Your Week 1 Fantasy Lineup Guide
Welcome to our 2026 Start/Sit column! This is a practice/preview article showcasing the format we'll use every Wednesday during the regular season. Recommendations are based on current ADP data, projected matchups, and 2026 offseason moves.
Every Wednesday, we'll break down the best starts and sits by position to help you set your optimal lineup.
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em
Jayden Daniels, WAS (ADP 4) — Daniels enters year two as one of fantasy's most exciting dual-threat quarterbacks. His rushing floor alone makes him a must-start, and the Commanders' weapons project to be even better in 2026. Fire him up with confidence.
Drake Maye, NE (ADP 2) — Maye's sophomore leap could be massive. The Patriots invested heavily this offseason, and Maye's arm talent combined with an improved supporting cast could yield top-5 quarterback numbers. He's a strong QB1 play.
Bo Nix, DEN (ADP 26) — Nix quietly had a solid rookie campaign and projects for a significant Year 2 jump. Denver's offense added weapons, and Nix could be this year's late-round QB who outperforms his draft position.
Sit 'Em
Dak Prescott, DAL (ADP 34) — Prescott is always tempting given Dallas's talent, but a tough Week 1 matchup could limit his upside. If you have a better option, consider pivoting.
Sam Darnold, SEA (ADP 56) — Darnold lands in Seattle after their Super Bowl run, but he may need time to gel with his new teammates. Week 1 could feature a run-heavy approach leaning on Kenneth Walker III.
Tyler Shough, NO (ADP 51) — While Shough is an interesting deep-league option, Week 1 against a stout defense projects to be a rough matchup for a young quarterback still finding his footing.
Running Backs
Start 'Em
Kenneth Walker III, SEA (ADP 41) — The reigning Super Bowl MVP is being dramatically undervalued at his current ADP. Walker should be the centerpiece of Seattle's offense in Week 1, and the hometown crowd will be electric. He's a locked-in RB1.
Ashton Jeanty, LV (ADP 8) — The rookie phenom lands in Las Vegas alongside #1 pick Fernando Mendoza. Jeanty's college production was historic, and the Raiders project to lean on him heavily early. Start him as a high-upside RB1.
Bucky Irving, TB (ADP 23) — Irving projects for a featured role in Tampa Bay's offense and could see 20+ touches in Week 1. His pass-catching ability gives him a strong PPR floor.
Sit 'Em
David Montgomery, DET (ADP 37) — Montgomery remains in a timeshare with Jahmyr Gibbs, and the split limits his weekly ceiling. He's a flex play at best in most weeks.
Blake Corum, LAR (ADP 46) — Corum is stuck behind Kyren Williams and projects for limited volume. Unless Williams is hurt, Corum is a bench stash, not a starter.
Jaylen Warren, PIT (ADP 39) — Warren could have a nice role in Pittsburgh, but the committee approach with Lew Nichols caps his upside. Wait and see before trusting him in lineups.
Wide Receivers
Start 'Em
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (ADP 7) — JSN is primed for a monster 2026 after Seattle's championship run. He projects as the clear WR1 in an offense riding high on momentum. Lock him in as a top-10 play.
Brian Thomas Jr., JAX (ADP 15) — Thomas's big-play ability makes him a weekly threat for 20+ point performances. With Trevor Lawrence projecting for a bounce-back year, Thomas could be a top-10 receiver.
Malik Nabers, NYG (ADP 11) — Nabers and Jaxson Dart could form one of fantasy's most exciting young connections. Nabers' talent is undeniable, and volume should follow.
Sit 'Em
Chris Olave, NO (ADP 32) — Olave's talent is real, but quarterback uncertainty could cap his production early in the season. Monitor the situation before trusting him as a starter.
Garrett Wilson, NYJ (ADP 37) — Wilson's fantasy value remains tied to the Jets' quarterback situation. Until we see consistent play under center, Wilson is a risky WR2 with WR3 outcomes possible.
Rome Odunze, CHI (ADP 51) — Odunze has upside but could take a few weeks to emerge in Chicago's target pecking order. He's a bench-and-watch candidate in Week 1.
Tight Ends
Start 'Em
Brock Bowers, LV (ADP 20) — Bowers is a matchup-proof tight end who projects for massive volume with Fernando Mendoza. He's a top-3 tight end play every week.
Trey McBride, ARI (ADP 29) — McBride should see heavy targets in Arizona's offense. He's one of the safest tight end plays in fantasy.
Juwan Johnson, NO (ADP 39) — Johnson projects for red zone work in New Orleans and could be a touchdown-dependent TE1 with a safe floor.
Sit 'Em
Tight end streamers vs. top defenses — In general, avoid streaming tight ends against teams that project to be strong against the position. We'll have specific matchup data each week during the season.How to Use This Column
Every Wednesday, we'll update these recommendations based on:
- Matchup analysis using defensive rankings - Injury reports from Tuesday/Wednesday practices - Usage trends from the previous week - Weather considerations for outdoor games
Check back every Wednesday to optimize your starting lineup.
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