Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 1: 5 Best Matchups to Exploit

With Week 1 of the NFL season nearly upon us, it's time to make the decisions that every fantasy owner inevitably has to deal with. That decision being who's going to start and who's going to sit, which is largely determined by the matchups for that week. 

There are obviously players that are going to start no matter what, like Aaron Rodgers, Megatron, etc. But where fantasy leagues are won and lost is if you make the correct choices on a week-by-week basis on who's going to fill out your starting roster. 

So, here are five players, who while they aren't necessarily every-week starters, have appealing matchups in Week 1 and should start for your team. 

1. Titus Young

Titus Young is a very talented receiver who is largely overlooked in Detroit, mostly due to the fact that the WR who plays opposite him goes by the name of Calvin Johnson. However, if you need a flex player in Week 1, your search should stop if Titus Young is on your roster. 

Young's matched up against St. Louis, who does have two talented corners in Cortland Finnegan and Janorice Jenkins. But the rest of the defense is relatively weak, and Young is going to see a ton of targets since Johnson will be double-teamed throughout the game and Nate Burleson will be covered by their next best DB. 

And with the backfield of the Lions banged up, they're going to be airing it out non-stop. Look for Young to have a solid game. 

2. Nate Washington

Nate Washington's going to be the No. 1 WR in the opening game for the Titans, since Kenny Britt is suspended for Week 1. He's looked strong during the preseason and could be poised for a breakout year. But in the scope of this week's sit 'em start 'em, Washington is a definite start. 

He's matched up against the Patriots, whose pass defense is about as porous as it gets. Dan Orlovsky was able to pick them apart last year, which shows you how vulnerable they can be. Washington should have a really good game, and could even surpass 100 yards. 

If he isn't starting for you right now, he should be. 

3. Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola's frequently described as a poor man's Wes Welker. Well, he's got a shot to do his best impression of Welker in Week 1 when he matches up against the Lions' defense. The Lions have a great pass rush, but they're secondary isn't that strong, which should greatly benefit Amendola. 

Sam Bradford's going to be looking to bounce back from last year's letdown with a strong opening performance, and Amendola's going to be his top target. And with a bad defense across from them, they should both have a nice day on Sunday. 

4. Rashad Jennings

This could turn out to be a disastrous choice, but if you're desperate for a W/R flex option, then Rashard Jennings is a viable starter. With MJD expected to only play on third downs, Jennings should get the bulk of the carries, probably between 14-18 by game's end.

Jennings is a solid player and will look to show what he's got, as this will likely be his only chance to touch the ball on a consistent basis this season. The Vikings aren't the best rush defense out there, so he'll get have a nice chance to put up some solid production. 

5. Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree should be starting if he's on your fantasy team, but given the nature of the offense that he plays in, he'll only have big games a few times this year. But since the 49ers are going up against the Packers, he's an absolute must start this week. 

Last season, the Packers were the worst team in NFL history against the pass. Crabtree has a chance to have a huge game, and with the addition of deep-threat Randy Moss, he'll have an easier time finding space to put up numbers. 

Follow Me On Twitter: @RalphLongo