WRs to start in Week 1

Patriots’ Chris Hogan (vs. Texans): Chris Hogan will have an important role early on with fellow receiver Julian Edelman out with suspension. Hogan has been a nice find for the Patriots a few years ago. He’s not elite or great but he definitely gets the job done. Now coming into Week 1, he’s the No. 1 WR on the depth chart. Hogan should have the upper hand on anyone else on the depth chart, having played with Tom Brady for a couple of years now. The Houston Texans also allowed the sixth most points to WRs last year, which helps.

Lions’ Golden Tate (vs. Jets): Golden Tate continues my idea on starting every Lions player possible against the Jets. Tate is the No. 1 WR on a team that throws the ball a ton with Matthew Stafford at QB. I also like Marvin Jones this week as well, I just like Tate a little more. The Jets allowed the ninth most points to WRs last season.

Panthers’ Devin Funchess (vs. Cowboys): Devin Funchess ended up being the best weapon for quarterback Cam Newton to end the year last season. Funchess is a big target for Newton, allowing for a nice red-zone option. The Panthers should be able to air it out, as the Dallas Cowboys allowed the seventh most points to WRs last year.

Under-the-Radar WRs

Saints’ Cameon Meredith (vs. Buccaneers): I believe Cameron Meredith will be one of the best offseason signings this year. Meredith missed all of last season with a torn ACL. But in 2016, he started in 10 games for the Bears. In those 10 games, he had 888 yards on 66 receptions and four touchdowns. The New Orleans Saints will likely throw more to begin the season without running back Mark Ingram (suspension).

Meredith probably won’t need to be started unless you’re in a deeper league or a low salary option in DFS. The Buccaneers allowed the most points to opposing WRs just last season.

Cowboys’ Allen Hurns (vs. Panthers): Allen Hurns will find himself as the No. 1 WR on the Cowboys depth chart. Hurns was a solid WR for the Jaguars the past couple of years. Somebody on the Cowboys will need to step up and replace Dez Bryant’s production, it could be Hurns. The Panthers allowed the fifth most points to opposing WRs last year.

WRs to sit in Week 1

Bills’ Kelvin Benjamin (vs. Ravens): Kelvin Benjamin is the No. 1 WR for the Bills, after being traded last season. Benjamin is a big body WR but has struggled with drops. There’s an uncertainty on who the Bills play at QB, and you factor in that the Ravens allowed the sixth least amount of points to WRs last year.

I’ll pass on Benjamin.

Giants’ Sterling Shepard (vs. Jaguars): Sterling Shepard will step into the No. 2 WR role with the Giants now. Shepard has been a nice slot WR for the Giants the past couple of years. He will likely be moved around more, not keeping him exclusively in the slot anymore. This week, I don’t like many Giants besides Saquon Barkley. The Jaguars allowed the least amount of points to WRs last year.