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, 4:25 PM ET

Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

Network: FOX

 

Washington Commanders

 

Quarterback

Jayden Daniels: START (in Superflex), Borderline QB1

I’m happy to see Jayden Daniels back on the field after a tough sophomore season, but he could start slow like so many others with difficult Week 1 matchups. He’s starting in pretty much all formats, although I’m ok sitting him for the likes of Baker Mayfield if you need upside.

 

Running Back

Jacory Croskey-Merritt: FLEX, RB3
Rachaad White: SIT

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is overrated. There. I said it. There are so many other options I’d rather start in Week 1, including both Panthers and Steelers RBs.

 

Wide Receiver

Terry McLaurin: START, WR2
Stefon Diggs: FLEX, WR4
Antonio Williams: SIT

Philly all but shut down opposing receivers last season, allowing just six touchdowns and the fifth-fewest fantasy points. You’re still starting Scary Terry McLaurin, but I wouldn’t force Stefon Diggs into my lineup.

 

Tight End

Chig Okonkwo: SIT

I expect Chig Okonkwo to become a big part of this offense before the season ends, but not against the Eagles. Philly allowed the second-fewest points to the position in 2025. 

 

Defense/Special Teams

Washington Commanders: SIT

Washington allowed the sixth most points per game last season.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

 

Quarterback

Jalen Hurts: START, QB1

I’m down on Jalen Hurts compared to consensus this season, but he’s a top-10 option against a Commanders defense that gave up 34 touchdowns to quarterbacks and the third most fantasy points to the position.

 

Running Back

Saquon Barkley: START, RB1
Tank Bigsby: SIT

He’s not the Saquon Barkley of 2024, but he’s better than the version we saw in 2025 as well. He’s set to start the season hot, as Washington was a top-five matchup for running backs and allowed the fourth-most touchdowns to the position.

 

Wide Receiver

DeVonta Smith: START, WR2
Dontayvion Wicks: SIT

Makai Lemon: SIT

Is it really DeVonta Smith WR1 season? If it is, he should eat against the Commanders. I’m not so sure about his season-long upside, but he’s locked in as a WR2. The other Eagles receivers should be avoided for the time being, as Makai Lemon is still building up from a hamstring injury and Dontayvion Wicks is Dontayvion Wicks. Wicks probably gets the higher snap count this week if you’re truly in a bind.

 

Tight End

Dallas Goedert: SIT

His fluky, touchdown-heavy 2025 won’t carry over into 2026.

 

Defense/Special Teams

Philadelphia Eagles: START

Top five in points allowed per game and top 10 in turnover differential.