Sit/Start 2024 Week 1: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

Game Info

Kickoff: Sunday, September 8th, 2024, 1:00 PM ET

Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida

Network: CBS

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback

Trevor Lawrence: Sit, QB2

Lawrence is my QB15 this week. The additions of both Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis bode well for Lawrence’s next step, but I would not be surprised to see that take some time. If you waited on Quarterback, there are worse options, and in the QB2 range in my rankings, Lawrence far and away has the highest ceiling. That being said, he needs to protect the football, something that has been a problem for him both in the NFL and fantasy football.

Running Back

Travis Etienne: Start, RB1

Etienne may be one of my favorite players in this week’s matchups. He should be functioning as the workhorse for Jacksonville once again, and there is a fair chance the Jaguars will have their foot on the gas all game long. The Dolphins’ defense looks like it is going to be taking a big step backward in 2024, and Etienne should be one of the primary beneficiaries of that in Week 1. Tank Bigsby isn’t highlighted here, but what you need to know is that his only role is as a handcuff; he should not be considered weekly for your starting lineups unless Etienne misses time.

Wide Receiver

Christian Kirk: Start, WR2
Brian Thomas Jr.: FLEX Option
Gabe Davis: Sit

When evaluating what your team needs, the Jaguars wide receivers are a perfect way to look at your lineup decisions. Kirk is my WR23. Kirk is one of my favorite full PPR options this week outside of the elite tier of players because he should be peppered with targets from Lawrence all game long. That being said, he is unlikely to have a matchup-breaking week. Thomas Jr. comes in at my WR40. His range of outcomes is incredibly wide, but if he does hit, he could put up WR1 numbers with his skillset and in a game where Lawrence could be forced to throw the ball 40 times. It’s Week 1, so I prefer the Kirk types, but if you already find yourself in a matchup where it looks like you need a lottery ticket, Brian Thomas Jr. is the wide receiver for you this week. Obligatory Note: Try not to roster Davis, and start him only when you are desperate.

Tight End

Evan Engram: Start, TE1

Engram is at the end of my top tier of tight ends this week. Similar to Kirk, Engram is a surprisingly safe option in Week 1. He should contend with Kirk to lead the team in targets and continue to be a motor for this offense in the intermediate passing game.

Miami Dolphins

Quarterback

Tua Tagovailoa: Sit, QB2

One of the biggest challenges in evaluating Tagovailoa is figuring out what he really gives a fantasy football team. Despite throwing for nearly 5,000 yards last season, he was only able to climb to QB9. The ceiling isn’t really there. In Week 1, he has a smash matchup and should flirt with QB1 numbers, but ultimately, he falls to QB14 and, in most leagues, can remain out of your starting lineup.

Running Back

De’Von Achane: Start, RB1
Raheem Mostert: Start, RB2

The Dolphins’ running backs are going to cause headaches all season long for their opponents and fantasy managers. Achane is the name everyone loves to talk about, and in Week 1, I expect him to be a popular name as well. Coming in as my RB10, Achane may be limited to 12 or so touches, but he has proven to be so explosive that that is enough, especially against a Jacksonville defense that can be susceptible to burners like Achane. Mostert also slides in as a solid RB2 for many of the reasons I like Achane this week, but the upside isn’t quite as high for the veteran.

Wide Receiver

Tyreek Hill: Start, WR1
Jaylen Waddle: Start, WR1

The Dolphins’ wide receivers land as my WR3 and WR9 for Week 1. Both Hill and Waddle should be heading towards a smash week. The only thing that could slow them down this week is injury, and right now, both players will be a full go against Jacksonville. Start these Dolphins speedsters with the utmost confidence.

Tight End

Jonnu Smith: Sit, TE2

Meanwhile, Smith is more of an honorable mention than anything and a name to keep an eye on in the TE landscape, but he is mainly off the fantasy radar for now.