As the start of the NFL Season approaches, we take a look at fantasy player options that you may be mulling over starting or sitting in week one of the NFL Season.
Xavier Worthy
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 22: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs participates in OTA Offseason workouts at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex on May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Worthy is going to have a chance in a Prime-Time matchup on Thursday Night Football against the Baltomore Ravens to build some trust with Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs spent the draft capital on Worthy, and with free agent acquisition Hollywood Brown out for at least week one, Worthy has a better chance now than ever to welcome himself to the NFL and produce great numbers in front of millions of eyes in prime time. Worthy is a must start with him playing in a high-powered offense, and with that offense missing its expected number one target.
Khalil Shakir
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 10: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills reacts to a play against the Chicago Bears during the first half of a preseason game at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.
Shakir will look to become Josh Allen’s new number one target early and often. Shakir and the Bills offense starts the season in a plus matchup against the Cardinals, in a game that may become a shootout. Shakir in the first week will be Allen’s most trusted receiver since the loss of services from Gabe Davis and Stephon Diggs, making him a must start in week one.
Aaron Jones
EAGAN, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 02: Aaron Jones #33 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during training camp on August 02, 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota.
Jones starts his first game with his new team in a plus matchup against the Giants. The Giants allowed the third most rushing yards to running backs last year and were top 10 in allowed fantasy points per game. Jones joins an offense with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison which will open up some holes in the run game for him to burst through. With the Vikings starting Sam Darnold at the quarterback position, it may actually help Jones, as he may be the recipient of more check down passes. Jones in this week one matchup against the New York Giants is a must start.
Trevor Lawrence
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 23: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lawrence finds himself with two new receivers entering the 2024 season and he will have to form a connection with them real fast. The Jaguars play the Dolphins in week one, and that game is going to be a shootout. Expect the Jaguars to have to throw to keep up with Miami and Tyreek Hill, resulting in a must start fantasy quarterback in Trevor Lawrence.
Cooper Kupp
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 10: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball after a catch during the second quarter in the game against Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Los Angeles Rams open up against the Detroit Lions on Sunday night football week one and that game figures to have a lot of offense and not a lot of defense. With Cooper Kupp finally healthy, and the matchup being on the plus side, Kupp has the potential to finish as a fantasy WR1 in this matchup. Start Kupp in this must start situation and enjoy a shootout on Sunday night.
