For Week 1 of the 2026 fantasy football season, expert Steve Bradshaw highlights key start and sit decisions with a strategic focus on less obvious choices. Wide receiver Mike Evans stands out as a start, benefiting from his role as the leading receiver for the San Francisco 49ers facing a Rams defense that allowed the 12th most fantasy points to wide receivers last year. Conversely, Rashee Rice is advised as a sit given his recent knee surgery and a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos, who were stingy against receivers in 2025.

At running back, Jaylen Warren is recommended as a reliable start due to his consistent production last season and a favorable matchup against the Falcons, who conceded the 15th most points to running backs. However, Rhamondre Stevenson is considered a sit despite the absence of TreVeyon Henderson, because of his historical inefficiency under high usage and an especially challenging Seahawks defense, which ranked second best at limiting running back fantasy points last year.

On the quarterback front, Jaxson Dart is praised as a strong start with potential upside from his rushing ability, facing the Dallas Cowboys defense that allowed the most points to quarterbacks in 2025. Justin Herbert, despite his talent, is surprisingly rated a sit due to a tougher matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, who held opponents to the 17th fewest quarterback fantasy points last season. Tight end Isaiah Likely is a start expected to see significant targets, while Tucker Kraft is a sit as he recovers from an ACL injury and faces a tough Vikings defense.

For defense and special teams, the Tennessee Titans are a recommended start based on their matchup against a struggling New York Jets team that surrendered the fifth most points to defenses last year. The Minnesota Vikings defense, despite talent, is a sit given their difficult opponent in the Green Bay Packers, who allowed the third-fewest points to fantasy defenses in 2025. These recommendations emphasize a blend of player health, matchup dynamics, and recent performance trends to inform Week 1 fantasy lineups.