Sit/Start 2026 Week 1: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players in Every Game

Sit or Start recommendations for EVERY fantasy-relevant player in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season!

Game Info

 

Kickoff: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 1:00 PM ET

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

Network: CBS

 

Baltimore Ravens

 

Quarterback

Lamar Jackson: START, QB1

The Lamar Jackson redemption tour starts in Indianapolis, and facing a defense that allowed over 360 yards of total offense per game last season and over 260 passing yards per game (31st out of 32), LJax is set to remind his doubters why he’s a two-time MVP.

 

Running Back

Derrick Henry: START, RB1
Justice Hill: SIT

I dare not doubt the might of King Derrick Henry, but the Colts held opposing running backs to the second-fewest yards per carry in the league last season and the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game. You’re starting the king, but he’s a borderline RB1 who probably needs to get into the end zone to fall into the top 12.

 

Wide Receiver

Zay Flowers: START, WR1
Rashod Bateman: FLEX, WR4

Ja’Kobi Lane: SIT

Hopefully Zay Flowers picks right back up where he left off at the end of 2025, when he scored 15 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games, including three over 20. The Colts were a top five fantasy matchup for receivers last season, but do get back a healthy Sauce Gardner. I still expect Flowers to flourish and bloom into a Week 1 WR1. Rashod Bateman is… Rashod Bateman. A boom/bust, touchdown-dependent FLEX. The Ravens have a pair of interesting rookie wideouts in Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt, but neither is startable in Week 1.

 

Tight End

Mark Andrews: START, TE1

The good news? Isaiah Likely left for greener pastures up north (now that doesn’t make sense, does it?) and the Colts were a top 10 fantasy matchup last season. Andrews also ranked 13th at the position in air yards share and average depth of target. The bad? His yards after the catch per reception was 2.3 (50th), and his yards after contact was actually yard after contact, as in just one. MANdrews saw 10 end zone targets, and with Likely gone, that number likely increases (athankyou). Andrews is a borderline TE1 who should see enough volume to start most weeks and jump into the top five-to-seven when he gets in the end zone. 

 

Defense/Special Teams

Baltimore Ravens: START

You’re starting the Ravens DST most weeks, especially against a freshly recovered Danny Dimes, despite the shortcomings of this unit I’ll mention in the next blurb. If there’s a better matchup-based option for you to consider, go for it. You should never feel too attached to your fantasy defense.

 

Indianapolis Colts

 

Quarterback

Daniel Jones: SIT, QB2 (Startable in Superflex)

Overall, I think Daniel Jones will end the season as a solid Superflex starter, but I want to see what he looks like in live game action before I’m comfortable starting him week in and week out. Lucky for him, the Ravens ranked 28th in sacks per game last season and the bottom half in pressure rate. 

 

Running Back

Jonathan Taylor: START, RB1

JT ranked first in attempts per game, 10th in yards per carry, 11th in carries inside the five, and 2nd in total red zone carries. You know you’re starting Jonathan Taylor; those are just cool stats. 

 

Wide Receiver

Alec Pierce: START, WR3
Josh Downs: FLEX, WR4
Keenan Allen: SIT

The receivers on both teams should have a nice Sunday meal, with the Ravens also an extremely fantasy-friendly matchup to the position last season. The Ravens were susceptible to the deep ball in 2025, playing right into the hands of Alec Pierce, who’s expected to suit up Week 1 after missing much of training camp. Josh Downs should see enough volume to keep him in FLEX territory, and I’m not looking to start an 85-year-old Keenan Allen, who’s been on the roster for about six minutes.

 

Tight End

Tyler Warren: START, TE1

In a rookie season that started 🔥en fuego🔥 but ended ❄️muy frio❄️, Tyler Warren still finished among the top 10 at the position in route percentage, targets per game, receptions per game, yards after contact per reception, and end zone targets. The Ravens only allowed five touchdowns to tight ends last year, but Warren is locked in as a weekly starter in all formats. 

 

Defense/Special Teams

Indianapolis Colts: SIT

No.