By SCOTT FELTS
Welcome back to I-81 Sports’ weekly fantasy football article that tells you who to bench (sit), who to play (start), and who to pick up off waivers (snipe) heading into your weekly fantasy matchup.
Let’s jump right into the Week 1 recommendations.
Scheduling
There are no teams on bye this week so everyone is available as the 2026 season kicks off with a Super Bowl LX rematch (Patriots at Seahawks) and a historic Rams-49ers game in Melbourne Australia.
Sit
QB: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City
Mahomes is returning from a serious ACL/LCL injury sustained late last season and faces a Broncos defense that ranked among the better units against quarterbacks. Rust is a real concern in his first game back, and the matchup doesn’t scream shootout. If you have a safer alternative, consider sitting him for Week 1 and reassessing after you see how he looks.
RB: TreVeyon Henderson, New England
Henderson is dealing with some uncertainty around his exact role and workload, and the Seahawks have been stingy against running backs. A limited opportunity against a tough front is a recipe for a low floor, so look elsewhere if you have better options.
WR: Terry McLaurin, Washington
McLaurin is healthy again but draws a tough road matchup against the Eagles’ secondary. Philadelphia has the personnel to limit top receivers, and road divisional games against strong defenses can suppress production. If you have a higher-upside or better-matchup alternative, consider benching him for Week 1.
TE: Dalton Schultz, Houston
Schultz had a solid year previously, but Houston has added competition at the position and he faces a Bills defense that was one of the toughest against tight ends in 2025. A crowded depth chart plus a difficult matchup makes him a risky start; look for better options if available.
Start
QB: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia
Hurts gets a dream home matchup against the Commanders to open the year. The dual-threat production and a favorable defensive matchup make him a locked-in QB1. Fire him up with confidence.
RB: Kenny Gainwell, Tampa Bay
Gainwell steps into a complementary/receiving role behind Bucky Irving and draws the Bengals, who allowed the most fantasy points to running backs last season. His ability to contribute as a receiver gives him a strong floor and upside in what should be a favorable environment for the position.
WR: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati
Chase and the Bengals offense get Tampa Bay at home. Volume and talent win out here. Start your studs, especially those in positive matchups against defenses that struggled against the pass a year ago. Chase is the prototype and players like him should rarely, if ever, be benched when healthy.
TE: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis
Warren has been productive and draws a matchup that has historically allowed high tight end production. With a strong supporting cast around him, he’s a solid every-week option worth starting while the volume is there.
Snipe
QB: Geno Smith, NY Jets (Rostered around 40% or lower in many leagues)
Smith has a soft landing spot against a Titans defense that has struggled to limit opposing quarterbacks. With a better supporting cast around him than he had last year and a matchup that favors the pass, he’s a sneaky streamer or QB2 option for Week 1 if you’re thin at the position or dealing with uncertainty elsewhere. Grab him before the rest of your league realizes the opportunity.
RB: MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay (Rostered around 19-20%)
This is the clear priority add of the week. If he’s not already on your team, you may have missed out. Josh Jacobs is on the Commissioner’s exempt list indefinitely due to off-field issues, clearing the way for Lloyd to step into a featured role in a solid Packers offense. The former USC standout has finally stayed healthy this offseason and has the athleticism to handle a big workload. He has league-winner upside if he can stay on the field.
WR: Jalen Coker, Carolina (Rostered in the 30-40% range in many leagues)
Coker is emerging as Carolina’s clear No. 2 behind Tetairoa McMillan and enters the year healthier than in prior seasons. He faces a Bears defense that has been generous to wide receivers. With a real opportunity for targets and a favorable matchup, he’s a strong waiver add with flex upside right out of the gate.
TE: Mark Andrews, Baltimore (Rostered lower than his upside in some leagues after previous target-sharing years.)
With Isaiah Likely gone, Andrews is the undisputed top tight end in Baltimore. He draws a Colts defense that has allowed solid production to the position. Lamar Jackson has long trusted him in the red zone and this is a high-floor, high-ceiling Week 1 option worth prioritizing if he’s available.
That’s the Week 1 blueprint. Prioritize the high-upside waiver adds (especially Lloyd), lean into favorable matchups for your stars, and don’t be afraid to sit the names with rust or matchups against tough defenses early. Good luck this week. may your waiver claims hit, and your studs deliver.
See you next week for the next round of Sit, Start, Snipe.