Fantasy football fans know the season truly begins when Matthew Berry drops his Love/Hate list, and Week 1 of 2024 is no exception. As one of the most trusted voices in fantasy sports, Berry’s insights help millions set their lineups with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer to the game, his analysis offers critical guidance on who to start, who to sit, and where to find hidden value.
In this article, we’ll break down the key takeaways from Matthew Berry’s Love/Hate Week 1 2024, highlight players to watch, and explain how his picks can impact your fantasy lineup. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions and deliver the expert-level, actionable advice that will give you a competitive edge.
Who Is Matthew Berry and Why Does His Love/Hate List Matter?
Matthew Berry is a former ESPN fantasy football analyst and current NBC Sports personality. His Love/Hate column has become a staple for fantasy enthusiasts over the years, offering weekly advice based on player matchups, historical data, and game flow predictions.
The Love list features players Berry expects to outperform expectations, while the Hate list includes those likely to underdeliver. It’s not about benching every player on the Hate list or starting every Love pick, but rather understanding the context that could sway a week’s outcome.
Love Picks: Who to Start in Week 1
🏈 Quarterbacks
Love: Anthony Richardson (IND vs. HOU)
Richardson is a dual-threat weapon and poised for a breakout season. Against a Houston defense still adjusting to scheme changes, he’s a high-upside start with rushing floor appeal.
Love: Kirk Cousins (ATL vs. NO)
With a healthy receiving corps and new offensive coordinator, Cousins should thrive in a high-scoring dome matchup. The Saints’ defense struggled against accurate passers in 2023.
🏃♂️ Running Backs
Love: Rachaad White (TB vs. CAR)
White faces a Panthers run defense that was bottom-five in rushing yards allowed last season. Look for volume and red zone opportunities.
Love: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET vs. CHI)
Gibbs is expected to take on a larger workload in 2024. Against a suspect Bears defense, his pass-catching prowess makes him a PPR goldmine.
🧤 Wide Receivers
Love: Chris Olave (NO vs. ATL)
With Michael Thomas out and Derek Carr building chemistry with Olave, he’s a WR1 candidate in Week 1. Atlanta’s secondary is still young and exploitable.
Love: Nico Collins (HOU vs. IND)
C.J. Stroud is gaining confidence, and Collins is clearly his go-to target. Expect double-digit targets in a potential shootout.
🏟️ Tight Ends
Love: Sam LaPorta (DET vs. CHI)
LaPorta emerged as a go-to option late last year. Against the Bears, he’s a top-5 tight end play with upside in red zone usage.
Hate Picks: Who to Fade in Week 1
❌ Quarterbacks
Hate: Bryce Young (CAR vs. TB)
Young struggled in his rookie campaign, and with limited weapons against an aggressive Bucs front, expectations should be tempered.
Hate: Daniel Jones (NYG vs. DAL)
Despite his rushing ability, Jones faces a stout Dallas defense that ranked top-3 in sacks and interceptions last season.
❌ Running Backs
Hate: James Conner (ARI vs. WAS)
The Commanders have beefed up their defensive line, and with Arizona likely trailing, Conner could be game-scripted out.
Hate: Dalvin Cook (NYJ vs. BUF)
Cook is in a timeshare with Breece Hall and faces a Bills defense that excels against the run. Volume concerns are real.
❌ Wide Receivers
Hate: Mike Williams (LAC vs. KC)
Inconsistent usage and a tough matchup with Chiefs’ secondary make Williams a boom-or-bust WR3.
Hate: Darnell Mooney (CHI vs. DET)
The Lions’ defense has improved, and with DJ Moore in town, Mooney’s target share could dip significantly.
Key Trends Berry Emphasized for Week 1
📊 Matchups Trump Names
Berry continually stresses that fantasy success is matchup-driven. Just because a player is a big name doesn’t mean he’s an auto-start—especially against top-tier defenses.
📈 Rookies and Sleepers
Week 1 is the perfect time to capitalize on rookies before they’re fully priced into the market. Guys like Zay Flowers or Tank Bigsby may surprise.
⚖️ Trust Volume and Opportunity
Players in committees or with low target shares are riskier. Berry prefers those guaranteed volume, particularly in pass-heavy games or favorable scripts.
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5 Most Asked Questions About Matthew Berry’s Love/Hate Week 1 2024
1. What is Matthew Berry’s Love/Hate list?
Matthew Berry’s Love/Hate list is a weekly fantasy football article highlighting players he believes will overperform or underperform their expectations, based on matchup analysis, trends, and insights.
2. Where can I find Matthew Berry’s Week 1 Love/Hate list for 2024?
You can find it on NBC Sports’ Fantasy Football section or via his Fantasy Life newsletter and podcast. The list is usually released mid-week before games begin.
3. Can I use Love/Hate picks to make daily fantasy decisions?
Yes, many DFS players use Berry’s picks to identify value players for tournament lineups, especially underpriced options with high upside.
4. How accurate is Matthew Berry’s Love/Hate list?
While no fantasy analyst is 100% accurate, Berry has a strong track record and emphasizes trends and data. His picks are well-researched and serve as helpful guidance.
5. Does Matthew Berry update the Love/Hate list during the week?
Occasionally, but any updates are usually shared via his social media, Fantasy Life app, or podcast. It’s wise to monitor injury reports alongside his recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Matthew Berry’s Love/Hate Week 1 2024 provides a solid foundation for setting your fantasy football lineup. His thoughtful analysis, historical references, and matchup-driven strategy offer real value to players looking to maximize Week 1 performance.
Whether you’re deciding between flex options or looking for a breakout quarterback, Berry’s picks give you an edge rooted in logic and experience. Fantasy football is as much about preparation as it is luck—so trust the data, stay flexible, and let the games begin.