The NFL season is underway, and the 2026 NFL Draft class is about to make its impact both in the league and on fantasy football rosters.
While a few NFL Mocks fantasy favorites have already made their debuts, most of the Week 1 schedule gets underway on Sunday. That means it's time to look at which rookies fantasy owners should start, which ones belong on the bench and one sleeper who could make some noise.
So far, Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price has shown his fantasy value with 13.6 points and 52 rushing yards, while New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon made his lone catch count with a touchdown. De’Zhaun Stribling wasn't as fortunate, as the 49ers rookie saw his debut cut short by a left ankle injury. With the heavy part of the Week 1 schedule still ahead, let's get into our rookie Start ’Em, Sit ’Em picks.
Rookie starts of the week
Start ’Em: Carnell Tate
The matchup: Tate and the Tennessee Titans host the New York Jets in what we'll call the Robert Saleh Bowl. In this matchup, new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will get to test out his new offense against a Jets secondary that did not record an interception in 2025.
Second-year quarterback Cam Ward and Tate established chemistry during OTAs and training camp, and look for the duo to test Tate's downfield capabilities. Against a Jets secondary that struggled to create turnovers a season ago, this is a sweet spot for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to make some noise in his NFL regular-season debut.
Why I’m starting him: Tate had a quiet preseason, but don't expect him to stay quiet in Week 1. The Titans have veteran receivers the Jets will need to defend. With Calvin Ridley on the outside and Wan’Dale Robinson operating in the slot, Daboll should be able to design plays to get Tate favorable matchups in both the intermediate passing game and downfield.
With Ward's ability to extend plays and Tate's ability to track the deep ball, don't be surprised if the rookie makes a couple of big plays in this one.
Fantasy outlook: WR2/high-end FLEX
Start ’Em: Denzel Boston
The matchup: The Cleveland Browns travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars in Week 1. With Deshaun Watson under center, this looks like a tough matchup for the Browns, especially given the Jaguars' relentlessness in rushing the passer.
But where Jacksonville needs to prove itself in 2026 is defending the pass.
Can Denzel Boston be a factor?
The Jaguars will move Travis Hunter to cornerback full time to help make that adjustment. But with an emphasis on stopping the Browns' rushing attack, there could be chunk plays available, and Boston could be on the receiving end of those big plays.
Why I’m starting him: Boston was a steal in the draft, selected with the No. 39 overall pick. He doesn't have elite speed, but he is a big boundary target who will test the Jaguars' secondary. This will depend on the Browns' offensive line holding up enough to give Watson time to throw.
There is something about this game that screams Week 1 upset, and if the Browns pull it off, it will probably be because of the offensive playmakers they have, including Boston.
Fantasy outlook: WR3
Start ’Em: Ja’Kobi Lane
The matchup: The Baltimore Ravens travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 1. The Ravens are depending on a receiver to step up in the offense, and Ja’Kobi Lane has been that playmaker throughout training camp and the preseason.
Can he make an impact when the games count?
Lane can use his massive 6-foot-4 frame and contested-catch ability to make some plays against the Colts, especially given Lamar Jackson's ability to extend plays and find his receivers when things break down.
Why I’m starting him: Lane has already developed chemistry and trust with Jackson. With the Colts secondary locked in on containing Zay Flowers, there should be open opportunities for Lane to have a solid debut performance in this one.
This is a crazy Start ’Em, I know, but Week 1 is usually when surprises take place.
Why not Lane?
Fantasy outlook: WR3/FLEX
Rookie sits of the week
Sit ’Em: Jeremiyah Love
The matchup: The Arizona Cardinals face a Los Angeles Chargers team that was one of the top run-stopping units in the NFL in 2025. After adding Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency, they should be even better in 2026, which leads to an unfavorable matchup for Jeremiyah Love and the Cardinals' rushing attack.
Although the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft was impressive during the preseason when he was on the field, it will be a tough matchup for him to have an impressive debut.
Why I’m sitting him: Yes, we made Love the No. 1 pick in our all-rookie fantasy draft, but that doesn't mean we're forcing him into the lineup in Week 1.
Love is officially questionable for Sunday after the high ankle sprain he suffered during the preseason limited his availability following the team's second preseason game. With his strengths being his ability to make shifty moves and make defenders miss in the open field, it could be a few more weeks before Love starts to dominate in the Cardinals' offense.
The fantasy points will come. I'm just not betting on a big performance in Week 1.
Fantasy outlook: Bench/desperation FLEX
Sit ’Em: Kenyon Sadiq
The matchup: After missing the entire preseason following hernia/groin surgery, Sadiq was cleared to make his NFL debut against the Titans in Week 1.
In what will be Robert Saleh's opportunity to get some revenge against his former team in his coaching debut in Tennessee, the pressure will be on Geno Smith.
Can Sadiq be in game-playing mode quickly enough to be a reliable outlet for the Jets offense?
It's possible, but given the likely environment, it will be hard for the Jets to get Sadiq going against a Titans defense that allowed opposing tight ends 55.7 receiving yards per game in 2025.
Why I’m sitting him: The temptation is there given Sadiq's speed and talent, but it's tough to see him getting going immediately after being sidelined for most of training camp and throughout the preseason.
The Jets will try to utilize their tight ends, but second-year tight end Mason Taylor should get the majority of the targets until Sadiq works his way into the offense.
His time will come, but Week 1 could be more about getting his feet wet.
Fantasy outlook: Bench/stash
Sit ’Em: Emmett Johnson
The matchup: The Denver Broncos have an elite defense, and Patrick Mahomes will be making his return in a big Monday night AFC West matchup.
Could that spark a big debut for Emmett Johnson, who is listed as the team's RB2 on the depth chart?
It will be tough against a Broncos defense that ranked No. 2 against the run in 2025. After allowing just 3.9 yards per carry a season ago, Denver will make it tough for the Chiefs to get their running game going.
Why I’m sitting him: We love Johnson's season-long fantasy potential, but this isn't the week to force him into your starting lineup.
The rookie running back had an impressive preseason and looks like a mid-round gem for the Chiefs. However, Kansas City should lean on Kenneth Walker III in this primetime matchup against the Broncos. Johnson will get snaps, but with the way Denver flies around on defense, it won't be a favorable matchup for the rookie to get going, at least on the ground.
There is a chance Johnson could deliver in the passing game, where the Broncos struggled a season ago. But I expect Walker to get most of those opportunities given the magnitude of the game.
Johnson will have his fantasy moments this season. Monday night just might not be one of them.
Fantasy outlook: Bench/stash
Rookie sleeper of the week: Mike Washington Jr.
The matchup: The Las Vegas Raiders have a favorable Week 1 matchup against a Miami Dolphins team that underwent a massive roster reset during the offseason. With second-year running back Ashton Jeanty still working his way back, Washington could get an opportunity to see meaningful touches right away.
Why he’s my sleeper: Washington won't be a sleeper for long if his impressive preseason carries over into the regular season. Along with Jeanty, the Arkansas product should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays against Miami.
This could be where the rookie impresses and starts landing on plenty of fantasy rosters as a waiver-wire pickup. If he's already on your roster, I would start him as an RB2/FLEX.
It's a bold call, but that's what Week 1 is all about.
Fantasy outlook: RB2/FLEX
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