Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em (2016): Week 1: Start Latavius Murray, Sit John Brown & More

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Trying to decide who you should start or sit this week? Let’s take a look at a few potential decisions owners have and try to sort through them:

Quarterbacks
Start – Eli Manning – New York Giants – at Dallas
New York’s offense was dismal during the preseason, there are significant concerns about the offensive line and Manning had two of his worst games against Dallas in 2015 (failing to crack 200 yards or throw for a TD in either game). It’s fair to be a little nervous, but don’t let preseason struggles cloud your judgement. The Giants’ passing game has the potential to be among the elite in the NFL this season and when you have Odell Beckham Jr. at your disposal, a big game is possible at any time. Plus with the Cowboys without some significant pieces to their front seven, Manning could be afforded time to pick them apart.

Sit – Andy Dalton – Cincinnati Bengals – at New York Jets
The Jets have one of the best defensive lines in football and they could cause significant issues for Dalton. People will also look at Dalton’s impressive numbers from a year ago and get excited, but history tells us he’s not going to match that success.

Running Backs
Start – Lataviue Murray – Oakland Raiders – at New Orleans
For all the talk we got throughout the offseason about the Raiders replacing Murray, here we are in Week 1 and he’s once again set to be the workhorse. Not only that, he’s got a juicy matchup against the defense that allowed the fourth most rushing yards and third most receiving yards to opposing RB a year ago. Look for Murray to get off to a big start.

Start – Ryan Mathews – Philadelphia Eagles – vs. Cleveland
The Eagles are starting Carson Wentz, and that could mean a more conservative offensive approach. Of course taking on a Browns defense that allowed the third most rushing yards in the league a year ago isn’t going to hurt either. While Mathews will yield opportunities to Darren Sproles, he should get the bulk of the early down work and is in position for a big day.

Sit – Arian Foster – Miami Dolphins – at Seattle
The matchup alone would likely dictate sitting him down, but when you add in that he’s returning from a significant injury, is now 30-years old and the chance for Jay Ajayi to get ample touches, and the risk outweighs the potential reward. Maybe in PPR leagues you consider plugging him in there, but outside of that look elsewhere for Week 1.

Sit – LeGarrette Blount – New England Patriots – at Arizona
Without Tom Brady most will expect the Patriots to go to the ground and try to control the game. In other words, they will likely do the exact opposite and allow Jimmy Garapolo to air it out. Of course, the matchup and the unpredictable Patriots offensive game plan will make it difficult to trust him anyways.

Wide Receivers (Two-Receiver Formats)
Start – Golden Tate – Detroit Lions – at Indianapolis
Would it surprise anyone if this game broke down into a shootout between Andrew Luck and Matthew Stafford? With a pair of questionable running games it’s very likely, and Tate is going to be “the man” for Detroit in this post-Calvin Johnson era. As it is he’s posted 90+ catches in each of his first two season with the Lions. With more targets and TD likely coming his way, this should be a good start to a big season.

Sit – Arizona’s Wide Receivers – vs. New England
The problem here is which of the three is going to be the go to receiver? Will it be John Brown? How about Michael Floyd? Maybe Larry Fitzgerald? How about none of them, with the offense instead running through David Johnson? There’s far too much risk in trusting any of the three in a shallower format.

Wide Receiver (Three-Receiver Format)
Start – Donte Moncrief – Indianapolis Colts – vs. Detroit
You could make the argument that he’s worth using in two-receiver formats, but if you are starting three it’s a no-brainer. As we noted earlier this one could easily break down into a shootout. Plus, if the Lions deploy their top corner back on T.Y. Hilton, Moncrief will have a far easier matchup for Luck to exploit.

Sit – Steve Smith – Baltimore Ravens – vs. Buffalo
He’s 37-years old, didn’t play the entire preseason and is coming off a significant injury. Anything he provides in Week 1 is a bonus, but why take that risk?

Tight Ends
Start – Coby Fleener – New Orleans Saints – vs. Oakland
No longer having to share time and targets, Fleener has an opportunity to really flourish this season. As it is he could prove to be one of Drew Brees’ go to targets all season, but a matchup with the Raiders (who allowed the third most points to opposing tight ends last season, including tying for the most TD allowed) puts him in position for a strong start.

Sit – Zach Miller – Chicago Bears – at Houston
Maybe he turns out to be a breakout tight end, as many think, but with so many alternatives and a tough matchup it’s too much risk to take in Week 1.

Sources – ESPN, NFL.com

Make sure to check out all of our Week 1 rankings:

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends
• Kickers
• Defenses