In the Mood for Fantasy Football Podcast: Start ’em or sit ’em for Week 1

The latest episode of Pro Football Network’s In The Mood for Fantasy Football Podcast discussed fantasy news for Week 1, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends that we recommend you insert into fantasy football lineups (or keep on your bench).

To watch this week’s episode of In the Mood for Fantasy Football, tune into the video player above. You can also listen on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Fantasy Football News: Week 1 QB recommendation

Players such as Patrick Mahomes (28.7), Kyler Murray (26.7), Lamar Jackson (24.6), and Tom Brady (24) are all quarterbacks that will be in your lineup weekly considering their fantasy points per game average from the 2020 season.

However, Tommy and I did discuss a few quarterbacks on the podcast that are solid starts that fantasy managers may hesitate to start. One such quarterback is Jalen Hurts.

Hurts averaged an astounding 26.3 fantasy points per game from Week 14 to Week 17 after taking over as the starter for Carson Wentz. He only played three quarters in Week 17. Hurts finished as a QB1 in Week 14-16. He averaged 230 passing yards, 1.2 passing touchdowns, and 0.8 interceptions per game in his four starts. Additionally, Hurts excelled as a runner.

Hurts has unparalleled upside in Week 1

The second-year quarterback steps into an excellent opening matchup against the Falcons in Week 1. Hurts is supported by an offensive-minded head coach in Nick Sirianni. He faces a Falcons defense that has allowed nearly 400 total yards per game last season. Atlanta isn’t completely behind all of their defensive woes. Hurts has the potential to finish as the QB1 in fantasy this week.

Week 1 RB recommendation

Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry, Aaron Jones, and other upper-echelon running backs will be in your fantasy lineups. Nonetheless, Tommy and I did discuss other running backs you should consider deploying into fantasy lineups. One of which is Los Angeles Rams RB Sony Michel.

The Rams acquired Michel from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2022 sixth-rounder and a 2023 fourth-rounder. He’s also in the last year of his contract. The trade implies Michel will be featured heavily this season.

Head coach Sean McVay’s offensive scheme since arriving in Los Angeles has been markedly run-heavy. Michel could begin the season as the most trusted running back on the roster and become the Rams’ preferred option in short-yardage situations and the red zone.

Bringing it all together

This is a taste of what Tommy and I hashed out in the latest episode of In The Mood for Fantasy Football, a Pro Football Network podcast that keeps you up to date on the latest NFL news and how to adjust your lineups weekly with start/sit, waiver wire, and draft advice.

To watch this week’s episode of In the Mood for Fantasy Football, tune into the video player above. You can also watch on the PFN YouTube Channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.