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Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings: Standard and PPR Analysis

What's up RotoBallers. We've finally made it, the NFL and fantasy football seasons are right around the corner. To celebrate, today we are bringing you our Week 1 fantasy football rankings to help prepare you for your opening weekend matchups. Below you will find both PPR rankings and standard league rankings for Week 1, brought to you by Zach Wilkens (@LopsidedTrades) and Edward Gorelik (@EdwardGorelik).

Lead fantasy football columnist Zach Wilkens also highlights some rankings analysis for Week 1, broken out by position, and draws some matchup conclusions. He tells you who he likes, who he doesn't, and most importantly who he thinks you should be starting in Week 1. You can also check out our 2015 fantasy football ranking dashboard, for more in depth rankings analysis on all positions including rookies and dynasty leagues.

Editor’s Note: RotoBaller's NFL Premium Subscriptions are your secret weapon. Sign up now and get access to our in-house developed tools including the DFS matchups tool, lineup sleepers/streamers tool, live expert Q&A chats, DFS lineups picks newsletter, ADP draft sleepers tool & much more. 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings - All Positions



powered by FantasyPros

 
 

Week 1 Quarterback (QB) Rankings Analysis

By Zach Wilkins (@LopsidedTrades)

There aren’t too many quarterbacks I am far off from the consensus on. One QB that I am all-in on is Sam Bradford. His consensus rank is QB10, but I have him at QB5 against the lowly Falcons defense this week. This is one of the Eagles' best match-ups on paper all season, so I am expecting big things for Bradford and the Eagles.

Another guy I like is Cam Newton at QB7. His receivers may be lacking, but Cam himself is healthy. I expect him to run all over the Jaguars. The Jaguars defense is definitely improving but Cam should be able to do alright passing as well. That coupled with 5+ fantasy points he'll get from his legs should make him a solid QB1.

The one player I seem to like way more than the expert consensus is Andy Dalton. It’s no secret I like this offense, and they have a good matchup to start off the season. With A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard all healthy, I expect Dalton to enter QB1 territory at QB10.

On the negative side, I’m not big on Ben Roethlisberger in Week 1. The losses of Martavis Bryant and especially Le’Veon Bell will be huge. His receivers aren’t bad (Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Heath Miller should be the main targets) but without a strong run game I’m wary of Big Ben. I have him at QB15 this week.

One QB I’ll be very interested to watch is Tyrod Taylor. His receivers aren’t bad at all and he can run a lot. I have to think the Bills will be playing from behind early, so this will be a big test. I have him at QB23 but depending on how much he runs he could be a lot higher.

 

Week 1 Running Back (RB) Rankings Analysis

By Zach Wilkins (@LopsidedTrades)

These first few weeks are so much fun because we don’t always know what to expect--this is especially true at the running back position. For the most part in the rankings, things remain status quo at the top with Lacy, Peterson, Charles and Forte. Jeremy Hill does have the potential to achieve elite status this year, but his consensus rank as the RB3 surprises me this week. I have him a little lower at RB7 because I do think the Raiders defensive front is tougher than the secondary. Either way the Bengals should grab a lead and lean on Hill in the second half.

Chris Ivory is a guy I like a lot this week (and for the season). With Joe Haden in the secondary and Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm, expect the Jets to try and run a lot. The Browns allowed a ton of yardage to RBs last year and I do expect that to be the weakness of their defense once again. I have Ivory as RB14.

There are a number of intriguing rookie RBs set to see a good amount of action this week. The one I am highest on compared to the consensus is Tevin Coleman. The Eagles really struggled against the run last year, especially in the second half, allowing 10 rushing touchdowns to RBs over the final eight games. If that continues it will mean big things for Coleman, who was recently announced as the Falcons starter. T.J. Yeldon is another rookie starter, and he'll be going up against the Panthers. I like him but I’m tempering expectations against a stout run defense, even though the Panthers are missing Star Lotulelei. I have him and Coleman as low-end RB2s or decent flex options, but I prefer Coleman this week.

I am also high on rookie Dion Lewis at RB30. With no LeGarrette Blount (and Jonas Gray released) I expect Lewis to get most of the action. It’s far from a guarantee, but if you are in a deeper league or if you have injuries at the position, Lewis offers nice upside.

 

Week 1 Wide Receiver (WR) Rankings Analysis

By Zach Wilkins (@LopsidedTrades)

Probably the only mild surprise in my top ten WRs this week is Jordan Matthews. It makes sense given that I am so high on Sam Bradford. The Falcons defense should be very weak and Matthews will be the focus of the Eagles passing game.

I also really like Larry Fitzgerald this week at WR19. The dude can still play at a very high level, and averaged 80 yards per game with Carson Palmer last year. Look for that to continue this season. The Saints defense should be improved but I’m not really worried about Fitz at all.

I’ll be watching the Jets WR situation very closely, specifically Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall. I’m actually high on both at WR23 and WR24. One is likely to struggle against Joe Haden, but the other should see plenty of targets. I’m thinking that both will get their opportunities in this game.

A couple young guys I don’t like as much are Jarvis Landry and Amari Cooper. Landry is no longer the main focus of the passing game, with Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron all vying for snaps. He can still be a PPR machine but I’m not sure I see a whole lot of improvement in his low YPR numbers from last year. I’m taking a wait and see approach with Amari Cooper, as I’m not exactly a big fan of Derek Carr and the Bengals have a solid secondary. Even for a player with such high expectations, it may take a few weeks for Cooper to get adjusted to full-speed NFL games.

I think Kendall Wright enters potential flex territory at WR33. He’s certainly a bit of an unknown with a new QB in Marcus Mariota, but I’ve always liked Wright and the Bucs don’t exactly have a good defense. At the very least I think Wright will be targeted heavily and have some nice PPR value.

 

Week 1 Tight End (TE) Rankings Analysis

By Zach Wilkins (@LopsidedTrades)

I am pretty high on Jordan Reed this week at TE10, as I believe he’s going to produce as long as he is healthy. He also has no competition at the position with Niles Paul out for the season. Due to injuries, Reed only had one full game with Cousins last year, but he saw 11 targets and ended with 92 receiving yards. It’s a small sample size, but it’s definitely promising.

I’m also a big believer in Richard Rodgers, and Week 1 will be a good test for him. He is expected to see a lot of snaps, and the Bears allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last year. Rodgers could emerge as a red zone favorite of Aaron Rodgers this year.

There aren’t any top tight ends that I am particularly low on, but I do have Larry Donnell five spots below his consensus rank (TE15). Donnell wasn’t relevant in the second half of last season, averaging just over 30 yards per game with one touchdown total. There are a lot of decent targets on this offense and Donnell is just one of many.

 

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Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings

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