Week 1 Fantasy Start/Sit Guide: 8 Must-Starts and 8 Sits

USA TODAY outlines eight players to start and eight to sit for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL fantasy season, emphasizing projections over data-driven certainty. The start picks include Jared Goff (QB, vs. Saints), Justin Herbert (QB, vs. Cardinals), MarShawn Lloyd (RB, at Vikings), Rhamondre Stevenson (RB, at Seattle), Josh Downs (WR, vs. Ravens), Chris Godwin (WR, at Bengals), Juwan Johnson (TE, at Detroit), and the Jaguars defense/special teams (vs. Browns). The sits include Brock Purdy (QB, vs. Rams), Patrick Mahomes (QB, vs. Broncos), Jadarian Price (RB, vs. Patriots), Jonathon Brooks (RB, vs. Bears), Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, at Chargers), Carnell Tate (WR, vs. Jets), Travis Kelce (TE, vs. Broncos), and Buffalo Bills defense/special teams (at Texans).