NFL Week 1 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em QBs: Jaxson Dart vs. Tyler Shough

It’s only Week 1 in the NFL, but getting a win in fantasy football is as crucial as ever.

An initial win elevates your confidence, making it less likely to get desperate and make unnecessary or impulsive changes to your roster. Starting with your best lineup in NFL Week 1 could set the tone for your season.

Giants QB Jaxson Dart and Saints QB Tyler Shough are second-year quarterbacks in a position to have breakout seasons. They did not start their rookie seasons as the starter, but by the end, they were their team’s QB1, setting up for important 2026 roles.

Below, we’ll discuss another NFL Week 1 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em debate, featuring Giants QB Jaxson Dart and Saints QB Tyler Shough for your fantasy football starting lineup and highlight each player's Week 1 PrizePicks projections.

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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em QBs, Week 1: Jaxson Dart or Tyler Shough?

Let’s jump into our Week 1 fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em decision between Dart and Shough.

All stats in this article are courtesy of PFF, unless otherwise stated. All fantasy rankings and fantasy point totals are courtesy of FantasyPros.

Why Start Jaxson Dart?

Jaxson Dart Week 1 PrizePicks Projections: 217.5 Pass Yards, 31.5 Rush Yards, 374.5 Pass + Rush Yards, 18.5 Fantasy Score, 1.5 Pass + Rush + Rec TDs

• Dart was an excellent fantasy quarterback in 2025, finishing in the top 10 in fantasy points among quarterbacks seven of his 12 starts.
• He played one game against the Cowboys last season, logging 230 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 32 rushing yards, and 20.4 fantasy points — which ranked him QB8 that week.
• Dart finished third among quarterbacks in rushing yards (487) last year. Meanwhile, the Cowboys ranked 30th by allowing 398 rushing yards to quarterbacks a year ago.
• The Giants’ former first-round pick will potentially have two key players who were absent from last year’s matchup against the Cowboys. WR Malik Nabers and RB Cam Skattebo are tracking to be available, providing a notable boost to the offense.
• Of the Cowboys’ eight road games in 2025, they allowed at least 19 fantasy points to quarterbacks in six of them.

Pick Jaxson Dart and the Giants to win for higher payouts on PrizePicks!

Why Start Tyler Shough?

Tyler Shough Week 1 PrizePicks Projections: 246 Pass Yards, 16.5 Rush Yards, 266.5 Pass + Rush Yards, 17.5 Fantasy Score, 1.5 Pass + Rush + Rec TDs

• Shough became a valuable fantasy quarterback after taking over as the starter for the Saints, ranking as QB5 from Week 14 to Week 18.
• Last season, the Lions ranked 25th in fantasy points allowed per game to quarterbacks (18.2).
• Shough excelled as a runner and ranked seventh in yards per carry (5.6) among quarterbacks from Week 14 to Week 18.
• Detroit comes into this game with a depleted secondary, with the team ruling that safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are out.
• The Saints focused on the wide receiver position in the 2026 draft. While first-round pick rookie WR Jordan Tyson is on injured reserve (hamstring), fourth-round rookie WR Bryce Lance and and sixth-round rookie WR Barion Brown could help boost the unit.

Pick Tyler Shough and the Saints to win for higher payouts on PrizePicks!

Week 1 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Verdict: Start Jaxson Dart

Dart and Shough are similar quarterbacks; both are athletic, and mobility is their best asset. Neither is an elite passer, as Dart ranked 19th in EPA per dropback (0.00) and Shough was 24th (-0.05). 

This week, it’s all about which quarterback is in the best position to excel, and that could be Dart.

While the Saints may rely heavily on rookie wide receivers, the Giants brought in experienced pass-catchers for Dart.

The Giants signed former Ravens TE Isaiah Likely, WR Odell Beckham Jr., and WR Darnell Mooney, while drafting Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Dart has a favorable matchup against a Cowboys defense that was one of the league's worst last year, ranking 30th in total yards allowed (377.0) and last in points allowed (30.1). 

One thing the Cowboys did well was pressure the quarterback, leading the league in pressure rate (31.2%). However, Dart’s mobility helped him avoid pressure last season, as he ranked eighth in scrambles (39).

Dallas improved its defense in the offseason by trading for Packers EDGE Rashan Gary and 49ers LB Dee Winters, paired with drafting S Caleb Downs and EDGE Malachi Lawrence in the first round. While the Cowboys' defense could be better, it’s still rebuilding and is unlikely to immediately become a top-tier unit. 

The Cowboys have also hired a new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker. Dallas now has several new players on defense, along with a new defensive scheme.

It may take time for the new-look defense to develop chemistry and adjust to the new scheme. That could be difficult against a quarterback like Dart, who can go off script and make explosive plays.

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Make 2026 NFL Predictions on PrizePicks

Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough are interesting options in fantasy football for Week 1. When choosing between the two, Dart could be the better play this week against a Cowboys defense he torched against last year.

With his new group of pass catchers under new Giants head coach John Harbaugh, Dart has the opportunity to have an incredible start to his 2026 season.

Don’t wait until Week 1 kicks off — make your 2026 NFL picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.

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