The wait is finally over. Time to crack that beverage of choice open and sit on the couch every Sunday all the way through January. Football is here! It’s the beginning of the season and the possibilities are endless. I’m here once again to help guide you to another successful season and hopefully some of us can end up on top this year. Let’s dive into our week one starts and sits for the 2023 season.
Starts
QB- Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (Ten)
The veteran quarterback has the perfect opportunity to shine in his debut with his new team. He is matched up against the Titans Defense who gave up the most fantasy points to WRs last season. The Titans also gave up the most passing yards in the league. With Michal Thomas healthy and ready to go, and a year-two Chris Olave, the pair are going to cause matchup problems all season, which gives Carr every opportunity to start the season off right. Look for the Saints to feast at home and Carr to be a viable fantasy option Week 1.
RB- JK Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens (@Hou)
Speaking of great matchups to start the season, JK Dobbins starts the year off against a Houston defense who allowed just under three thousand yards on the ground in 2022. He is the clear RB1 option in Baltimore and is a must start Week 1. In his last 4 appearances, Dobbins has averaged 15 carries for an eye-popping 7 yards per touch. Look for the former 2nd round pick to establish a nice tone for the season in Week 1.
WR- Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Min)
This is a contract year for the 30 year old and I expect him to start out with a bang. Regardless of who is under center, Evans has had an astonishing nine straight 1,000 yard seasons. How far of a drop off from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield remains to be seen. Bottom line is Mike Evans is a borderline Hall of Fame receiver and he gets a beautiful matchup Week 1 against a Vikings secondary who allowed over 4500 passing yards in 2022. Start the 4 time Pro Bowler Week 1 in a possible shoot out.
TE- Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams (@Sea)
The Veteran Higbee was a top ten fantasy tight end last season and he is in position to start off hot. With the status of Cooper Kupp still in the air, Higbee is prepped for a large target share. Coming off a season where he saw 5 or more targets in 11 games, he will be the number two target behind Kupp on a team light on playmakers. He’s a solid TE1 Week 1, especially as long as Kupp is banged up.
Defense- Washington Commanders (Ari)
I don’t think you will find a better matchup than what the Commanders have at home Week 1. Not to mention the new owner and the actual fan base showing up. This was an actual good defense last season. Ranked 4th in total yards and a top ten ranking in fantasy, Washington looks to keep the momentum going. It does help when the opposing team is not only without their starting QB, but also without a sense of direction. Washington is poised to be a top 5 defense after week one’s festivities.
Sits
QB-Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets (Buf)
The future Hall of Fame quarterback starts off the year on the sit list. Shouldn’t be that much of a surprise. He’s on a new team in a matchup against a good Buffalo defense who allowed a TD-INT ratio of 21:17 last season. Rodgers is also coming off mediocre play last season with only one passing TD in each of his last five games. Rodgers might be great in his new shade of green, but you should wait and see.
RB- Dameon Pierce Houston Texans ( @ Bal)
Second year RB Pierce is coming off a stellar rookie season and is primed to be a solid RB2 all season. That being said I don’t trust him Week 1. Going into Baltimore to play a defense who allowed the 3rd fewest yards per carry (3.9) in 2022. Pierce was held to under 40 yards and zero TDs four times last season. Look for a possible bust Week 1 and keep him on your bench.
WR- DJ Moore, Chicago bears ( GB)
Former Panther DJ Moore is another guy in a new uniform primed for a breakout year. Being the clear number 1 in an offense that is going to be fun to watch this season. I just don’t like the matchup with the Packers defense, who allowed the 6th fewest air yards in 2022. Justin Fields has taken strides but he only topped 200 yards passing twice last season. I think this is another wait and see. The possibility of being shadowed by Jaire Alexander is enough to consider benching him.
TE- Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (@NO)
The second year tight end has a little buzz this season with the position being so lackluster in 2022. With Austin Hooper leaving, he is the firm number one tight end option on a solid offense. Once again, I think he is a wait and see. The addition of DeAndre Hopkins is my biggest concern. With the heavy focus on the run and a few weapons at WR I don’t see Okonkwo's target share being too large. Keep him on the bench this week but keep an eye on him.
Defense- Miami Dolphins (@LAC)
The Dolphins have a lot of hype this season. Owned in 86% of leagues so people will be playing them Week 1. I would suggest a different direction. With their new addition Jalen Ramsey out until December the secondary still has some holes. Last year allowing a 27:8 touchdown to interception ratio. I see primed MVP candidate, Justin Herbert, lighting it up Week 1. The Dolphins defense might make some plays but I see this one being a shoot out. Keep them on the bench.
