you could turn your season around.
Trust your gut: Sometimes, the best decision is to simply trust your gut. If you have a player that you really believe in, start them, even if they don't have the most favorable matchup on paper. You might just be surprised at the results.

Remember, fantasy football is a game. Have fun and don't be afraid to take some risks. You might just be surprised at the results.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about setting your lineup for Week 1 of the fantasy football season:

Question 1: Who should I start in my flex position?
Answer: The flex position is a great place to start a player who has a high upside, even if they have a tough matchup. You could also start a player who is coming off of an injury or a player who is a long shot to have a big game.

Question 2: Should I start a rookie player in Week 1?
Answer: Rookie players can be a great value in fantasy football, but they can also be risky. If you're starting a rookie player in Week 1, make sure that they have a favorable matchup and that they are getting a lot of playing time.

Question 3: What do I do if a player on my team is injured?
Answer: If a player on your team is injured, you should immediately check the waiver wire to see if there are any good replacement options available. You can also try trading for a player who is healthy and has a favorable matchup.

Question 4: How do I decide which players to bench?
Answer: When you're deciding which players to bench, you should consider their matchup, their recent performance, and their overall upside. You should also consider the strength of your opponent's team. If you're playing against a strong team, you may need to bench some of your weaker players.

Question 5: What is the best way to prepare for Week 1?
Answer: The best way to prepare for Week 1 is to do your research. Read fantasy football news and analysis, and pay attention to injury reports. You should also make sure that you have a good understanding of the matchups for each player on your team.

Question 6: What should I do if I'm not happy with my team's performance?
Answer: If you're not happy with your team's performance, you can make some changes to your lineup. You can also try trading for some new players. If you're still not happy with your team's performance, you can always drop them and start over.

Now that you know how to set your lineup for Week 1, here are a few tips to help you win your fantasy football league:

Tips

Here are a few practical tips to help you win your fantasy football league:

Tip 1: Do your research.
The key to success in fantasy football is to do your research. This means reading fantasy football news and analysis, and paying attention to injury reports. You should also make sure that you have a good understanding of the matchups for each player on your team.

Tip 2: Be flexible.
Things don't always go according to plan in fantasy football. Players get injured, games get postponed, and unexpected things happen. That's why it's important to be flexible and be ready to make changes to your lineup throughout the season.

Tip 3: Don't be afraid to take risks.
Fantasy football is a game of risk and reward. If you want to win your league, you have to be willing to take some risks. This means starting players who have a high upside, even if they also have a high risk of busting.

Tip 4: Trust your gut.
Sometimes, the best decision is to simply trust your gut. If you have a player that you really believe in, start them, even if they don't have the most favorable matchup on paper. You might just be surprised at the results.

Remember, fantasy football is a game. Have fun and don't take it too seriously. The most important thing is to enjoy the competition and the camaraderie with your friends.

Now that you know how to set your lineup and how to win your fantasy football league, it's time to put your knowledge to the test. Good luck!

Conclusion

In this article, we've discussed some of the most important things to consider when setting your lineup for Week 1 of the fantasy football season. We've talked about targeting players with high upside, prioritizing players with favorable matchups, considering players in high-scoring offenses, and not overthinking it and trusting your gut. We've also discussed the importance of staying flexible and being ready to make changes, and the importance of not being afraid to take risks.

Ultimately, the best way to set your lineup for Week 1 is to do your research and make informed decisions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the best lineup for you will depend on your specific team and your league's scoring settings. But by following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of starting the season off on the right foot.