NFL action is back, with the Patriots and the Seahawks set to kick off the 2026 season on Wednesday night in a Super Bowl rematch. From there, every team will be back in action to open up their season at varying points throughout the rest of the week. That means it's also time to make some critical decisions for your fantasy football rosters. Let's take a look at which wide receivers you should start and which you should sit in Week 1.
Start Em'
Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers: McMillan posted a rather pedestrian fantasy performance last season despite a 1,014-yard season as a rookie. Expect his value to rise in his second year, as both he and his quarterback Bryce Young keep improving with more experience. The Panthers face the Bears, who allowed
the second-most touchdowns and second-most fantasy points to wide receivers last season.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers: McConkey is another name who may not be a popular immediate pick after a lackluster season last year. But the Chargers lose Keenan Allen, so McConkey's targets should go up. Mike McDaniel joins the staff as the offensive coordinator, and the Chargers draw a Cardinals team that should be a cakewalk in Week 1. Expect McConkey to have a big day.
Chris Godwin Jr, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka is back to practicing, but still not at 100%, so that should allow Godwin some room for plenty of targets, and the Vegas oddsmakers are expecting a high-scoring affair, based on the over/under total set at 50.5 points. This could allow for a big game from an under-the-radar option in Godwin.
Sit Em'
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers: It's a good idea to have Watson on your roster for the season, but Week 1 likely won't be his best fantasy performance. He'll face off against a Vikings defense that notably allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers last year. And in five career games against Minnesota, Watson has never scored more than 9.9 fantasy points. Hold him back for later in the season.
DJ Moore, Buffalo Bills: Moore is another high-value player who has an unfavorable opponent this week. The Bills will clash with the Texans, who allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to wideouts in the league last year. The Texans also gave up the third-fewest yards and third-fewest touchdowns to the position in the NFL. Hold off on getting Moore involved early.
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos: Sutton will likely have fewer targets this season as the Broncos welcome Jaylen Waddle to the roster, who is expected to be the team's primary receiver. The Chiefs also held outside receivers to under 80 yards on average last season. Let's see what Sutton does with Waddle on the roster before giving him a start.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 1: WR Edition
