Fantasy Football: 5 Players You Shouldn’t Start in NFL Week 1

The NFL season is officially here, and while we’ve already seen two great games, the bulk of Week 1 matchups are set for Sunday. With real football back, fantasy football is just as exciting. Fantasy football has become a massive part of the NFL experience, and to win your league, you need to be fully plugged in.

Week 1 can be tough to predict since we don’t have much to go on. If you’re unsure about who to bench this week, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are the top five players you should avoid starting in Week 1:

1. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (QB)

Purdy is facing one of the toughest defenses in the league in Week 1—the New York Jets. Although he finished as QB7 in 2023, the Jets allowed the third-fewest passing yards and tied for the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns last season. They also ranked just behind Baltimore in terms of limiting fantasy points to quarterbacks. While the Jets’ defense will be just as formidable this year, Purdy might struggle to replicate his strong performances from last season in this matchup.

2. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets (QB)

While there’s a lot of buzz around Aaron Rodgers potentially having a bounce-back season with the Jets, his first game might be a tough one. He’ll face the 49ers, a defense that allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2023 and has most of its key players returning. Rodgers’ Week 1 performance may not live up to the hype, so it’s a risky start in fantasy.

3. Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (RBs)

The Cowboys’ running back duo faces an incredibly tough test in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, who boast one of the league’s top defenses. Both Dowdle and Elliott aren’t expected to match the productivity of Cowboys backfields from previous years. Given the Browns’ stout defense against both the run and the pass, this isn’t the week to count on them.

4. Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (WR)

Addison, the Vikings’ wide receiver, has a lot going on off the field, and he’s also dealing with an ankle injury. Though the matchup against the New York Giants looks favorable, it’s uncertain how he’ll fit alongside new quarterback Sam Darnold. Moreover, Justin Jefferson is likely to be the main target, so Addison may not see much action in Week 1.

5. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (TE)

Bowers is a rookie with tremendous potential, but Week 1 might not be the time to start him. First, his quarterback situation is still uncertain, and he’s recovering from a foot injury that’s been bothering him over the past few weeks. Rookie pass catchers, no matter how talented, often take time to adjust to the NFL, and Bowers is unlikely to make an immediate impact.

Week 1 is always tricky, but avoiding these players could give you an edge. Remember to stay flexible and keep an eye on matchups as the season progresses.

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