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2015 Fantasy Football: Must-Start, Must-Sit Week 1

By Nate Williams

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Sep 3, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warms up before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Jacksonville Jaguars at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Sit Em

Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins

Opponent: Miami Dolphins

A double whammy for the former Michigan State Spartan. Not only is Kirk Cousins getting thrust into a spot in an organization that is seemingly drowning in turmoil, but his first opponent of 2015 is the Miami Dolphins — whom are now led by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Did I mention Cousins has already failed to hold this job down once before?

Alright, maybe I’m being a bit harsh on the kid. I mean after all, he does have a big arm and can throw the football decently at times. Heck, Cousins will probably even win some games this year! It just won’t happen in week one against the Dolphins.

Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

Opponent: Detroit Lions

Let’s face it — one of the most-hyped, (if not the most) rookies entering the 2015 NFL Draft was none other than Wisconsin Badger, Melvin Gordon. That’s why it came as no surprise when he went off the board to a team that desperately needed a tailback, the San Diego Chargers.

Since then however, that hype, is all but gone.  He has struggled to find holes behind a shaky offensive line, and this week should be as hard as it gets against the Detroit Lions’ front seven. The very best run defense in the NFL in 2014 might be the toughest NFL debut Gordon could have imagined.

Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans

Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs

Earlier on in the offseason, I listed DeAndre Hopkins as my No. 1 player to avoid in fantasy football in 2015. Now, coincidentally, I have him on my list of players to bench for week one.

In case you didn’t read that article, (which is available by clicking HERE) I stated very clearly that I have absolutely no problems with Hopkins as a player. In fact, I think he is uber talented. My problem lies in the person who is going to be throwing him the ball, Brain Hoyer.

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Also a former MSU Spartan, (yes, I am a U-M guy myself) Hoyer’s debut at quarterback couldn’t be much tougher against a Kansas City Chief’s defense that held opposing wideouts to the second-fewest yards per game in 2014.

I may like Hopkins later this year once he and Hoyer establish a rapport, or once Ryan Mallet takes over for whatever reason come week seven, but keep him on the bench this week.

Below are a few more starts and sits for each position.

[table id=17 /]

Nate Williams is an editor, columnist and lead fantasy football writer for SideLionReport.com of the FanSided Network. For continued news, rumors and analysis about the Detroit Lions or fantasy football, be sure to give him a follow on twitter at @SLR_Nate!

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