Week 1 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Final Review of Most Difficult Fantasy Matchups

Many fantasy owners had one or two players featured on Thursday night, but Sunday marks crunch time for deciding who to start and who to sit. Week 1 is about to be in full swing, but is your fantasy team ready?

It can be tempting to go with all the typical starters you drafted high to begin the season, but there are intriguing matchups starting in Week 1 that should make fantasy owners consider certain bench options instead.

Once 1 p.m. ET on Sunday comes around, time will be out to make many of those choices. Study up before it's too late with a look at fringe starters who will dazzle and others who will falter on opening weekend.

Quarterbacks

Start 'Em: Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears

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Jay Cutler isn't even a starter in most 10-team leagues, but he might be worth picking if your top quarterback isn't a must-start guy.

Cutler and the Bears open up at home against the Buffalo Bills, a team that had one of the league's worst defenses a year ago and failed to address it in the draft or in free agency. Cutler finished with six touchdowns in his final three games with more than 700 yards through the air in those contests.

Having Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery to throw to doesn't hurt, either. With such dynamic playmakers on the outside helping him, Cutler can't help but go off against a weak Bills secondary.

Sit 'Em: Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

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In most cases, Matt Ryan is a surefire starter in a potent offense with two of the league's best receivers. But not in Week 1 with a very tough opening matchup.

The Falcons face NFC South rivals New Orleans to open up the season, which doesn't bode well for Atlanta's passing game. Rob Ryan turned the Saints' defense around in 2013, and they added safety Jairus Byrd after letting up the second-fewest yards through the air last season.

Atlanta's offensive line will soon improve with the selection of Jake Matthews, but injury concerns have cropped up on the front lines. After the Saints sacked Ryan three times to open up last season, he's likely to be chased around again.

Don't expect big things from Ryan on Sunday. In fact, it might be wise to give your backup a start instead.

Running Backs

Start 'Em: Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco Giants

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Frank Gore is on the wrong side of 30 years old but continues to defy age by producing big numbers in the 49ers backfield.

Gore is set to be the No. 1 guy again in San Francisco, and a favorable Week 1 matchup against Dallas should bode well for him. The Cowboys' defense is lacking up front already, and the loss of Sean Lee for the season will only open up those holes even more.

The 10-year pro has scored to open up the season in Week 1 during each of the last two years and should be counted on to make it three years in a row against Dallas.

Sit 'Em: Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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If you're fortunate enough to have Doug Martin on your fantasy team, he's likely to be your top contributor at running back most weeks. Week 1 isn't most weeks.

The Bucs open up with a doozy, hosting the Carolina Panthers. Last year's NFC South champions boast a scary front seven that allowed just 1,391 yards rushing last year, good for second-lowest in the league. 

Luke Kuechly will be plugging up holes all afternoon long, and Lovie Smith's offense will have to get things done through the air. Martin will be left making his biggest impact in the passing game, which doesn't bode well for his numbers.

Wide Receivers

Start 'Em: Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals

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Having locked down the No. 2 job in Arizona, Michael Floyd has emerged as a big-time fantasy option and should get off to a great start in Week 1.

The Cardinals host the San Diego Chargers to open the season, a team that gave up the fourth-most yards through the air in 2013. Arizona's offense has shown the potential to be dangerous when Carson Palmer is on his game, and he'll see the opportunity to take advantage of one of the worst secondary units they'll face all year.

Larry Fitzgerald will be the focal point of the Chargers' focus, which will leave Floyd more available in one-on-one situations. Considering how dangerous he can be in vertical situations, Palmer will give him plenty of chances to shine.

Sit 'Em: Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens

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Joe Flacco's weapons in the passing game are few and far between, which is a big reason why Torrey Smith is so valuable in the Ravens offense and thus in fantasy. But in Week 1, he's set to disappoint.

The Ravens open up the year at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, who boast a hard-hitting, physical secondary with strong cover corners. Only four teams conceded less yards through the air last season than the Bengals.

Smith was drafted in the fifth round on average according to FantasyFootballCalculator.com, making him a starter on virtually any roster he graces. But if there's an intriguing option on your bench you're dying to start, this might be the week to let him take Smith's spot. 

All stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.