Fantasy Football Week 1: Wide Receiver Start/Sit Advice

Picking the best wide receivers to start in the first weekend of fantasy football is a tricky proposition. Some pass-happy teams like the New Orleans Saints, will rack up receiving yards but it will be a crap shoot trying to determine who grabs the receptions.

Be careful with receivers on the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. These teams will spread the receptions around among six to seven receivers. Teams with Jeremy Maclin or Chad Ocho Cinco will suffer through some tough decisions in the first week.

Best wide receivers to start in week one of fantasy football

1. Hakeem Nicks: New York Giants

Hakeem Nicks and the New York Giants will take on their NFC East rivals, the Washington Redskins. The Redskins history of poor pass defense looks like it will continue this year. Look for Eli Manning to find Nicks deep on several occasions.

2. Ted Ginn Jr.: San Francisco 49ers

If Ted Ginn Jr. can hold onto the ball he will make some big plays against an unimpressive Seattle Seahawks secondary. Ginn will break off some big plays in this game.

3. Larry Fitzgerald: Arizona Cardinals

It will be a rare occurrence to sit the lanky and sure-handed wide receiver but this is the week Larry Fitzgerald arrives on the scene to reclaim his rightful place as the No.1 fantasy football wide receiver.

4. Reggie Wayne: Indianapolis Colts

If Peyton Manning does not start, Reggie Wayne's value will actually increase. Kerry Collins will be looking to him early and often and Wayne will produce a 100 plus yard game.

5. Brandon Marshall: Miami Dolphins

Not a big believer in Brandon Marshall but this is a Monday Night Football game and he lives for the spotlight. The Patriots released Brandon Merriweather and their secondary is younger than last year.

Best wide receivers to sit in week one of fantasy football

1. Percy Harvin: Minnesota Vikings

The San Diego Chargers pass defense is still solid this season and Percy Harvin is still inconsistent. Many fantasy football experts recommended drafting Harvin high this season but I am not on board with Harvin as a solid No. 1 receiver.

2. Derrick Bowe: Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs will go up against the Buffalo Bills strong defensive corners who get plenty of help from the safeties. Derrick Bowe will get shut down in his opening game.

3. Miles Austin: Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys will take on Darrelle Revis and a determined Antonio Cromartie. Austin will match up with Revis which equals little to no action.

4. Calvin Johnson: Detroit Lions

Calvin Johnson is a top five NFL receiver but he will play heads up with Aqib Talib or Ronde Barber. Talib has developed into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 1 defender and he will shut down Johnson if he is opposite the quick receiver.

5. Chad Ocho Cinco: New England Patriots

It is always tough to take a receiver on the New England Patriots but many owners will want to start Chad Ocho Cinco. Resist the temptation and wait for a better spot to start Ocho Cinco.

Sources:

ESPN NFL depth charts and pass defense rankings