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Fantasy Football Week 1: Top 5 Sit ‘Em Picks

By Genna Preston

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 18: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati 24-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 18: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati 24-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 18: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati 24-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 18: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati 24-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

These five players don’t deserve a starting role in your Week 1 fantasy football lineup.

Welcome to Week 1 of the fantasy football season! If you have followed me these past few years, you would know it’s like Christmas when this time of the year rolls around; stressful and exciting all in one.

If Thursday night’s NFL kickoff game was a glimpse of what this season is going to be about, we are all in for a great year. If you didn’t see the game, let’s just say I hope you sat the New England Patriots D/ST.

The Kansas City Chiefs made beating the Super Bowl champs look easy. What everyone thought was going to be a blowout took a turn and the Chiefs left with their first victory of the season. The Patriots D/ST barely earned five points.

I am expecting a few shockers like this all season. But, it’s opening week and teams are out for blood. I always suggest going all in the first two weeks to test your roster. Unfortunately, there are just some players and positions you can’t afford to test.

If you don’t want your team to go down in Week 1, you have to set your fantasy football lineup to its greatest potential. I have identified five players who should enjoy the view from the bench heading into Week 1 of the fantasy football season.

Next: 5. This Lion is more like a cub

5. Eric Ebron, TE Detroit Lions

It breaks my heart when any Detroit Lions player appears on my fantasy football sit ‘em list. I have a soft spot for the Lions, and this week isn’t looking good for them.

Eric Ebron is always a risky pick, to begin with. He’s more of a flex; on a good day, or a bye week filler when the matchup is a team like the Cleveland Browns.

Ebron has a tough season ahead of him fighting for time with Marvin Jones, Golden Tate, and rookie Kenny Golladay. Not to mention he only had one touchdown in 13 games last season.

This is also the week Ebron faces the Arizona Cardinals. Last season, the Cardinals surrendered the least points to opposing tight ends. Ebron is definitely earning a seat on the bench in the 2017 season opener!

Next: 4. I wouldn't go all in on this quarterback

BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals scrambles with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals scrambles with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

4. Andy Dalton, QB Cincinnati Bengals

There are some quarterbacks I can’t wait to get my hands on. Then, there are some I’ll settle for. But, then there’s Andy Dalton. He just doesn’t do it for me, and when he does, it’s not often.

The only thing he has going for him is his receiving corps. He had over 4,000 yards last year but has nothing to show for it.

He only totaled 18 touchdowns for the season. Brock Osweiler had 15; Dalton should be ashamed of himself. But, if you drafted Dalton for whatever reason, this isn’t the week to start him.

The Cincinnati Bengals face off with the Baltimore Ravens. Dalton has played the Ravens 11 times and has only scored 12 touchdowns. Not to mention the Ravens defense only offered quarterbacks about 16 fantasy points per game last year.

These statistics don’t scream fantasy football champion. Leave him on the bench in Week 1.

Next: 3. This receivers odds don't look good

ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 26: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys walks onto the field against the Detroit Lions in the second half at AT&T Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 26: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys walks onto the field against the Detroit Lions in the second half at AT&T Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

3. Dez Bryant, WR Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys were on fire last season. And, with all the Ezekiel Elliott hype, they will be the center of attention during the NFL’s Sunday night football kickoff against the New York Giants.

Going forward, I am very confident that Dez Bryant could get the job done. But, this week, there are too many what ifs and red flags to worry about.

Do you remember what happened last season? The only team who could defeat the Cowboys were the Giants. When the two teams played, Bryant only completed 2-of-14 targets for a measly 18 yards. Then in their second matchup last year Bryant earned negative points after losing a fumble.

Going forward I expect to see better from Bryant, but I wouldn’t take the chances this week. Let him earn his starting spot on your lineup before you feed him to the wolves.

Next: 2. Be patient, this star rookie will get his chance

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: Leonard Fournette of LSU reacts poses after being picked #4 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: Leonard Fournette of LSU reacts poses after being picked #4 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Leonard Fournette, RB Jacksonville Jaguars

Fantasy football owners have been patiently waiting for a player like Leonard Fournette. But, you should continue to be patient, because starting him in Week 1 is a huge risk.

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Fournette had a foot injury during the preseason, and although that doesn’t seem to be a concern, his opponents are! The Jacksonville Jaguars open the with a Houston Texans matchup.

Does the name J.J. Watt ring a bell? Last season, the Texans offered opposing running backs less than 18 points per game. Compared to someone like Le’Veon Bell, that’s nothing. The Jaguars running backs haven’t scored a touchdown the last few seasons.

Let Fournette have his NFL debut without all the pressure. Leave him on the bench until he’s really ready; it’s only a matter of time until Blake Bortles blows it and the Jaguars become run happy!

Next: 1. And the No. 1 player to sit in Week 1 is?

CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 13: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball after catching a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 13, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 13: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball after catching a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 13, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

1. Tyler Eifert, TE Cincinnati Bengals

Tyler Eifert is always a risky start in my opinion. He is a decent tight end, but his track record for injuries is unreal. Eifert even injured his knee during the preseason, which I should mention is fine.

The Bengals prepare to take on the Ravens this week. Last season, Eifert had low double-digit fantasy football points, which is great for a tight end. But, he was injured during their second game, so there’s no comparison.

Must Read: Top 25 funny fantasy football team names to use in 2017

The biggest issue comes down the raw defensive statistics of the Ravens. They only gave up five touchdowns to opposing tight ends last season. Keep in mind, only two tight ends earned double-digit fantasy points when they came face-to-face with the Ravens secondary. If you can afford to sit Eiffert, I would! Otherwise, he’s nothing more than a flex or very low TE2.