Fantasy: Start, Sit, Stash, Quit - Week 1

SSSQ is a weekly look at under-the-radar fantasy players to consider starting and potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut.

For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 1 rankings. You can also listen to the Week 1 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.

Start

Trey Lance, 49ers

at Bears

We're finally going to see what Trey Lance can do as the 49ers' quarterback after an offseason filled with mixed reports over whether he was ready to take over, as well as a last-minute decision to keep Jimmy Garoppolo as his backup.

Despite all the unnecessary turmoil in the media, Lance enters his sophomore campaign as the unquestioned starter in a loaded offense. Even if tight end George Kittle is forced to miss the opener due to the groin injury he suffered Monday, San Francisco still has one of the league's best receiver duos in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. The Niners also still have a top-tier rushing attack led by Elijah Mitchell.

The last time we saw a dual-threat quarterback execute Kyle Shanahan's system, Robert Griffin III earned a top-five fantasy finish in his first season as a starter in Washington.

Lance has a similar upside, and he begins his season with an advantageous matchup where the 49ers are 6.5-point favorites against the Bears.

Don't hesitate to start Lance as your QB1 this week.

Boone's projection: 243 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 46 rushing yards

Other QBs to start

• Dak Prescott vs. Buccaneers
• Jameis Winston at Falcons

Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars

at Commanders

If you drafted Travis Etienne, there's no better time to get him in your lineup than Week 1 when James Robinson is still just eight-and-a-half months removed from tearing his Achilles tendon.

Robinson isn't guaranteed to play in the opener, but if he does, he'll be limited at best. That leaves plenty of valuable touches for Etienne.

Last year's first-round pick is healed after the Lisfranc surgery that cost him his rookie season. Throughout summer practices and preseason outings, the 23-year-old has showcased the breakaway speed and big-play ability that made him a star at Clemson.

Etienne also offers the kind of pass-catching upside that'll make him game-script proof, which could help him emerge as a week-winning fantasy option.

The Commanders' middle-of-the-pack run defense will also be without star Chase Young, who graded out as the league's fourth-best run-defending defensive end last season, according to PFF.

While Etienne's debut was delayed by a year, he's about to show us it was worth the wait. Fire him up as a top-15 fantasy back in Week 1.

Boone's projection: 67 rushing yards, 42 receiving yards, 4 receptions, TD

Other RBs to start

• Elijah Mitchell at Bears
• Antonio Gibson vs. Jaguars
• A.J. Dillon at Vikings

Elijah Moore, Jets

vs. Ravens

It's surprising that the hype around Elijah Moore wasn't more prevalent throughout the offseason.

After all, he averaged the seventh-most fantasy points among all receivers over his final six games before a quad injury landed him on injured reserve.

Perhaps fantasy managers aren't convinced Zach Wilson is the Jets' long-term answer at quarterback, or maybe they were scared off when the team selected another wideout - Garrett Wilson - in the first round of April's NFL draft. Clearly, something drew attention away from Moore, who was being taken as the WR33 in this year's fantasy drafts.

However, a few months later, Moore has been identified as the top target in the passing game and a potential breakout candidate for Gang Green.

If you're worried about Joe Flacco starting for the first few weeks - don't be. Moore's best game last season (8 catches, 141 yards, TD) came with Flacco at the helm in Week 11 versus the Dolphins.

Even in a challenging matchup against the Ravens this week, we're still touting Moore as someone on the verge of stardom. Consider the 22-year-old a fantasy WR3 with top-20 upside to open the season.

Boone's projection: 89 receiving yards, 5 receptions, TD

Other WRs to start

• Marquise Brown vs. Chiefs
• Jerry Jeudy at Seahawks
• Brandon Aiyuk at Bears

Albert Okwuegbunam, Broncos

at Seahawks

All eyes will be on Russell Wilson as he returns to Seattle for a revenge game against his former club on Monday Night Football.

Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Javonte Williams are the three main beneficiaries of Russ' arrival in Denver, but don't forget about Albert Okwuegbunam.

Though it was odd to see the Broncos' No. 1 tight end active during some of the preseason weeks when the starters were sitting out, head coach Nathaniel Hackett chalked that up to the 24-year-old needing the reps.

With rookie Greg Dulcich on IR for at least the first four games due to a hamstring injury, Okwuegbunam is locked into a significant role in an offense that's about to take a massive step forward thanks to their quarterback upgrade.

Not only is Okwuegbunam a physical freak with a 100th-percentile speed score, but the 6'5, 258-pound pass-catcher can also be a consistent weapon around the red zone for Wilson. Don't be shocked when he scores this week against a Seahawks defense that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends last year.

If you missed out on one of the top players at his position, Albert O is a worthy early-season fantasy starter.

Boone's projection: 48 receiving yards, 4 receptions, TD

Other TEs to start

• Pat Freiermuth at Bengals
• David Njoku at Panthers

Sit

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins

vs. Patriots

While we're believers in Tua Tagovailoa's potential, this isn't the week to have the Dolphins quarterback in your starting lineup.

The offseason excitement around the trade for Tyreek Hill, the signing of Chase Edmonds, the improvements on the offensive line, and the new coaching staff pushed Tagovailoa's fantasy stock up. We even highlighted him as one of our fantasy breakout candidates this year.

However, the matchup with Bill Belichick and the New England defense isn't the time to push your Tua chips to the middle of the table.

Tagovailoa finished as the QB22 both times he faced the Patriots in 2021, failing to top 202 passing yards or throw for multiple touchdowns in either contest.

Bigger games are coming, just not this Sunday.

Boone's projection: 226 passing yards, TD, INT, 17 rushing yards

Other QBs to sit

• Kirk Cousins vs. Packers
• Justin Fields at 49ers

Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys

vs. Buccaneers

Ezekiel Elliott enters the season healthy after playing with a PCL injury last year. Unfortunately, there are other issues that could impact his Week 1 production.

Backup Tony Pollard has shown more than enough to warrant increased touches, but the Cowboys have so far remained loyal to Elliott. With a new campaign kicking off, it's possible the younger Pollard could carve out a bigger role.

Both backs might struggle out of the gate if Dallas' offensive line can't adapt to life without stud left tackle Tyron Smith, who was placed on IR after undergoing hamstring surgery. The veteran, who received PFF's second-highest run blocking grade among tackles, is nearly impossible to replace.

His absence on the line will be even more glaring against a fierce Buccaneers front that's long been one of the league's best run defenses. Tampa Bay allowed the third-fewest rushing yards and the fifth-fewest rushing touchdowns in 2021.

The Buccaneers limited Elliott to 39 yards on 13 touches in last year's opener, and you should expect something similar this time around.

Boone's projection: 45 rushing yards, 12 receiving yards, 2 receptions

Other RBs to sit

• Dameon Pierce vs. Colts
• Breece Hall/Michael Carter vs. Ravens
• Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Saints

DK Metcalf, Seahawks

vs. Broncos

We don't have to waste much time discussing DK Metcalf's situation since everyone who follows the NFL knows the state of the Seahawks' quarterback depth chart.

Metcalf's fantasy stock has already taken a serious hit with Geno Smith winning the starting job, but things will be even worse against a Broncos defense that boasts one of the NFL's toughest secondaries, led by Pat Surtain II.

There's also the possibility Russell Wilson helps his new defense prepare for battle with his former team - not that they'll need it.

Metcalf will always have a chance to save his weekly fantasy value with a touchdown or two, as he did when Smith was under center for a stretch last season. But that's a risky bet to make in this matchup.

Metcalf should be treated as a WR3 in fantasy until further notice.

Boone's projection: 49 receiving yards, 4 receptions

Other WRs to sit

• Rashod Bateman at Jets
• Amari Cooper at Panthers
• Drake London vs. Saints

Mike Gesicki, Dolphins

vs. Patriots

Much like his quarterback, we have plenty of historical data to show it's best to avoid Mike Gesicki when New England is on the other sideline.

In his four seasons with the Dolphins, Gesicki hasn't topped 34 yards in any of his meetings with the Patriots.

To make matters worse, the 26-year-old tight end will also have to contend with the most talented target competition of his career in the form of Hill, Edmonds, Jaylen Waddle, and Cedrick Wilson.

There are at least 15 tight ends you need to consider starting ahead of Gesicki this week.

Boone's projection: 28 receiving yards, 2 receptions

Other TEs to sit

• Noah Fant vs. Broncos
• Irv Smith Jr. vs. Packers

Stash

Eno Benjamin, Cardinals

The Cardinals' depth chart lists Eno Benjamin (8% rostered) and Darrel Williams as equals under the No. 2 running back spot. But from what we've learned over the preseason, it appears Benjamin is the favorite to serve as the complementary back spelling James Conner.

That alone makes him worthy of being rostered in most leagues. Just know that if Conner were to miss time, Williams would assume some of the touches alongside Benjamin.

Jaylen Warren, Steelers

Perhaps most fantasy managers haven't realized this yet, but undrafted free agent Jaylen Warren (3% rostered) won the Steelers' backup job behind starter Najee Harris in August.

Every No. 2 running back is just one injury away from fantasy relevance, making them important bench stashes. So, there's no reason why Warren should be available in 97% of leagues.

Quit

Quarterbacks (1QB): Mac Jones, Deshaun Watson

Running backs: Isaiah Spiller, Gus Edwards

Wide receivers: Kenny Golladay, Odell Beckham Jr.

Tight ends: Noah Fant, Mike Gesicki