Love Hate Week 1: Your Essential Guide For The Fantasy Season Start

Ephraim Sauer DVM 15 Aug 2025

The first week of any fantasy football season, it's kind of like the first day of school, isn't it? You really want to get off on the right foot, and that feeling, that mix of excitement and maybe a little worry, is very real for so many players. You're setting your lineups, hoping your picks shine, and just praying you avoid any early season stumbles. It’s a time when every decision feels pretty big, almost like the whole season hinges on it, even though it's just the start.

This is where the famous "love/hate" column comes into play, a guide that has, you know, helped countless fantasy enthusiasts for years. It's not just about picking players; it’s about understanding the game's pulse right at the beginning. This column helps you figure out who might really surprise you in a good way, and who could, well, let you down when it counts. It’s a crucial piece of advice for navigating those initial choices.

For many, this yearly breakdown, especially for Week 1, shapes their whole approach to the season. It helps folks pinpoint breakout players while, you know, steering clear of potential disappointments. It’s a tradition, really, that helps set expectations and gives you a bit of a heads-up on what to look for. So, let's explore why this particular Week 1 advice is so important.

About Matthew Berry: A Fantasy Football Fixture
The Genesis of the Love/Hate Column
Why Week 1 Advice Matters So Much
- Setting Expectations Just Right
- Spotting Breakout Stars and Avoiding Busts
- Navigating Player News and Lineup Choices
Key Players and Bold Predictions for the Season Ahead
- Running Backs to Watch (or Avoid)
- Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Who to Trust?
- Beyond Week 1: Looking at the Whole Season
The Impact and Legacy of Love/Hate
Frequently Asked Questions About Week 1 Fantasy Football
Making Your Week 1 Choices Count

About Matthew Berry: A Fantasy Football Fixture

Matthew Berry, whose name is, you know, pretty much synonymous with fantasy football advice, has been a central figure in the community for a long, long time. He's been writing his weekly "love/hate" column for seventeen years now, which is, honestly, a rather impressive run. This column has become a staple for fantasy players trying to get an edge each week.

His work goes beyond just writing; Matthew also talks about his experiences, like being on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and he regularly breaks down his positional rankings for the NFL season. He's known for giving out player advice for Week 1 lineup setting, and he often shares how, if you can't win the season, you must at least avoid last place. This long history and constant presence mean his insights carry a lot of weight for many fantasy enthusiasts, you know, year after year.

The Genesis of the Love/Hate Column

The "love/hate" column, which is, you know, pretty famous now, didn't just appear overnight. Matthew Berry himself mentions that 2012 was the year he was working on his book, "Fantasy," a time when he was really diving deep into the whole world of fantasy sports. This column, which is, in a way, his signature piece, has been around for quite a while, seventeen years, to be precise, giving advice for the upcoming week in fantasy football.

Before he gets into the first weekly fantasy football love/hate of the year, Matthew often talks about having some unfinished preseason business. This tradition of his, this annual column, has grown to be a significant part of the fantasy football calendar, something many people really look forward to. It's more or less a consistent source of guidance, helping people make those tough lineup decisions right from the start of the season.

Why Week 1 Advice Matters So Much

Week 1 in fantasy football is, arguably, one of the most exciting, yet also, you know, one of the trickiest times for players. Everyone wants to start strong, and the advice you get for this initial week can really set the tone for your entire season. It's not just about winning that first game; it's about building confidence and making smart choices early on.

Matthew's "love/hate" guide for Week 1, which is, like, a big deal for many, doesn't just help with draft strategies; it also helps fans pinpoint those breakout players while steering clear of potential pitfalls. This kind of specific, early-season insight is pretty invaluable, really, for anyone hoping to make a deep run in their league. It's all about getting that early advantage.

Setting Expectations Just Right

Matthew helps set your expectations with players he loves and hates for Week 1, which is, you know, pretty important. It’s easy to get carried away with preseason hype or, conversely, to feel too down about a player. His column cuts through that noise, giving you a clearer picture of who might actually perform well and who might struggle right out of the gate. This helps you manage your lineup with a bit more realism.

For example, if you owned Eli on your fantasy team last year, like Tiki Barber did, you know how important it is to have realistic expectations for your players. Matthew's insights, they kind of give you a grounded perspective, helping you understand what to truly expect from your roster. This way, you're not just hoping for the best; you're making choices based on some solid, well-thought-out advice, which is, arguably, a better way to play.

Spotting Breakout Stars and Avoiding Busts

One of the biggest draws of the "love/hate" column, especially for Week 1, is its ability to help you spot players who might really take off, or those who could, you know, seriously underperform. Matthew Berry reveals his love/hate players, and this early guidance can be a game-changer for your season. It's about getting ahead of the curve, more or less, before everyone else catches on.

His breakdown helps you see which players he feels good about for a big Week 1 performance and which ones he thinks might disappoint. This kind of foresight is, honestly, invaluable. It means you can potentially pick up a sleeper before their value skyrockets or avoid a player who might just be a trap. It’s about making those smart, informed decisions right from the start, which is, you know, pretty essential for a good fantasy season.

Navigating Player News and Lineup Choices

Week 1 is often filled with last-minute news, injuries, and, you know, general uncertainty. Matthew Berry's column helps you sort through all of that. He dishes out player advice for Week 1 lineup setting, helping you decide who to start and who to bench. This is especially useful when you're trying to figure out which players have the best matchups or are in the best position to succeed.

For instance, Matthew Berry and Jay Croucher, they discuss a handful of running backs on Berry's love/hate list for NFL Week 1, including Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and David Montgomery. They also touch on news like Cooper Kupp being ruled out for Week 1. This kind of timely information, combined with his expert opinion, helps you make those critical lineup adjustments, which is, you know, pretty important for getting that first win.

Key Players and Bold Predictions for the Season Ahead

Beyond just Week 1, Matthew Berry's column often sets the stage for the entire fantasy season. He doesn't just break down players for the upcoming game; he also reveals bold predictions for the 2024 fantasy season. These predictions, they kind of give you a glimpse into his long-term thinking, helping you understand which players he expects to have a significant impact throughout the year. It's like getting a sneak peek at the future, in a way.

This broader outlook is pretty helpful for managing your roster beyond just the first game. It helps you consider trade targets, waiver wire pickups, and even long-term bench stashes. So, it's not just about the immediate; it's also about building a team that can, you know, perform consistently over time.

Running Backs to Watch (or Avoid)

Matthew Berry often gives a lot of attention to running backs in his "love/hate" columns, and for good reason. They are, you know, often the backbone of a fantasy team. He discusses players like Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and David Montgomery, giving you a sense of who he thinks will get off to a good start and who might struggle. This insight is pretty valuable for anyone trying to figure out their starting lineup.

Knowing which running backs Matthew is high on, or, you know, feels less confident about, can help you make those tough decisions. Maybe you have two running backs with similar projections, and his advice can be the tie-breaker. It’s all about getting those small edges that, arguably, add up over the course of a season.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Who to Trust?

The "love/hate" column also covers wide receivers and tight ends, which is, you know, just as important for a balanced team. Matthew Berry includes players like Brown, Darren Waller, Chris Olave, and Terry McLaurin in his breakdowns. He gives you his thoughts on who has the best chance to perform well in Week 1, considering their matchups and team situations.

His insights here can help you decide between a few different options for your flex spot or even your starting wide receiver slots. Sometimes, it's those lesser-known players he "loves" that end up being surprise performers, and that, you know, can really make a difference in your weekly score. It's about finding those hidden gems or avoiding those tempting but risky plays.

Beyond Week 1: Looking at the Whole Season

While the focus is heavily on Week 1, Matthew Berry also shares his plans for a total fantasy takeover of the National Football League, and his more immediate loves and hates for Week 1 of the season. This kind of big-picture thinking, combined with the immediate advice, gives you a well-rounded view. It's not just about the first game; it's about setting yourself up for success throughout the entire year.

He reveals 10 bold predictions for the 2024 fantasy season, which are, you know, pretty exciting. These predictions can influence your long-term strategy, helping you identify players who might become stars or those who could fade. It’s about having that foresight, that broader perspective, that can, arguably, make all the difference in a long fantasy season.

The Impact and Legacy of Love/Hate

The Matthew Berry "love/hate" column, which has been going strong for seventeen years, has really left its mark on the fantasy football world. It's more than just a list of players; it's a tradition, a conversation starter, and, you know, a crucial resource for millions of fantasy players. Its longevity speaks volumes about its usefulness and how much people rely on it.

This column not only helps shape fantasy draft strategies but it also helps fans pinpoint breakout players while steering clear of potential disappointments. It’s a testament to how one person's insights can, arguably, have such a wide-reaching impact on a popular pastime. The column's influence, it just keeps going, year after year, helping people try to win their leagues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Week 1 Fantasy Football

What is Matthew Berry's "love/hate" column for Week 1?

Matthew Berry's "love/hate" column for Week 1 is, basically, his detailed breakdown of players he thinks will perform well (his "loves") and players he expects to struggle (his "hates") for the first week of the fantasy football season. It's designed to help fantasy managers set their lineups and make informed decisions.

How does Matthew Berry's Week 1 advice help fantasy players?

His Week 1 advice helps fantasy players by setting expectations, identifying potential breakout players, and, you know, steering them away from possible busts. It gives insights into player matchups and news, helping managers make smart lineup choices for that crucial first game.

Where can I find Matthew Berry's full rankings and predictions?

You can usually find Matthew Berry's full rankings and predictions on major sports media websites that cover fantasy football. He often publishes his love/hate column and positional rankings there each week. Learn more about fantasy football strategy on our site, and check out this page for more player insights.

Making Your Week 1 Choices Count

As we've seen, the "love/hate" column for Week 1 is, arguably, a cornerstone of fantasy football preparation. It’s about getting off to that good start, which is, you know, so important for building momentum. Matthew Berry's insights, honed over seventeen years, provide a vital compass for those early season decisions. He helps you set your expectations, spot those hidden gems, and avoid common pitfalls.

The first week of the season, it’s a lot like the first day of school, as you hope to get off on the right foot. With Matthew's guidance, you're not just guessing; you're making choices with a bit more confidence. So, as you prepare your lineups for Week 1, consider his advice, and, you know, try to make those smart moves that could really set you up for a winning season. For more detailed fantasy analysis, you might want to check out Matthew Berry's official columns.

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Love Hate Week 1: Your Essential Guide For The Fantasy Season Start

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