Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 1: Debating Difficult Fantasy Football Lineup Decisions

With all due respect to the preseason, the NFL officially started on Thursday night. But after just one game, fantasy football owners are salivating for the first full slate on Sunday.

Heading into Week 1 of the NFL season, many owners will likely be going with the mentality of sticking with the studs. Many of the players taken within the first five rounds will remain in starting lineups, but it will be slightly tricky to determine whether some of these stars should start.

After that, several difficult decisions await fantasy players ahead of the first matchup. Whether it's choosing to start a rookie or a player who has a rough matchup, tough decisions await for season openers.

Before the first full bevy of games on Sunday, here's a look at some of the gems and junk of Week 1 of the NFL season.

Quarterback

Start 'Em: Colin Kaepernick vs. Dallas Cowboys

After a slightly down 2013 season for Colin Kaepernick in fantasy terms, he's set to explode in Week 1.

Going against a decimated Dallas Cowboys defense, the fourth-year quarterback could be on one side of a shootout. Luckily for Kaep and the San Francisco 49ers, they won't have to face as staunch of a defense compared to their own.

NFL on ESPN has Kaepernick rated inside the top three for Week 1:

Last season in the opener, Kaepernick passed for 412 yards and three touchdowns, and recorded 22 rushing yards. He had a strong passing game which wasn't repeated later in the season, but the Cowboys won't be ready for his dual-threat ability.

With Rodgers facing the Seattle Seahawks on the road and other top QBs having difficult matchups, Kaepernick faces a much better situation with an opportunity against an unstable defense. For those on the fence about Kaepernick's season, just remember who's on the other side of the ball.

Sit 'Em: Cam Newton vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cam Newton was a fantasy star in 2013 with the Carolina Panthers. But on the heels of an eventful offseason, he's a risky start for fantasy owners.

The former No. 1 overall pick generated 30 total touchdowns last season, six of which were on the ground. With his 585 rushing yards in 2013, his value in fantasy has been heightened by nearly everything he does on the field.

After ankle surgery and a recent rib injury, Newton has been limited all offseason. While he is still expected to start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer notes he was still limited in practice this week:

Simply put, there are just too many question marks surrounding Newton. How will he respond to recent injuries? What will his rapport look like with his receivers? Can the improved Bucs defense shut him down?

Needless to say, this is one signal-caller that needs to remain on the bench in Week 1 if possible.

Running Back

Start 'Em: Le'Veon Bell vs. Cleveland Browns

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

Despite an eventful offseason for Le'Veon Bell, it appears the Pittsburgh Steelers lead back will be on the field against the Cleveland Browns.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noted Bell and LeGarrette Blount are active for the season opener, per Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com:

"

Sorry, Cleveland. Mike Tomlin says RBs LaGarrette Blount and LeVeon Bell WILL play Week One. Won't say whether he punished them in other way

— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) September 2, 2014"

Given the news, Bell looks like a safe bet to start against the lowly Browns. In a year where finding a true No. 1 running back has been difficult for fantasy owners, Bell can serve the role or that of an RB2.

His numbers against the Browns thus far aren't great, but they're at least consistent. In two games last season, Bell averaged 85 rushing yards and 12 receiving yards, and he also scored a touchdown. Of the two contests, his best came in the season finale at home—the same place he'll be on Sunday.

Tack on the fact that Cleveland ranked 18th in the NFL with 111.3 rushing yards allowed last season, and Bell looks like a surefire lock for Week 1.

Sit 'Em: Bishop Sankey vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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Trusting a rookie at this time of the season isn't always the best decision. But with the limited options at running back, many are contemplating whether or not to start Bishop Sankey.

The Tennessee Titans tailback has generated plenty of buzz this offseason during his competition with Shonn Greene. Then there was the vote of confidence from head coach Ken Whisenhunt, per TitansOnline.com:

"

He’s gotten better, obviously, at his exchanges with the quarterbacks. His course on his footwork has improved. His vision is good. He’s seeing the holes well. His protection, he’s done a nicer job with that as he’s gone through it, so from a young guy that you’re trying to get prepared to contribute during the season, you’ve seen growth, you’ve seen him moving along with that, and that’s what you needed to see. I’m happy with him.

"

All of that means great things for the future of Sankey. But for now, he's facing a Kansas City Chiefs defense that was one of the best in the NFL last season.

Whisenhunt might start leaning on Sankey throughout the game and give him snaps, but he likely won't break out against the Chiefs. Trust is huge in the NFL between players and coaches, but don't look for Sankey to come out of the gate with a huge game.

For owners sorting through flex players, Sankey might be an option. But for owners with a viable RB2 and legitimate flex option, don't depend on Sankey early for production.

Wide Receiver

Start 'Em: Michael Crabtree vs. Dallas Cowboys

While I'm not sold on Michael Crabtree as an option for the entire season, he's got a great matchup in Week 1.

Just like his quarterback, Crab will shine against a depleted Cowboys defense. Though there are some questions about a calf injury, if Crabtree starts he will likely be the No. 1 target for Kaepernick.

Following an injury-riddled season in 2013, Crabtree is simply a No. 2 wideout for fantasy owners. If all goes well on Sunday, he might show WR1 potential against the Cowboys.

Owners might still want to track the injury for Crabtree, but he's a phenomenal option if he remains on the field. If he starts in a normal capacity, fantasy owners who put him at WR2 or flex will see immediate production.

Sit 'Em: Torrey Smith vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

A legitimate WR2 option for fantasy owners, Torrey Smith put up good numbers last year. But heading into the season opener, Smith and the Baltimore Ravens have a stiff test against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Smith put up career highs with 65 receptions and 1,128 yards but had just four touchdowns in 2013. In Week 1, he faces off against a Bengals defense that allowed just 22 passing touchdowns and forced 20 interceptions last year.

Fantasy owners who drafted Smith later still made a good decision, but he's not a great option this week. Steve Gardner of USA Today lists him as one of the most undervalued fantasy receivers:

"

No, the only wideout to top 17 yards per catch in both of the last two seasons is Torrey Smith of the Baltimore Ravens. Why does that matter? Because fantasy football matchups will frequently hinge on just a handful of big plays — something Smith is adept at making.

... Smith, 25, finished 23rd and 20th among fantasy wideouts the past two years. But his most recent average draft position is 26th. He’s young and still improving — but not getting nearly enough respect from drafters. That’s a recipe for a great bargain WR3.

"

Cincy also gave up just 209 passing yards per game, good for fifth in the entire NFL and third in the AFC. While Smith might be able to put up some consistent numbers throughout the year, he likely won't start in the opener.

The Ravens also added Steve Smith to the lineup and Marlon Brown should have a heightened role. For owners contemplating flexing Smith, hopefully he's not the only option. 

Tight End

Start 'Em: Zach Ertz vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Elsa/Getty Images

Brent Celek might still be the lead tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, but Zach Ertz is the big fantasy option. After he created buzz all offseason after showing glimpses of greatness in 2013, it's go time for Ertz.

If he's going to break out, it might just be early. After all, he is facing an awful Jacksonville Jaguars defense.

Field Yates of ESPN.com provides his thoughts on Ertz as a sleeper pick:

"The Eagles didn't lean as heavily on two-tight end sets in 2013 as I expect them to this season," Yates wrote, "and Ertz could end up passing Brent Celek as the leader at the position in terms of production. Watch out for the former second-round pick."

With a ton of potential, he'll have to start showing up for fantasy owners in Week 1 against the Jaguars. For owners worried about a No. 1 tight end having a tough matchup, Ertz is a viable option for the opener.

Sit 'Em: Kyle Rudolph vs. St. Louis Rams

After failing to live up to expectations during 2013, Kyle Rudolph might be a breakout tight end this year. But with a tough matchup in Week 1, fantasy owners might want to look at other options.

The Minnesota Vikings tight end regressed in nearly every category last year, most notably going from nine touchdowns in 2012 to just three last season. That might have set off alarms for owners, but going against the St. Louis Rams defense is another red flag.

Last season, the Rams allowed an average of just 5.68 points to tight ends. That was good for second in the league, just behind the Detroit Lions at 5.63, per NFL.com.

Unless Rudolph is your No. 1 option—meaning you are in an extremely deep league—he shouldn't be slotted as your starter this week. Owners might be holding out to see if he can shine, but it won't come against St. Louis.

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