NFL Fantasy Football Kickoff: Start em, Sit em

Defense/Special Teams

Start of the Week:

Carolina Panthers – High D/ST1 – The rationale here is pretty simple. Take a stud defense, match it against a dud offense quarterbacked by a journeyman, and you have a juicy fantasy matchup.

Start Em:

Philadelphia Eagles – Mid D/ST1 – With a few new faces, the Eagles defense will be an opportunistic group in 2014. Their first matchup is against the Jaguars and questionable decision maker Chad Henne. There should be a few sacks here to go along with a couple turnovers.

New England Patriots – Mid D/ST1 – They match up against the Dolphins remarkably well, and only improved defensively over the offseason. Expect the Patriots to get after Tannehill early and often.

Other Starts: Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sit of the Week:

Indianapolis Colts – When you’re playing a record setting offense it’s gonna be a long day. When you’re playing a record setting offense without your best defensive player and pass rusher, it’s gonna be a nightmare.

Sit Em:

Atlanta Falcons – Much like above, I can’t advise anyone to start a defense playing against Drew Brees, especially when playing in a Dome.

Buffalo Bills – I like the Bills defense, but they face a Bears team loaded with offensive weapons and a much improved offensive line. It also hurts to lose an all-pro safety.

Other Sits: Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers