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Fantasy football: Start-em, sit-em players for Week 1

By Jay Marsdale

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Jameis Winston
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Jameis Winston /
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49ers Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 18: Kelvin Benjamin #13 of the Carolina Panthers carches a pass against Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers in the 3rd quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Start-em: Kelvin Benjamin (CAR) vs. 49ers

Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin had a very up-and-down season last year and is looking for a bounce back in 2017. He has a good chance of starting strong against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.

The strength of the 49ers is in their defensive line and linebackers, but their secondary play is very questionable at this point. There is no cornerback on the 49ers roster to match up with Benjamin’s size or speed.

Part of the reason for his down year a season ago was due to some nagging injuries. All accounts out of Carolina say he is healthy and he has performed well enough in the preseason for me to agree.

With the new weapons on offense around him, Benjamin is going to be difficult to focus in on for the 49ers defense. Expect Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to find him early and often.

With his size, red-zone targets are always going to be there, and that means touchdowns. Touchdown equal fantasy football points. That’s why he is a must start for the Panthers Week 1.

More options: Jamison Crowder (WAS) vs. Philadelphia and Julio Jones (ATL) vs. Chicago