George Pickens or Christian Kirk: Who should I start in Fantasy Football Week 1?

Week 1 of the 2024 fantasy football season is ongoing and all managers are looking to get off to a strong start. In order to do so, they will need to make crucial lineup decisions that will affect their weekly scores. One debate that they could be having is whether to start George Pickens or Christian Kirk. Here's how it breaks down.

Is George Pickens a good fantasy pick in Week 1?

George Pickens

George Pickens has increased his receiving totals in each of his season with the Pittsburgh Steelers so far. His improved situation ahead of the 2024 NFL season makes him an even more attractive option in fantasy football. The Steelers moved on from his main target competition in Diontae Johnson and also upgraded their quarterbacks.

Whether Russell Wilson or Justin Fields starts in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, Pickens should benefit either way. Subtracting Johnson from the lineup may also increase his workload. Many signs point to a breakout season for Pickens this year, though he will have to deal with a difficult Week 1 matchup. The Falcons ranked eighth in total passing defense last season.

Is Christian Kirk a good fantasy pick in Week 1?

Christian Kirk

Christian Kirk regressed in his second season with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, finishing as the WR47 after a breakout WR11 finish in Year 1. Some of that can be explained by the team adding Calvin Ridley to their roster, but he departed during the offseason. This could mean a bounceback season is coming for Kirk despite the additions of Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr.

It's unclear how the target hierarchy will break down for Trevor Lawrence this season, but Kirk is the veteran option with the most experience in his offense. He may be counted on the most this year, especially in the early weeks, and will kick things off with a favorable fantasy football matchup. Their matchup with the Miami Dolphins is projected to be one of the highest-scoring games of Week 1.

George Pickens vs Christian Kirk: Who should I start in Fantasy Football Week 1?

Both George Pickens and Christian Kirk classify as a WR3 or Flex option for Week 1 of the 2024 fantasy football season. While both of them will carry upside into their first game of the year, Kirk will have a higher floor this week. This gives him a slight edge over Pickens when debating between the two of them for a lineup spot.

Kirk is playing in a more favorable matchup this week in what is expected to be a potential shootout. He also has the benefit of entering his third year with the same quarterback. Pickens is facing off against a tough passing defense and will be playing his first game with a new quarterback. This is what makes Kirk a better option in Week 1 Fantasy Football, though Pickens still offers strong value.