Happy week 1 of the 2022 NFL season! I hope you’re ready for a fun season of fantasy football. Let’s start preparing for your championship run.
Welcome back to my weekly Start/Sit HUB! Mike Hubbard Jr here, providing you with information that can help you win your fantasy league week in and week out. For all things fantasy football, follow me on Twitter (@FantasyHubbard) and Instagram (@fantasyhubbard). You can tweet me or message me on either social media with any questions you might have regarding the fantasy football season.
Week 1 has a bunch of great matchups to keep your eyes on. The first regular season game is a TNF matchup between the Bills and the Rams which should be entertaining to say the least. Both teams are full of fantasy stars and both have Super bowl LVII on their minds. We end week 1 with a matchup between the Broncos and Seahawks on MNF. Russel Wilson’s first game with Denver and he gets to travel back to Seattle. The games I’m most eager to watch this week are the Bills/Rams, Packers/Vikings, Raiders/Chargers, and Buccaneers/Cowboys.
I’m here every week during the fantasy football season with start and sit suggestions that can impact your team. My decisions as always include obvious and not so obvious picks. I would also like to clarify that my sit suggestions are based on the assumption you have or can add a player that has a better chance at success. Good luck this week and continue to check out my weekly articles.
START OF THE WEEK
Start – Austin Ekeler – Easy decision here and very obvious. Ekeler is a great dual threat RB and he is surrounded by talent. Last season Austin played the Raiders twice and he scored a rushing TD and a receiving TD in each of those 2 games. I love Ekeler and Herbert a ton this week and I’m sure you’ll hear me say that quite often. I like this game to be high scoring. The 2 games they played last season resulted in 67 points and 42 points. There are a bunch of fantasy players in this one so make sure you have some popcorn ready.
Bills @ Rams
Start – Stefon Diggs – This game is full of fantasy stars, but I like Diggs the most here. The Rams may be reigning champs, but last season they weren’t the greatest defense when it came to covering WRs. Diggs is the best pass catcher on the team and will be sure to get a good number of targets. Gabriel Davis and Devin Singletary are also great plays here. This game feels like we are going to get a lot of points (2nd highest o/u at 52.5).
Sit – Tyler Higbee – It is tough to have a high scoring offense that just won a Super Bowl and have to play Buffalo’s great defense week 1. I believe Stafford will be slinging it plenty, but the Bills defense will keep Higbee in check. Stafford has Kupp and now Allen Robinson as his top 2 pass catchers leaving Higbee after them. Also depending on the score, the Rams will want to establish a run game with both Akers and Henderson. If I have better TE options I will gladly take them over Higbee this week.
Eagles @ Lions
Start – Jalen Hurts – Hurts gets the Lions this week to start his hopefully epic season! The Lions are slowly working their way into relevance again, but I like the Eagles to make a statement. The Lions defense doesn’t scare anyone, and Hurts should be able to use his legs and arm to get plenty of fantasy points. It will be great to see how Hurts plays with new weapons and plenty of confidence.
Sit – Jared Goff – Lets be real, Goff probably isn’t even owned in your league. I wouldn’t feel comfortable sitting Amon-Ra St-Brown and definitely not D’Andre Swift. Goff would be smart to target Brown and Hockenson a lot, but the Eagles defense is going to pressure Jared and make life difficult knowing Goff isn’t a threat to run. Goff might be in for a long week 1. There are 25 QBs I would start over him this week.
Saints @ Falcons
Start – Alvin Kamara – The Saints should take this game rather easily with their good defense being the driving factor. Kamara is involved heavily in the offense and he is a threat to rush and a threat to catch and run. The Falcons will have a tall task covering him, especially with Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, and now Chris Olave all playing. Kamara should eat this week, reminding you to start your studs.
Sit – Jarvis Landry – Landry is set to make his debut with the Saints. Landry is very talented and can put up big numbers. My concern is that Kamara and Michael Thomas will be the target hounds and Landry is coming off a pretty disappointing season with injury concern. There are about 50 WRs I would play in front of Landry including his teammates Olave and Thomas.
49ers @ Bears
Start – Trey Lance – Trey Lance is QB1 for San Francisco and he travels to Chicago to take on the Bears in week 1. The Bears were average at best defending QBs last season, so Lance is in a good position to succeed. I expect Lance to have plenty of rushing attempts (fingers crossed for some goal line sneaks/options) and we should expect him to get Deebo involved in any and every way possible. Lance should finish this week in the top 10 fantasy QBs.
Sit – Brandon Aiyuk – Aiyuk burned me in the first half of the season last year which makes me hesitant on him now. He is talented and we have seen what he is capable of, but Deebo has stolen the show and Lance will most likely look Deebo’s and Kittle’s way more often. Hopefully Aiyuk can produce and end my skepticism, but I will wait until at least after week 1.
Steelers @ Bengals
Start – Joe Mixon – Mixon and the Bengals take on the Steelers in week 1. The Steelers defense was in the bottom half of the league when defending the run last season. I see the Bengals getting a win even if it is a close game. If the Steelers defense shows up, then Mixon will be involved in establishing the offense. Only thing to worry about is the possibility of a blowout win where Mixon would get less touches toward the end of the game but hopefully he already has stacked stats that would contribute to a blowout. Start Mixon, Chase, Higgins and Burrow this week (most likely every week).
Sit – Mitch Trubisky – Just like Jared Goff up above, no one probably owns Mitch and that isn’t surprising. Even Trubisky didn’t know he was starting until just recently. If this game were to get out of hand, I bet we will see Rudolph or Pickett in the game sooner than later. Mitch has Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and George Pickens at WR this season. Both Diontae and Chase are dealing with their own injuries but should be good to go. Start Najee with confidence and Diontae if cleared. Everyone else I would tread lightly, especially in an away game to a team that just lost the Super Bowl.
Patriots @ Dolphins
Start – Chase Edmonds – I really like the Dolphins in this game. Miami has been getting better and adding new pieces. One of those pieces is Edmonds. Edmonds showed us his versatility and quickness last season with the Cardinals. The Patriots defense last season was solid with the exception of defending RBs which was middle of the pack. Edmonds is 1st on the depth chart but be warned Raheem Mostert is behind him and I’m sure he’s eager to make an impact after a total of only 9 games played in the last 2 seasons. Belichick is going to try to shut down Tyreek Hill and hopefully that will lead to more touches for Edmonds.
Sit – Mike Gesicki – The Patriots were one of the top defenses when defending TEs last year. Gesicki might be in for a long day. Tua has Hill and Waddle to throw to and Edmonds in the backfield. Gesicki seems like the bottom of the food chain because of all the talent that’s now around him. I would start at least 15 other TEs this week if given the opportunity.
Ravens @ Jets
Start – Lamar Jackson – Lamar should have a field day in this game. Weaknesses the Jets have include defending the QB and the TE. Lamar will get his rushing yards and I’m sure the plan is to feed Mark Andrews whenever possible. Lamar is my top choice at QB this week.
Sit – Breece Hall – The Jets drafted Breece Hall early in the 2nd round of this year’s NFL draft. Hall is RB1 on the depth chart with Michael Carter and Ty Johnson behind him. The rookie gets the Ravens for a welcome to the NFL first regular season game. The Ravens are solid against the run and I have a feeling the Jets will need to throw more than rush to keep up with Lamar and company. I’ll wait and see how he does before I feel confident in him.
Jaguars @ Commanders
Start – Terry McLaurin – Scary Terry gets a home opener against the Jaguars with new Commanders QB Carson Wentz. Wentz might just be the best QB Terry has played with in the NFL. Wentz is sure to look his way and try to start some chemistry between both of them. The Jaguars have trouble giving up points to WRs, so McLaurin is poised for a top 20 WR week.
Sit – James Robinson – James Robinson is planning to suit up for Jacksonville in their opener, but let’s not forget he tore his Achilles in December and is now behind the hyped-up Travis Etienne. My confidence in Robinson to come back strong and make a fantasy impact is still there, but it may take some time. Start Etienne and sit Robinson.
Browns @ Panthers
Start – Christian McCaffrey – McCaffrey is an obvious start and the only player on either team that doesn’t make me nervous about starting them. CMC is a beast like we all know, and he will get his rushes and get his receptions. His new QB is Baker Mayfield who has no excuses to not get him the ball and I’m sure he wants to get revenge on his former team the Browns.
Sit – Jacoby Brissett – Brissett is yet another obvious decision. He has Amari Cooper and Njoku for pass catchers, and I think they might need to air it out some, but I don’t have faith in Brissett. I believe Carolina won’t have much difficulty disrupting any flow Jacoby tries to get into and that’ll make his day harder than he is expecting.
Colts @ Texans
Start – Brandin Cooks – Brandin Cooks is consistent year in and year out and it doesn’t matter what team he is on or who is throwing him the ball. 6 out of his 8 professional years Cooks has surpassed 1000 receiving yards and had at least 5 TDs. Last season with the struggling Texans he set career highs in receptions (90) and targets (134). It has become clearer every year that you can’t sleep on Cooks. Be warned that Indianapolis held Houston to 3 total points in their 2 matchups last season. Still starting Cooks if he’s on my team.
Sit – Dameon Pierce – Pierce is in my sit spot simply because he is a rookie, and he is on the Texans. Like I said above the Colts let the Texans score only 3 total points in 2 regular season games. Pierce has looked sharp and won the RB1 job, but I’ll wait to see how he looks out on the field at home against the Colts. One can only hope Pierce sees he is playing against Jonathan Taylor and accepts the challenge. Big ask.
Giants @ Titans
Start – Derrick Henry – Oh boy I can’t wait to see King Henry back out on the field. He is a force rushing and I’m sure he’s ready to get back to dominating the run game. The Titans get the Giants in Tennessee which has all signs pointing to around 25 carries, 100+ rushing yards and a score as long as he isn’t restricted at all. Before Henry had to cut his season short due to injury, he had a 5-game stretch from week 2 to week 6 where he went bonkers and averaged 29 carries, 145 rushing yards, and 2 TDs per game. The Titans will feed their King and rely on him heavily after the departure of star WR AJ Brown. If Henry stays healthy, he will be a force to be reckoned with and remain a fantasy stud.
Sit – Saquon Barkley – The former Nittany Lion standout is healthy and ready for a new season. I am a fan of Barkley and we saw his rookie and sophomore campaigns where he rushed for 1000+ yards and 6+ TDs both seasons. He hasn’t looked the same since but only time will tell how he comes back from all of his missed time and opportunities. If you own a Giant, it’s almost surely Barkley. He is a top 15 RB this week but faces the Titans who were the most effective team in denying RBs fantasy points last season. Take that as you may, I always say start your studs, and you’ll start him unless you have 2 better RB options. Seems like another season of great or ok/injured Barkley. Let’s hope for the great one.
Packers @ Vikings
Start – Aaron Rodgers – I could easily pick Justin Jefferson for this start spot, but my gut is saying Rodgers. Last season Rodgers had an abysmal week 1 performance that left Packers fans worried and embarrassed. I think Rodgers will come out and perform well in Minnesota to put the naysayers in their place. Rodgers is the back-to-back MVP and has a lot to prove without his star WR Davante Adams. I don’t like Rodgers in the long run this season but week 1 is tempting. Rodgers threw 6 TDs and 0 INTs against the Vikings last season and had a total of over 670 passing yards in those 2 games. Time to show why he is MVP or time to show regression. If you’re worried you can always take a chance on Kirk Cousins. Although he only played GB once last season, he did throw for 341 yards, had 3 TDs, and got the W.
Sit – Robert Tonyan – Do we have to sit anyone in this game?? I love a good Vikings/Packers matchup and it usually leads to a lot of scoring. If I had to choose someone to sit it would have to be Tonyan. He is recovering from a torn ACL and is doing his best to suit up for week 1. Tonyan and Rodgers have some chemistry, but his injury worries me, and his stats last season weren’t exactly promising even when healthy. We can hope Rodgers looks his way more because Davante Adams targets have to go somewhere, so why not give some to Tonyan? If MVP Rodgers shows up, I’m guessing he will look Lazard and Cobb’s way more often.
Chiefs @ Cardinals
Start – Zach Ertz – I like Ertz in this spot. Zach was starting to get targeted heavily toward the end of last season and I think he’s gained the trust of Kyler Murray, especially when its crunch time. KC was average at defending TEs last season so I would not be surprised if Ertz found the end zone in week 1. Maybe even lead the team in targets unless Marquise Brown has anything to say about that. Both Travis Kelce and Zach Ertz should be fun to watch in this game. Unless you have a top 5 TE, fire up Ertz.
Sit – Skyy Moore – I am picking Skyy Moore to sit simply because I do not know enough about him or how much he will be used in the Chiefs offense. Patrick Mahomes will surely be targeting Kelce, and after that the options are Juju, Hardman, and MVS. Skyy would be next according to the depth chart in KC. I hope I don’t get burned with this because looking at Skyy’s information has me comparing him to Tyreek Hill. It’s unfair to compare the 2 but they are the same height, Hill is 10 pounds lighter, Skyy is 7 years younger, and their 40 times were only .12 seconds apart (Hill slightly faster). Maybe we see a deep ball. I’m willing to wait to see how he is used with Mahomes and the surrounding cast.
Raiders @ Chargers
Start – Austin Ekeler – SEE ‘START OF THE WEEK’ TOP OF PAGE
Sit – Raiders D/ST – Another game where I don’t really want to sit anyone fantasy relevant. Most players are in a position to produce. That being said, it is going to be difficult to shut down the high-octane Chargers offense leaving me with a rather easy decision to bench the Raiders defense.
Buccaneers @ Cowboys
Start – CeeDee Lamb – Last season the Bucs and Cowboys met in week 1 but in Tampa. This season same story but they are playing in Dallas. Their matchup last season was quite a show. Brady and Dak each attempted at least 50 passes and combined for 7 TD passes. CeeDee is Dak’s best pass catcher this season, especially without Amari Cooper. Even with Cooper having a great opener last season against the Bucs, Lamb still managed 104 receiving yards and a receiving TD. Lamb should get plenty of targets, even though I don’t expect Dak to throw it 50+ times. QBs and WRs are all in great positions to put up fantasy points in what hopes to be a shootout.
Sit – Ezekiel Elliot – Zeke really struggled against Tampa last season. He only had 33 rushing yards on 11 carries and 2 receptions for 6 yards. Tony Pollard showed last season that he could start for other teams at RB and I’m sure Zeke knows that. How much faith do you have in Zeke against the Tampa Bay rushing defense? He will most likely give up carries to Pollard and depending on the game flow, Dak might not be feeding Zeke like he used to. Zeke is toward the end of my top 20 RBs this week.
Broncos @ Seahawks
Start – Russell Wilson – Wilson must feel ecstatic to be on a Broncos team that has a lot of surrounding talent and a paycheck that is ridiculous over the next 5 years. Wilson gets to go into Seattle and face his long-time former team the Seahawks. If that wasn’t enough, it’s going to be MNF with a lot of the world watching. I’m sure Wilson knows the ins and outs of Seattle on both sides of the ball so he could be in for a great game picking apart the Seattle defense. Then again Seattle’s defense is probably familiar with Wilson as much as he is with them. Either way I’m sticking with Russ. The Broncos are all in on Russ and are sure to let him cook.
Sit – Seattle D/ST – Russ will cook, and Seattle’s defense will be victim of said cooking. Wilson wants to leave Seattle with a win and his surrounding cast includes Sutton, Williams, Jeudy, Gordon, and Okwuegbunam who are all better for having Russ behind center. Broncos will go as far as Wilson will take them and even in a tough division, the Broncos offense could have a great season starting here in week 1.