Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 1: WR Brandon Marshall

When it comes to setting up your Fantasy Football lineups, wide receiver Brandon Marshall is a solid WR1. Start him as his matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 action is a favorable one.

After a lackluster final season with the Chicago Bears in which injuries plagued wide receiver Brandon Marshall‘s 2014 campaign, all signs pointed towards a decline in his veteran career. However, a trade for him between the New York Jets and the Bears in exchange for a fifth-round selection resurrected his status of being an elite wide out. Especially when it comes to his fantasy football value.

Marshall had one of his best seasons of his career in 2015 recording 109 receptions for 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns on 174 targets. In standard leagues, the veteran receiver was ranked the third best wideout in fantasy football.

According to fftoday.com, Marshall recorded a total of 262.1 fantasy points in 2015 and will look to have another huge season starting Week 1. Last year was the sixth time Marshall recorded at least 100 receptions in his career, the second time he received 1,500 yards and the fourth time he achieved double-digit touchdowns.

At age 32, the veteran receiver doesn’t appear to be slowing down at all just yet. His 2015 momentum should carry over into Week 1 this Sunday as Marshall squares off against the Bengals’ defense.

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According to NFL.com, Cincinnati had a solid defense last year when it came down to stuffing the run which they ranked as the fourth best only allowing 77.8 yards per game.

They also had the 12th best defense in overall points allowed per game at 17.5.

However, their secondary wasn’t as strong as their defensive line which recorded 21 total interceptions and ranked 18th in total yards allowed per game with 309.2.

They were also 26th in passing yards allowed per game with 231.5.

However, their secondary wasn’t as strong as their defensive line.

Their defensive secondary recorded 21 total interceptions and ranked 18th in total yards allowed per game with 309.2.

The Bengal’s secondary consists of cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze Dennard, Adam Jones, Leon Hall, and safeties George Iloka, and Shawn Williams. Kirkpatrick has been inconsistent for the Bengals since being drafted by in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

He’s shown glimpses of potential but by the club picking up his fifth-year option, he’s proven to be nothing more than a one-year investment thus far. Reggie Nelson was the team’s best secondary player in 2015 recording eight interceptions for the club.

However, Nelson departed Cincinnati for the Oakland Raiders. Jones is a hot-headed veteran cornerback that lets emotions get the best of him and attracts countless penalties from refs.

It’s also worth mentioning that first round draft pick from the 2016 NFL Draft, cornerback William Jackson III, is expected to miss time due to a torn pectoral muscle. With quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick back with the Jets after signing a one-year deal during the offseason, expect Marshall to have another big year as the duo each had career years together last year during their first season.

Marshall and Fitzpatrick both are looking to prove 2015 wasn’t a one hit wonder with the Jets.

Questions surround both as to whether or not Fitzpatrick can have another double-digit winning season. Especially with Marshall to see if he can match similar stats of 2015.

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Expect Marshall to record four to five receptions for over 100 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals’ defense. Marshall shouldn’t have a problem posting double-digit fantasy points in Week 1.