Our sit’em recommendations are not meant to be automatic decision makers. You shouldn’t automatically sit any player on this list. However, if you have a pretty good backup with a favorable matchup, then yes, you should consider sitting a player on this list! Use your best discretion and don’t blindly make lineup decisions. Great players have bad games. Great players sometimes play really tough defenses. Try to get a feel for each situation and make your own decision. These recommendations are a guide to get you thinking!
QB Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers at MIN
There’s a lot of excitement for Garoppolo heading into his first full season as a starting quarterback. He had a strong finish to last season and many are counting on Garoppolo to be their starting quarterback. This is a bad matchup on the road against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Only three quarterbacks threw more than one touchdown against the Vikings last season. But don’t worry! We like Jimmy G for the full season, just not in Week 1.
RB Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions vs. NYJ
Johnson was taken as the highest Lions running back in drafts. People want to see Johnson get the majority of touches in the backfield. The Lions have said they want to see how Johnson grows into the offense. While he could emerge at any point, it’s unclear what his role will be, especially with LeGarrette Blount and Theo Riddick in the picture.
RB Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks at DEN
While Carson is the starting running back over first-round pick Rashaad Penny, this isn’t an ideal spot. The Broncos allowed the third fewest yards from scrimmage to running backs last season. The Seahawks offensive line should be better, but this will be a difficult matchup for them to establish the run.
WR Sammy Watkins, Kansas City Chiefs at LAC
Overreacting to the preseason is never wise, but Patrick Mahomes showed no rapport with Watkins at all. Watkins caught one of seven targets for 15 yards. Tyreek Hill was the preferred target for Mahomes. The Chargers are one of the better defenses and Watkins could see a lot of cornerback Casey Hayward. Right now, Watkins looks like the third target in the offense.
WR Josh Gordon, Cleveland Browns vs. PIT
Gordon can easily have a productive day with three catches since he’s that explosive. There are too many questions surrounding him to deploy him in Week 1 unless it’s a deep league. Gordon has barely practiced with the team, didn’t play in any preseason games and was bothered by a sore hamstring last week. In previous seasons, it made sense to force the ball to Gordon since they lacked weapons, but with Jarvis Landry, David Njoku, Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde, that’s no longer the case.
Learn why Dr. Roto thinks this wide receiver is overpriced in his new offense!
TE George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers at MIN
Kittle missed most of the preseason with a separated shoulder. One of the concerns for him is durability and staying healthy for a whole season. It’s no lock that Kittle plays most of the plays this week. We aren’t sure of his exact health, so Garrett Celek could play more snaps. While the 49ers tight ends could see more targets if the Vikings secondary locks down the receivers, Kittle should sit since the Vikings defended tight ends so well last season.
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