As the 2024 fantasy football season kicks off, identifying Week 1 sleepers and avoiding potential duds can make all the difference for your team. Whether you’re looking for under-the-radar players poised for a breakout or trying to dodge early-season letdowns, our team of Featured Pros has you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into the key players you should start and those you might want to bench based on expert insights and analysis.
- Waiver Wire Advice
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Week 1 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
Sleepers
Which player outside of the top 100 in the FantasyPros flex rankings is a good sleeper start, and why do you think he has upside this week?
Darnell Mooney (WR – ATL)
“Darnell Mooney has a good opportunity to outperform his current flex ranking of 115 or WR60 in half-PPR. For context, the WR60 averaged seven half-PPR fantasy points per game last season. The Falcons paid pretty good money for Mooney this off-season, and while he may not be the star in this offense, that will result in less attention from the opposing defense while still being the WR2 for a team that has made big improvements to their offensive staff. This offense will be significantly more productive than it was last season, with Kirk Cousins coming in and Arthur Smith departing. Look for Mooney to outproduce his current ECR of WR60.”
– Justin Dodds (SleeperWire)
Joshua Palmer (WR – LAC)
“There are plenty of potential players to discuss, but I simply can’t pass up another chance to talk up Josh Palmer. Ranked just outside the top 100 in FantasyPros’ flex rankings, Palmer is primed for a strong start to the season. With an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert and the departure of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Gerald Everett, Palmer is positioned to become the focal point of the Chargers’ passing game. While the team might lean more on the run this year, it would be a waste not to leverage Herbert’s arm talent. In Week 1, against a vulnerable Las Vegas secondary, Herbert should exploit the defense and connect with his most trusted target, Palmer. Many are underestimating Palmer’s potential, but the opener will reveal his status as the Chargers’ WR1 over a room of inexperienced assets with unproven talent.”
– Joe Beldner (The Fantasy Footballers)
Ray Davis (RB – BUF)
“Ray Davis is a sneaky flex option in deeper leagues and a beat-the-wave-wire candidate heading into Week 1. The rookie had an impressive training camp and should have a role behind James Cook, especially in the red zone. He faces an Arizona Cardinals defense that surrendered the most half-point PPR fantasy points per game to running backs last season (25.7). Furthermore, they gave up over 2,583 scrimmage yards and 22 touchdowns to running backs in 2023. Don’t be surprised if Davis has double-digit touches in his NFL debut, with Curtis Samuel questionable to play Sunday.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“The Buffalo Bills switched to Joe Brady mid-season, and they ran the ball more. This offseason, the team traded away Stefon Diggs. Expect more of a running game with Buffalo and Ray Davis, which is a name to keep an eye on. If you can find a way to stash him on your roster before Week 1, do it. He is a powerful runner who pairs well with James Cook. Davis is not just a power back; his balanced skillset could help him carve a bigger role.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
Jake Ferguson (TE – DAL)
“Jake Ferguson offers huge upside as a sleeper in Week 1 against the Browns. The Cowboy was one of seven tight ends to eclipse 100 targets in 2023, and of those seven, he had the second-most yards per reception. He is poised to resume his high-volume, high-production role as the number two target in Dallas. With a depleted running back room, look for Dallas to continue to air it out and for Ferguson to benefit greatly despite a capable Browns defense.”
– Chew Russell (Going For 2)
“Last year, the Browns ran the third highest rate of Cover 2 in the league. Jake Ferguson earns 0.41 fantasy points per route run against Cover 2 which is nearly double that of CeeDee (0.24) and Cooks (0.22). Given that the Browns are likely to key in on Lamb defensively and Cooks has a lingering injury, Jake Ferguson is poised to dominate this game.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)
Taysom Hill (TE – NO)
“TE Taysom Hill lined up and was used all over the field in the pre-season for the Saints. The new OC, Klint Kubiak, has Hill lined up and used in the backfield, inline, out wide, and slot. He also played 60% of pre-season snaps, way up from 37% last season. There is also always the possibility he gets sprinkled in at QB. I don’t mind mixing in a little Taysom in some DFS lineups or deep season long league with multiple flex spots, he should get plenty of opportunities in the Week 1 home opener in the dome vs the Panthers.”
– Justin Jaksa (Dr. Roto)
Michael Wilson (WR – ARI)
“When folks think of the Arizona Cardinals, they usually think of Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison, or James Conner, but don’t be surprised if Michael Wilson has a decent week. The Bills and Cardinals figure to put up plenty of points on Sunday. And what Wilson lacks in speed, he makes up for in size at 6’2″, 212 lbs., which could come in handy in the red zone. And with much of the defense paying attention to Harrison Jr. and McBride, that should free up Wilson for single coverage against a shaky Bills’ secondary. Just like Tom Hanks in the movie Castaway, Ringo’s longshot call for week one is Wilson!”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Khalil Shakir (WR – BUF)
“Khalil Shakir is a good sleeper in week one. Shakir has the most experience with Josh Allen in the offense. The Cardinals’ secondary is still a mess and should be easily beaten in the air in week one. Last year, when Shakir saw four or more targets, he would finish with 11 plus fantasy points. I’d bet Shakir easily finishes as a top 35 receiver.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
Rashid Shaheed (WR – NO)
“I like the upside Rashid Shaheed has not only for this week but for the entire season. There aren’t many better options in the Saints offense besides Olave and Kamara, so Shaheed is going to have plenty of opportunity this year in this offense. I love his big play ability, so all it takes is a few catches and a touchdown to be a great sleeper for this week.”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)
DeMario Douglas (WR – NE)
“DeMario Douglas sits at WR61, 119th overall, and is a worthwhile sleeper for Week 1. The Patriots are the definition of an ambiguous receiving corps. If someone emerges as a fantasy-relevant player for journeyman Jacoby Brissett to throw to, I anticipate it will be the same person who did it in 2023. Douglas may not have set the world on fire last season, but I believe he will take a big step forward this season and emerge as the true WR1 in New England over the likes of rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Football Universe)
Brock Bowers (TE – LV)
“It is always tough to gauge how a rookie is going to fair in his first career NFL outing. However, the writing is on the wall for a successful debut from Brock Bowers. The Raiders rookie has gathered significant accolades all training camp long, with the Raiders viewing him as a massive offensive chess piece in his rookie season. Bowers should see a steady dose of targets in his debut and beyond, making him a fine start this week in what could be a high-scoring affair against the Chargers.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – JAC)
“Brian Thomas Jr. has elite size and speed and is expected to see significant playing time on Sunday, especially in 2WR sets. The Dolphins are currently weak up front, as Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are working their way back from injury. In addition to that, Jalen Ramsey is not practicing due to a hamstring injury. If Trevor Lawrence has all day to throw, Thomas Jr.’s ability to take the top off the defense could be too much to handle for the Dolphins’ defense, and fantasy owners could witness the beginning of what Jags fans hope is an elite QB/WR combo.”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)
Romeo Doubs (WR – GB)
“There was only one Green Bay receiver seemingly locked into a full-time role during both last year’s playoffs and this year’s training camp, yet he was often the third receiver being taken in fantasy drafts on his own team. Yes, Romeo Doubs is in a prime position to lead the Pack-attack once in again in targets (and fantasy points) come Week 1, especially against a seriously (still) leaky Philadelphia Eagles secondary. All offseason usage indications point to Christian Watson/Dontayvion Wicks being in a rotation on the outside and Jayden Reed leaving the field often when the team lines up in 2WR sets. Doubs might see upwards of 95% or more of the snaps all season if healthy. Just make sure to monitor the news of his current hand injury that’s had him limited in practice so far this week – if he’s a full go, he’s a more than solid FLEX play for Week 1.”
– Christopher Dell (Betting Predators)
Drue Tranquill (LB – KC)
“For IDP, it is Drue Tranquill of the Chiefs. With Willie Gay going to another depth chart battle in New Orleans, Tranquill is now the No. 2 linebacker, only trailing behind an injury-recovering Nick Bolton. This week, he gets a matchup against the Ravens, and they have plans to run with Lamar Jackson and newly signed running back Derrick Henry.”
– Steve Hungarter (Fantasy Six Pack)
Duds
Which player inside the top 40 in the FantasyPros flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?
Chris Olave (WR – NO)
“Chris Olave is set for a disappointing week with a current ECR of WR12, matching up against the 4th strongest defense of last season in the Carolina Panthers. On top of that, Jaycee Horn (CB, Panthers) only played in 6 games last season due to injury. Last season in this matchup, Olave produced lines of 4 receptions – 28 yards and a touchdown (10.8 half-PPR pts), six receptions for 86 yards (11.6 half-PPR pts). To top his ECR of WR12, Olave needs to score between 13.5-14 half-PPR fantasy points, while his previous best of 11.6 would have him sit last season around the WR23. I don’t see how anyone can feel good about Olave finishing as a T12 WR this week, as the Panthers allowed just 22.5 fpts to ALL WRs last season. Olave would likely need 80% of that 22.5 to finish as a T12 WR, which is extremely unlikely.”
– Justin Dodds (SleeperWire)
Zamir White (RB – LV)
“A player ranked inside the top 40 of FantasyPros’ flex rankings who could disappoint in Week 1 is Zamir White. Although White showed promise in limited action last season, he has yet to prove himself in a featured role as the Raiders’ lead back over an extended period. We have witnessed numerous backups promoted to starters falter in their new role. This includes Alexander Mattison, White’s backfield counterpart, who just did this last year. The Raiders’ offense faces many uncertainties this season, and it may struggle to produce enough touchdowns to provide solid and consistent fantasy value outside of Davante Adams. Facing the Los Angeles Chargers, a rivalry game likely to be a defensive battle, White’s ceiling could be limited. If he fails to secure a touchdown in this game, having him this high in your Week 1 rankings could lead to major disappointment.”
– Joe Beldner (The Fantasy Footballers)
Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
“Thankfully, Ja’Marr Chase returned to practice on Wednesday after sitting out most of training camp. While there is a chance the superstar doesn’t play in Week 1, that is extremely unlikely. However, the Bengals likely will put Chase on a snap count after his training camp hold-in situation. Meanwhile, Christian Gonzales missed most of his rookie season with an injury. However, the second-year player was the New England Patriots’ top cornerback, posting a 79.3 PFF coverage grade in 2023. While fantasy players should still start Chase in all formats, tempering your expectations is necessary, given the matchup and likely snap count.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Everyone is starting to pencil in Bengals star WR Ja’Marr Chase after returning to the practice field this week after a lengthy contract dispute. Having not practiced since August 27th, Chase put in a limited practice Wednesday. If he does, in fact, play, he very well could be worked back in slowly, which could definitely cause a slow week 1. If he plays, you’ll probably start him, but it might come with disappointment.”
– Justin Jaksa (Dr. Roto)
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
“Look for Rhamondre Stevenson to disappoint in Week 1 versus the Bengals. While Stevenson got paid this offseason, making him the sixth-highest-paid running back, he plays behind an offensive line widely seen as the worst in the NFL. The Bengals were a bottom-third rush defense in 2023, but be wary of a Patriots team that will need to air it out against Joe Burrow and company. Let the new coaching staff in New England work out the kinks before leaning on Rhamondre Stevenson in fantasy.”
– Chew Russell (Going For 2)
“Projected to be one of the worst offensive teams in the league this year, New England should be playing from behind early and often, which does not set up for a successful running game. Enter: Rhamondre Stevenson. The matchup is good against the Bengals run defense, which ranked 24th worst in contacting ball carriers in the backfield last year, and Stevenson has the talent to take advantage of it, but he’s going to have a hard time finding the endzone.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)
D.K. Metcalf (WR – SEA)
“It’s difficult picking someone inside the top 40 that is likely to disappoint, but D.K. Metcalf draws a tough matchup in Week 1. Pat Surtain just reset the corner market with a big payday. Metcalf has struggled with consistency at times, allowing the defenders to get into his head. Seattle may choose to attack the other corners, but D.K. has a clear path to disappointing us on Sunday.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
Deebo Samuel (WR – SF)
“Well, Deebo Samuel is talented enough to make me look foolish here. (Yeah, yeah, I know. Okay, make that more foolish than usual, haha), but I’ll play the matchup game with this call. And I want no part of rooting against the Jets’ defense this year. Even with All-Pros LT Trent Williams and WR Brandon Aiyuk back for week one, this figures to be tough sledding for the Niners against arguably the NFL’s best defense. Side note: Ringo thinks the Jets are live to win this one straight up in Aaron Rodgers‘s return back home (Northern California).”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Josh Jacobs (RB – GB)
“I’d say Josh Jacobs. Fantasy managers will be more disappointed since they expect a workhorse role for him. He’ll get that, but the Eagles’ front seven is tough to run on. That FNF game could end up being higher scoring, allowing the passing units to battle it out in the air. Jacobs could be held to minimal production despite a likely high workload.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
Drake London (WR – ATL)
“This really isn’t because of Drake London’s skill, but mainly because of the matchup and the return of Cousins coming back from injury. The Steelers’ defense is always a tough matchup, and it may take Cousins a few weeks to return back to form. I think London is going to have a strong year, but it may take a couple of weeks to get going.”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)
Kyren Williams (RB – LAR)
“Kyren Williams ranked as ECR RB8, 9th overall in Week 1, and he has major bust potential. As if it wasn’t bad enough that Cooper Kupp is healthy and Blake Corum has been added to this backfield, Williams starts the season against a Detroit Lions defense that was almost impossible to run on last season. This game should be a shootout between the two quarterbacks who were traded for one another not long ago, and I don’t expect Williams to have a banner day in this one. He likely can’t be benched if you roster him, but temper your expectations.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Football Universe)
Najee Harris (RB – PIT)
“Najee Harris is just a very odd case to analyze this week. While the matchup looks decent enough for him against the Falcons, can he really be a trusted asset for fantasy managers? Jaylen Warren is lurking and will get plenty of run, pending health. Would it really shock anyone if new Steelers OC and ex-Falcons HC Arthur Smith decides to throw a wrench into things by utilizing Cordarrelle Patterson? If Najee is able to provide a score this week, you will laugh and be very happy with the decision to play him. If not, he may crater your week.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Michael Pittman Jr. (WR – IND)
“Up to this point in his career, Michael Pittman Jr. hasn’t produced explosive plays or been reliable in finding the endzone. In his last two seasons, he’s tallied a whopping 208 receptions but barely produced 2,000 yards and, sadly, only eight combined touchdowns. Anthony Richardson is also a total question mark at QB due to his lack of starting experience and accuracy woes. Pittman Jr. will see a healthy share of coverage from Derek Stingley Jr. on Sunday, so fantasy owners shouldn’t be disappointed if he doesn’t return WR2 results in week 1.”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
“Rhamondre Stevenson was being drafted as a bonafide RB2 in fantasy drafts this past month and is now sitting at RB23/37th overall in the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) for Week 1. What are we doing here, folks? The Patriots are implied for just 16 points against the Cincinnati Bengals, which is DEAD LAST out of 32 NFL teams this week. If they fall behind early, you might even see them drop back to pass quite a bit, with Antonio Gibson frustratingly mixing in for snaps on 3rd downs and 2-minute drill plays. New England has arguably the worst OL in professional football this year, is big underdogs, and already signed a pass-catching specialist in free agency to rotate with Rhamondre – I just don’t see a viable case to ever starting him this season unless Drake Maye eventually takes over the offense and begins to take off toward the end of the season.”
– Christopher Dell (Betting Predators)
Ernest Jones IV (LB – TEN)
“In IDP, Ernest Jones being traded to the Titans calls for some regression. In addition to learning a new system, I think the Bears will want to go with a padding script versus a running game in week one and get their receivers going quickly in this one. The production everyone was expecting when they drafted Jones may be on the decline, at least in Week 1. ”
– Steve Hungarter (Fantasy Six Pack)
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn