Week 1 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Fringe Fantasy Football Flex Starters

For many managers, Week 1 is the most difficult fantasy slate of the season that doesn't involve bye weeks. We don't know which teams are good and which aren't just yet, and many player roles remain undefined.

Because of this, it's often best to stick with highly drafted stars who are known commodities. Players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Christian McCaffrey, and Puka Nacua may still disappoint in Week 1, but they're highly unlikely to flat-out bust.

Of course, managers can't simply depend on proven stars at every single position. Here, we'll examine some fringe starters who can be trusted or avoided based on past production, projected role, and individual matchups.

Start: MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Green Bay Packers running back has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list to start the season, following a May arrest for misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage. This will likely leave Green Bay leaning heavily on MarShawn Lloyd to open the season.

Lloyd is expected to be the starter, though the Packers will likely use a committee that also includes Chris Brooks and trade acquisition Kaleb Johnson. In time, Johnson might even threaten Lloyd's status as RB1. However, that probably won't happen this week, as Johnson only arrived on August 30.

Expect Lloyd to get the bulk of the carries and a fair amount of receiving work this week against the rival Minnesota Vikings.

And while Minnesota's defense isn't exactly a favorable matchup, it did rank 21st in rushing yards allowed last season. It also surrendered more than 120 rushing yards in each of its two matchups against the Packers last season.

Sit: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Cleveland Browns starting running back Quinshon Judkins should eventually return to form as a viable RB2 or flex starter. However, it's probably going to take some time, and managers should keep him on the sidelines in Week 1.

Judkins is coming off a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula that ended his rookie campaign. The Browns should be looking to ease him back into the lineup, which may mean a fair amount of pass-catching standout Dylan Sampson.

Even if Judkins is at 100 percent, he doesn't face an ideal matchup. The Jacksonville Jaguars surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs last season.

Add in the fact that we just don't know what to expect from Cleveland's offense under Todd Monken, and a wait-and-see approach with Judkins becomes very logical.

Start: Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Mike Evans departed in free agency, and most expect second-year wideout Emeka Egbuka to replace him as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' No. 1 receiver. However, veteran Chris Godwin is still around and should be a solid matchup-based option in 2026.

Injuries limited Godwin to only nine games last season, but he averaged a solid 3.7 catches and 40 yards per game.

The Cincinnati Bengals represent a good matchup for Godwin for a couple of reasons. Their defense is, on paper, significantly better than it was a year ago. However, it may take some time for things to tighten up, and Cincinnati ranked 29th in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season.

Secondly, the Bucs will likely need to lean on Baker Mayfield and the passing attack to keep pace with Cincinnati's explosive offense. That should mean targets for Godwin early and often.

Sit: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Ross D. Frankli

In his two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Marvin Harrison Jr. has shown flashes of elite upside and playmaking ability. However, he's never played up to his status as the fourth overall pick.

Will new head coach Mike LaFleur unlock Harrison's potential in 2026? Perhaps, but it's hard to bet on the Ohio State product right out of the gate.

For one thing, Harrison was Arizona's third target behind Trey McBride and Michael Wilson by the end of last season. Secondly, the Cardinals are opening against a fantastic Los Angeles Chargers defense in L.A.

Los Angeles surrendered the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers last season.