The Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints are set to kick off their seasons this weekend. For many fantasy football managers, the matchup will make or break their week. As such, expect plenty to ride on picking the right players to start in the contest.
Here’s a look at some of the players to start and sit, including starters such as Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams. You should consider sitting Devaughn Vele and Isaac TeSlaa as well.
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Detroit Lions Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ’em picks
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Amon-Ra St. Brown
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a set-and-forget wide receiver. No matter your roster, you need to find a place to play the Detroit Lions receiver. Brown is one of the three biggest pieces to the Lions’ offense.
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Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs was drafted first overall in many leagues. As such, managers should remove any doubt and lean into the pick. Gibbs is a bona fide RB1. The only risk for Gibbs would be if Detroit implodes and needs a big comeback in the second half.
Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, which makes him a prime candidate to start against the Saints. Don’t consider him a WR1, but instead a WR2.
New Orleans Saints Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ’em picks
Tyler Shough
Tyler Shough is heading into the game with the chance to announce his arrival in spades. After a strong rookie outing, he should be focused enough to deliver a solid performance.
Chris Olave
The Saints are expected to trail in the contest, which will offer plenty of opportunities for Chris Olave to see targets. Olave has the talent to separate, so trust him more than any other receiver in New Orleans this week.
Travis Etienne Jr.
Travis Etienne Jr. should see plenty of work as the team’s flashy offseason addition. Etienne earned 1,000 yards on the ground last year, so expect a similar pace in the contest.
Detroit Lions Week 1 Fantasy Football Sit ’em picks
Isaac TeSlaa
Isaac TeSlaa has shown the ability to provide a few highlights on occasion. However, the receiver is not the most relevant receiver when it comes to fantasy football. As such, managers should skip him for now.
Sione Vaki
Alvin Kamara’s reliability has been a question for years, which might steer fans toward Sione Vaki. However, Jahmyr Gibbs is so reliable that Dan Campbell will be hesitant to lean on Vaki over Gibbs.
Tom Kennedy
Tom Kennedy is a depth receiver for the Detroit Lions. As such, he should not be relied upon in any fantasy football context. Plenty of receivers on the waiver wire would be better options than Kennedy.
New Orleans Saints Week 1 Fantasy Football Sit ’em picks
Devaughn Vele
Devaughn Vele has clutch hands. However, he has not proven to be able to explode in games. Tyler Shough will likely prioritize Chris Olave over Vele, leaving all but the most desperate managers to consider him as a serious starting option.
Noah Fant
Noah Fant has shown speed in his career, but the tight end has struggled to live up to his potential. As a backup tight end, managers should steer clear.
Kendre Miller
Kendre Miller saw some looks in fantasy football last season, but with Travis Etienne Jr. on the roster, don’t expect Miller to get a similar workload this season.
Edited by Ian Van Roy
