Fantasy Football Week 1 is basically here and some players to start or sit with injuries for the opening set of games include Arian Foster, LeSean McCoy, Todd Gurley, Julius Thomas, Victor Cruz, Alshon Jeffery, CJ Spiller, Michael Floyd, Roddy White, Devonta Freeman, Zach Ertz, Tre Mason, Emmanuel Sanders, TY Hilton, Duke Johnson and Mike Evans.
Arian Foster is a SIT option for Week 1 of the season after his groin surgery, but he has reportedly been making progress and could be back sooner than expected. Foster is the top back for the Texans and he could return in early October. LeSean McCoy has been dealing with a hamstring issue, but ESPN.com reports that the running back said he should be fine to start the season. Check the injury reports before Sunday just in case, but as of now, McCoy is a START option for Week 1 of the season for the Bills.
Victor Cruz has made a strong recovery from his knee injury last year, but he is a SIT option for Week 1 after dealing with a calf injury in the preseason. Cruz was hoping to get some work in the preseason and reps in practice leading into Week 1, but the Giants have been cautious, as they do not want him having a setback. With Odell Beckham stepping up, the Giants likely will hold out Cruz for another week or so.
Todd Gurley came into the NFL after dealing with a serious knee injury in college last season and he is a hard SIT option to open the season. Gurley is worth a pick in most leagues since he likely will start eventually for the Rams, but until he can get fully healthy, expect Gurley to be on the bench for a few weeks. Julius Thomas is one of the top tight ends (even on the Jaguars) but after dealing with a finger injury, he is a SIT option as well, as he is having surgery. Reports have Thomas out until around Week 4 of the season.
TY Hilton and Duke Johnson are both dealing with concussion issues, while Mike Evans had a slight hamstring strain in the preseason. Evans is expected to be fine for Week 1 and he is worth starting, as he is the top receiver option with Vincent Jackson for the Buccaneers. Evans had a big rookie season and he is expected to continue improving and even though Winston is a rookie, Evans should be able to put up some productive numbers if he stays healthy. Johnson reportedly has passed his concussion test, but caution should be used early on for him.
Hilton is reportedly looking good to start for Week 1 and he is worth putting in the lineup, as the Colts could be one of the best passing teams in the league. Hilton is the number one for Andrew Luck and reports have him passing through the concussion protocol and he is on track for Week 1. Duke Johnson is a SIT option for Week 1, but he is a player to keep an eye on moving forward. The Browns traded Terrance West and the team has Isaiah Crowell as the number one, but Johnson is expected to get a lot of work as well this season.
