Week 1 Fantasy Picks: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Jets vs Panthers

Two teams looking to bounce back during the 2021 season face off in Week 1 as the New York Jets take on the Carolina Panthers. FanDuel Sportsbook has Carolina slated as a 5.5-point favorite in the betting odds in a game that is sure to have fantasy football implications as well.

If you need some help with your fantasy football lineups, here's some start 'em, sit 'em advice for this Week 1 clash.

Tevin Coleman Fantasy

Start Tevin Coleman, RB, New York Jets: It wouldn't be surprising to see the New York Jets rely on their rushing attack in what is rookie quarterback Zach Wilson's first career NFL start. Their team's latest depth chart lists veteran Tevin Coleman as the starter in the backfield. The seventh-year pro is in line to see a bulk of the carries and faces a Carolina defense that gave up 4.7 yards per rushing attempt in 2020 (T-No. 25 in NFL). The Panthers also allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing RBs. While playing on a subpar offense caps his upside, Coleman is a FLEX option this week.

Robby Anderson Fantasy

Start Robby Anderson, WR, Carolina Panthers: It's a reunion in Carolina as new starting quarterback Sam Darnold is back to throwing to his favorite target in Robby Anderson. The two playmakers spent time together on the Jets and created a powerful connection on the deep ball. Things should pick up right where they left off facing a Jets defense that posted the fifth-worst pass defense DVOA rating during the 2020 season. Anderson led the Panthers with 136 targets last year (8.5 per game). He should have no trouble getting open in Week 1 and remains a formidable starting WR.

Elijah Moore Fantasy

Sit Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets: While Elijah Moore could be in for a breakout rookie campaign, his season isn't likely to get off on the right foot in Week 1. The Panthers gave up the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers last season (21.65 average). Wilson will need to find his favorite target early on, but that is much more likely to be a veteran pass-catcher such as Corey Davis or Jamison Crowder. (if he plays) The Jets averaged a league-low 15.2 points per game in 2020. The lack of touchdown opportunities makes Moore a bench player this week.

Sam Darnold Fantasy

Sit Sam Darnold, QB, Carolina Panthers: There is no reason any fantasy manager should be looking to stream Sam Darnold in Week 1. The first-year Panther is coming off a season in which he threw for just 2,208 yards and 9 touchdowns (11 INT) in 12 games played. The Jets present a great first matchup for the 24-year-old, but Darnold will be handing the ball off a lot. The return of star running back Christian McCaffrey allows the Panthers to rely on a rushing attack that posted 19 touchdowns last season (T-No. 10 in NFL).

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.