Wide Receiver Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Players For Fantasy Football's Week 1

DJ Moore looks like a Week 1 betting target against Minnesota’s weak perimeter defense — punters may back Moore receiving props or WR overs. Conversely, consider fading DK Metcalf (Sauce Gardner matchup) and Cooper Kupp (low game total) with under plays or alternate lines. Expect sharper money on Moore and more contrarian under/fade action for Metcalf and Kupp.

Week 1 Fantasy Wide Receiver Preview and Rankings

Fab’s Top 10 Fantasy Wide Receivers — Week 1 1. Ja’Marr Chase at Browns 2. Justin Jefferson at Bears (Mon.) 3. CeeDee Lamb at Eagles (Thurs.) 4. Amon-Ra St. Brown at Packers 5. Malik Nabers vs. Commanders 6. Puka Nacua vs. Texans 7. Drake London vs. Buccaneers 8. Brian Thomas Jr. at Panthers 9. Nico Collins at Rams 10. A.J. Brown vs. Cowboys (Thurs.)

Start ’Em: Week 1 Wide Receiver Matchups to Target

DJ Moore vs. Vikings — Monday Night (8:15 p.m. ET)

Moore draws a favorable matchup in a big NFC North clash. Minnesota surrendered the most fantasy points to perimeter receivers last season; Moore averaged 18.6 points in his last four games versus them and totaled 41.9 fantasy points across two meetings. Expect heavy target volume and consider receiver props or overs.

Marvin Harrison Jr. at Saints (1 p.m. ET)

After a quiet rookie year, Harrison Jr. projects for a statistical leap in Week 1. New Orleans was generous to perimeter receivers in 2024, making Harrison a viable secondary fantasy option with upside as a No. 2 wideout this week.

Tetairoa McMillan at Jaguars (1 p.m. ET)

The top pure wideout from the 2025 draft class lands in a favorable spot. Jacksonville allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to perimeter receivers last year, and Carolina’s losses in veteran targets open immediate snaps for McMillan as a viable No. 2 fantasy receiver.

Emeka Egbuka at Falcons (1 p.m. ET)

Egbuka profiles as a Week 1 sleeper. Atlanta gave up the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024. With some veteran receivers sidelined or traded, Egbuka should see targets and has flex appeal in a game with a high total.

Ricky Pearsall at Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET)

With questions around the Niners’ pass game and injuries impacting top targets, Pearsall should see increased involvement. Expect enough volume for a flex start until San Francisco’s passing attack stabilizes.

Other Start ’Em Options

Devonta Smith vs. Cowboys (Thurs.) Xavier Worthy at Chargers (Brazil, Fri.) Khalil Shakir vs. Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET)

Sit ’Em: Week 1 Wide Receivers to Avoid

DK Metcalf vs. Jets (1 p.m. ET)

Metcalf remains a season-long asset, but Week 1’s matchup is brutal. New York, led by a lockdown corner in Sauce Gardner, was the stingiest defense against perimeter receivers in 2024. Metcalf’s FanDuel receiving-yards line (55.5) reflects modest expectations — consider fading or targeting alternate lines.

Chris Olave vs. Cardinals (1 p.m. ET)

Olave is healthy and the Saints’ top option, but quarterback stability questions make him inconsistent. With uneven production even in favorable spots last season, Olave is a risk-reward flex rather than a must-start.

Calvin Ridley at Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET)

Ridley’s upside is tempered by a tough Denver matchup. The Broncos limited perimeter touchdown production for visitors and allowed low points per game to the position; Ridley’s floor could be constrained in Mile High.

Cooper Kupp vs. 49ers (4:05 p.m. ET)

Age, recent injury history and a less explosive offense make Kupp a low-upside Week 1 option. This game has one of the week’s lowest totals (O/U 42.5), reducing scoring opportunities — keep Kupp on the bench.

Stefon Diggs vs. Raiders (1 p.m. ET)

Diggs returns from a torn ACL and joins a new team, creating uncertainty. With a player prop of -130 to go under 4.5 catches on BetMGM and a modest game total (O/U 43.5), Diggs is a risky start in Week 1.

Other Sit ’Em Options

George Pickens at Eagles (Thurs.) Jakobi Meyers at Patriots (1 p.m. ET) Michael Pittman Jr. vs. Dolphins (1 p.m. ET)

Betting and Fantasy Takeaways

Matchups drive Week 1 decisions: look for targets and props on receivers facing weak perimeter defenses (Moore, Harrison Jr., McMillan, Egbuka). Fade high-profile names with tough shadow defenders or low game totals (Metcalf vs. Gardner, Kupp vs. 49ers). Monitor early lines and props — Week 1 often rewards matchup-based bets and contrarian fades more than pure reputation plays.

Fantasy football expert Michael Fabiano breaks down his start em, sit em picks for WRs in Week 1.

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